2008. október 21., kedd

Pollo Pibil - mexican dishes

A Yucatecan specialty, not often found outside this region. It traditionally consists of chicken marinated in orange and spices then barbecued in banana leaves.

Enchiladas - mexican dishes

Tortillas coated in a tomato and chili sauce, stuffed with vegetables, chicken or pork then folded and baked. Despite the chili content, enchiladas are often fairly mild. Enchiladas suizas are topped with sour cream.

Special ingredients in mexican dishies

Flor de calabaza (squash blossoms) are used in everything from soups to sauces. Huitlacoche is a small, dark fungus which grows on a corn stalk and is surprisingly creamy and delicious. Crepas de huitlacoche (huitlacoche crepes bathed in a dreamy cheese sauce) are a singularly Mexican treat. Romeritos and epazote are two pungent herbs which add a special zest to fish, beef and chicken dishes. Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are used in sauces, most commonly in pipian, which is used to top many chicken dishes.

Regional cuisines - Puebla - Mexico

As the legend goes, an order of nuns was asked to prepare a special dish for a visiting dignitary. Unsure of what would constitute a worthy dish, the nuns literally emptied out their pantry and filled a pot with a combination of herbs, spices and chocolate, over thirty ingredients in all. Left to simmer for several days, the resulting thick, sweet mole sauce was served over turkey at the royal feast. Today, mole is most commonly served over chicken. "The nuns are the best cooks in Mexico," says Francisco Cisneros, chef at Guaymas restaurant in Tiburon, California. Anyone who has ever tasted a good mole sauce would have to agree. Coffee is grown in Puebla, a nice accompaniment to the area's many unique desserts, especially camotes, a sweet potato confection. Pastry shops are as common in Puebla as churches, no small feat since there are said to be over 300 churches in the city of Cholula alone. Your meal is likely to be more attractively presented in Puebla than anywhere else in Mexico, since this area is known for its azulejos, or glazed blue and white pottery and tiles.

Mexico City earthquake

The 1985 Mexico City earthquake was one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of the Americas. On Thursday, 19 September 1985, at 7:19 AM local time, Mexico City was struck by an earthquake of magnitude 8.1 on the Richter scale. The complete seismic event consisted of four shocks. A pre-event (magnitude 5.2) occurred on 28 May 1985. The main and most powerful shock occurred 19 September, followed by two aftershocks: one on 21 September 1985 (7.5) and the third occurring seven months later on 30 April 1986 (7.0). The locations of the quakes were off the Mexican Pacific coast, more than 350 km away, but due to strength of the quake and the fact that Mexico City sits on an old lakebed, the distance was no protection. The event caused between three and four billion USD in damage as 412 buildings collapsed and another 3,124 were seriously damaged in the city. While the number is in dispute, the most-often cited number of deaths is about 10,000 people. The earthquake had long-term political and social effects on the country.

2008. október 20., hétfő

The Angel of Independence

El Ángel de la Independencia ("The Angel of Independence"), most commonly known by the shortened name El Ángel and officially known as Columna de la Independencia, is a victory column located on a roundabout over Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City.
El Ángel was built to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence, celebrated in 1910. In later years it was made into a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City, and it has become a focal point for both celebration or protest. It bears a resemblance to the Victory Column in Berlin.

Metropolitan Area of the Mexico

Greater Mexico City refers to the conurbation around Mexico City, officially called Mexico City Metropolitan Area (Zona Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México), constituted by the Federal District—itself composed of 16 boroughs—and 41 adjacent municipalities of the states of Mexico and Hidalgo. For normative purposes, however, Greater Mexico City most commonly refers to the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México) an agglomeration that incorporates 18 additional municipalities. In 2005, Greater Mexico City had a population of 19.23 million.

Aztecs in Mexico

Aztec is a term used to refer to certain ethnic groups of central Mexico, particularly those groups who spoke the Nahuatl language and who achieved political and military dominance over large parts of Mesoamerica in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, a period referred to as the Late post-Classic period in Mesoamerican chronology.
Often the term "Aztec" refers exclusively to the people of Tenochtitlan, situated on an island in Lake Texcoco, who called themselves Mexica Tenochca or Colhua-Mexica.
Sometimes it also includes the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan's two principal allied city-states, the Acolhuas of Texcoco and the Tepanecs of Tlacopan, who together with the Mexica formed the Aztec Triple Alliance which has also become known as the "Aztec Empire". In other contexts it may refer to all the various city states and their peoples, who shared large parts of their ethnic history as well as many important cultural traits with the Mexica, Acolhua and Tepanecs, and who like them, also spoke the Nahuatl language. In this meaning it is possible to talk about an Aztec civilization including all the particular cultural patterns common for the Nahuatl speaking peoples of the late postclassic period in Mesoamerica.

