With a wave of his hand, it was clear the man who had just paid for my bus fare would not accept any money from me. I had been trying to reach Mexicable, an air tram that carries commuters over hillside neighborhoods north of Mexico City. After doing a bit of research, I knew it was possible to get there cheaply by subway and bus instead of paying for an Uber. When I reached the end of the metro line and exited into a sea of buses, I realized it might not be so easy.
I finally found the right bus thanks to a policewoman who gave me
How much is a peso worth?
At first, I thought he just didn’t care about such a small amount of money. Later, I realized that it is not a small amount of money to many Mexicans. Commuters who come from the poor neighborhoods under the cable car probably don’t think it is cheap.
It turned out I would need a card to enter the Mexicable station as well. No problem, this time a policeman lent me his card, and he did accept the seven pesos payment from me. After my “flight” as the policeman called it, I boarded the bus back to the metro with confidence, knowing that I could just borrow a card from someone and pay them. Before I could ask, a young man in the front seat offered me his card. I dropped five pesos into his hand and thanked him, but as I found my way to the back of the bus, the woman next to him called back, “It only costs three pesos. You gave him too much.” I told her not to worry about it. Clearly, every peso is valuable to the workers here.
Beyond the wall
So why did I go to a commuter cable in the poor neighborhoods north of the city? It’s definitely not a tourist site. One reason was to see the murals painted throughout the neighborhoods visible to riders as they pass over. Another reason, as with most of my travels, was to go somewhere where I wouldn’t see another tourist and have conversations with Mexicans. I enjoyed the brief interactions I had with the several people who helped me along the way. During part of my cable ride, I was joined by a young professional “
More from Mexico City
Plazas, parks, and fountains are everywhere in Mexico City. Here are a few scenes from my first two days.
Elaine
April 15, 2019 at 21:57
Tim-
These photos are gorgeous.
Millie
April 16, 2019 at 08:14
The murals are very creative and beautiful. Great photos. Looking forward to more.
Millie
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:21
Lots more coming!
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:19
Thanks. It’s even better in person.
Lori
April 15, 2019 at 22:24
Why did I not know you (we) were going on another adventure! You have saved me from vacation boredom! Thanks, Tim! Loved the post and the photos! Keep ’em coming!
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:19
Kind of a last-minute trip, the best kind!
Sara Carlson
April 24, 2019 at 21:36
Love this story! How’s your spanish coming along?
Betsy
April 16, 2019 at 07:11
Great post Tim! Love hearing about your personal interactions
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:20
Thanks, Betsy. Stayed with three dogs for two nights with my Couchsurfing host. Cali would love it here!
Vicky Ann Deledda
April 16, 2019 at 15:01
So much for pesos….value them! Did you go in the fountain, looks like it was hot! Love the colors, flying into México City always reminded me of a patchwork quilt. Enjoy!
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:21
So wanted to jump in the fountain, but I had to keep my camera dry. If you were here, you could have held for me and taken pictures!
Linda Wight
April 16, 2019 at 17:49
HI Tim, Glad you’re off on another adventure thanks for the beautiful pictures and description. Happy Easter, cousin Linda.
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:22
Happy Easter, Linda! Holy Week is amazing here (more on that coming soon).
Diane
April 18, 2019 at 07:52
You made it there!! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:24
I’m getting so much advice on where to visit for my next trip to Mexico. As my Couchsurfing host said, “You’re going to fall in love with Mexico.” I told him I already did.
Diane Gallo
April 20, 2019 at 08:56
I love that! Sounds like a treasure right in our backyard.
Tim Flanagan
April 21, 2019 at 01:13
Art is everywhere in Mexico.
Julie
April 18, 2019 at 11:41
You are an inspiration! Love the mural photography! Say, I’m retiring at the end of the year! Perhaps we can travel together again!
Tim Flanagan
April 18, 2019 at 17:24
Definitely! I’m limited to school vacations . . . for now. Congratulations!