Allgemein EN – Page 36 – Kat´s Truth about Travelling

Market of Cancún

Markets are a not insignificant part of daily life in Mexico. They usually open at typical meal times and are usually very busy, especially in the evenings. This is also the case with the market I'm talking about in this post. The market in Cancún - at least the one I'm talking about - is the first market where I tasted Mexican food in Mexico. In fact, the first and only one where I left way too much money - my fault though. I didn't quite realise that for 35 pesos (1.75 euros at the time) you actually get 4 tacos and thought I would have to pay 35 for each one - between you and me that would be a lot in Mexico. Too much. If someone sells you a taco for 35 pesos, itß s a ripp-off. I promise. I didn't know any better, wanted to pay 100 pesos and the puzzled lady kindly gave me 50 back. She could have kept it all :D So I was baffled and didn't understand anything at first and she benefited at least a little from my ignorance. It happened and I had to laugh about it afterwards. The perfect ingredients for a wonderful memory that makes you laugh about yourself. But back to the markets. There are of course an infinite number of other markets. In Cancún as well as throughout Mexico, of course. As just mentioned, markets are an essential part of daily life in Mexico. Mexicans come here to buy basic foodstuffs or other items, to eat, to browse and to socialise. They are an important meeting place and a very important source of income. The market I'm telling you about today is a very small market with everything your heart desires (tacos al pastor!!! <3), reasonable prices, a stage and, of course, a mini amusement park where children can have fun in the evenings. In fact, I've also seen artists performing a piece on the guitar and other beautiful and crazy things. As I said, Mexicans like to go out in the evening and end the day with socialising and a bit of hustle and bustle. Or they just sit and relax and watch everything. Now the big, all-important question: go or not go? You can if you're in the neighbourhood, but it's not a must. I liked the vibe back then and the market was close to my hostel, so.... Up to you. But what you definitely have to do: Eat tacos or try another delicious Mexican speciality. And yes, when it comes to tacos, every Mexican cliché and stereotype is true :D

Graffitis Cancún

Cancún is - unfortunately - as people who have read my previous posts about Cancún know, not necessarily one of my favourite places. The main reason: it's very touristy (overrun by Americans), quite expensive and the places that aren't touristy simply aren't particularly beautiful. But since I'm convinced that there are beautiful spots in every city and I walked past some graffiti during my time in Cancún, I thought I'd take stock of the ones in the neighbourhood of my hostel at the time (Ka'beh). Between you and me, if you're not travelling in an area with hostels or tourist accommodation, you won't find any. So I went for a walk around the block and tried to capture the best side of Cancún. And to be honest, I think I succeeded. Visiting graffiti in Cancún yes or no? No. If you're already there, you could take a look at them, but I wouldn't plan any extra time for it.

Places of Cancún

Cancún has a beach, a very active party scene and an insane number of tourists - especially Americans. Which makes Cancún very expensive - especially the Americans. If you ask me, Cancún is completely overrated and not really worth visiting - honestly. For the following reasons: There are two parts in Cancún: the touristy part, which refers to the area around the hotels near the beaches, where you can party quite well but is completely overpriced, and the part that is hopelessly overrun by Americans. To be honest, it feels more like the USA is trying to turn itself into Mexico. The other part is simply not really beautiful. The few pictures I took of Cancún are the only halfway nice spots there are. Apart from that, Cancún is grey, dusty and simply not beautiful. Few attractions: in Cancún you can chill out on the beach and party - yes. But really expensive. Then there's an underwater museum, which is also expensive as fuck, you can book a day trip to the famous Chichén-Itzá pyramids, which are themselves completely overpriced and totally touristy (and incidentally much easier and cheaper to get to from Valladolid) and otherwise there's basically only the day trip to Isla Mujeres - which is worth it. Isla Mujeres is really beautiful! Of course you can still go snorkelling and diving, but even that is much cheaper elsewhere in Mexico and the quality of the experience is also better. Touristy and expensive: No matter where you go, it will be more or less expensive everywhere. Simply because Americans are prepared to pay more than Europeans. And Cancún is US area. It's as simple as that. And where it's cheap, you don't want to go because it's even less inviting there than in the rest of Cancún. 2 reasons to visit Cancún: The Coco Bongo: the only party I would pay entry to again today, even though it's expensive as shit. Why? Because you get a real spectacle on two stages (one is at the front in the middle of the room, the other is like a boxing match in the centre). For two and a half hours - I think - you get a mixture of musical, artistry and show. And in a way that I honestly haven't seen anywhere else (except in Playa del Carmen, where exactly the same party takes place) Isla Mujeres: I was told that almost every beach in Mexico was beautiful before my visit.I found exactly three beaches/places in Mexico that I actually find beautiful (Puerto Escondido, Chacahua/Isla Mujeres). And one of them is Isla Mujeres. Beautiful, partly wide beaches, rocky cliffs on the other side of the island and the colour of the water is... Isla Mujeres is really worth the visit! In conclusion, I would say this: if you arrive by plane, fly to Cancún, take Isla Mujeres and Coco Bongo with you and then get out of there. It's just not worth it I'm serious. Unless you want an overpriced all-inclusive party holiday and sizzle in the sun on the beach all day. Then go ahead :D But basically you can get most of it much cheaper and better elsewhere. The flight is only quite cheap because of the US-flood. It therefore makes sense to land in Cancún by plane. I just wouldn't waste too much time there. Mexico has so much to offer. And Cancún is unfortunately not part of it. And if you really want to go to Chichén-Itzá, do it from Valladolid. It's a really nice and cute little town and it's cheaper and easier to get there from there. So, now I've shared my wisdom about Cancún. It's up to you what you do with it 😊

