We spent a few days in Puebla, an old Spanish colonial city. Nearby Popocatépetl Volcano was clearly visible from our hotel window. This is the most active volcano in Mexico, and truly, plumes of ash rose above the cone almost all the time. In the city, we found many examples of the colonial era architecture, countless churches, and several good restaurants.

Local delicacy is Chapulines, grasshoppers toasted with garlic, lime juice, and some spices. For novice, it is hard to overcome the feeling about eating insects. Trust me, there is nothing to fear, grasshopper does not move in your mouth. Honestly, Chapulines are very tasty and crispy. This is also an extremely healthy snack, very low on fat and contains more protein than meat.

Unusual for North America is Biblioteca Palafoxiana, a library founded in 1646. It contains many old books and manuscripts, some of them even from the 15^th century. This library is considered the oldest in the New World.

Church of Santo Domingo contains a chapel that differs from many of such places. The Baroque Chapel of the Rosario was built in the second half of the 17^th century. It is filled with symbolism; inside we can find sculptures and paintings, but none of the works of art really stands out. This is because while inside you are overwhelmed with the amount of gold. Gilded are walls, an altar, the dome, and all other possible surfaces. The interior is so bright and shining that you feel almost blinded. It did not impress me at all. Places such as these show that the Spaniards paid attention to gold above all. Gold was more important to them than religion itself.