The view from Here: Puebla, Mexico

Let's talk about Puebla, this Mexican city that's got history as deep as a well and culture as vibrant as a graffiti mural. It's a place where the past and present collide, where luchadores soar through the air, and artisans craft stunning Talavera ceramics. But it's also a city of factories of all kinds, like one of the largest Volkswagen assembly plants outside of Germany. Bet you didn’t know that.

Founded back in 1531, this place has seen it all. With the Popocatepetl Volcano as its backdrop, Puebla boasts amazing colonial architecture, and some massive cathedrals. It’s also got factories cranking out everything from cars to clothes, as they’re a major player in the Mexican economy. It might be a side of Puebla that you don't always hear about, but it's a real part of the city's identity.

Just a 2 hr bus ride outside of Mexico City, you’re looking at cobblestone streets and sunny skies with a high of 75. If you ever find yourself south of the border, we recommend a Lucha Libre match. It’s like a punk rock show, but more spandex and less spikes. (But don’t sit in the first few rows unless you want full contact with the spandex.) We also recommend getting in touch with the local art AKA the Talavera, this crazy-beautiful pottery that’s been around since the 16th century. If you do buy something, it’s best you carry-on and not ship anything. Take it from us.

Puebla’s a city of symbiosis, where the beauty of its culture is woven into the grit of its industrial side. Factories hum with activity, workers toiling away to make the stuff we use every day. It's a reminder that behind the old world charm, there's the real world where people work hard to make a living.

Puebla’s residents are as passionate about their traditions as they are about their work. Next time you think “Mexico”, don't just picture beaches and tequila. Think Puebla; a place full of production, passion, and people who are serious about their Chile en Nogada.