Puebla Trip

[Jennifer C]

1. If you see that someone has a reason for being there - e.g. selling fruit, shining shoes, going clubbing with their friends, playing the guitar, etc. - it's probably OK to walk past them. If someone is just looking around and doesn't appear to be doing anything - cross the street and don't let them near you. This eliminates 99% of the danger right off the bat.

2. Dress like an improverished local: baseball cap, dirty jeans, jack boots, tee shirt, and no leather coats or jewelry.

3. Don't get plastered and seforum.xxxger around.

 

[Hannah Iced Over]

After reading this site too many times without posting, I promised myself I woul start posting and give a report on my trips. I did go to Puebla and Tlaxcala.

First Day in Tlaxcala
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I stayed at the Mission Tlaxcala. A great hotel right next a waterfall. Beautiful, and very nice hosts. I don't think it is difficult to get girls into your room. But my problems was I got there late and had to leave for my meeting in the morning. But I'd recommend the Mission Tlaxcala as a hotel to stay.

Second Day in Puebla
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I stayed at the Villa Arquelogica in Pebla right opposite the pyramid. A very nice hotel. Strong recommendation. Nice swimming pool. I got there around 6pm. Took a walk to the town, walked around just to check and see and women, massage parlors etc. Basically didn't find anything. Maybe has something to do with the super large church sitting at the top of pyramid, over looking everything else. But I took the advice of some folks here and got the local paper. Called in one fo the massage things that says, speak english. I wanted a grl who'd kiss and be nice. Not neccasarily be young, but be very friendly. She was supposed to show at 10pm. I fell asleep waiting, and around 12:30 at night a loud banging on my door. There was this girl. Needless to say paid for 2 hours 1800 pesos, did a quickie and sent her off. She was nice, but definitely not "friendly". I guess draw of the luck. She really wasn't into it, and didn't want to do it. Once the deed was done, felt like I forced myself onto her. Something which I really don't like. When you pay, you'd expect proper service.

I never negotiate, as their job is hard enough. I always give what they ask for.

Second Day in Puebla
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Went to the airport early morning, flights were all cancelled. Courtesy of hurricane Ike. Bought new tickets via Mexico city. With plenty of time in hand tried to figured how to get from Puebla to Mexico City.

Eye Opener
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They have something called Estrella Rojas Aeropurto. Basically airport express from neighboring cities to Mexico City airport. The bus is very comfortable, very nice and posh, and fast. Never felt safer. While sitting at the airport, I booked myself at the Ramada Inn opposite the airport.

In Mexico City
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Again, a very nice hotel. Got there at 2 pm. I took a walk around the airport hotel area. Absolutely nothing. Cornered one of the workers, and was told the airport area is one of the most boring areas of Mexico City.

Walking distance from the hotel and airport is Aerea Terminal subway station. Having heard all the horror stories, with my heart in my throat, walked to the subway station. Bought a ticket, which was very very cheap, went to Zona Rosa. Take the yellow line or line 5 from Aerea Terminal to Pantitlan, then take the pink line or line 1 to Insurgentes. Insurgentes is right where Zona Rosa. Or thats where I think I got off. Before I left the station I bought my ticket in advance. It was a Friday night, and I have never seen a more happening city. I had a few drinks, talked to a few people, then listened to a some live music. Again took a walk looking for massage places. i forgot to jot down some of the suggestions from folks here. I got approached by pimps and women. The women are fairly pretty. I read on one of the psoting about a steak restaaurant called Angus. So, at the end of the day had dinner there. The food was excellent but expensive. Expect to pay 500 pesos for a steak and 2 drinks. The atmosphere was very nice, live jazz music. The women were pretty, and the service was poor. By the way, the chicas are there just for show. I've done this long enough to know that this was not it!

Conclusion:
Either the danger aspect of Mexico City is overblown, or I have traveled to much worse countries around the world. Mexican people are extremely nice and gratious. I loved Mexico City for the food, hospitality and the excitement. I really didn't hunt for chicas, which I will do next time.

Some suggestions for everyone:
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I found that if you keep your wits about yourself, and just be aware of your surroundings, Mexico City is a cool place. The subway is great. My next trip I am staying at Zona Rosa and taking the subway from the airport to the Ziona Rosa.