Broken cars, a procession and Popocatépetl.

We’re back among the volcanoes and staying in atmospheric Puebla for our last rest day. I was  excited to see Citlaltépetl on the way here but even more thrilled to get glimpses of Popocatépetl having an afternoon puff through the haze. Such glorious names!  I remember reading about them when I was about 8, in my much loved ‘ Book of the World’ and here I am, seeing them with my own eyes. I swoon.  I just hope it’s less hazy tomorrow so I can see Popocatépetl better. Puebla had a very serious earthquake last year and there was another 7.2 near Oaxaca last month. The damage from these is evident in many places. 

It’s been a hectic few days, some rather boring, but fast toll motorway; plenty of absolutely gorgeous mountain driving with steep narrow roads, vertical drops, endless potholes and those bloody ‘topes’ aka car killers. Hundreds of them - unmarked, unpredictable and truly nasty.  Of course, in our big boy Tahoe they hold no fear, although they certainly make the going very, very slow. For me, the best bits of rallying are the remote places that few visitors see. I can’t imagine any tourist travelling through the mountain areas we have traversed.  They really go from nowhere to nowhere.  I love it. Rallying is never about the fastest route, just the most interesting. 

Puebla is as high as Darjeeling - minus the Himalayan back drop -  and is a lovely temperature of around 27. It has an easy, laid back feel, in the old bit anyway. Although, I was walking with some friends today when we were coming out of an arcade and there were police in stab vests running around. We turned back sharpish.  There is an edge of danger here, always. It feels somewhat unpredictable. Although most people are friendly there is tension. After dark, it is really not safe anywhere. 

Many cars are suffering now - this not an easy rally.  It is hugely enjoyable though. We are a cohesive, happy crew. 

Popocatépetl - I’m just throwing that in again just because. What a name!  The romance of it! 

Just about every car has had problems of varying seriousness   The Belgian Chrysler gave up the ghost in Campeche and its crew are now in a BMW hire car. The Shiny red Ford F-150 has had constant niggles and, very sadly, didn’t get through yesterday and was brought to Puebla on a flat bed truck, hopefully to be fixed. Also on a flatbed for the remainder of yesterday’s journey is the Mongolian Discovery. There is a Land Rover dealer here, so we are hoping that can be fixed. 

Our mechanic, Toby, is in for a very busy day as the de’Sousa’s Volvo is unwell and Gerd and Birgit’s Mercedes has a fuel leak, the giant Chevy Impala banged its exhaust rather too often and needs a little treatment - in fact, just about every car needs some attention. 

We passed a religious procession today, high up in the remote mountains. The musicians were playing ‘ The Sound of Silence’ rather badly it was fantastic.  Balloons, firecrackers, a discordant band, religious fervour, and  a statue on a litter. Viva Mexico!