Elevation sickness.

It hit me hard on day 3 in this beautiful mountainous city. Dizzy, nausea, short of breath. I’m not that out of shape as I huff and puff up the short hill to my room. Cant sleep, my body creating its own sewage system. Its cold, 40 some degrees, no heat, wrapped in a blanket.

Today is a travel day. I can barely move. Walking through the busy market to the pharmicia, thought I would pass out. Picked up some Advil, Pepto, and Pedialyte.

The hotel let me check out late for the 9pm overnight bus. We quickly dropped to about 2500 ft and the feeling of oxygen to my brain brought some relief. The 10 hour bus ride to sea level, with another sleepless night was rough. Arivving at 5am with a 3pm check-in was not a good plan. The manager was sympathetic and agreed to have a room ready upon arrival. Conviently located a few blocks from the bus station.

A nice secure building

Things like house numbers and directions are vague here. Several times they will send a street name and photo.

Ring the bell by the door on the left. Stand at the X. My daughter Myrna on the top floor will let you in. That would be the prison door on the right.

The room was small but comfortable. I slept most of the day. Fortunately there was a convenience store across the street. I haven’t eaten in 2 days. Stocked up on more fluids and Ritz crackers I slept another day.

Day 3 and I’m feeling much better. Oxygen is being restored to my bloodstream. Weak and exhausted, my body retaining fluids. I set out to explore the city of Salias Cruz.

Its 25 degrees warmer here. Warmth and some exercise feels good. This a dark and desperate city. Crumbling buildings along the main boulevard. No restaurants, just street vendors with plastic chairs and tables.

I walk towards the Malecon hoping to find a restaurant. There is a bar with old timers shucking oysters and day drinking. A mountain of shells in the hot sun. Not what I had in mind.

The port was abandoned, no ships, no containers. High concrete walls topped with razor wire line both sides of the street. Looks like a prison. Several people in the shade drinking Modelo and looking sketchy. Ya, good time to turn around and find my way back.

Safely back at my room and a light lunch I check out and take a pleasant daytime bus through the desert to Puerto Escondido.

I have sucessfully traversed southern Mexico from Cancun in the Caribbean Yucatan to the Pacific Ocean. Only 25 days of travel left.