A few years ago, I visited Italy, where I floated down the famous canals of Venice. Today, I cruised Xochimilco, México’s version of Venice.

At Xochimilco, I boarded a trajinera. These flat boats are capable of holding up to twenty people. Very popular with the people living in Mexico City, trajineras are oftentimes reserved for fiestas. Each boat is marked on the front with a name of a woman. This tradition dates back to the early 1900s when men named their boats after the women they loved. Our boat was named Laurita.

While the gondolas of Venice are propelled with an oar, at Xochimilco a pole, called a remo, is used to steer the boats through the canal. Although the water is shallow, it takes a great deal of strength and skill to push the boat along. I attempted to maneuver our trajinera and quickly found our boat swerving off-course. I guess I will never have a career as a gondolier.

On the canals there are many smaller boats called chalupas. Vendors on these boats sell toys, jewelry, drinks, souvenirs, and even food. Of course, I was most drawn to the food-related chapulas. From one of these floating kitchens, we were served squash blossom quesadillas. Delish!

To complete your Xochimilco party, a boat with a mariachi band can be tied to your trajinera. This traditional Mexican music provides the perfect soundtrack to any celebration, and to keep the party going add another boat as a floating dance floor.

Sailing off into the horizon is the perfect way to end my journey in México. Although our expedition has come to an end, you can always ask me about my experiences in México by sending your questions to our blog.

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