When most cities in Europe were still disease pits lousy with crime, Tenochtitlan felt like a place outside of time and space to the Spanish conquistadors who captured the city in the early 1500s. The Aztec metropolis evolved into modern day Mexico City, which is one of the cultural epicenters of North America. Playboy Club Creator and international runway model Emelina Adams adores Mexico City and its timeless qualities. Here’s why.

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Why Emelina Adams loves Mexico City

“I love the culture and the architecture,” Emelina told PLAYBOY. “There’s beauty all around, down every street. And I just love feeling like I’m in a different era.”

Emelina’s most recent trip was equal parts business and pleasure. On the professional end, Emelina hit the runway for Guess as part of a fashion show. But aside from stealing the spotlight sporting this year’s styles, Emelina also took in some of the best sights the city has to offer.

Among her stops were the Frida Kahlo museum, the cobalt-blue enclave that houses Kahlo’s creations, along with works from other prominent Mexican artists.

“The museum is so colorful,” Emelina says. “And I loved learning so much about an artist I wasn’t familiar with.”

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Emelina also schlepped northeast of the city to visit San Juan Teotihuacán, the site of some prominent pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun stretches back to 250 AD, and was a center of religious importance for early Mesoamericans.

Emelina’s travel itinerary has slowed down recently, but she’s been to 12 different countries and loves to immerse herself in the local culture, especially its cuisine.

“The food was just amazing,” Emelina says. “I love trying the food of whatever country I’m in. And I’m for whatever, wherever, whenever.”

Emelina Adams is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.