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MEXICO, SEPTEMBER 15 2005 |
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Mount Rainier, 4392m Washington,
USA |
From Western Canada to the
huge Mexico City
After a night of insomnia, we leave the city of Prince George,
located at the North of British Columbia. Then 4800 km, 8 hours
of flight, and 3 layovers later, we finally land in Mexico City.
All along the flight, we could enjoy an incredible landscape
filled with mountains. At night, we could observe all the lights
coming out of big cities on our way. Eternal snows and
fire-coloured sunsets make it unreal. Overtiredness takes hold
of us and everywhere we can, on airport seats and in planes, we
nod off. Once in Mexico City, we take the subway, already
crowded with people going to work, to reach our hotel. Mexico’s
subway is the cheapest in the world, which is 20 cents in
Canadian money! Our huge backpacks are quite disturbing for
moving, we must increase our awareness to avoid robbery. |
18 000 000 of inhabitants
For us, who grew up in a city of 15 000, it’s a shock. 18
million people live in this city, which is nine times the city
of Montreal. We rented a little room in a hotel located right in
the historical center of the city. There are merchants installed
everywhere on the streets. They do their best with what they
have. The place and the traffic are a bit chaotic, but we
expected worst. People are nice and merchants don’t annoy us
that much. We have to understand that for most of them, it’s a
matter of survival. Even though we see policemen at each corner,
the corruption that prevails in this country brings us to
mistrust them. We’ll be staying here for 8 days to visit the
city and walk in this human jungle. |
Street of Mexico city |
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Heart touching
470km south of Mexico City, we set foot in the city of Oaxaca.
The place is superb and we feel a fun-filled atmosphere.
Everyday, Mexican music echoes on the central place. In front of
the cathedral of Oaxaca, children are playing throwing long
cylinder-shaped air bags. Plus, for 2 hours, we get to admire a
dance show given by the local children. At the end, without it
being part of the show, a little girl comes up to Caroline and
gives her the pineapple she used for her last dance number. We
were very surprised and so touched by her kindness that words
missed to thank her adequately. |
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Temples of Monte Albán
Set high up on an artificial hill, 11km from the city of Oaxaca,
we explored pyramids, temples, underground passages, an
observatory and a ball game. The site was occupied ten centuries
B.C. by the Zapotec civilisation with about the 25 000
inhabitants. Human sacrifices were practiced there.
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A winding road
Once again, we take the bus to get to the Mexican west cost.
While most of the other tourists take first class buses, we take
second class. Not only are they less expensive, but they give us
the opportunity to mix with the locals. Seven hours of a very
winding road is waiting for us. Patrick will get close to being
sick, while Caroline will buy herself frozen popsicles to ease
her dizziness. |
Water flood, Mazunte |
Port, Puerto Escondido |
Golden cliff, Mazunte |
Beach and surf
After crossing the Sierra Madre del Sur, we arrive in Puerto
Escondido, both a seaport and a tourist site. Even before there
were paved roads to get there, the place was well-known for its
huge waves. The beach of Zicatela is ranked third in the world
for surfing. Australia and Hawaii are in first and second
position. Close to there, we settle our tent in the a little
community of 400 people called Mazunte. We prefer sleeping with
our material instead of taking a bed that has been shared among
who knows how many people. However, camping sites are rare in
Mexico. Some hotels and hostels allow us to camp and leave them
our valuable goods. During day time, heat and dampness become so
insufferable that we avoid going under the sun. |
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