On the way to Puebla, with a couple of rest stops along the way.
We saw this "organ pipe" cactus, probably hundreds of years old.
The highest peak in Mexico is Citlatepetl, or Pico de Orizaba.
The inactive volcano to its left is Sierra Negra and hosts an observatory.
We arrive at the Colonial Hotel, a charming old property.
Looking down into the dining room, and up to the dome over it.
The view onto the side street from our small balcony.
It's a charming room, even if they did give us two double beds.
These windows have been upgraded for excellent sound protection, and have shutters
for great light blocking.
Some Hispanic artifacts on display in the staircases.
Around town, we go to the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest library in the Americas.
It's amazing that it was actually founded as a public library, to give lay people access to books.
The founder of the library is Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, bishop of Puebla. Making it public
got him in trouble with the Jesuits, who wanted to control information.
A wheel to keep seven books open at the same time for easy access and cross-reference.
A statue on the far end of the library.
Next to the library proper is an exhibit where twenty famous old books are on display, ...
...including this copy of Newton's Pricipiae Mathematica.
Walking around town, we see the brick and talavera tile work.
The main cathedral of Puebla.
One year is every twenty-five, the main door is open. Since it is 2025, we get to enter there.
When open, it is called the Puerta de la Esperanza, the "door of hope".
Inside, it is as grand as you would expect.
One of three pipe organs in the cathedral. The original one is on the upper right of this picture,
and is of course much smaller.
The main "stage".
Pictures and statues of important figures.
Outside, we continue our walking tour.
This bronze sculpture shows the layout of the original downtown area.
This wall shows the official color palettes for talavera tiles.
Puebla is held as the starting point of the Mexican revolution. This was the Casa de los
Hermanos Serdan, and is now the Museo Regional de la Revolucion Mexicana.
This street vendor makes a local delicacy that we try.
Dinner that night is at La Casa del Mendrugo.
We start with a small bite of cheese and roasted peppers on toast.
The depth of flavor in this tomato soup is wonderful.
It is served with a smoldering sage branch.
The main course, a sampler platter including a taco arabia, a tostada, and chicken.
On the way home, we stop for a churro.
This place makes them in bulk like a circular funnel cake.
