Place you live: Mexico City

Can you sum up Mexico City?  I love to think that I live in a magical city because it’s always changing. You can be a witness of surreal scenes in every nook. If you look at the people, the urban landscapes and the weather melted in a “normal” day, it’s the kind of city that becomes what you want whenever you want. In Mexico City you have to deal with all the seasons in a day. Usually the morning is cold, at noon could be the perfect hot sunny day, rainy in the afternoon and the night, windy.

Can you sum up the people of Mexico? In Mexico you can find all kinds of people. I like to observe them and imagine a day in their life. It takes just 20 minutes by subway or walking to get to my hood, and it is one of the best experiences in the city. The people here are very friendly and generous. I’m constantly amazed by this fact. I receive so much love from people who do not know me. It’s nice to realize that sometimes the interpersonal barriers are crossed only to shake your hand or give a warm hug, if necessary.

What was the experience like looking through the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Mexico?  I was traveling more than usual the last few years and I loved the experience of carrying a map or a guide in my backpack with my travel kit, which makes me feel like a true traveler (it just feels so good). For me it has been a super exciting experience to take the same role and do it in my city. I invited a friend to share the experience with me, and now I want to explore other places in my country the same way.

Did you find anything new or inspiring about your area in the Guidebook? I tried to visit some iconic places and occasionally found other interesting spots that crossed my path. For example, this time I went to the Latino Tower because I have never been there. From the top of the tower you can see the endless city, so I secretly went here. Also I went to an abandoned Hotel called Mancera where few have gone before. It’s interesting how many buildings in this city are in the same condition and still beautiful.

Tell us about the photos you shot for this project? In almost all of my photos I reflected my relationship with architecture: symmetry, compositions, colors, perspectives or focal points. And though my Instagram feed is very casual, I always try to make compositions and stories that recount beyond the ordinary. I also like to fantasize and imagine other epochs, so I chose to return to downtown and walk it like an ordinary person would many years ago. I chose Mexico City because I enjoy living in it  and getting to know it.

Occupation: Architect, Photographer

What is a perfect day in Mexico City? A perfect day for me would be a picnic in a park with some friends, listening to good music with good food and drink, taking some photos, taking my dog out on a sunny but a little bit cold day, preferably on Sunday.

What do you love about Mexico City? That I can find every kind of activity at any time.

What would be surprising about Mexico City to an outsider?  The traditions, especially the food.

If Mexico City was a person it be?  Juan Rulfo

What was your impression of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Mexico? Most of all, the illustrations in perspective of maps. I love to find drawings in books.

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DK Travel and Global Yodel have teamed up to bring you an amazing giveaway. We have a couple 10 packs of DK Travel guidebooks as well as a couple big art prints to give away. Who wants them? Jump over here to win.