Blogs from Mexico, North America - page 639

UntitledThis morning we went to the Universidad Veracruzana to hear two different lectures. The first was by Dr. Rodríguez who presented on “The Impact of Climate Change in Veracruz”. There were many different aspects presented on the enviornment and how much of a negative effect man has had on the area of Veracruz and the need for conservation. Interestingly most of the research is being done by the U.K. and other European countries. The second lecture was by Dr. Rivera on “Politics and Society in Contemporary Veracruz”. There was a lot information given out, which only touched on some of the issues and successes of Mexico. Some facts are: There are three main political parties in Mexico- PRD (left-wing party); PRI (old regime party); and PAN (right-wing conservative party) that currently holds presidency. Currently 11.5% of ... read more

After a week in Distrito Federal and visiting city after city I thought it was time for a change of pace for a bit. I headed for the Oaxaca coast to check out some of the nicest beaches along Mexico's Pacific. In order to reach Puerto Escondido I decided to go to Acapulco first in order to break up what would have been a 12 hour bus ride. Upon arrival to Acapulco I must say I was extremely disappointed. It was this large city with all these high rise edificios, the beaches were small and crowded and the city was very dirty. I was not impressed!! No problem though, I hopped on the earliest bus to Puerto Escondido and found exactly what I was looking for!! I had such a great time in Puerto that I ... read more

Xalapa from CaliforniaFrom the city of Puebla we headed to Xalapa. (Pronounced HA-LA-PA) On our way we headed went to a childrenx00s orphanage for boys called IPODERAC. Its a great place which serves street children who are runaways or abonded. There are 60 boys that live there, and are sent to school, taught independents life skills, socializing skills, and technical skills. The boys range in age from 6 years-old to 18 years-old. All of them are there by their own choice, and the organization is privately funded. It as started 40 years ago by a woman that through various life tragedies realized the need for a place where children rejected by society could be given a chance. The orphanage also produces goods like cheese, and soap. In fact you can purchase their soaps through their website ... read more

Oaxaca is a smallish city situated well south of Mexico City. It lies in the mountains and is reached by good roads. The truck stayed in a trailer camp that was only half there. The Oaxaca Trailer Camp situated at the corner of Violetta and Navel Militare, has been half sold to some one who is building a very large building at that corner. Only the men’s bathroom was open and as follows the rule since arriving in Mexico… paper is not flushed down the toilet. Even number two paper is deposited in a basket… (some with plastic liners…many not…) that stands beside the toilet bowl … at times closer to ones face than comfortable. The place was as usual set up for RV’s so it was dusty and hard ground into which we had to ... read more

From Puebla, we continued our travels through the state of Oaxaca to the capital Oaxaca City, which is approx. 4 hours by bus. The bus travel has been fairly good to us, much better than the bus travel I experienced while traveling in other countries. We always opt for the first class buses though. Typically they are direct as well. Other classes of buses may stop for whoever they see on the side of the road. If you get motion sickness flying may be a better option because every trip is a curvy and winding road up, down and through the mountains. Our "student"id's have definitely been a bonus too. All summer our tickets are half price. Upon arrival to the Cristobal Colon bus terminal, we retrieved our bags and flagged down a taxi. Our ... read more