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“I was offered all sorts of drugs on the beach, which was a kind jesture, but the only drug I felt like was caffiene.” |
My overnight OCC bus from Mexico City down to Puerto Escondido was a grueling journey. The bus was very nice and comfy, as most mexican long-distance busses are, however, for most of the journey there was torrential rain and storms, so the bus had to travel much slower than usual. The journey was supposed to take 14 hours , actually took 19.
Got to Puerto Escondido just after lunch feeling very tired and in need of a sleep. Checked into the Hostel Mayflower right on the main street near the beach, great location, but just a mediciocre hostel compared to others in Mexico.
Had a bit of a wander around the small laid back fishing village. I was offered all sorts of drugs on the beach, which was a kind gesture, but the only drug I felt like was caffeine. Also tried to get some cash out of the HSBC ATM on the main street which ate my bank card.....be warned travelers - don´t use that ATM. A huge inconvenience at the start of my trip, now I would be forced to make expensive cash advances and use TC´s. Put me right in a bad mood. Decided a nap was the answer, so after making a $10 phone call to my bank to cancel the card, went back to the Mayflower. Much to my own disgust, my catnap turned into a 15 hour sleep. I must have been really shagged.
The next day I spent the day (as per the recommendation from the hostel) at the wonderful Playa Carazilillo (I may have the spelling wrong), but it was a lovely beach cove 30 minutes walk (or $2 taxi ride) north of town. It was one of the most pristine beaches with beautiful blue/green water and white sand. There were a couple of little kiosks and bars on the beach and they brought beer right to you. I could get used to this.
My sleeping problems hit hard again, as I dozed off on the beach with no sunscreen on. Must have been asleep for an hour or so, and got burned to a crisp. Of course I had my sunnies on, so I had a white strip across my red peeling face. Not only were the locals starring at me coz I´m twice their size (they´re very little people) but also because I looked like a leprocy-ridden raccoon.
So, badly sunburned, drunk, blistered and chafing, and running late for my next overnight bus, I hauled my arse back up to the Mayflower for a very quick shower, and checkout. Got up to the OCC bus terminal with minutes to spare. Ahead, another 13 hour overnighter to San Cristobal de las Casas.
previous travel blog entry
PuertoEsco says:
I agree with you about Playa - what a gorgeous, untouched beach. I loved Puerto Escondido because of how untouched it is. Were you able to surf there at all? Supposed to be one of the best places in the world to do that.