The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

March 13, 2009

In the Xochimilco district of Mexico City there are still canals between the raised-bed gardens built by the ancient Aztecs. A flourishing vegetable and cut flower industry is still going strong here. While the gardens don't float, they've lived with their name “Floating Gardens” for generations.

For years Hollywood has been bringing us romantic images of Mexican Gondolas; Colorful flower-strewn boats full of families and lovers with gondoliers polling along green canals. Mariachis entertain, beverages and lunches are served and partiers enjoy a shady green retreat while servers and gondoliers take away the cares of the world.

Boats full of sellers of flowers, jewelry, tequila, toys sombreros and serapes all jockey for positions to wave their wares at the most likely-looking boatloads of revelers.

No new culture was discovered. No astounding insights unfolded. Scenery was relaxing. Lunch was tasty. Music was classic mariachi, and the cares of the world were polled away by the gondoliers.

Life was just right.