Dear Take 5ers,

Our top tips for making the most of Mexico City

My youngest daughter, Kate, recently moved from Qld to NSW for a new job. It’s her rst time moving out of home, as she lived with me during her time at uni. During COVID, she bought a cattle dog pup she called Bingo. She adored the pup, walking him twice a day and buying all his food and toys. Her new job is in a city and her apartment has a no-pet rule, so she left him at my house until she could nd a pet-friendly at. It’s been six months and every time I ask her about moving Bingo over, she tells me she’ll gure it out soon. Bingo is lovely but I’m in my 60s and live alone. I just don’t have enough energy for a young dog. Last month, on a walk he got excited and darted in front of me, I tripped over him and fractured my leg. Ever since then I’ve been terri ed of poor Bingo. Last week I surrendered him to a local rescue. I feel awful, but I couldn’t keep up with him. Kate is visiting this weekend and I haven’t told her yet. What should I do?

You could have said no to taking the dog in the rst place, if you’re too old for a puppy. You could have told your daughter to organise a dog walker. It wasn’t your place to surrender the dog. That’s rotten. Get ready for a lot of fallout from your daughter.

You should have talked to her before surrendering the dog. It’s not always easy to accommodate a dog in rental properties, and I understand your own health needs to be considered, but you have jeopardised your ongoing relationship with your daughter by disposing of her dog without consulting her.

Mexico City (known as CDMX) is having a moment. And while it still may not be top of your list now, there are some very good reasons to make it part of any trip to North America.

Stay at The Mondrian Mexico City Condesa – situated right where Condesa and Roma meet, and within walking distance of the Centro Historico and those Instaworthy CDMX landmarks like the Angel of Independence. The hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway in the heart of a large city – comfortable and quiet, with a fabulous rooftop bar, a great coffee

and is equally photo-worthy, with a too-cool-for-school modern covered market, Mercado Roma, here as well. shop and restaurant, and access to a pool in sister hotel, The Andaz. There’s no better place for a hard-earned siesta after a long day of exploring.