12 Days in Mexico

Nuestro Viaje!
We traveled for 12 days through the colonial heartland of Mexico this August. We chose to visit Mexico City as much for it's crazy reputation as for it's comfy year-round temperate weather.

When we finally got to our hotel, situated behind the Catedral Metropolitana in the Zocálo - we were happy to find it clean and comfortable and with CNN access! We spent 4 days exploring Mexico City's neighborhoods, restaurants and nightlife before taking a short flight to Oaxaca City. The next 5 days were spent in the smaller colonial city of Oaxaca, which was much more manageable to walk around -- no subway needed! Although we did venture out on a 2nd class bus to visit the largest tree in the world... now that was an adventure. Our bus broke down 4 times in a heavy rainstorm before dropping us off as promised at the largest tree in the world. One of the things that really struck me about this trip was that we were experiencing the real Mexico in many ways. There were no real tourist attractions in Oaxaca and most local people were just going about their day selling their wares and trying to make a living as they had for centuries. There was also a huge emphasis on the family that is not seen so much in the USA. It was not uncommon to see little babies out with their parents late at night and young children playing everywhere. And finally we concluded our adventure at the beach in Puerto Escondido. There was a nice little strip of restaurants serving up some great vegetarian food for the resident hippies and surfing tourists as well as plenty of great Ceviche and seafood. The waves were gi-normous! But we did find one great cove where we could float in the waves all afternoon -- which was pretty much like paradise.