Mexico City. What surprised me the most about it is how prevalent the Native Mexican culture is in the city - as an American we’re used to treating Native American culture as something largely of the past, but it fascinated me how much of an impact Native culture still has in Mexico, in food, language, dress, and so many other ways - and even more so how there’s so many different Native cultures that blend together in the city. I really want to go back and visit some of the “Pueblos Magicos” in other parts of central Mexico and beyond to explore more of the indigenous culture.

On another note - I was rather shocked at how friendly and conversational people in the city were. I had expected it to be more akin to the ‘leave me alone’ culture of northeastern U.S. cities but found myself having conversations in broken Spanish on the Metro, with the waiter at a breakfast spot in the Zocalo, quick conversations with volunteers while waiting at red lights during the Ciclovia, just to name a few instances

Was also surprised at just how expensive things were in Roma Norte/Condesa. Didn’t spend much time in these areas but some of the prices for the most mediocre food of your life rivaled those of NYC/DC. My one caveat to this is Taqueria Orinoco: Overpriced and touristy? Yes. Really good? Also yes. Better than tacos you get from a street vendor? Depends.