It seems i have become a morning person since coming away- who would have thought?!
As im waking up i nearly jump out of bed, theres a loud bang followed by police sirens- am i under attack?! There is several more in the next hour and then it seems to stop, no one else seems to notice it, maybe its normal? I later find out they are a kind of firework used in protests. The teachers are on strike here as the government is bringing in new laws, theres literally hundreds of them camped around the town trying to fight against the changes.
After breakfast i decide to tackle my growing washing pile before i go exploring. Im done suprisingly quick considering im doing it by hand in the dorm sink- living the high life guys. As im hanging my stuff to dry on the balcony, Dave says hi and asks if i want to go to a Waterfall with him and some others, sure why not!
I grab my stuff and Dave, Pete and me go to meet Laura, an aussie staying a few blocks from us and whos idea it is to go. Im super lucky as all 3 of them can speak Spanish, so i just follow along!
To get there we get a couple of ‘Collectivos’ which are taxis that go between towns. As there is 4 of us we get an empty taxi (everyone shares here) and as we are driving out of the town another lady gets in, meaning Pete sits on a ‘seat’ (basically the handbrake) in between the driver and the new passenger- comfy! When we change taxis in Mitla its another bonding experience, with the four of us all in the back and a couple in the front. We are packed in and the only way to fit is like a spooning train, having to turn and change sides every so often- you make fast friends here!
I have no idea what to expect when we arrive at Hierve El Agua, but its amazing. The views are incredible and the pools look so inviting. We have a swim, admire the views and sunbathe and then its time for food. There are loads of littlefood stalls lined up next to each other, all shouting their menu (which are all the same) to get your business.
We choose one and order our food (again i have to get someome to translate) and then Preston, someome who Dave met while travelling joins us. He has been camping near the waterfall and offers to show us around. We set off and from the start its crazy how far you can see, the mountains are stunning and further along the route you get an amazing view of the pools.
Its quite a long hike, which i was not prepared for in my jelly shoes, but its so worth it. We get to go right underneath the fall and theres almost no one else around.
When we finally reach the end i feel like ive ran a marathon- i really need to get fitter! We get a truck back to Mitla (theres no such thing as too many people) and then we get on what feels like a 5 star luxury bus, we all got our own seat!
We are all so tired by the time we finally get back, even though its only around 8pm. I have the most satisfying shower and fall straight to sleep.
Power to saying yes!
Findingmywayaroundtheworld 