A Day in Puebla

Publea is the 4th largest city in Mexico and is south east of Mexico City.  Jaime, our Uber driver picked us up for the drive which was close to 2 hours.  On the way you have a chance to see the beautiful mountains a in particular, Popocatépetl, a dormant volcano and Sleeping Beauty.  Leaving the city also meant leaving the smog behind for a few hours.  It is certainly worse than I remember from 3 years ago.

Before arriving in Puebla, we stopped at Santa Maria Tonantzin Church.  This church is famous for its decorations of many religious figures but with a twist - all have indigenous faces.  No pictures allowed and the post card picture does not do it justice.  

As we were there they started to unload gigantic flower arrangements - at least 10 bouquets for a quinceanera happening later in the day.  This is the elaborate event to hour you g girls entrance Judging by the flowers this was a pretty special 15 year old.

It only seemed right to sample the locals tacos - I was surprised but both the pork ribs and tongue were delicious.  Twenty pesos each.

Next was Cholula ancient ruins.  This was said to be the largest pyramid in is time.  Over time and thanks to the Spanish conquistadors only a few walls exist.  The Spanish then used the stones to build a massive church on the top of the pyramid, all in attempt to rid the people of their spiritual beliefs.  While the indigenous people eventually accepted the Catholic religion, they managed to integrate some of their beliefs.

See the church on top of the ruins 

View from the top

Inside the church

More views from the top

On to the bustling and carnival feel of central Puebla.  I’m not sure if it was because it was Saturday but central square and streets around were insane!  There was a special chapel that we were going to visit.  The first stop there and it was closed.  When Irena went back at the stated open time, no luck but she observed the stretch hummer and many well dressed people entering what we can only guess was a wedding and clearly one for some one important.

Many shops with the fancy dresses for those special occasions 

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Puebla is known for Talavera pottery and tiles on many buildings

We did manage to do a quick tour through the Amparo Museum.  Many very beautifully preserved artifacts exist.  Unfortunately there is very little English information so there is lots of time looking.  The view from the top was fantastic and you see just a small sample of the over 70 churches in the centre of Puebla.

Lunch was another experience.  A recommendation from someone else took us to Murals del Poblanos.  Mole is the speciality but not my favorite so we opted for 2 appies which were both gigantic and delicious.

All served on beautiful talevara pottery

And then it was time to leave this quick trip to Puebla and head back home.  No question the ride back was longer and the pollution pretty evident as we got closer to the city.