So first, as always, a geography lesson. Puebla, Mexico is about 2 hours by a very comfortable bus trip south east of Mexico City, between Mexico City and Veracruz. The city of Puebla is the 4th largest city in Mexico, and sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet - a little tough to think about: 1.5 miles above sea level!
I'm here for a 4 week intensive Spanish immersion program, starting Monday. In the meantime, I'm having a rather pleasant night relaxing at the NH Puebla. The NH chain is big in Latin America and my favorite - always excellent, oriented to the business crowd. Not exactly a cultural relic, but nice for a night - not out of place amongst the better downtown Vancouver hotels.
Getting here was a bit tough, and I'm sure it's because I was flying for free and Air Canada hates me. First, fly to Toronto for 4 hours, and then to Mexico City. Now, it's 2450 miles from Vancouver to Mexico City, and about 2400 from Toronto. So if I have it straight, I flew 4 hours to gain 50 miles in distance. Hmmmm.
On the bright side, I flew business class which is always a treat, and I had warm cookies and ice cream courtesy of Air Canada. Sweet. And I spent a great day in Toronto eating Sushi with Megan, Donovan, and kids, and playing Monopoly City and high speed Connect 4 with Jaron.
I love being back in Latin America - it's been a little too long, and the last two trips to Cuba and to Mexico were a bit challenging. As always, the welcome at immigration was warm, the inter city bus was great, and I'm happily settled awaiting a walk about in the morning. Puebla, from first appearances, is a big city but clean and modern - not bad for a city dating from long before Canada even existed.
I have access to high speed internet, and have my lappie with me, so I won't have the connection challenges like were in Cuba. With a little luck, this blog will be interesting.
Here's to the start of a new adventure! (Raise a glass of Negra Modelo here)
