mexico city is a vibrant and colorful city where you can feel the life of the city pulsing in every corner. my favorite part of the city was all the distinct neighborhoods and their unique personalities.

condesa and roma had tree-lined streets and buildings that opened up to a shop or a cafe at the corner, instead of the edge of a building. condesa and roma feel very similar to the french concession in shanghai, and it made sense when i learned that a former president of mexico, porfirio diaz, had been very heavily influenced by french culture and art and wanted to model much of mexico city off of france.

in centro, i found beautiful architecture that ranged from the ornate art deco of palacio postale to the elaborate blue tiling of the casa de los azulejos.

in polanco, we found glitz and glamour and restaurants and stores that resembled ones we see in the states.

in san angel, i found quiet and peace walking along the cobblestone streets, tiny boutiques, and grand gates covered in jacarandas.

in coyoacán, we were immersed in the life of frida kahlo where i discovered the beauty of her artwork, learned about her perseverance through many tragedies of her lifetime, and also the beauty of her love for diego rivera.

on the canals of xochimilco, we found floating gardens and lush greenery while being serenaded by a mariachi band.

and to think… there is still so much to see! i cannot wait to go back already