This Week’s Fun Facts: Things to Know about Mexico

We’re heading out this morning for a tour of Cabo San Lucas, having spent two days on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas getting here from Los Angeles. I’m a big fan of Mexico, and one of my favorite trips was a business convention I organized in Mexico City 20 years ago. I still use a blanket I got there as a seat cushion at my desk. Here are some things you may nor may not know about this wonderful country and its past.

Mexico City is sinking—slowly. Built on an ancient lakebed, parts of the city sink several inches a year.

Corn was born here. Maize was domesticated in Mexico over 9,000 years ago and is still central to daily life.

Chocolate started as a drink. The ancient Maya and Aztecs drank cacao mixed with spices—no sugar involved.

The ancient Maya kept stingless bees. Their honey was prized and used medicinally.

Tequila can only be made in specific regions. It’s legally protected—like Champagne in France.

Colorful streets aren’t accidental. Bright paint helped people navigate cities long before street numbers were common.