World Trade Center México

The World Trade Center México is a building complex located in Mexico City, Mexico. Its most famous and recognizable feature is the 52-story, 207m (670ft) high Torre WTC, the third tallest building in Mexico City (including antenna), or fourth when measured by its 191m (587ft) roof height. When talking about the World Trade Center México, one usually is referring to the uniquely shaped tower. The complex also includes a convention center, cultural center, parking facilities, a multi-screen cinema, a revolving 45th-floor luxury restaurant, and shopping center with Sears as an anchor tenant. It will also include a 22-floor hotel, which is currently under construction. Located on Avenida de los Insurgentes, the complex is served by the Polyforum station of the Metrobús Bus rapid transit system, located a few meters away. The station is named after the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros, a part of the WTC complex.

Rental cars in Mexico City

Rental cars are unusually expensive if booked in México. So how do you find the best rental car rates in México City. Is it best to book airlines, hotels and rental cars together or purchase them separately? These questions are on the minds of all travelers, that is why they use, and suggest that you use, Travelocity for all of your reservations. They take the confusion out of booking your trip by searching many airlines, hotels and rental car companies to get you the best price. Travelocity also guarantees that everything about your trip will be right - or they will get it right for you! Their customer "Bill of Rights" is one of the best in the travel industry. With Travelocity you don't travel alone - they are there to help, if you need it.

2008. október 17., péntek

Reino Aventura - Mexico city

The park was closed to the public during part of 1992 while it underwent major reconstruction and improvements. Keiko, the orca that would later play the lead role in the motion picture Free Willy, was purchased from Marineland in Ontario, Canada, and was one of the new attractions aimed to improve the park. On July 3, 1992 the park was reopened to the public under the new name El Nuevo Reino Aventura ("The New Adventure Kingdom"). In 1995 the park changed management and the name was also changed back to the original Reino Aventura. Shortly thereafter, Keiko left the amusement park to be rehabilitated and eventually released into the wild. Thousands of people gathered at the amusement park to say goodbye to Keiko , who was airlifted by UPS to his new home at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, United States on January 7, 1996 ending an era for the amusement park.

Six Flags México park

Six Flags México is an amusement park owned by Six Flags Inc. It is the only Six Flags park operating in Mexico. It is located in the Tlalpan borough, on the southern edge of Mexico City. This Six Flags park is one of the most important theme parks in Mexico and the largest in Latin America. It was previously known as Reino Aventura and was a Mexican-owned and run theme park, during which time the orca Keiko was its principal attraction.

Alameda Central Park - Mexico city

A pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, this charming green park has sparkling fountains, shady trees and interesting sculptures such as 'Malgre Tout' and 'Despoire', by Jesus Contreras. The park also has a monument dedicated to Beethoven in commemoration of the centenary of the Ninth Symphony, which was donated by the German community. This recreation space for the local populace was created in 1592 and few city parks guard such hidden history in its landscape, such as being the former site of the Inquisition's burning of heretics. A typical Mexican Sunday can be enjoyed at the Alameda Central, which often has live music, along with markets and food stalls.

Chapultepec Park - Mexico

At the end of Paseo de la Reforma avenue looms Chapultepec hill, noteworthy for the centuries-old forest which encircles it and for the castle which crowns its summit. For hundreds of years Chapultepec has been a focal point in this city of such tremendous population growth that an airy expanse of green is absolutely vital. It is complemented by important cultural centers including world-class museums (as the Museum of Anthropology), amusement parks, a zoo and lakes, and is crisscrossed by access routes. These routes are most used by hordes of visitors, many of them making up typical extended Mexican families, with their far-reaching family ties.
web: http://www.mexicocity.com.mx/chaprk.html

Bar searching - Mexico

Find the best bars in Mexico! The World Bar Index is here to help you find the very best bars, pubs, taverns, clubs and drinking dens throughout Mexico. All listings and reviews are 100% independent, written by backpackers for backpackers. Submitted by thebackpacker.net's users, if you know of a good bar or club in Mexico worth recommending to our users, or a tavern to be avoided at all costs within Mexico, submit your comments below and join the World Bars Index community.
web: http://www.thebackpacker.net/worldbars/mexico/index.htm

2008. október 16., csütörtök

National Palace - Mexico city

This historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs, and includes a famous panoramic mural of Mexican history by Diego Rivera.

