I spent some time in Mexico at the beginning of April for a trade show and had the chance to do some sight seeing while I was there. Some of the highlights of the trip included: live mariachi bands (yes, plural, I think there was a band at every restaurant we went to), a Storm Trooper sighting, a trip to the heart of Mexico City where I had the opportunity to tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Imperial Palace and the Templo Mayor, a few crazy cab rides, some interesting new foods, the whole American Airlines ordeal, oh, and I did work while I was there too…
This was my first time to Mexico City and, luckily enough, the trade show started at 1pm each day and my co-workers were adventurous souls. After going to Germany last Fall I came to have a new appreciation for “old” cities, the architecture, the history and the way that people take pride in the beauty of the history of the city. A great example is Templo Mayor, the Aztec temple, was discovered when they were digging for a subway – absolutely incredible! Even more interesting is that the Spaniards had used the stone from the temple to build the Metropolitan Cathedral AND that they built the cathedral over part of the temple. How’s that for a religious superiority complex? Well, I think the Aztecs had the last laugh seeing as parts of the cathedral are sinking into the ground. I posted some pictures on our photo site of the leaning/sinking buildings.
On to the food….I’ve found that when I travel the “host” (typically one of our Sales Engineers) of the area I am visiting always offers up some of the local delicacies for us, the visitors, to try. I’ve had my share of squid, octopus (suction cups and all) and raw pork – I think the saying “When in Rome…” is my credo while on the road. So, in Mexico I added to my list of unusual foods cactus, which was quite good, and ant eggs. Yes, ant eggs. The conversation at the table went something like this:
“So, what is this?”
“Meat.”
“What kind of meat?”
“Meat. Just try it”
Timidly, I pick up the tortilla with the mystery meat inside and take a bite. Tastes like brown rice…then our host starts smirking….
“Ant eggs.”
“Huh?”
“Ant eggs”
Yep, so I have had fried/cooked ant eggs. Oh, and for my Aunt who asked “What were you drinking!?!?” - nothing, honestly!
As the week drew on I was alerted to the possibility that my American Airlines flight may not be coming to take me home. Great. Well, with the help of our corporate travel person and sheer luck and good karma, my flights didn’t get cancelled and were right on time. As far as adventures go, this one was great though I have no desire to eat anything wrapped in a tortilla for a while…
