For many people, books are the first encounter with history, world art and different cultures.
Mexico and Latin American nations are deeply rooted in diverse civilizations: From the Pre-Columbian peoples such as the Mayas and the Tupi, to the legacies of Greece, Rome, the Arab influence within the Hispanic culture, originated during the occupation of the Iberian Peninsula; and the heritage of people from different regions of Africa.
It is impressive enough when you learn all of this in books, but they often fall short; they can never fully convey the amazement of experiencing all of these roots blooming in unison through every cultural manifestation: cuisine, music, language, faith, and worldview.
In Mexico City, one of the most popular places to visit is Xochimilco, pronounced soh-chee-mil-koh, famous for its festive boat rides on flower-surrounded canals; a great place to throw a literally floating party!. Yet, Xochimilco is much more than that, it represents the last bastion of Pre-Columbian agricultural techniques capable of yielding up to three harvests a year; it is home to axolots, a sort of salamander famous for its ability to regenerate its limbs and brain. Xochimilco is also a village with a vibrant identity expressed in its local market, its cuisine and its historical buildings which, in some cases, surprisingly resemble European medieval fortresses.
Once you understand the diverse roots that shape Mexican culture, it is truly mind-blowing to discover fragments of indigenous, European, Arab and African heritage hidden in a still-rural corner of such an overwhelming metropolis.
Join us to discover the hidden gems of history and culture that shape some of the most singular spots in Mexico!
No Shit Trips
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