Feliz Navidad from Mexico City!

We got up early, excited to be on our way south.  Jessica drove us to the airport, and we were EXTREMELY early (not that we mind, it is more relaxing to sit and read at the airport than to run to a gate at the last second).

Out plane arrived and we departed about 45 minutes late.

Gourmet lunch!!

The flight was easy and enjoyable because we got bumped up to first class.  Now, before you think we are just lucky, I kinda goofed up and stumbled on a service that looks for last minute deals on first class seats (https://www.optiontown.com/).  It was roomy and the food and service fantastic.  But even though it is much cheaper than purchasing first class, it is still expensive ($200 per seat).  I would do it for sure if I was traveling across the ocean on a long flight!

Somewhere over Mexico

We landed and were out of customs and immigration in 15 minutes.  SO EASY!  We followed the suggestions in the guidebook and went straight to a taxi stand.  They sold a ticket based on the zone of the hotel we were staying in ($20 US).  Then we exchanged dollars for Pesos (the rate is $13 Pesos for $1 US, but you never get that good a rate at the airport).  We got a rate of $11.58 - so not too bad.

Quick trip to the restroom, outside door #3, a taxi was already waiting.  The guy at the curb (government employee) checked our ticket, wrote the cab number down on his paper and then our receipt (this prevents robbery by cabby's).  And off we went!

The cab was new and clean.  The driver (though very limited in English) was VERY friendly and made us feel welcome.  He explained a few things (like why tequilla is better than fruit juice), how the city is very colorful due to the holiday, that Mexico City (also known as FD - for Federal District) is as safe as New York or L.A. and that the reason the police cars all had their lights on was due to the Christmas holiday.

Angel de Indepencia

We arrived at our hotel in about 20 minutes, tipped the driver $50 MX (about 4.50 US) and went inside.  They were expecting us, got us settled quickly, and up to our room we went.

The view is stunning!  Outside the main window is a major statue in Mexico City "Angel de Indepencia".  I have included the view from our window (and if you look close you can see a police car with lights on to the left of the statue).

Marci asked if there was anywhere to eat and the only open place was Sanborn's.  It is kinda like Cracker Barrel with a buffet and beer, but only the beer makes it as good.  Well, it isn't really that good.  I had shrimp tacos and Marci had papitos (a grilled beef sandwich on stale bread).  But the service was great!

The meal (with beer) was $35 US, which is pretty high here.

We are heading to bed.  Tomorrow we meet Hector Baraza for our first tour.

Hasta Luego.....