Museo de Arte Moderno - Mexico city

The Museo de Arte Moderno or National Museum of Modern Art is located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City, Mexico. The museum is part of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes and prepares exhibitions of national and international contemporary artists. The museum also hosts a permanent collection of art from Frida Kahlo, Olga Costa, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Leonora Carrington, Rufino Tamayo, Juan Soriano, and Vicente Rojo.

Novotel Mexico Santa Fe

The 4 star Novotel Mexico Santa Fe is located in the heart of the exclusive business and residential area of Mexico City, 10 min walk from Bancomer Convention Center, 30 min ride from Toluca airport and close to leisure facilities including Santa Fe Shopping Centre, parks and restaurants. Ideal for business and family trips, the hotel features 148 modern and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, 6 conference rooms and wireless internet access.
web: http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3550-novotel-mexico-santa-fe/index.shtml

Hotel Prim - Mexico City

Comfort and Cleanliness, Friendly Professional Service, Value for your money, a great location just a short walk to Reforma Avenue and the new Tourist Corridor. Near to Airline offices, banks, embassies, government offices, Artesan's markets, Telmex Theatre, The Metro subway system, museums, the Historic Center and beautiful Chapultepec Park. 20 minutes ride to the Basilica of Guadalupe.
web: http://www.hotelprim.com/

Hilton Mexico City Airport

110 stylish standard rooms featuring, complimentary HSIA/wireless, 27'' TV, Sky 20 channels available, two lines with voice mail and data port, self-controlled heating-cooling system, On Command entertainment, video games, standard amenities, servi-bar, safe box, smoke detectors. Non-smoking rooms available, handicapped facilities.
web: http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MEXAHHF-Hilton-Mexico-City-Airport/index.do

2008. október 15., szerda

Hotel Marco Polo - Mexico

Hotel Marco Polo offers 77 rooms, split into standard rooms, long stay suites and penthouses, rooms that are perfect for giving much needed comfort with functional furniture and full conveniences. The suites are remarkable for being authentic apartments, with various rooms such as living room and kitchen.As well as accommodation, the interiors offer a bar-restaurant, gym, business centre and various conference rooms.
web: http://www.marcopolo.com.mx/

Hotel Camino Real Mexico

The Camino Real Mexico features 712 rooms and suites which have been perfectly and modernly equipped. All of the accommodations are individually designed, and what really stands out are the expansive two floor Presidential Suites, and the Camino Real Club Suites on the executive floor which benefit from the exclusive services of the Camino Real Club Lounge.
web: http://www.caminoreal.com/mexico/

Plaza Florencia Suites - Mexico

A luxurious location on the prettiest avenue in Mexico City as well as praiseworthy and characteristic service make this hotel one of the best options in the sprawling city. The Hotel & Suites PF Quality Inn has been designed specifically to satisfy the needs of business travellers that pass through the city. It also boasts an exceptional location in the historic heart of the city, as well as the touristic and cultural corridor of the Paseo de la Reforma, close to many monuments and museums

Hotel Condesa - Mexico city

The 40 rooms are a sensual and tranquil oasis with sophisticated local touches. Décor reminds guests that they are in Mexico, with walnut headboards facing the windows with florid views, handmade woolen rugs from Oaxaca and high ceilings. A fusion of tradition and modernness, the rooms are also endowed with the latest in today's comfort and technology.
web: http://www.condesadf.com/

