(^80) Mexico City (and Veracruz)
Early morning, I checked the internet. Sure enough, the flights to SA
via the USA were cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. I took the
underground to the airport and rescheduled for 5 November.
Impulsively, we hopped on a bus to Veracruz, situated along the
Caribbean coast. The southern bus terminus was modern and new,
and the bus luxurious, offering aeroplane-like service. The bus flew
down the mountain via tunnels and high bridges, past the country’s
highest peak, the snow-capped Pico De Orizaba. After five hours, we
were spat out at Veracruz, situated along the Caribbean coast, where
the weather was warm and humid.
Veracruz
The first of November is the “Day of the Dead” (Dia de Los Muertos),
when people remember and honour deceased loved ones. It’s
believed the spirits return on this one day to be together with their
families. Offerings of flowers and small amounts of the deceased’s
favourite food were made. Parades, floats and people dressed in
scary costumes filled the city. All in all, heaps of fun.
The town centre had a significant market where one could find almost
anything, including clothes, bags, wallets, shoes, etc. For a
reasonable fee, I replaced the zipper of my backpack, after which I
proceeded to the waterfront for a short boat ride around the harbour,
offering beautiful sunset views. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, I
hopped on a bus for a brief city tour.
leana
(Leana)
#1