265385 Fri Feb 04 11:34:18 -0800 2005 2 26 International 0 1400706 I've combed the site for recent postings, and I've got some great info, but wondering if there are any additional or recent ideas for chow oriented destinations in Mexico. We're planning our honeymoon (starting in Oaxaca, ending in PV, one month) and we are in need of some direction! I read a posting suggesting the Michoacan highlands, but not many details. We'll definitely spend some time in Oaxaca City but other than that, we're just have a tentative list of places that sound good in the guidebooks: San Cristobal Veracruz Xalapa Somewhere on Oaxacan coast Zihuatenejo San Miguel and colonial loop Any recs on these places or other chowhound destinations? We're adventurous eaters (and travelers). Other suggestions for not-to-miss places would be vastly appreciated. Thank you!! Fri Feb 04 11:34:18 -0800 2005 0 Maya 1 1400744 My suggestion would be to stay south, ie, skip San Miguel and colonial towns to the north of Mexico City. San Miguel is charming but its full of Americans; I also found it to be inordinately loud when I was there. It does not have some of the amazing churches and museums that you'll find in other colonial cities (for example Puebla or Taxco). There is also such incredible richness in the south, and since I assume that part of the trip will just be relaxing at the beach, there will be more than enough to explore. Oaxaca is a must - you could easily spend a week, especially if you are also going to some of the smaller towns nearby and to Mitla/Monte Alban. But you should probably plan on doing most of your dining in Oaxaca itself. On the Oaxacan coast is Puerto Escondido which has a few good restaurants - lots of great seafood. It is also charming (although now overgrown) and has good beaches - one for swimming and sunbathing, the other which attracts world-class surfers. San Cristobal has improved greatly in terms of chow-opportunities in the last couple of years. Frankly, you'll find better food in Oaxaca, which is more geared to sophisticated tourists, but you can definitely eat well. The culture of the town is also fascinating, and its worth at least a few days. If this is definitely on your itinerary, I'll try to find my notes and post some specific names of restaurants. You'll find a much different culture when you travel to places like Merida and Xalapa. How will you travel between towns? It's sometimes difficult to find flights between smaller cities - you often have to go to Mexico City then backtrack. Driving can be tricky, both because of the mountainous roads and because of security risks, especially at night. So make sure you've figured out these logistics carefully in advance. Other than that, it's hard to go wrong with any of the sites on your proposed itinerary. Sat Feb 05 14:56:28 -0800 2005 1400706 0 bookistan 2 1400861 If you're out there, I would LOVE any inpute you could give me! thank you! Tue Feb 08 19:37:39 -0800 2005 1400744 0 Maya