Out with Dr. Bill – Wedding Bells in Mexico City, the Alamo, and an Eclipse

Greetings from San Antonio, Texas! I'm currently in the lively United Airlines lounge writing this week's column. My recent travels have taken me from the bustling streets of New York, to the colorful locales of Mexico City, and now to the heart of Texas.

But let me begin with our cross-border experience.

Mexico City Magic: Wedding Bells and Historical Wonders

Our adventure began with a colorful destination wedding in Mexico City, a city rich in culture and history. Jacob Stetson and AJ Kiehner were tying the knot that weekend. Eric and I decided to arrive a few days early to blend a vacation with the wedding celebrations, marking both our 33rd anniversary and a relaxing break before the Fire Island season kicked off.

From the moment we landed, Eric and I were captivated by the architectural wonders of Mexico City. Eric had prepared a tentative must-see itinerary, ranging from the ancient Aztec ruins at Ciudad Prehispánica de Teotihuacán to the majestic colonial era cathedrals.

The ruins were my favorite, particularly the famous pyramids of Teotihuacán – the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon – located in the Basin of Mexico, about 30 miles outside Mexico City.

The ancient Mesoamerican city, known for its vast monumental structures, seemed straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.

We spent five hours exploring these awe-inspiring ruins. Regrettably, I forgot to apply sunscreen, and I ended the day with a notably sunburned forehead, which certainly wasn't part of Eric's plan.

As exploring the ruins was my highlight, Eric's was our visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA), Mexico City's premier museum, nestled in the sprawling Chapultepec Park. It boasts the world's most extensive collection of ancient Mexican artifacts in a building that spans the size of several New York City blocks.

Designed by the renowned Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez in 1964, the museum's bold concrete architecture remains as cutting-edge today as it was back then. Again, we walked over 15,000 steps, exploring every inch of the world-renowned museum. Although the museum had great outdoor spaces, we mainly stayed inside enjoying the exhibits.

Gourmet Escapes at the Four Seasons, Mexico City

The culinary scene in the city was as dynamic as its museums. While the wedding provided numerous culinary delights, a surprise hit came during the night before the wedding festivities began, with a date night at Restaurante Il Becco in our hotel, the Four Seasons.
We were initially hesitant about hotel dining, but the stellar reviews convinced us to try it, and the experience exceeded our expectations.

Eric and I absolutely adored Chef Jorge Dumit's menu at the restaurant. We indulged in several mouthwatering dishes, from the fresh burrata paired with sautéed heirloom tomatoes to the delectable Ravioli del Plin stuffed with a mix of rabbit, veal, and beef. And let's not forget the exquisite pistachio-encrusted bluefin tuna!

As we usually do, Eric and I shared each dish, enhancing our dining experience and creating even more memorable moments.

The Four Seasons served as our peaceful retreat in the bustling capital during our six days in the city. Its hacienda-style decor, centered around a verdant courtyard, created a calm oasis. We enjoyed the buffet brunch in the morning and sipped cocktails in the evening, in a setting that felt like a tropical sanctuary, minus the typical humidity and insects.

The hotel's prime location on Paseo de la Reforma was ideal for people watching, and only a short walk from the serene Bosque de Chapultepec, akin to New York's Central Park.

We enjoyed many strolls along its grand avenue.

Vibrant Wedding Celebrations Unfold

The union of our dear friends Jacob Stetson and AJ Kiehner was perfectly planned, down to the last detail. They brought together 90 of their closest friends and family for a week filled with joy and celebration.

I was familiar with many of their friends, but I also had the pleasure of meeting a new circle of young, gay professionals, mostly from New York City. Incredibly, we met three couples who live just blocks away from our Chelsea apartment – it seems we had to travel all the way to Mexico City to meet our neighbors!

The festivities kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at Sobremesa Cocina, a stunning party venue tucked away in the heart of Mexico City's historic Colonia Roma neighborhood.

As I stepped through the doors, I was immediately enchanted by the space's radiant charm. The whitewashed walls, interior windows, and open ceiling combined to create an ambiance that effortlessly blended sophistication with warmth.