Mexico

Palenque

I wish I could say something poetic about Palenque and its history but I struggle to get my head around the significance of the Mayan people who lived there during its day. A cursory glance at their society reveals a seemingly barbaric time with little by way of creature comforts but a closer look exposes […]

Rain, rain, go away

It’s raining most days now as I ride further south so I try to schedule my activities around the certain afternoon showers. The next segment of my trek takes me from the highlands of Oaxaca to the highlands of San Cristobal. The ~400 mile stretch of road connecting the cities of Oaxaca and San Cris […]

Ancient Mayan cities

a view of the Mayan city of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. Fascinating place rich in Pre Colombian history. Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico

Election day in Oaxaca

Points of Interest: Oaxaca, Cuajimoloyas It’s election time for many states in Mexico and as I explored the city of Oaxaca the signs of political strife were evident. The campus was overrun with teachers from all over the state protesting wages. I listened to accounts of corruption under the current PRI party and observed a […]

World cup goodness

Points of Interest: Guanajuato, Patzcuaro, Taxco Coincidentally I’m traveling through the heart of Mexico during the 2010 World Cup. Like many Americans my age I had little exposure to the sport growing up and I’d be hard pressed to name one player on the US soccer team. I do however enjoy team sports and I […]

Breaking the code

“What does seem to be required of the individual is that he learn enough pieces of expression that he be able to fill in and manage, more or less, any part that he is likely to be given.” –Erving Goffman Learning conversational Espanol is a stated goal of this trip and in that pursuit I’m […]

Mas practica

Taking in the view of the historic centro (and studying!) from atop the Hostal Villa Colonial in my favorite city in Mexico. Zacatecas, Mexico

I heart Zacatecas

Zacatecas takes its name from the Aztec name given to the grass abundant in the region. History of the region’s settlement prior to the Conquistadors is uncertain and accounts vary. The general consensus is the Zacatecos were part of the semi-nomadic indigenous tribes of the Chichimecan peoples who inhabited the region. Evidence suggests the Chichimecan […]

Hanging at Casa del Vikingo

I wrap up my ride through the Sonoran desert in Mazatlan where Glen, aka the Strikingviking, rolls out the welcome mat and gives me a whirlwind tour of the city. Historic colonial architecture, markets, sandy beaches, nightlife, Maz boasts a thriving tourism industry. We spend the days hitting some of Glen’s favorite eating establishments and […]

Leaving

Was Lloyd Dobler on to something? The combination of not working, perfect weather, and hanging out with friends were making it difficult to embark on this trip. Placing life on hold was more taxing than I expected and second thoughts began to creep into my consciousness. I needed to get on the road. Phoenix is […]