Jan. 7 – Oaxaca to Cintalapa, Chiapas
Up early in the hostel, found a really cheap breakfast, and hit the road. Noticed that some one had pried out a couple of rubber spacers off our tail-racks, but that should be no big deal. Lots of goodbyes – the Germans, and Anthony.
Easy out of town for a change. The Oaxaca valley used to be intensly used for agriculture; now most of the small plots lie fallow – the story I heard is that the men are off in the US or DF, and the women cannot work the land alone. In any rate, the land lies un-used. We drove past Mitla, Teotitlan de Valle, lots of mezcal fabriques.
Then into some incredible mountains. Cactus forests of amazing proportions; trees with bark that looked like red foil christmas wrap; mountains made of pink, black, red, yellow, purple, white, gray, orange, and brown rocks. Scenery that I believe must rival that of Hawaii or New Zealand (places I have only seen in pictures) – steep volcanic gorges rising several thousand feet, wrapped in mist and clouds at the top. All in all, the ride to Tehauntepec was a scenic wonder. We did stop to take some pictures, which we will post soon.
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
the road to Tehauntepec
Click on these small thumbnails to get a full-size piture.
Saw two foreigners on KTM’s going west – didn’t get to talk, and got passed twice by two Mexicans with travel cases on expensive BMW’s – they didn’t stop to talk, either (DF plates).
Crazy Mexican drivers – only pass when it is not safe to do so!
After Tehuantepec, the road is straight and level for a stretch – passed a GIANT wind farm – dozens and dozens of turbines – and only one of them turning!!!??? Pemex and Mexican corruption at work?
Just near dusk, we found a hotel – Hotel Mitey, for $12.00 us.
Hotel Mitey
Hotel Mitey
Super nice owner – smiled a lot, shared a beer with us, and brought us an extra ‘ventilador’ gratis! Looked at us funny when we asked about hot water – said it was on all the time, of course! After we unpacked, we walked down the road till we found a restaurant, and had a great dinner for cheap – the lady-owner treated us like special guests, or family, and could not stop bringing us food and drink. Everyone wanted to welcome us to Chiapas – the best place on earth!
Today I am 5,000 road miles from home! We drove east all day – that seemed very strange to me.