Mexico City to Cancun

We left Mexico City in high spirits at 7am (it was the only time we could extricate the truck from the car park), after 4 great days there, and headed East towards Oaxaca. After a long days drive we were exhausted. At about 8 pm, without any warning, the Motorway we driving along ended. There was no more even though it was clearly displayed on our maps. We decided to make camp 200 metres further along on what should have been dual carriage way. As we stopped the heavens opened and an amazing storm ensued. Tents were erected as quickly as possible, everything was soaked including us. People had to dig trenches and moats around their tents to save them from being washed away. It was a lovely night!!!!

Next day we visited more ruins at a place called Monte Alban. We have, by today, visited Aztec, Zapatecan, Mayan and Itza RUINS. Typical, nothing built to last, I mean some of these places are less than 1500 years old! What I will say, however, is that they must have all had access to one of those JML infra red plumb line doobys, 'cos they sure could build the temples in a straight line. I can only assume the Aztecs were distracted in their quest to discover a chocolate bar for the 1970's. They then realised, TOO LATE, people preffered Texans and Spangles (oh how I mourn their demise!). The only famous Zapatecan I can think of was Emile who I think was a long distance runner in the 70's (is there a theme running here?). I can only assume that the Mayans are so flushed with their success as extras in "Apocalypto" that they have moved out too. There was nobody home.

Mexico City to Cancun

Oaxaca was a pretty cool town, but the campsite was not. It was basically derelict and looked as though it had not been used for several years. Still it was better than the motorway. John, Gary and I went into town, about 3 miles away, to watch Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 in the final of the Copa America. After several beers we decided to "drink our way home" which is always a great idea. We got as far as the main square (3 bars) and a huge Festival kicked off. There was a constant procession of groups of people dancing, in different costumes. It was an amazing spectacle.

Having had a few we decided to join in, as you do??. I had just taught the boys a new song so we mingled with the throng (ooh that rhymes), singing Pigbag. People chanting around us did not look very happy (maybe they were Geordie sympathisers, didn't we finish above them last season?????????). It transpired that the "Festival" was actually a Demonstration for Independence. It was not until we saw some guys dressed up as guerillas that we realised the seriousness of the situation. Anyway, ever resourceful, I explained in my fluent Spanish (speaking loudly and putting "o" on the end of English words), that Middlesbrough is also seeking Independence and that Pigbag is our rallying cry. 10000 Mexicans loved it and have now adopted it as their "call to arms". Oh yeah, and if Mr. Mallon (mayor of Gods' Country for you heathens out there) is reading this blog, and why wouldn't he, you might be receiving a couple of dozen Kalashnikovs, some cluster bombs and several hundred black garbs to avoid detection, in the post real soon. It is amazing how quickly these things get out of hand. ONLY JOKING!!!

From Oaxaca we drove to San Christobal de la Casas which is reputedly one of the prettiest towns in Mexico. It lived up to its reputation. We stayed 3 nights and loved walking around its narrow cobbled streets, exploring its many churches and marvelling at the Artisan market. We managed one night on the beer with obligatory Tequila chasers. It did get a bit messy.

We then visited the Sumidero Canyon and took a boat ride. It was incredible. The Canyon walls rise, verticallly, over 1 km either side of the narrow gorge. We saw 4 crocodiles too. It was a real highlight.

Next day we stopped at a place called Azul Claro and swam in the most amazing emerald green water.

We visited Palenque, an amazing Mayan City. The ruins were in superb condition and you were allowed to roam freely through them. It is a huge site and well worth a visit. Our campsite, about a mile outside had a pool and a really cool bar. We were treated to live Mexican music which, I have to say, was pretty amazing. The only negative here is that we are firmly into the rainy season here and the humidity is increasing daily. You do find yourself going to "bed" damp, sleeping in a wet tent, then putting on slightly cooler damp clothes in the morning. NICE!!!! It does make sleep difficult. At night we sat around the truck listening to the Howler Monkeys in the trees above us. Truly a surreal and weird experience. It sounded like a scene from Jurassic Park. Very primeaval.

From Palenque we drove to Chichen Itza, which is kind of the jewel in the crown of Mexicos' ruins (although, in my opinion, not as spectacular or breathtaking as Palenque, which sits amidst the jungle. (Palenque means "surrounded by trees"). This may be because a) its proximity to Cancun (about 2 1/2 hours away means it is awash with tourists) and b) you can no longer climb any of the amazing temples there. I guess its addition in the new list of "Wonders of the Modern World" has contributed to its popularity and need to be preserved. It definitely deserves a place on the list, although I would have thought Hutton Rudby Village Hall might have edged it out.

We, finally, (sighs of relief all round) rocked up in Cancun yesterday. I am really quite surprised by Cancun. I fully expected it to be like Blackpool but found it modern, upmarket, welcoming, fun and treating us to the most beautiful sunsets thus far.

Unfortunately (here we go again), it is not all good news.

Chad and I went out last night. We had a few beers then ended up in a bar called Senor Frogs. We paid a 400 peso (about £20) cover charge. This meant that drinks were free all night. We started on beer with Tequila chasers, then on to rum and coke, with Tequila Chasers, then Vodka and orange, with........, then cocktails........... then back to beer........... After drinking our own body weight in alcomohol we left, at 3am, and attempted to get a taxi/bus home. After trying for nearly an hour I found myself desperate to do what comes naturally, so I walked down an embankment, through some trees and did the deed. Unbeknowst to me I had been spotted by the local Constabulary, so 30 seconds later I was in my, by now, customary position of being spread eagled across the bonnet of their car and then handcuffed and thrown in the back because I refused to pay their fine. OOPS!. What I did not realise, until this morning, is that when they made me empty my pockets, they neglected to return my camera and money. The money does not concern me but losing my camera means I do not have any photos since Mexico City (so no blog pics, I am afraid). It is all a bit depressing, but will teach me a valuable lesson, I WISH!!!!!

We finally found a bus to bring us the 8 kms or so home, promptly fell asleep and woke up 12 kms past where we should have got off. So, all in all, a great finish to the night. Had a great time though!!!

Setting off for Belize tomorrow, so 'til the next time

Lots of love

Paul X