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Leaving Mexico City we arrived in the colonial town of Morelia just in time for their independence day preparations. In the main park the fiesta was already well underway with traditional dance displays and concerts in the bandstand, while in the plazas troupes of drummers and bugle players belted out patriotic anthems. We guessed that the visiting Mexican tourists didn’t see that many foreigners, all the stares we received made us feel like we were back in China.

The architecture was stunning, one of the most beautiful cities we’ve encountered on our trip, every corner revealing yet more plazas, cathedrals and long stretches of the aqueduct. Morelia is also well known for its sweets and a visit to the sweet market was obligatory. The stalls were incredible but after a few tastes we needed to balance all the sweetness with some sour lime, naturally wedged in the top of a beer bottle.

We spent the eve of independence in Guadalajara, arriving to a huge storm that flooded the streets and brought down nearby electricity cables. We escaped the rain by heading out to Tequila to tour the Jose Cuervo factory. Six shots and a Margarita later we were both well educated in all aspects of Tequila, especially the side effects. Needless to say the bus ride back to Guadalajara passed far quicker than the one out. Unfortunately the eight hour bus to the beach town of Mazatlan didn’t pass quite so quickly with a hangover but the three relaxing days spent there were worth the discomfort.