The Markets

Mexico City has over 300 public markets and from what I can tell La Merced is the biggest and most insane one of all. I’ve never seen so many nopales in one place (50 pesos for that big bag is about $2.50):

Or shoes:

Or chiles:

Or mole:

Or banana leaves:

Or limes:

Or potatoes:

Or really anything you can think of. Chicken intestine, for one:

Really interesting spot.

Meanwhile, nearby Sonora Market is the place to go for live animals and occult/herbal/religious items:

Excavated

It is astonishing how much stuff has been excavated from the Templo Mayor site:

The museum itself is impressive, too, with a big central atrium highlighting artifacts and panoramic views of the site:

We had lunch at nearby El Taquito, an institution, which was great:

El Taquito is located on Calle del Carmen, one of several streets in the Centro Histórico that pull triple duty as pedestrian mall, market and vehicular thoroughfare — chaotic and amazing at the same time:

A Day In Coyoacán

Coyoacán is a bit of a hike, so if you’re heading down to the Frida Kahlo Museum, it will probably end up being the whole afternoon. The museum/house is charming, befitting the whimsical vibe of the artist, and the house itself is beautiful, with lush gardens and striking blue paint everywhere.

The nearby market, Mercado 89 Coyoacán, is fun and has some good stuff:

Jardí­n Centenario is a pleasant, picturesque spot in the center of the neighborhood:

A fun little Sanborn’s opens out into the park:

Also, on the park, lunch at the lovely and yummy Corazón de Maguey: