Leslie Sharp

Casanova vs. Don Juan: Do You Actually Know the Difference?

After an early morning power walk through the old neighborhood in Mexico City where I live, my exercise partner and I sat down to a cup of coffee in Joselo, a small cozy coffee shop across from Parque Lincoln. Mornings in the Polanco neighborhood, before cars begin to crowd the narrow streets, when it's only locals, their dogs, and elderly men reading paper and drinking strong coffee, is by far the most peaceful time of day. On one hand, Polanco feels very much like a village; easily walkable, charming old buildings, outdoor markets, and unassuming dog friendly cafes; on the other hand, there is a large concentration of trendy hotspots, drawing crowds from the suburbs nights and weekends, a bevy of high end luxury stores, and new, modern construction going up everywhere. The contrast of old and new, however, gives it a special flavor that not many areas can boast.