Delightful Sights and Delicious Tastes of Mexico City: Niloufar Pourzand

After having organized, with Mahboob Shareef and Mahendra Sheth, the XUNICEF Reunion in Toronto 25 - 30th of August, 2023, Cyrus and I, with our younger daughter, Safa, planned a one week family trip to Mexico City, to visit our older daughter, Shadi, who has recently moved there to work with refugees/migrants.

It was my second visit to the city - after the unforgettable 2017 XUNICEF Reunion. It was an remarkable experience for us. Of course, first and foremost being together with both our daughters but also exploring and discovering this amazing and beautiful/historical/colorful and culturally rich city. It was a delight to re-connect with Blanca San German, who had organized the Mexico Reunion.  She was very kind, hospitable and generous, inviting us to her lovely home and taking us to the soulful house of Frieda Kahla, one of my heroes or sheroes, followed by a delicious Mexican lunch in Coyoacan, a bohemian neighbourhood,

With Blanca

In front of Frieda Kahla;s house

We had a fun and exciting mini-reunion over traditional desserts with Rocio Aznar Daban, UNICEF's Child Protection Chief. She was my colleague and family friend in Indonesia. It was a memorable encounter after more than ten years and the first time we had the pleasure of meeting her very nice husband, Jaime, and her lovely twins, Nico and Sol.  We were delighted to also meet some of our daughter, Shadi’s, Mexican friends. From these interactions we learned new aspects about Mexico, its complex politics, its rich culture and the kindness of its people.

With Rocio and family

We made time to visit the Palacio National with beautiful murals of Diego Rivera, the ancient Aztec Temple Ruins, the Popular Arts Museum which was lovely, the largest Flower Market in Latin America, enjoying a boat ride on the Xochimilco and in some ways, the highlight of our visit, the Anthropology Museum which is definitely one of the most wonderful in the world. In addition, we enjoyed great Mexican and fusion food at various restaurants including Rosetta, whose female Chef has been recognized in 2022 as the best in the world. But even in less famous or high end restaurants, one can certainly find food to delight one's palate.

Aztec Temple

Flower Market

Boat Ride

Anthropology Museum

Mexican Dinner

Churros

We will always cherish memories of this short week in Mexico City with our daughters, and we hope to return as long as our daughter continues to be based there. Of course, we hope that Mexico City will be kind and gentle to her and she will be healthy, safe and happy. I wish all Mexicans, including our dear friends, a good future, as the country struggles with many challenges including a forthcoming election and the high probability of its first woman President. May she be dedicated to her people beyond all else.