Got up early for the drive to Puebla. It was mostly boring highways, as I went around Mexico City. The roads are noticeable better the closer I get to the big city and devoid of holes that swallow your car. I pulled into Puebla after fighting the traffic around two major cities. I have to be honest, I really hit a wall today. Traveling is such a passion for me but two weeks straight caught up with me. I just wanted to be alone, relax, and wish I was home again. I know about this stage in a trip. You just have to power through and ride out the rough times. To offset these strong feelings, I started walking around the beautiful city square about 4-blocks away. I spied a total tourist restaurant and, being one myself, I sat down to be ripped off. Contrary to initial thoughts, I had one of the best Mexican meals, so far. I snapped a few photos, which does not do this city justice and then went back to the hotel to withdrawal from the world.
> After a good night rest, I set out for Oaxaca. I have been longing to see the town for many years, as it is a world heritage city. The drive out of Puebla was marred with bumper-to-bumper traffic. I was beginning to feel down again when the traffic cleared and I started climbing back into the mountains. I just kept going up, up, and up in the mountains. The beast was straining, but I was instantly rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery that I have ever seen. The road hugged the edge of the mountains and there was always a valley on one side to gaze at. The cactus were growing very thickly up and down the hills like a forest. I have never seen so many cactus on one area. I suspect that AZ use to look similar when the West was being settled. I stopped several times to take photos, but was unable to catch the effect. So, after awhile, I just stopped taking pictures and took in the beauty. Aside from occasionally running into slow moving tractor trailers, I could just go at my own pace. It was one of the best drives of my life and started getting back into the trip and thinking about my next stop in Oaxaca.
From Arizona to Panama Canal 