Polanco

In a city of millions, I should not be surprised that the concrete block houses that populated yesterday’s drive to Teotihuacán are a few metro rides away from the wealthy tree lined neighborhood of Polanco, just north of Chapultepec Park. As I walked the streets, with names like Ruben Dario and Jorge Eliot, I passed art galleries, embassies and the affluent of Mexico City enjoying Sunday brunch on a beautiful sunny day at numerous sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Missing were the street vendors selling tacos and the variety of faces with indigenous features that enlivens other areas of the city.

Joining the other patrons, I indulged in some reading and strong coffee and had to wonder how many of the children and their parents playing in the shady park across the street would ever come to appreciate the other reality of the thousands with whom they share their city. Similar to many cities in the world, the socioeconomic disparity is far too large, yet many of us learn to live in that tension.

Leaving the quiet of Polanco, I walked a short distance on Paseo de la Reforma to the expansive Chapultepec Park. I ambled through the green spaces passing numerous defeños (Mexico City residents) relaxing in the grass with friends and family, escaping the city grim and concrete of their daily lives. Without regard for our daily routines or realities, it was evident that we all appreciated the time to be in the sun and fresh air.