Puebla

We arrived here yesterday from Xalapa. The first thing we did was drive through the battle site of the famous Cinco de Mayo battle. I had always known that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Indepence Day and that it was more of an excuse to drink Margaritas in the United States than it is a holiday in Mexico, but only yesterday did I learn of its true significance. The battle of Cinco de Mayo is the only battle Mexico has ever won against a foreign army. Its only victory. Ever.

After that we checked into our hotel, which was being decorated for a wedding reception. It was so beautiful, I just have to post some pictures. I really wanted to stay awake for the reception, but the bride and groom and their guests didn't arrive until almost 11 p.m. Soon the music started, and I put my earplugs in and slept. The party continued until almost 4 a.m., but somehow, they managed to change the reception hall into a breakfast hall by the time I went downstairs this morning.

Late yesterday afternoon, our guide took us to La Casona de La China Poblana, a restaurant that serves a dish by the same name. We drank Mexican wine and cheladas and experiemented with all sort of new foods, including some kind of Mexican cavier that I think is made with ant larvae. I didn't try it, but I did take a picture to include in my life cycles curriculum next year. I also tried my first and, possibly, last mole, a type of Mexican sauce.

After lunch, we walked around Puebla a bit until we walked upon a protest taking place at the town square. We saw a similar protest the other day in Xalapa, too. People are upset about the country's recent presidential election. Many people believe the guy who won, Peña Nieto, won fraudulently. In fact, the two Mexican citizens who are traveling with us were not able to vote because the voting station was out of ballots. I wish I were more knowledgeable about the election, but it a complex issue that I have yet to comprehend comple. Even so, it was interesting to see the protests. It felt like I was in on a little piece of history in the making. Probably not, but it felt that way.

Tomorrow, we will make one more stop in Puebla before traveling to Mexico City.