From April 10 to April 14, my darling Julie and I spent four marvelous days in Mexico City — hardly enough time for even a cursory reconnaissance of this staggering megapolis. Staggering in that Mexico City's metropolitan area covers over 500 square miles, and the population is somewhere in the neighborhood of 23 million people. Staggering in that the city is roughly 700 years old — founded by the Aztecs in 1325, and rebuilt by the Spanish in the 1520s. Staggering architecturally, with remnants of the Aztec temple Tenochtitlan visible in the historic center of the city, and with Spanish colonial buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries surrounding the ancient ruins.

I have never visited a city any more vibrant than Mexico City. Few such cities exist, I think. For dining, for markets and museums, for history and friendly people — Mexico City is a top-tier destination. I will certainly go back to explore more deeply if the fates allow.

To see a bit of what Julie and I were able to experience in our short visit to Mexico City, peruse the following photos and videos.

— Peter