I started my run in the local park, which is small but has much to recommend it, including paths and trees and shrubs.
And bulletin boards.
And covered benches.
And a small public library.
It looked like it was designed in the 1960s.
There was a fountain.
I felt happy imagining life without the internet (or at least without it as it exists now). But I was also happy to post a ‘cute selfie,’ which I rarely do anymore at my age.
Heading north, I stopped by Zona Rosa, which is a prominent ‘gayborhood’ in the city, a term that was used without any irony by the very sweet and earnest guide who gave us the gay tour earlier in the week.
I had heard that there was an ‘open street’ somewhere near Chapultepec Park, but I found it at the Angel of Independence monument. People were everywhere, waving flags, doing line dances, circling the statue. (Sadly, the above photograph doesn’t quite capture the energy.)
I joined the throngs of bikers and runners heading into the park.
It felt good to be part of something (open streets) that I believed should be made more prominent around the world, and especially in Manhattan. There were so many people on bikes — moms, dads, four-year olds with pink tassles on their handlebars, gays, non-gays — and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
I next went into the park, where millions more people were walking around relaxing.
And scarfing down junk food.
Admission to the castle is free on Sunday, and a lot of people were taking advantage. Were people still allowed to relax in the United States? I couldn’t remember.
Back in La Condesa, I enjoyed the fading daylight as the last of cyclists made their way home.
