Recently back from a week-long assignment in Mexico City.
I arrived (less my luggage, which didn't make the flight with me) in Mexico City at 1am, exhausted after a 30-hour trip from Bangkok, where I had to spend the night after flying out of Penang. I filled out the lost luggage report and found a taxi outside the by-now deserted airport, wondering if in the morning someone would be filling out a "lost" report on me. But the drive to the hotel was uneventful -- though I couldn't help but notice the flashing police lights all over the city. (I later learned that in Mexico City the police park their cars and leave their lights on, broadcasting their location as both a deterrent to crime and an aid to anyone who might need their assistance.)
Out on the streets the next morning I found a different reality - that Mexico City is a truly beautiful city. Bonus: its residents are some of the friendliest folks I've ever met.
I met J and his puppy Lil' Scooby on a minibus. He got on after I did, and when a seat near him opened up I moved over and asked if I could take their photo. He spoke some English, a really personable young guy. Lil' Scooby's a pit bull, and I was a little concerned that he might be a future fight dog; I know that, as with cocks, if you want to fight a dog you need to handle it alot while it's young. When I emailed the photos to J I expressed the hope that he'd take good care of his puppy. He responded right away, assuring me that he would.
Oh yeah -- I ate pretty well that week too.
Quesadilla with fresh squash blossoms and habanero salsa at Mercado Merced.
I just loved this city and it's people, and I can't wait to go back. I need to hold back most of the photos I made that week till after article I shot is published -- but I hope these images give you an idea why.
David,
after all the really crummy news from Mexico in recent years, it's nice to see the cheerful images of Mexico City. Thanks for posting them.
Best,
Todd
Posted by: Todd Lowe | July 21, 2012 at 06:09 PM
LOVE the orange bug in front of the orange building. And the puppy...and the quesadilla. I've been fascinated by Mexico City for a while now, but haven't been yet.
Posted by: Kristina | July 21, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Beautiful sneak peek David. I am so happy to read you liked my (adopted) city. Looking forward to see the published word and the outtakes.
Posted by: heidi | July 21, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Kristina - VW bugs were manufactured in Mexico since the 1970's so you see them everywhere in all states of repair. Very cool IMHO.
Heidi - Definately planning a trip back. A week was not enough. The article should run sometime in October so stay tuned to this page.
Posted by: Dave | July 22, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Hello David,
I am a photographer from London, UK, heading over to Mexico for the first time, this coming Monday. I was truly inspired by your article, and I hope to see some more of your pictures in the future.
I have a question though. Like you experienced, I have heard DF to be a very friendly and welcoming place, despite its reputation. How did you find it in regards to your camera equipment? I am a little concerned regarding the safety of my gear.
I travel alot, all over the world, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Caro
Posted by: Carolina Stenstrom | December 12, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Hi Carolina - Thanks. I generally felt safe with my gear. I took the subway most places and spent a fair amount of time in markets. Most of the time I carried 1 camera and kept any other gear in a ThinkTank Shape Shifter backback. I was there for a week and no problems but of course stay alert. Stuff can happen anywhere as you know. Here are a few more links to that trip:
http://davidhagerman.photoshelter.com/gallery/Tamales-Tortas-and-Tacos-Mexico-City-Mexico/G0000fNPTfr7JEqM/
http://davidhagerman.typepad.com/weblog/2012/09/mexico-city-for-the-new-york-times.html
Let me know how it goes.
Enjoy!
Dave
Posted by: Dave | December 13, 2012 at 02:30 PM
we live in xalapa veracruz for 6 lovely months each year. our eyes are constantly "taking fotos" all around us. thank you for the clear eye you shared in mexico city. you captured the true story.
Posted by: [email protected] | March 01, 2013 at 08:34 AM
Thanks Dorothy-I can imagine that is a lovely 6 months. Thanks for looking and for your comment.
Posted by: Dave | March 01, 2013 at 02:27 PM