Today, Tuesday the 26th, I leave for DF for a week. It will be an escape from the cold, a chance for some fun with a good friend, and hopefully will also yield some adventure.
My friend “L,” lives in Geneva, works as a marketing consultant, and she will be in DF toward the end of the week. “L” is a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing her. She has roots here in Boston, where I am also quite close to her mother. We all last hung out together in Truro on Cape Cod in August, where we spent a week together with L’s aunt and uncle, and another mutual friend. L grew up partly here and partly in Rome, where her father lives, so she is very international.
L’s work has taken her to DF once or twice before, and she has been begging me to show her around for some time. (I will be there again for work from Friday 29th to December 2nd. Come! Come!) Her job assignments have kept her mostly in Polanco, which means she hasn’t seen much of the city, save for a short trip to Coyoacán. But the rest of the city is terra incognita. Given that there’s so much to see and that we’ll only have about 3 days total together, it’ll be tough to decide amongst the plethora of choices. But we’ll definitely go see the Zócalo and surrounding area. I think we’ll also probably try to see Roma and the Zona Rosa. L also mentioned being interested in the National Archeology Museum, which I’d certainly enjoy revisiting. And of course there’s the Ballet Folklorico, the Turibus, loads of museums, more restaurants than we could sample in a lifetime, and the “scene” in various spots around town, Plaza Garibaldi being perhaps one of the best examples.
I would also like to see F, my erstwhile/estranged BF/partner/lover. As those of you who’ve read my first post or my “about” page know, F and I broke up in June after seven and a half years together as a long-distance couple. We’ve spoken once since, a somewhat awkward conversation that I later realized was probably full of misunderstandings. I sent him a note last night saying that I’d be there soon, and wanted to see him. Moments ago, he responded, that yes, we could get together.
Now I wonder what will happen. Like many things in life, the breakup was perhaps foreseeable, even if the timing was sudden and unexpected. Since we ended up breaking up over the phone, I’ve wanted to revisit our issues and see if they really were irreconcilable. I’m not holding my breath. My main issue is that I’ve had to make most of the effort in the relationship. So far that continues, but I’m trying to keep an open mind.
But I’ve also learned that predicting what might happen in Mexico is far trickier than it it is elsewhere. Things there just take unexpected turns more often than you’d imagine possible.
I am eager to go to DF, as I love the city. But it also may be tinged with a hint of sadness. L and I will have adventures, good food, and share laughter. But what will happen with F? I’m on tenterhooks, and a little ambivalent.
Bid me buena suerte, and hopefully I’ll have a post or two from the road.
Christine Dubois said:
Our trip is not until late February. Im just making reservations now. And obsessing a little bit.
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Kim G said:
In that case, you have PLENTY of time. I understand your man’s desire to be casual and comfortable, but I’d STRONGLY discourage him from trying to wear shorts for dinner. That said, I typically wear faded 501’s around here, and while I wouldn’t wear that to a really posh place, I’ve never had any problem in nice places in Condesa, etc. I think if you’re a gringo, you’re cut a certain amount of slack.
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redshoesarebetterthanbacon said:
Seven years, and its multiples, are turning points. Your body has replaced all of its cells in that time, so you and your partner aren’t the same humans that you were seven years ago. Some couples can make those changes, realizing that their second seven years spells a new and different relationship with one another, some suffer, and some let go.
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Kim G said:
That’s very interesting. I’ve always had trouble at the 7 year mark. Saludos.
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Florentino said:
Reading that about “predicting what might happen in Mexico” sure made me laugh because I do know how true it is. Good luck on your trip to Mexico City, I’m sure you will enjoy it. And I’m just eager to know what will happen with F… I surely hope all the misunderstandings are cleared up and you guys can feel much more comfortable. 7 years is 7 years. Regards,
PS Hey, I wrote a post in English yesterday. Hope you can drop by sometime.
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Kim G said:
Hi Florentino! Thanks for the kind words. I’m keeping my fingers crossed with regard to F. I’m on my way out the door, but do want to read your post. I started to read the one on child labor, but then got distracted. Saludos, Kim
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John Calypso said:
“…predicting what might happen in Mexico is far trickier than it it is elsewhere”
How exciting! Have some fun hombre and be safe and well – Don’t Drink the Water 😉
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Kim G said:
Thanks! I’m looking forward to it.
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Christine Dubois said:
So, El Gringo, would you help me? Me n my man are going to be in DF for a mere 24 hours. I think we will do the Turibus and the Museo de Anthropology. Here’s my question. He will NOT wear, he will not even BRING anything but very casual clothing on a vacation. I think I can get him into long pants for dinner, but that’s it. Where, near Condessa, can we go for good food without feeling like we are totally offending everyone with his attire? Thank you. Christine
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Kim G said:
There’s plenty of places in Condesa for that. If you want something organic and natural, I’d recommend “La Buena Tierra,” at the corner of Mazatlan and Atlixco. Nearby (maybe across the street) is a fairly informal place called “Guadalupe Reyes,” I believe. I’d also check Tripadvisor, which has become my go-to for restaurant recommendations. Saludos.
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Felipe Zapata said:
Christine: If he wears shorts in Mexico City, especially now and especially in the evening, he’s going to have some very chilly knees.
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Kim G said:
After I posted my reply I was thinking the same thing. Nighttime temps are projected in the single digits C.
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John Calypso said:
Christine if he does not wear shorts here in my part of Mexico he will suffer heat stroke! It has not been below 70 F since we have been here (5 weeks). Also only has hit 90 once or twice – mostly highs around 85 F – you gotta love it! Viva Puerto Escondido! (especially now).
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Kim G said:
Showoff!!! Even here in DF it’s chilly, particularly after dark. While I’m in a light sweatshirt, the Mexicans are bundled up as if a Nor’easter were on its way.
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