Blogs from Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico, North America

We find ourselves in desperate need to be removed from Oregon, the shopkeepers tell us it hasn't rained in months but it’s coming and once it arrives, you can be sure it’s going to drizzle every single day thru march. It was rather comical because it was our first time bikepacking and we couldn't believe how many other people were doing it but in actuality, it only seemed that way because we were the only ones traveling north along the pacific coast in mid-September. Ultimately it did just what we expected, it rained, and I really thought my boots would keep my feet dry, not a chance. We both started to go crazy trying to plan our next move, searching craigslist for a ride out of Portland, applying for jobs in ski towns. Sam ditched his ... read more

Hallo! Wir melden uns nun nochmal mit einem kurzen Eintrag, bevor wir unsere Reise am Mittwoch starten. Die Arbeit die wir im Heim machen hat sich seit 3 Wochen etwa veraendert, wir unterrichten die erste und zweite Klasse in Englisch, was wirklich viel Spass macht! Am Anfang war es etwas komisch eine erste Klasse zu haben, bei der die Kinder zwischen 5 und 13 Jahren alt sind und zum Teil besondere Aufmerksamkeit brauchen, aber mittlerweile ist das unsere Lieblingsklasse und es macht so viel Spass. Wir haben ein Projekt am Laufen, das den Kindern viel Freude macht und zwar so viel, dass wir die Geschichte, von der das Projekt handelt noch einen 2. Teil bekommen hat und weil die Kinder wissen wollen wie es weiter geht und die Riesen George und Georgina eine Familie bekommen sollen ... read more

I spent the day in an incredible scenic little puebla about 30 minutes away from Cuernavaca called Tepoztlan. It has a reputation as a center of power-like Sedona Az so it does have an element of tourism but it’s so charming, that’s easy to overlook. The market is very Mexican with an abundance of cheap food of all kinds readily available. Around the center of town, there’s an outdoor market with lots of handmade things but also lot’s of the usual crap. I visited the little museum in town where there are many incredible pre-Columbian artifacts, and then walked the town a little more and came upon a very nice little café with an upstairs eating area with a nice view of the mountains and the pyramid on top. I actually had hibiscus tacos with guacamole, ... read more

Shakked and Amit summarized in their journals so well these past five days in Tepoztlan that citing them will be the best way to go: Shakked: "This is an amazing town! Brightly painted houses and stores are built on either side of a cobbled street and breathtaking mountains loom all around. Vendors wait at every corner, selling their goods.But, in my opinion, the most amazing part of the city is the market. Booths and shops are built in a huge plaza, unlike anything back in Hawaii. People roam around, chomping on delicacies while chatting with friends or bargaining about prices. And the things for sale! Brightly colored wooden drums, flutes, masks and bowls. Beautifully carved and painted pottery, toys and musical instruments. Most of the time we (Amit and I) learned Spanish in an amazing little ... read more

Hola! Yesterday I went to a town about 30min away called Tepoztlan. It is really green, mountainous, and lush. There is a hike up to an ancient Aztec pyramid with a great view. I went with three other volunteers, Josie, Tommy, and Leslee and Leslee's mom who was visiting. The trail is steep and rocky and there were a TON of people. There were a ton a families too with little kids. The Mexicans hiking looked like they were dressed to the mall! This one woman we saw was walking down in high heels!!! I was scared to loose my footing with my all terrain outdoor sandals on. We had a great lunch afterwards, and then walked around and shopped. I bought a cool t-shirt with this Aztec woman on the front. I hope these pictures ... read more