DAY 47 - Mexico

Today I have taken not a single photograph which seems a shame so here is a picture of a nice bright shiny San Francisco fire engine. 

At one point in my travels around the city I walked past a fire station where all the vehicles were similarly pristine so I dared to wonder if they have enough fires to put out.  They all carry the American flag.  I think this is something that would brighten up our British Fire Engines, with the Union Jack of course!

My airport shuttle arrived early so it was a good job that I was similarly on the ball.  The driver then spent half an hour driving around the neighbouring blocks to pick up at four other places.  The one way streets that make life much easier for pedestrians obviously create difficulties for drivers.  Despite these problems we were soon at the airport except the flight I thought was with Continental was actually with United so I had to be moved to the International Terminal; fortunately not a great problem here.  Arriving at the United check in I found what seemed like the entire population of Japan, so a lengthy wait ensued before I was heading through security where I had to submit to a sort of revolving booth as part of the screening procedure.  Still, the security people seemed much more friendly than at other US airports I have visited and didn’t seem to take umbrage at the money and wallet that I’d failed to remove from my pockets.

The flight was utterly uneventful and I saw nothing of it as I had an aisle seat.  The landing was the gentlest I’ve ever experienced.  The wait at Mexican Immigration seemed interminable; over an hour and a half for me and much longer for those still arriving after my flight.  Changing money I met an Australian who is on the same tour so we agreed to share a taxi.  There is a good system here, as a fixed price ticket is bought in the airport and there is a man at the head of the queue who communicates to the drivers where their passengers need to go.  Yet another queue though.  Despite the street lights, Mexico City seems to be quite a dark place and the journey would have been far more exciting had I paid better attention; we certainly seemed to change direction suddenly and frequently.  Anyway, we arrived without mishap and I am settled in a room and have enjoyed a beer and my first burrito.  The tour group doesn’t assemble until 6pm tomorrow so I’ve a whole day to fill.  Hasta luego!