Oaxaca

Oaxaca City slowly and gradually captures you with its charm. Oaxaca City because the state in which Oaxaca is located has the same name as its capital. Contrary to first impressions, Oaxaca is a very lively medium-sized city which, despite being touristy, is also bursting with local charm. When I first came to Oaxaca, I was - to be completely honest - fleeing from a crush at the time. I had learnt shortly beforehand that my crush would not be reciprocated and yeah.... Oaxaca simply enveloped me in a friendly atmosphere and charm and won me over in no time at all - and cured me :D Simply friendly, not pushy, open and warm. It's the bustling market, where you can buy all sorts of stuff, small things and yum stuff, and the streets around it, which are packed with clothes and souvenirs and where there's always something going on. The dance parties in the evenings, where people of all ages dance and where I regularly melted away watching old grannies dancing Kumbia. Such joy! So cuddly really. Pure sugar. And of course tlayudas! The Oaxaquenian speciality that is legit one of my favourites - even if I've never managed to eat one of the monsters in one go :D Tlayudas are fucking huge :D Not forgetting the beauty of the city, the people's hearts (sooooo warm!!!) and the whole atmosphere that captures you. And I love Oaxaca because of all these things. And by the way, it's also super easy to get down to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca. Now thinking about it, Oaxaca is probably my favourite state in Mexico overall. I mean Oaxaca has Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. :D In case you are still asking yourself if you should go: YES! Of course :D

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal - or affectionatly known as San Cris - is the city that has grown on me the most on my trip through Mexico. And this despite the fact that I got an upset stomach with cramps and diarrhoea on almost every visit, which I only managed to get rid of with té de hierbabuena - peppermint tea. This city has taught me how valuable, vital and indeed filling a breakfast of bananas and rusks can be. Oh, and of course Té de hierbabuena :D But jokes aside. Apart from my upset stomach - you'll get it too, just so you know :D :P - everyone who travels to San Cris gets it - there's something magical about this city. I'm almost certain it's something different for everyone. For me, it was the market and the winding streets that give this small town a village flavour. The French bakery close to the centre and the party vibe, as well as the knowledge that San Cris is one of the most touristic cities in Mexico, but is also located in the poorest state in Mexico (Chiapas). Which I personally find somehow fascinating. So for me, the question of whether San Cris is yes, no or maybe is innecessary. Absofuckinglutely! You're missing out if you don't go. 😊

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is simply <3<3<3<3 Before I start telling you all the beautiful things I have to say about the beach and the atmosphere in Puerto Escondido, I'd better tell you about how I arrived. I think that illustrates quite well what attracts me so strongly to Puerto Escondido. So: I was on the bus to Puerto Escondido. It was incredibly hot, I only had piss-warm water and the seats were covered in artificial leather. Means: I sweated at my arse and my back like a pig. Actually everywhere. Anyway. So I felt disgusting and thirsty and everything and then the bus stops. Stop: Puerto Escondido. I got off the bus and... I can't explain it, but as soon as I got off the bus, I was overcome by an instant calm that has rarely happened to me in my life. It was as if all the stress, all the sweat, all my luggage and everything else had suddenly been blown away. All of a sudden I was no longer annoyed and thirsty and wanted a shower and the toilet and to finally get out of my clothes - no - I was in a good mood, everything felt light and I was relaxed. Just like that. Of course you could say "It's because you were finally there" and blah blah blah. But later the impression kinda got confirmed. Puerto Escondido is the most positively relaxed place I've come across in entire Mexico. It just floods you. So, now to the part, where I tell you all the beautiful stuff. You need to know that I'm extremely picky when it comes to beaches. Most of them are too touristy for me or crowded or cramped or people just lie around doing nothing at all, which I can't cope with either, or I just don't find the beach itself particularly beautiful or whatever. You see: picky. Puerto Escondido.... Hits the perfect centre. The beaches are really beautiful and spacious. Not overcrowded. You can go surfing, go for a relaxed walk with your dog, have a viewpoint, go snorkelling and probably take a boat out and a thousand other things. At the same time, the atmosphere is neither stagnant nor too touristy. It's just super relaxed and you have really beautiful beaches. It's a really nice laid-back backpacker atmosphere. And the best thing is: despite this surfer-backpacker vibe, there's actually something for everyone. So even for people who are travelling a bit more fancy than me, for example. And the sunsets! OMG! I think I really sat on the beach every evening and savoured this very special moment and soaked it up. Of course, it also tempts you to stay longer :D I wasn't immune to that on my two visits either.... :D In short: you get everything here. Beautiful beaches, sunsets that make you pull out your camera again every evening, super nice people, you can go surfing, eat cheaply but also cook totally easily yourself and everything from hostels to hotels is also represented. So should you go to Puerto Escondido? Onehundred percent! :D

