We are writing this on Christmas Day and we have spent a day sight-seeing in Fortin de las Flores, and then downtown Orizaba. These two cities are halfways between Puebla and Veracruz. We are the only people in the campground which is part of a Hotel which is also unoccupied at this time. The dining room is also closed today, but we had a large meal near the Mercado. Chris had a Seafood Soup, and I had a fillet of sole. It was very good.
Fortin de las Flores was disappointing as we expected to see nicer gardens and flowers as it it known for this, but we thought the town looked a little shaby - or we have seen others that were more delightful, colorful and better maintained. We did get a very good view of Mount Orizaba,which is the third hightest mountain in North America. It is a dormant volcano and has a permanent snow cap. We took a taxi to Fortin and then took the local bus back.
Orizaba's center was busy with families and people going to church, market or eating in restaurants or on the sidewalks. The little Indian ladies were selling their vegetables along the sidewalk and their merchandise is so cheap. The Balloon fellow was in the plaza and the children who had new toys were playing with them - some had new scooters. This is not a tourist town but rather an industrial city with cement plants, bottling plants, and a brewery. We saw large dealerships for VW, Ford, GM, Nissan and Honda. In fact we are going to the Ford dealership tomorrow to have our truck checked out as the "check engine light" came on twice and we want to make sure there is no problem. Chris always likes to have these things checked as soon as possible so we do not have a problem when there is no dealership in sight.
We have spent the majority of our time along the Gulf Coast, where we encountered high winds, rain and more rain. Down here they are called "el nortes". The mid winter has a lot of this type of weather so later in the spring would be a more desirable time to visit. We have spent time with our camper beside the Gulf, overnighting at a Pemex (gas station), beside an ancient archeological site, in the jungle at a very basic site with trees dripping with manderin oranges and tropical birds feasting on the fruit. We also staying on the street in a picture-book pretty town called Tlacotalpan. We are now inland and working our way to the west coast.
We have kept well and of coarse is still cooking great meals.