I left San Juan, Mexico on the 31st of May and
drove through Puebla, Puebla. I had planned to stop at the Cholula Pyramid that
was on the way, but road construction and terrible traffic had me defer that
idea for another date. Normally in my travels I have the luxury of mine own
pace and timeline but not this time. I have 800 miles to cover in less than
five days and cannot be delayed or my visa issues will continue. I did drive
300 miles the first day, arriving in Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca, two states later
at about 4pm. This is about the time I want to arrive. It gives me time to
setup and get orientated before dark.
Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca is a small village just to the
southeast of Oaxaca City in the state of Oaxaca. This is the home of the
largest tree, by mass in the world. As I walked twining down the streets from
where I am camping, toward the town center and through the park to the
churchyard where the tree resides, I keep looking around trying to identify what
my mind’s eye had thought this tree would look like. At first sight, I said, “Holly
Shit!” It is not a towering tree; but hidden from view due to its droopy leaf full
branches was its true magnificence. It is not until you are up close and under
the canopy of the tree that you see the awe of this tree.
Santa Maria del Tule has many points of exceptional value
that should be investigated, and the area is where most of the Mexican crafts
and specialties are crafted. That makes it the perfect place to buy. I want to
be sure before I return home to the states, to stop by and get some accessories
for my home.
In this town the Overlanders Oasis, a RV and Camping Spot http://www.overlanderoasis.com they
are well worth a visit. It is small, so they do prefer a heads up before you
come. Calvin and Leanne have been there since 2008. They are working on their home
a former restaurant. It is as unique as they are. Calvin is extremely skilled
in fixing things, he fixed my trailer to. A Great job done!
This town and camping area are charming and worth a long
visit. I will be back to visit both.
My next overnight stay on 1st of June was in
Arriaga just inside the state of Chiapas near the cost. I stayed at the El Parador
Auto Hotel hotel_elparador@yahoo.com.mx.
They charged me 150 pesos to sleep in the parking lot, bathrooms and shower did
not have any doors, they locked the main door to the restrooms at night.
The town is in dreadful shape I did not find any street, not
in need of serious repair. The principal town looks promising with an attractive
town square, open market and I found the people to be great. I do not
understand the politics about letting stuff go so far; as far as that goes I
hardly understand the politics back home.
I have no plans to return or stay at either one of these two
places again.
Tapachula, Chiapas and the Hotel Cervantion ($13.78 for the
night) http://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/cervantino.en-gb.html
on 2nd of June it is two miles from the border of Guatemala and near the cost. I found this town full of
one-way streets, charm and good food. The Hotel I found hard to find so I
hailed a taxi and followed him. The best 20 pesos I ever spent. The Hotel is
much like most of the homes and businesses here the outside is deceiving with
its understatement, once inside it is impressive with its grand lobby and central
courtyard. My room was clean and comfortable with all the basics. I enjoyed my
stay and the staff was very friendly and helpful. I recommend both the town and
hotel for a visit.
On the 3rd of June I left Mexico for Guatemala to
make a U-turn back into Mexico to finish up the paperwork on my car then I
could continue my journey. That sounds simple enough, right! My home made
trailer needs to have its VIN number somewhere that it can be read and
photographed. Well after 40 to 50 years and layers of paint, no number could be
found. So I could not re-enter Mexico or get my $250 deposit back with that
trailer. So a new chapter in my travels just started.
Guatemala is now my new home for a few weeks then off to
another country. More about that later…
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