From the mountains to the sea

Finally made it to the pacific ocean which was the ultimate aim to chill out after planning so long for this trip. And what a place it is. We are in Puerto Escondido and it is hot!! After fairly moderate temperatures in the higher altitudes of Mexico City and Oaxaca (coupled with the end of the rainy season), it is now up in the 90's. I'm not complaining and it's been great to be able to wander the streets in beachwear and hang out in a chilled place. There's an international surf championship in a few weeks so the place is full of surfer dudes catching the waves on the Mexican pipeline (apparently THE place to surf in this part of the world). I'm just enjoying watching the surfers!! Before the never ending bus journey here yesterday (over 10 hours and a very indirect route) we have been in Oaxaca. This was a charming place with a huge Zocolo and amazing catherdrals. The restaurants spilled out on the street giving it a very continental feel (apart from the evening rain). We probably would've stayed there a lot longer if we weren't so keen to reach the beach. We visited Monte Alban which was an incredible ancient ruin on the top of a mountain. They started constructing it about 300-400 BC and it took 100 years just to flatten the top of the mountain off before construction. An amazing place. Well, we expect to be beach bums for a few weeks so there probably won't be that much to report on except the development of my tan, which books I've read or whether Pete's surfing skills improve enough to enter the competition!!!