Milling About in Mexico City

*Río Juchitán, 1956, Diego Rivera, Munal. Museo Nacional de Arte*

An adventurous journey was planned for my time in Central and South America, and it would all begin in Mexico City. Of course, this trip is catered around coffee. Not just the excellent cafes throughout the many cities I planned to visit, but more importantly, the farms, the facilities, and the many many producers.

I arrived in Mexico City, rainy and warm, but eager to explore. My days began with slow work days in my accommodation in Reforma, then an afternoon stroll to find coffee.

I first ventured through Reforma, the beautiful almost European area of the Mexican Capital. I took a seat outside the quaint and simple Almanegra. It is here I return two more times during my time in Mexico City, and will plan to again. I love the quietness of the neighborhood, the delicious coffee, sitting outside as the breeze goes through the trees. This is definitely my favorite spot in Mexico City.

Another day I walked to Cafe Curado, and indulged in an excellent ‘Mexicano,’ so they call it. A delicate filter coffee, with curated extraction. I sat outside, and enjoyed the ambience.

There is coffee everywhere! Hip cafes dotted throughout the shaded streets of Roma and Condessa. This is not the ‘real’ Mexico City, but I do love it. I spent my first week in Mexico primarily here, with some salsa dancing, Lucho Libre, lots of nuts from the local Oxxo store, coffee, and a tour of the Teotihuacán pyramids, where I met a wonderful girl from Portugal. She told me I needed to visit…

This first week was also an adjustment week for me, gathering myself before my travels further into the rural lands of Mexico in Veracruz. I had a final day sitting atop a tour bus…and it was exquisite. Yes! You should definitely indulge in these buses if they are offered where you are visiting. Such a great way to see places, all day. And a free rooftop ride where you can read and watch the city go by.

Almanegra was a highlight shop for me, I will continue to return there when I am back. I know it is great quality, and the staff are awesome, and I love sitting outside on that quiet street in Roma.

*Vegan cookie (Pan Comido), cold brew, and book at Almanegra, Roma Norte*

Looking forward to my return! If you are visiting Mexico City…try to stay in Roma Norte or Condessa. So beautiful, and you can easily reach the other parts of Mexico City. Take your time, enjoy the cool air, and maybe see some wrestling. This is a great city.

Follow up:

After writing this post, I visited Mexico City two more times. I stayed in Roma/Condessa, and it was a beautiful time. I felt loyal to Almanegra, and visited each day I was back, ordering a smooth cold brew, occasionally indulging in a vegan cookie sold a few blocks down.

I stayed in some lovely spots! Enjoyed the restaurants in Condessa, and saw some exquisite art.

Also had the opportunity to see the Frida Kahlo Museum, which was a touching, and unreal experience. Seeing her belongings, her art, her dresses, I felt so much emotion it was extremely powerful.

Really lovely area but the City is much larger than this and I hope to have another visit to see the other parts of this metropolis.

Milling About in Mexico City

Venturing Through Veracruz and Puebla

Befuddled Bali