Descending Upon the Sinking City

There are two things that amaze me every time I fly into Mexico City: its size and subsequent pollution. Massive skyscrapers and brightly painted buildings saturate the landscape and fill the Valley of Mexico; a sight that would impress even the most seasoned traveler. And then there's the thick veil of smog that blankets the city and quickly tarnishes the initial majesty. One second you're on top of the world, surrounded by blue skies. The next second you're immersed in a bleak, dull grey. Just like that.

I am now at ground level with the filth. The good news is that you kind of forget that you're breathing in constant contamination when you can't see the contrast of bright blue and grey. Delusion coupled with a short memory is a wonderful thing (especially for politicians). I somehow survived the cab ride into town which consisted of several near crashes, a rousing Mariachi number, and an intense game of Guess My Nationality with the cab driver- he couldn't guess but I quickly forgave him as we bonded over our mutual love of beer and the World Cup. Apparently I give off a somewhat ambiguous sense of national identity, which was a blessing during the W administration, but is now starting to concern me. It's also something I should probably think about as I cheer for the Mexican soccer team in my Argentina jersey...

Now I've made it to paradise, aka the hostel that will be my home for the next week. Mexico City Hostel. It's a beaut- sleek concrete walls and sensor lights that turn off way too quickly while you're in the shower. I don't know what I'm enjoying most: the Bob Marley blaring in the background, the champagne popping (I know, strange combination for hostel-dwellers. And no, I'm not partaking- I only know of its existence because the cork just came flying past me and hit the wall over my head as I diligently type my blog post. Not my coolest moment.), or the slow realization that I'm definitively too old to be staying here.

Despite the lack of amenities and anxiety about the mattress I'll be sleeping on tonight, I couldn't be happier. I'm in Mexico, which is more than enough for me. Now if I can just remember to throw the toilet paper in the garbage can I'll be as good as gold.