I can hear you trying to say Xochimilco (three times), don’t worry, I don’t think I pronounce it right either. With free flowing tequila, mesquite and beer, I am advised, ‘what happens in Xochimilco, stays in Xochimilco’ and I think you will understand why.

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I’m with Craig, Jim, Abraham, and Chris on this afternoon adventure in Xochimilco, (pronounced zschochi-milco… I think). Located in the southern part of Mexico City, it’s known for its extensive canal system and home of the axolotl (yes.. that weird Mexican walking fish!). For us today, it’s a traditional relaxed boat ride on a colourful trajinera, enjoying the festive atmosphere with mariachi bands, Mexican food (and lots of (I mean lots) of tequila!).

The Spanish verb ‘trajinar’ means ‘to carry goods from one side to another’, giving rise to the term ‘trajineras’ for these colourful boats. They originated during the era of former Mexican president Porfirio Díaz, during the late 19th century, aiming to delight guests with tours through Xochimilco’s famous canals..

Trajineras traditionally feature woven roofs, tule chairs, and floral arch decorations. Today, the trajineras still ply the canals, preserving their cultural charm and giving locals and tourists a wonderful fiesta. And there must be hundreds of the boats on the water today, and thousands of us tourists.

The afternoon starts off quite mild and our delightful guide Manuel gives us some fascinating information of the area.

To start to ‘line the stomach’, there is watermelon and pineapple on the table (which looks a little sad) so I go for the slices of jímaca. These white French fry looking morsels are sometimes called Mexican turnip, and they hold absolutely no flavour at all.

Seriously, no flavour, so the wedges of lime and chilli salt come in handy. However, Craig warns me not to go to overboard with the lime, as we DON’T want to run out of citrus with all the tequila onboard!

There is a bit of discussion as to whether these are crickets or grasshoppers… either way, I’m kind of disgusted yet intrigued, and excited to give these local snacks a go. They are crunchy and a little spicy (and they are crickets by the way)…

Apparently this is the best way to eat them. Pop one on top of a wedge of orange, a sprinkle of chilli salt and bite into the wedge. I think I might have preferred them on lime (with more tequila)…

The Island of the Dolls (La Isla de las Muñecas) in Xochimilco is known for its numerous dolls of diverse styles and colours. Local legends, connected to the reclusive former owner Don Julián Santana Barrera, add an eerie touch, attracting those into dark tourism. Just looking at them, Craig and I get a little creeped out…

Whether it’s a diversion from drinking or a form of entertainment, a guacamole making competition unfolds. I team up with Jim, pretending to give directions but mostly waiting for the finished product (and eyeing off the mesquite).

With fresh avocado, tomato, chilli, salt, pepper, red onion, and limes, Jim crafts the absolute best guac. Unfortunately, despite Manuel the Judge’s taste test, we aren’t declared the winners. Jim and I concur; it’s all because we lack garlic.

We’ve had our fill of Tequila so one of the other guests start pouring it down passer by’s throats, to stern looks from Manuel.

It’s been such a fun day and even though we started as strangers we have all become friends, in fact so close the group head out together for dinner! Don’t ask me where or what we had… everything was a little blurry by this stage… and anyway… I shouldn’t be telling you all this because… what happens in Xochimilco, stays in Xochimilco!

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