Puebla's Got Charm!

July 7, 2012

This morning we boarded the Marvi to Puebla. Our first stop was where the Battle of Puebla took place. On May 5, 1862 the battle against the Mexican army and the French army ended with a victory for Mexico. This was the only battle Mexico has every won! In the U.S. most people celebrate Cinco de Mayo & think it’s Mexican Independence Day, but it’s not. Either way many Americans celebrate the day as a reason to drink margaritas and shots of tequila.

The city of Puebla is filled with charming narrow streets. Flowers cascade terraces and beautiful churches are everywhere. Our hotel was actually an old convent.

 As a group we enjoyed a marvelous lunch at a resturant that has several dishes that are unique to Puebla. Escamoles (Ant Eggs) were served on a tortilla as an appetizer. I was not one of the daring people & chose not to eat the ant larva as it started us in the eyes (literally). I had a delicious chicken dish with cashew mole sauce.

http://www.casonadelachinapoblana.com/index.html

 Ant larva-the caviar of Puebla & cactus 

The Poblana, a chile pepper filled with a pork/beef blend & diced fruit, covered in a white nut sauce with pomagranites and cilantro, is a traditional dish that represents the colors of the Mexican flag.

 Jacques (our tour guide for Mexico), Leo (our tour guide for Colombia) & Alejandro (our photographer)

 After lunch we witnessed a peaceful protest in the main square. Hundreds of people, mostly young, marched around the central square with signs, singing, and chanting about their disapproval of the new president Pena Nieto. Many feel that Nieto bullied people into voting for him in the recent election.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/225335/mass-mexico-city-protest-against-pena-nieto-win

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/07/us-mexico-election-protest-idUSBRE8660I820120707

Tonight there is a wedding in our hotel. The decor is stunning!