Mexico Day 5

We were out by 8.30 to go to Monte Alban, a Zapotean site. The name relates to a Spanish landowner of the 16th century. In 500 BCE the Zapoteans moved into the Oaxaca region and began the monumental task of levelling the top of a 1600m mountain that intersects and divides three valleys. Here they built the city of Monte Alban, with a maze of subterranean passageways, rooms, drainage and water storage systems.

After a few steep climbs up and down high steps to view this enormous site, we returned down the mountain to Oaxaca (Pronounced Wa - haka), where we shared a tortilla like a giant but thin and crisp pizza, topped with re-fried beans, sliced avocado, tomatoes and melted cheese. It was close on 30c so a small beer was needed. The restaurant was in the zocalo, (main square).

We had a look round the market, with its shoe, dress, veg, meat, bag and souvenir sections before finding a chocolate shop where I bought a jar of mole for Linda. She is an adventurous cook so I’m sure she’ll enjoy cooking something nice with it.

After a wander round the pretty colourful streets it was time to puff our way up the hill to our hotel - it is hot and we are at about 5000ft. Not high but higher than anywhere in UK.

My Blip is my starter, actually from last night. We were the only ones in the group to order the local delicacy of guacamole with grasshoppers. I know I’m not a meat-eater - Nathaniel’s Buddhist tendencies came out when he said “What did the crickets do to you?!” There wasn’t much meat on them. We spread the guacamole on tortillas and then put a layer of grasshoppers before rolling it up. I insisted on having a tequila to help it down, but actually they were quite tasty - crisp with a lime flavour. I believe trying the local food is part of the travelling experience.