Nancy and Fred started their first day in Mexico City with hearty breakfast at a restaurant across the street from their hotel.
We then took the Metrobus and the subway to the historic center of the city. It was their first experience with the public transport in this huge metropolis. We arrived at the Zócalo, Mexico City's huge central plaza. Our first stop was the National Palace.
There I explained to them the mural paintings by Diego Rivera in the central courtyard. They tell the story of Mexico's past.
On my last visit to the National Palace I saw an excellent special exhibit on the Mixtec civilization. I was surprised that the exhibit was still there. Fred asked if we could take a quick look. He didn't realize how large the show was, and even though we did not study each item, it took a while to get through it all. Fred seemed very impressed by the craftsmanship of this civilization that is not nearly as well known as the Mayas or Aztecs.
Mixtec polychrome pottery in amazingly good condition
After leaving the National Palace we passed by the archaeological excavation of the base of the main Aztec temple.
Our next stop was the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico, the largest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere.
The Altar of the Kings is an example of the Churrigueresque or ultra-Baroque style that was popular in 18th century Mexico.
After a bite to eat at the very traditional Café de la Parroquia, we walked down Madero Street, the busy pedestrianized street that cuts through the heart of the historic center.
A number of colonial era mansions, such as the famous House of Tiles, still stand along Madero.
We took a look inside the ornate main post office building which dates from the early 20th century.
We ended our walking tour at Plaza Tolsá, with its equestrian statue of Spanish king Carlos IV.
By this time my friends were beginning to tire, so we hailed a taxi and went back to their hotel so that they could relax before we go out for supper this evening.
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