Guanajuato

I love Guanajuato! The colourful houses, the little winding streets, the student vibe... Guanajuato is small, but incredibly cute and incredibly lively for a small town. That's probably because it's a student city. Personally, I remember arriving at the bus stop and just thinking "Okay... where have I ended up? This city has been spoken about so highly to me by everyone?" You have to know that the Guanajuato bus station is felt at the end of the world and is... really nothing special or beautiful or anything. You arrive, you might be hyped and then the first thing you see is this bus station. If you know Granada in Spain - similar. Very similar. Not similar in the way the two bus stations look like, but rather what you think when you arrive :D Eventually I took the bus - you can't miss it, because everyone who isn't picked up or takes a taxi is travelling on the same bus. Anyway, after a slightly longer journey than expected, I arrived in the centre and.... I was immediately captivated by the flair. The streets are full of life, the vibe is a perfect mix of relaxed and lively and everything is full of artists, students or simply open-minded and friendly people. I never had a chance. I fell in love immediately. Guanajuato is also one of those places where you can really get stuck in. On my first visit, I didn't have that much time because I had to move on urgently and I still stayed a little longer than planned. Yet I knew from the first evening that I would be back. Guanajuato is my big Mexican love, because I would always come back. Not forever - I'm too much of a big city girl for that - but again and again. Means: if you love small towns and feel at home there, Guanajuato is your place to be. But for everyone else too, of course. Because you MUST have seen Guanajuato! :D 😊

Mexico City

Mexico City. Or as I call it "El DF - mi casa mexicana. In English: my Mexican home. Why do I call it my home? Quite simply because I feel at home in Mexico City. Not like in Cologne, of course, but I had my laundry in Mexico City, my favourite café, I knew where to go partying, I knew the city pretty well and I just felt at home. But the most important thing: I no longer felt like a tourist, but like a homie. And that feeling is great :D And makes you feel at home. Or at least connected. This feeling of... I've seen everything and still want to stay. I've arrived, I've found a place for myself. The joke is, Mexico City doesn't necessarily invite you to stay. Sure, it's a huge city, there's an incredible amount to see and I think it also has the most museums in the world. In short: you can do everything in Mexico City, really EVERYTHING - well apart from hiking or swimming in the sea. But I mean in comparison with other major or capital cities. The reason why Mexico City doesn't necessarily invite you to linger is that you either love or hate this city. The reason for this is quite simple: el tráfico. In other words, the traffic. It really is....You need half an hour to get freaking anywhere. Minium. That's no joke. Even on foot! Super annoying and exhausting. It's also loud, chaotic... I don't even know how to describe it, but Mexico City isn't super inviting and I don't think it's for the faint-hearted. And the traffic is the ultimate enemy. That's why people in Mexico City say exactly what I just said: you either hate it or you love it. Admittedly, I wavered for a long time - a really long time!- but in the end I realised: I love Mexico City. I like chaos, the traffic is exhausting, but I eventually got used to it and... when I feel at home somewhere, I start to love a place despite any adversity (see the KVB in Cologne). :D Oh and btw if you were wondering why I said "El DF" at the beginning, that's the nickname of the city. Just like Kölle is the nickname of Cologne. If you ask me if you should ever travel to Mexico City, my clear answer to anyone out there is: YES! And plan at least a week. The city has so much to see, do, experience, .... whatever! There really is something for everyone. And a week will go by like the snap of a finger, trust me.

River Maas

The Maas! On my first evening I was already able to admire its beauty with the lights of houses and a lighthouse. But when I walked back to my hostel from the centre - where the boats dock.... Oh my god! So beautiful! I think I saw everything on my way: Restaurant boats, weed vendors, the definitely most beautiful view of the church from the opposite side, the bridge in all its beauty and of course the panoramic view of houses lined up on the other side. The Maas is simply worth a stroll. If you're only there for one day, just sit down somewhere on the bank and enjoy the view of the bridge and river and if you have longer, take a short walk. It's just really beautiful and definitely one of my top favourites when it comes to the not-so-famous sights in Maastricht. Apart from that, it doesn't cost a thing, so... :D

Viewpoint a bit further off

Honestly? My personal biggest surprise and Maastricht's biggest secret spot tip. And the picture doesn't even begin to represent how cool this view is and how beautiful and fascinating it is in real life. It's quite hidden at the end of the park that starts right behind St Peter's Fortress and I combined it with the underground tour. I was there afterwards because the tour guide recommended that I stop by here if I had the energy and time. I did. And it was worth it! The view is.... It has its own special magic. You can also go down and walk around it, but I didn't do that - at least the walk around it. It's also more of an industrial area, so there's relatively little to do down there apart from taking photos. Nevertheless, the trip is worth it because you get something you wouldn't expect so far away from the action 😊