Habita hotel - Mexico

The Habita hotel is a unique spot in the Polanco district of Mexico City, a design hotel which is part of a new generation of establishments which are anything but conventional. Built in the 1950's, the original building has been transformed into a luxury hotel 'wrapped' in frosted glass and presents a strictly contemporary image, even futuristic. The design of distinguished minimalist tendency is a perfect blend of light and shade, angular and irregular perspectives in materials such as stainless steel, glass, Canadian maple wood and blue agave with a background of defined and strategically selected tones.
web: http://www.hotelhabita.com/

Nh Mexico City Hotel

The Nh Mexico City Hotel Mexico City is situated in the centre of this magnificent city in an area called Zona Rosa, which is the financial and entertainment centre of the city. It is a short walk from the Nh Mexico City Hotel Mexico City to many of the areas of interest, such as the Independence monument, the stock exchange and the Anthropology Museum. A purpose built tower block with a complete glass facade, Nh Mexico City Hotel Mexico City lobby is spacious and very modern in decor and design. It incorporates a bar lounge area and a couple of small boutiques. All the rooms at the Nh Mexico City Hotel Mexico City are modern in decor, medium in size and in very good condition, having been renovated in 1998. The restaurant at the Nh Mexico City Hotel Mexico City is situated on the ground floor and serves both local and international cuisine. For your reservation at the Nh Mexico City Hotel Mexico City, please select the dates of your stay and complete our secure online booking form.
web: http://www.agoda.com/north_america/mexico/mexico_city/nh_mexico_city_hotel.html

Hotel La Casona - Mexico

Hotel La Casona, a small and cozy hotel in a central location in Mexico City, represents a new contribution to traditional hospitality. The hotel is devoted to offering comfort and service at a level of excellence for that very special traveller looking for personalized attention, elegance, privacy and comfort in a small, central and exclusive hotel.
web: http://www.hotellacasona.com.mx/

Meliá Mexico Reforma

This is the most visited area in all of Mexico City and it is just steps away from Meliá Mexico Reforma, one of the finest hotels Mexico City has to offer and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel is nearby government buildings and financial institutions and its location makes it the ideal place to stay for the business or leisure traveler. The city has the largest number of museums in the world and after New York, London and Toronto offers the largest number of theaters in the world.
web: http://www.meliamexicoreforma.com/

Hotel Gillow - Mexico

Hotel Gillow is one of the oldest hotels in Mexico City, located in the heart of the Historic Center, in the street Isabel la Católica on the corner of Cinco de Mayo, two streets away from the main Mexico City Zocalo and the City Cathedral, and only three streets away from Bellas Artes, an excellent location so that their hotel guests will enjoy all the splendour of Mexico City.
web: http://www.hotelgillow.com/

The Radisson Paraiso Hotel Mexico City

With a prime location near major cultural attractions, entertainment and corporate offices, their Mexico City hotel offers convenient and comfortable lodging in Mexico City. The Radisson Paraiso Hotel Mexico City offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting atmosphere and top-notch services sure to please both business and leisure travelers. Be sure to check out our great rates and hotel deals in Mexico City.
web: http://www.radisson.com/mexicocitymx

Hotel Catedral - Mexico

Hotel Catedral is a luxury hotel located in the center of Mexico City, very close to the capitals Zocalo. Which gives their hotel clients the advantage of being close to all the attractions and business facilities of the Historical Center of Mexico City. They would like to welcome you to their web site, where you will find all the information about their Mexico City hotel.
web: http://www.hotelcatedral.com/

W hotel in Mexico City

Intrigue begins at dusk. Nightlife impresario Rande Gerber transforms the Living Room’s daytime lounge into a pulsing club once the sun hits the horizon. An indoor Koi pond, Away Spa, and the restaurant Solea are primed for Zen.
web: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1444

1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico

The 1968 Summer Olympics, were an international multi-sport event held in Mexico City in October 1968. The 1968 Games were preceded by the Tlatelolco massacre, in which hundreds of students were killed by security forces ten days before the opening day. It is the only Games ever held in Latin America, and it was the second to be hosted outside of Europe, Australia, or the United States.

