On our fist day in Xochimilco, Dave and I arrived by el tren ligero (light rail) connecting from the main Metro system. Going off the tourist path, we hopped off the train a few stops before the terminus in Xochimilco to explore some of the edges of the canal in the proximity of recent developments.
Vestiges of the canal system still appear in the surrounding neighborhoods that have been filled: long alleys off the main streets, similar to the irrigation canals off of the major canals.
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The first impression is not the most picturesque. Work crews were out in full force cleaning up this section of the canals. The adjacent road replaced the transportation function of this canal, but extensive maintenance seems to be required to keep this canal clear of overgrowth.
Continuing on, the residences got noticeably more upscale, with more elaborate crossings over the canal.
Eventually, we meandered to one of Mexico City's largest open bodies of water: the Olympic rowing course from the 1968 games.
Surrounded by a well used walking/biking path the course seems removed from the city. Some livestock help reinforce the agricultural roots of this area.
Upon reaching one end of the 2000m course, the town of Xochimilco is close by, but separated by the Cuemanco canal. Luckily, there is a way across. The trajinera ride takes about a minute, and connects the numerous playing fields and sports clubs around the Olympic course to the town.
Once across the canal, the narrow streets and alleys reflect a scale of living not suited for cars. The ends of roads frequently end up back at the canals which were formerly the only way to move goods and people around.
Back across the canal, past the sports clubs and soccer fields, is the Cuemanco embarcadero. Even though it is somewhat removed from much of the city, it is lively on a Friday afternoon, as both a way to get onto the canals and just a place to hang out.
A walk along the busy Periferico (the ring road that winds its way around the outer edges of Mexico City) brings us to the Parque Ecologico. Built in the early 1990's, the park creates an ecological refuge for many native species and preserves waterways from being filled.
A quick taxi ride takes us back the el tren ligero, and we're back in the city for the night. We will return tomorrow for a trajinera tour and see some of the bigger canals in their weekend form.
