My ride through Mexico has given me the opportunity to see some extraordinary cities. Torreon, Zacatecas, Leon, Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. Places I have seen, heard and felt.  Places that I will never forget. They have such rich history, architecture and style. I loved exploring these cities!

As I make my way south, I continue to be wowed by Mexico’s charm. The capital of Puebla, Puebla de Los Angeles, is a beautiful city with a historic downtown that needs at least 3 days of solid walking to be explored properly. Historic buildings overflow its streets displayed in an array of lively colors.

Today, Puebla is one of Mexico’s fastest growing cities but it has been important to the republic for a long time. When the Spanish arrived, Puebla was strategically placed in the middle of Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. A lot of merchandise, food and even gold passed through here. It was also of significance prior to the arrival of the conquistadors. Just a few kilometers from the city is the Great Pyramid of Cholula. The largest in the new world, the pyramid looks like a natural hill today as the vegetation has taken over its structure. With an inner tunnel system that extends for kilometers, the pyramid is a temple dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl.

When the Spanish arrived, their arrogance and ignorance drove them to build a church on top of the pyramid. Interestingly, the church was struck and damaged by lightening several times in its early years. Leaving people thinking it was the work of the old goddess. This may be the most peculiar church in the town of Cholula, but it is definitely not the only one. There are 365 churches here, one for everyday of the year.