Puebla

It’s a 2 hour bus journey from Mexico City to Puebla, where we spend the next two days. It’s a really cute town full of colourful streets and beautiful colonial buildings. 

We spend the first day wandering around Puebla itself, checking out the local markets and the artisan shops. That afternoon I start to feel really ill. My whole body ached and I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. I also had no appetite, even though I hadn’t eaten all day. Even when Raquel bought Cheetos, I couldn’t stomach any. Those who know me well will understand just how ill I must have been to turn down crisps. 

But I don’t want to miss out on the festival, so I head back out regardless. I’ve no desire to eat dinner, but force down some sweetcorn soup. I’m annoyed that I’m in a town famous for its food and I can’t even try it!

We stop by the main square after dinner where there are lots of illuminated decorations. There’s also a really cool light show projected onto the town hall building which tells the story of the history of day of the dead. Kids (and adults) are out in force dressed up and walking the crowds asking for sweeties/money. The costumes here are next level and people go all out. There was a little girl, she couldn’t have been older than two, dressed really creepy rocking back and forth in a rocking chair. I thought it was a doll at first! It did cross my mind whether the whole thing bordered on child abuse!

The next day we hop in an Uber and drive 20 minutes to the town of Cholula which is famous for its beautiful church built on top of an ancient pyramid. We spend around 6 hours in the town, entering pretty much every shop and market there is, even though they all sell the exact same tat. We stop for lunch in the market where we try cemitas - a typical dish of the region which is basically a sandwich filled with chicken, cheese and avocado. We order one to share as they’re the size of my head and I still don’t have much of an appetite. 

That evening we head to El Mural de los Poblanos for dinner which is famous for its mole. I’m gutted as I still feel terrible and can’t stomach anything, so I sit and watch Raquel eat hers while I force down some chicken consommé! Lets hope I feel better tomorrow as it’s off to Oaxaca, the culinary capital of Mexico!