2008. október 14., kedd

Geography of Mexico

Mexico is located at about 23° N and 102° W in the southern portion of North America. It is also located in a region known as Middle America. Almost all of Mexico lies in the North American Plate, with small parts of the Baja California peninsula on the Pacific and Cocos Plates. Geophysically, some geographers include the territory east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (around 12% of the total) within Central America. Geopolitically, however, Mexico is considered part of North America along with Canada and the United States

Army in Mexico

There are three main components of the Mexican Army: a national headquarters, territorial commands, and independent units. The Minister of Defense commands the Army by means of a very centralized system and a large number of general officers. The Army uses a modified continental staff system in its headquarters. The Army is the largest branch of Mexico's armed services. At present there are 12 "Military Regions", which are further broken down into 44 subordinate "Military Zones".

2008. október 13., hétfő

Microbuses - Mexico

The city government also operates a network of large buses, in contrast with the privately operated microbuses, with fares barely exceeding that of the metro. Electric transport other than the metro also exists, in the form of trolleybuses and the Xochimilco Light Rail line. The city's first bus rapid transit line, the Metrobús, began operations on June 2005 in Avenida Insurgentes (a second line is under construction on Eje 4 Sur). As the microbuses were removed from its route, it was hoped that the Metrobús could reduce pollution and decrease transit time for passengers. Also, since late 2002, the white and green taxis have been joined by red and white ones as part of a program to replace older vehicles with new ones.

Metro of Mexico

Mexico City is served by the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metro, an extensive metro system (207 km), which is the largest in Latin America. The first portions were opened in 1969 and now the system has 11 lines with 175 stations. In 2008 it was announced that a twelfth line will be constructed along with a suburban rail system similar to the French RER system. The metro is one of the busiest in the world transporting approximately 4.5 million people every day, surpassed only by Moscow's (7.5 million), Tokyo's (5.9 million), and New York City's (5.1 million).

Historical of Mexico city

Mexico in Spanish pronounced "Me-hee-co" City was founded as Mexico-Tenochtitlan on March 18, 1325 by the Nahua Aztec or Mexican tribe, which rapidly became the capital of a sophisticated growing empire. Located on a small island on the middle of Lake Texcoco, the layout of the city forced the Aztecs to build an artificial island with a series of canals to allow the growth of the metropolis. A number of causeways were also constructed from the shoreline to the central island.These causeways are the foundation of the various calzadas which are today principal avenues in Mexico City. In fact, although the lake was salty, dams built by the Aztecs kept the city surrounded by clear water from the rivers that fed the lake. Two double aqueducts provided the city with fresh water; this was intended mainly for cleaning and washing.
After centuries of pre-Columbian civilization, the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés first arrived in the area in 1519. He did not succeed in conquering the city until August 13, 1521, after a 79-day siege that destroyed most of the old Aztec city.
In 1524 the rebuilt city served as the capital of the viceroyalty of New Spain and the political and cultural center of Mexico. The importance of the city was such that the Captaincy General of Guatemala, Yucatán, Cuba, Florida, and the Philippines were administered from it. This colonial period culminated with the construction of the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica of Guadalupe.

Mexico city - Federal Distric

Mexico City is also the Federal District. The Federal District is coextensive with Mexico City: both are governed by a single institution and are constitutionally considered to be the same entity. This has not always been the case. The Federal District, created in 1824, was integrated by several municipalities, one of which was the municipality of Mexico City. As the city began to grow, it engulfed all other municipalities into one large urban area. In 1928, all municipalities within the Federal District were abolished, an action that left a vacuum in the legal status of Mexico City vis-à-vis the Federal District, even though for most practical purposes they were traditionally considered to be the same entity. In 1993, to end the sterile discussions about whether one concept had engulfed the other, or if any of the two entities had any existence in lieu of the other, the 44th Article of the Constitution of Mexico was reformed to clearly state that Mexico City is the Federal District, seat of the Powers of the Union and capital of the United Mexican States.

The City - Mexico

Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico. It is the most important economic, industrial and cultural center in the country, and the most populous city with 8,836,045 inhabitants in 2008.Greater Mexico City (Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México) incorporates 59 adjacent municipalities of Mexico State and 1 municipality of the state of Hidalgo, according to the most recent definition agreed upon by the federal and state governments. In the last national census (2005) Greater Mexico City had a population of 19.2 million people, making it the largest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere and the third largest in the world by population. The estimated population for the Metropolitan Area is 19,826,918 as of 2008. In 2005, it ranked the eighth in terms of GDP (PPP) among urban agglomerations in the world. Along with São Paulo it is the only Beta global city with 8 points in Latin America.