Apr 17
Out with Dr. Bill – Wedding Bells in Mexico City, the Alamo, and an Eclipse
Dr. William Kapfer READ TIME: 11 MIN.
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.
The hosts had chosen a theme for the evening: Bold patterns and vibrant colors. It was truly inspiring to witness how each guest embraced the theme with gusto, arriving in a kaleidoscope of stunning ensembles.
The energy of the gathering was infectious as we came together to celebrate amidst such a visually captivating setting!
The magic continued with the black-tie wedding ceremony at Proyecto Publico.
Located in the eclectic Prim 30 neighborhood, the venue is a vibrant and colorful space that epitomizes the lively spirit and cultural richness of the area. This dynamic space has been thoughtfully converted from an old building into a bustling hub for social and cultural events, making it a popular choice for everything from art exhibitions and creative workshops to music concerts and private parties.
The venue's architecture is a captivating mix of the old and the new, featuring original exposed brickwork paired with contemporary art installations and modern design elements.
We heard from the wedding planner that the venue regularly collaborates with local artists, musicians, and culinary talents to offer unique and immersive experiences that celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of Mexico City.
The heartfelt exchange of vows, each having written their own personal message, elicited what Eric called "waterworks" from me – I was so overwhelmed with emotion, as were many other guests in the room.
The ceremony was followed by an exuberant reception including mariachis and margaritas, followed by a full evening of dining and dancing.
By full, I mean we had the venue until 2 AM. This marked the highlight of a truly unforgettable and joyful week!
This trip wasn't our first Mexico City wedding, which speaks volumes about the city's draw as a cultural epicenter. The city is a captivating blend of ancient traditions, lively culture, and contemporary vibrancy.
Reflecting on our time in Mexico City, the journey was a rich mosaic of cultural engagement, culinary treats, and joyous celebrations, setting a jubilant tone before we continued on to Texas.
Journeying Through San Antonio: History, Culture, and More
After our exhilarating time in Mexico City, we journeyed to Texas to immerse ourselves in the rich history and charm of San Antonio, a beloved gem in the Lone Star State.
Our visit was organized by Gamma Mu, our men's social fraternity and philanthropic group. One of the highlights of joining Gamma Mu nearly three decades ago has been not only the lifelong friendships we've forged, but also the introduction to the Gamma Mu Foundation.
Since its establishment in 1988, the foundation has been committed to providing college scholarships to deserving young people and funding projects in rural and underserved areas that support the LGBT community.
From the moment we arrived, we immersed ourselves in the city's vibrant life. We started our exploration at the iconic River Walk, a verdant oasis of pathways, bridges, and waterways that snake through the city center.
The area bustled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing perfect spots for us to grab snacks and souvenirs while sharing laughs and stories with fellow fraternity brothers.
Next, we visited the San Antonio Museum of Art. This impressive facility houses a comprehensive collection that spans thousands of years and boasts significant Asian, Latin American, and Islamic sections. Wandering through the galleries, we marveled at the historical depth and cultural diversity of the exhibits.
We ended our first 24 hours in San Antonio with a visit to the Alamo, an enduring symbol of Texan pride and resilience.
This historic mission, where a small group of Texan defenders held out against the Mexican Army in 1836, isn't just a monument – it's a pilgrimage site for those who appreciate American history!
Our experience at the Alamo was extraordinary; we enjoyed the privilege of a private dinner in the mission's secluded garden. The meal featured homemade tostadas with pulled pork, queso, and fresh guacamole, making our visit truly unforgettable.
The afternoon included a lecture by one of the Alamo's historians who provided an in-depth context of the battle and explored the extensive exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Texas Revolution.
This rich narrative added layers of understanding and appreciation to our experience, deepening our connection to this pivotal site in American history.
Cheers to Scott's Birthday: Post-Mexico City Celebration
Right after returning from Mexico City, we dropped our luggage at our apartment and caught the last call for drinks at Elmo with Scott Pask to celebrate his birthday. Sharing this milestone with Scott, a fellow Aries and dear friend, meant a lot to us.
Eric and I cherish these moments – celebrating birthdays, weddings, and other significant occasions with our friends.
Manhattan Eclipse Moment
The following afternoon, Eric and I took our lunch breaks and met just in time to join thousands of New Yorkers to witness the greatest sight nature offers, a near-total eclipse of the Sun.
Known as the Great North American Eclipse, this celestial event was visible across a swath covering parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada and through the contiguous United States.
While the prime locations for viewing in New York were cities like Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Plattsburgh, we nonetheless enjoyed a bird's-eye view of the sun, donning protective glasses, from Manhattan.
We were a bit nervous as the bewitching hour approached, as the sky was filled with white, feathery cirrus clouds. Well, I assumed they were clouds, it might have simply been smog.
But in a divine moment, the skies cleared to offer us an ideal vantage point to observe the syzygy – alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon – near Hudson River Park by 14th Street along the West Side Highway. The collective experience of sharing this astronomical phenomenon with a crowd of strangers was uniquely bonding, an experience even more poignant in the bustling solitude of a vast city like New York.
