One of the characteristics about strolling through the various parts of central Mexico City is the omni-presence of the police, military and private security. It is barely possible to walk more than a block without there being some kind of security presence.
We had an odd experience on the bus to Teotihuacan yesterday that was more akin to an airport than bus station. We went through a metal detector, our bags were searched (twice), I was frisked, and then a lady with a video camera came through the bus taking security pictures of everyone onboard. Our feeling of security that such measures were in place were pretty much offset by a feeling of fear that such measures needed to be in place. Particularly when the bus pulled out of the station, turned a corner to the first bus stop on the way and let in a dozen more passengers with no security checks at all!!
Today there was more of the same during our excursion to the museo del ninos (kid’s museum). We encountered around a couple of dozen police on an overpass on the way, one of whom ended up giving us false directions, making getting there a bit of an ordeal. But what was most disconcerting was the apparent need for metal detectors and bag searches at the entrance of the museum!
Clearly these security measures and level of police presence must be needed or they wouldn’t be in place. However, we haven’t even had the faintest hint of feeling unsafe or threatened so far. It feels as safe or safer than most places we’ve visited, whether this is to do with the police presence or not.
The kid’s museum was excellent and we all had a great time. Iris took some time out to visit the nearby Casa Luis Barragan, apparently a museum for a famous architect, while I watched Sesame Street characters teach about the moon and stars in a giant movie dome; Activities that reflect our respective levels of intellect Iris would argue.
Afterwards, we took the last opportunity we will have to visit the historic centre of town. We could only spend an hour or so walking around before the kids were reaching their limit, but it looks a fascinating and lively place and would deserve a full day at least. But then, it’s always good to leave something for next time.
When we finally got there the kids (big ones included) had a blast…
