What to read
''The Labyrinth of Solitude"by Octavio Paz (Grove, 1985).
Classic prose work on Mexican culture.
''The Mexico Reader,"G.M. Joseph, Timothy J. Henderson, Gilbert M. Joseph, editors (Duke University, 2003).
History, culture, and politics.
''Lonely Planet: Mexico,"John Noble et al. editors (Lonely Planet, 2004).
To steer you from city to city, street to street.
What to watch
''Amores Perros" (2000)
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, an abrasive, R-rated tale of life in Mexico City.
What to listen to
Los Dandy s
''Lo Mejor de lo Mejor" (RCA Victor)
Greats from singers of soulful ballads.
Where to stay
Holiday Inn Zócalo
Av. Cinco de Mayo 61, Mexico City
011-52-55-5521-2121
E-mail: pc.mexdt@wm.holiday-inn.com
A few steps from the center of the city. Doubles $73.
Paraíso del Desierto Grand Hotel
Blvd. Independencia 100 Pte., Torreon
011-52-871-716-1122
An oasis in this desert capital. Doubles $90.
Where to eat
Café de Tacuba
Calle Tacuba 28
Colonia Centro Historico, Mexico City
011-52-55-5518-4950
An ornately tiled institution serving classic Mexican fare. Entrees $5-$10.
OK Maguey
Blvd. Constitucion 421 Est
Colonia Los Angeles, Torreon
011-52-871-716-9228
More Mexican classics, emphasizing steaks. Entrees $4-$7.
