The Search For The Golden Guinness

About a week ago, I expressed concern to my Dad that we wouldn’t be able to find anywhere in the Mexican highlands to celebrate St Paddies day. After all, this would be my first Paddies as an Irish citizen. It’s my understanding that the rules of citizenship oblige, nay, mandate that all Eire’s sons and daughters must imbibe several Guinnesses, Riverdance and sing a few off-key choruses of Danny Boy. At a minimum.

Dad was quick to allay my fears. “Son, there’s an Irish pub in every town”. Comforting words from a Kiwi.

However, some concerted googling proved this sage advice to be true. Indeed there was an Irish Pub in the town of Puebla – the promisingly named Bull McCabe’s. Never mind the fact it was located off our map (which was a pretty big damned map, by the way). We were going.

The day came and, bright-eyed and with a growing thirst, we set out to trek the 20 or so blocks to reach Bull McCabe’s. After what seemed an eternity, we saw the fabled pub in the distance. Shining like a beacon with huge Guinness signs, an inviting beer garden and shamrocks adorning the closed shutters. Wait – closed shutters?!!

The devestating truth was revealed as we approached. The fucking place was closed! Becorragh Bejusus, what kind of genuine Irish pub would be closed on St Paddies Day?!!

For completeness I should disclose it was approximately 11am. But still – on St Paddies Day!

Anyway, after our 1 1/2 hour trek we weren’t going to give up so easily. A quick enquiry by Kate revealed the pub would open at “Dos”. This left about 3 hours to kill out in the middle of nowhere.

The longest 3 hours of Mike’s life.

Finally, the shutters opened and we streamed inside, and there followed the best Guinness that ever was tasted by man.

Even the Scots were getting in on the fun – albeit with a local brew. Here’s the young Lass making the most of it.

Drink, Katie, drink!***

We have quickly learned that Happy Hour in Mexico means 2×1 beers. You order 2, you get 4. And at Bull’s, the so called ‘hour’ streched from 2pm to 9pm. AND a beer was only $1.70 to begin with. Superb!

In the end, a good day was had by all. Still, although Mexico came through (barely), we have resolved to be in Ireland for next year’s March 17 celebrations. We hope all enjoyed the day back home. Cheers!

*** Note – the above animated GIF has been slowed down from actual speed.

Teotihuacan – Birthplace Of The Gods

About an hour north of Mexico City lies Teotihuacan, a spectacular city built about 2000 years ago by the locals, who clearly had too much time on their hands. Amongst the stars of this archeological site is the second largest pyramid in the New World, the Piramide del Sol Sun (meaning ‘of the sun’).

It’s actually not known what the guys who built it – being the eponymous Teotihuacans – actually called it, or designed it for. The name and supposed purpose (a monument to the sun god) is inherited from the Aztecs, who came along 1000 odd years later and considered it the birthplace of the gods. You can see why – the city, of which only 17% is actually excuvated and viewable, has a somewhat eerie yet spiritual vibe. Smaller pyramids and structures line the “Avenue of the Dead”, the cheerfully named main drag which runs for about 2km through town. You can climb these and have them all to yourself, even with thousands of other tourists swarming around, because there’s so many of them.

That’s Kate having a contemplative moment up on the Pyramid of the Mike. Like I said, so many you can even name them yourself!

Anyways, we also took some video which gives you a better idea of the spread of the place. For the chronically bored, more Flickr pics here.

Ciudad de Mexico

Hola from Mexico City, capital city and a sprawling metropolis of 22 million people. Well – currently 22 million and 2! To put it in perspective, think slightly more than Australia’s total population crammed into an area smaller than Melbourne.

So what’s it like here?

We have had 5 days here and absolutely love it. It is a city full of energy and atmosphere, a strange mix of poverty and wealth. Stunning architecture is flanked by dilapitated buildings. A Mayan descendent performs an ancient dance ritual next to a woman flogging fake Louis Vuitton. Children play happily in the street as other children beg for coins around the next corner.

Our hostel is smack bang in the middle of town, overlooking the town square or Zocalo:

This has allowed us to pack a ton of stuff into our time here. Highlights have included a comprehensive walking tour of the city centre, a visit to the Anthropology Museum, climbing the tallest building in town, a hilarious night at Luche Libre (Mexican wrestling, a lighthearted and camp cousin of American WWF) and the best sandwich either of us have wrapped our lips around! Can’t forget to mention the beer, either. Everything Mike hoped for, and more. Here’s a few pics:
Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about "Mexico City", posted with vodpod

More to follow about our trip to the Teotihuacan ruins north of MC. We’re off to the city of Puebla tomorrow as we slowly work our way south down to the Pacific coast. Hard work, we know. Actually, I think it’s time for another Corona Mega – Adios, amigos!