To the hills

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We left Puebla via a visit to Jessica's school. The children had prepared lots of questions for us about life in the UK and our tour.

The children were lovely. They were really interested and engaged and they all spoke really good English (apparently they are keen to speak with an English accent rather than an American one). We really enjoyed our visit to the school - it had been one of the highlights of our trip so far.

We left town with views across to Popocatépetl which was very active and spewing huge quantities of smoke and ash into the air.

Our next stop was Tecali de Herrara. Rachel has already posted about the intensive onyx and marble industry there. There must have been 2 miles on the way into town where every shop was a stone workshop selling just about everything imaginable made from stone.

In the town centre we discovered a new food treat. Fried strips of banana covered in a variety of sweet things (cream, condensed milk and chocolate sprinkles). It was a calorie fest and we couldn't get enough.

We had an early finish as we wanted a chill day. We found a nice little place to camp with views across to the snow capped Pico de Orizaba. It is the highest mountain in Mexico and the highest volcano in the Americas.

We had not gone far the next morning when we passed this amazing aquaduct. It was huge and so broad that joked that we could have pitched our tent on top (however it might have made night time toilet trips a bit scary)

Rachel has already commented about some of the intricate arches we have passed through on the way into and out of towns.

We were passing lots of agriculture which indicated a reasonable supply of water. This is a field of lettuce. We were puzzled by the apparent cultivation of cacti. There were rows and rows of them, many supported by elaborate towers.

We had a great huarache in town. We also discovered that the dough has crushed beans in it. Super nutritious. When chatting to the owner, we learnt that the cacti are grown for their fruits - pitaya. This is used in all sorts of products. We are still ruing the decision to turn down a pitaya ice cream.

They clearly make quite a contribution to the local economy as they are celebrated in this super mural.

No day is complete with a full set of selfies with a group of interested locals. This one is with Oscar, Sol and friends. We can't get over just how friendly and interested everyone is 

Stopped for the night in Tehuacán. Found a hotel for £15 right in the centre with secure storage for the bike. Incredible.

On our way back from eating we walked through the main plaza to discover a band playing in the bandstand. We joined the crowds listening from the surrounding benches. We didn't join the few brave souls that were dancing.

Next day we passed this spanning the road. We have no idea what it is but it was certainly striking. Met Miguel at a service station. We were having a snack in some shade and he was repairing the flood lights. We exchanged details about our families and he insisted on buying us a Coke each. Wow.

Just a random photo of something sweet we rode past.

We passed Calipan and found a crazy food stop / bar where we had second breakfast. We met Jesus who is a truck driver from Tabasco. He assured us he would keep an eye out for us as he drives around a lot. I hope he does keep his eyes open as he was guzzling pulque at 10 in the morning.

Passed into another state. To be honest. I've lost count now - Dad, have you been keeping track?

Rachel has posted about the Tuk Tuk buzzing around Teotilán de Flores Magón. We had a much needed ice cream and cold drink before finding a hose in the park to drench ourselves with ahead of the climb out of town. The cooling effect didn't last long as we had the bright sun on one side and the heat radiating off the rocks on the other 

We were beginning to despair of finding a camp spot as there was no flat ground anywhere. 

However, at just the right moment we spotted a track that led off the road. It went round a bend and ended. Perfect - that meant it was out of sight and not a through route. There was a flat patch of dry river bed that was easily converted into a perfect place for a tent. 

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