Puebla

I had a mere 24hrs in Puebla, so I made them count! What a stunning city. I stated in a barrio (neighbourhood) called Los Sapos, known for it's beautiful and colourful houses. My hostel, Casa Pepe, was clean and I had an all-female dorm, AND a bottom bunk!

I arrived at 9:45am to be immediately welcomed on a walking tour in nearby town Cholula. I dumped my bags and went! Our guide was an energetic and knowledgeable Mexican called Gastón. We hiked all the way to the top of a Toltec pyramid, on top of which the Spanish conquistadores destroyed the temple and built a church. The views were breathtaking, I could see two active volcanoes in the distance, one of which has just erupted in the last month!

At the bottom we explored the town. I found $150MXN on the floor and gave it to the tour guide. In return he took us to drink some pulque. This is the liqueur that comes from the Agave plant before it is turned into tequila. It has around 5% alcohol and has a saliva-like texture - I had to keep reminding myself that it's because it's from a cactus!

Then back to Puebla where I spent the afternoon wandering the historic centre. I then took part in a cumbia dance class. My assigned partner was a Dutch-speaking Belgian so it was brilliant to be able to speak Dutch again! I also met two Austrian girls and was able to speak German quite a bit. In a funny turn of events, I met two lads from Bolton! One lives in Mexico City and is a professional poker player. Apparently European poker players move to Mexico so that they can work normal hours as opposed to overnight! The things you learn whilst travelling! I was pleased at their sense of awe when I told them where I work - the prestige of Bolton School travels far. We ended up going to a bar for some drinks but I didn't stay too late as the cosch to my next destination, Oaxaca, was at 7am...!