The 11 Best Books Set in Mexico: History, CDMX & More

August 22, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

I spent 4 months in Mexico, had some incredible and harrowing experiences (and ate more tacos al pastor than I could count), yet always felt like I barely even scratched the surface. I also had some dark days in Mexico, which was apt because it’s a place that doesn’t shy away from the dark.

With this in mind, the following collection of books set in Mexico provides a deep dive into the heart of the nation, from the tumultuous aftermath of the Mexican Revolution to the complexities of modern-day life in the megalopolis that is the capital.

How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Mexico City

September 15, 2018December 5, 2024 - Amy 2 Comments

Last September, I arrived in Ciudad de Mexico with no real knowledge about Mexican history or culture. However, I just had to look around at the glittering displays of green, white and red to know something was going on and indeed it was – I had stumbled into celebrating Mexico Independence Day in Mexico City!

September is particularly fun time to be in the city, but I wish I’d been (just a little) more prepared on what to expect. So, here’s how to celebrate independence in Mexico during this patriotic month, including a bit on Mexican history, things to see and do and – most importantly – what to eat.

The 7 Best Cenotes in Mexico: Cancun, Tulum, Playa & More

April 3, 2018December 5, 2024 - Amy 3 Comments

One essential thing to do when visiting Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza, or pretty much anywhere in the Yucatan region of Mexico, is to go cenote diving.

Therefore, I’ve asked the travel bloggersphere for their recommendations on the best cenotes in Mexico, from the Gran Cenote in Tulum to the Ruta de los Cenotes along the Riviera Maya.

And they didn’t disappoint! Here are the 7 best cenotes in Mexico:

Lake Bacalar | Things to do at Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico

February 18, 2018December 5, 2024 - Amy 5 Comments

Updated May 2024

Lake Bacalar, also known as the Lake of Seven Colours, is one of the most beautiful places I visited during my three months in Mexico (and maybe ever). From swimming with fishes in the Cenote Azul and taking part in watersports and activities, to lakeside hotels where you can relax and soak up the weather – this is a guide to the best things to do in Bacalar Lagoon, Quintana Roo:

The Best Mexico City Bookstores for Books in English

October 21, 2017October 30, 2024 - Amy 27 Comments

I have an addiction. I arrive in a new city and plan to see the sights, but when I stumble across a bookshop en route, I can’t help but pop in “for five minutes”. Several hours later, I leave with my purse much lighter and my backpack significantly heavier. Yet, despite my lack of Spanish, this has not stopped me in Mexico – “Tiene novelas en Ingles?” And through my illness, I have discovered the best Mexico City bookstores (for books in English, that is!)…

A Tale of Two Earthquakes in Mexico City

September 21, 2017May 15, 2024 - Amy 90 Comments

So, in my short time in Mexico I have managed to survive not one, but two major earthquakes in Mexico City. Of course, there have always been earthquakes in Mexico City and in Mexico in general, but these were some of the biggest that the country has seen. This is the story about what happened to me during and after both of these huge earthquakes in Mexico City.

Before I start, if you are looking for practical advice about what to do during earthquakes in Mexico City, then please read Northern Lauren’s The Anxious Girl’s Guide to Earthquake Etiquette. The first part is tongue-in-cheek (and a hilarious read), but there’s also some important and practical information about what to do during earthquakes at the end. Read more