Welcome to the USA! This will be a short one as the US is a country everyone knows at least a little bit about. America’s movies and TV shows are so pervasive that everyone knows what to expect from the US.

That’s why I was genuinely surprised at the level of culture shock I experienced when I moved to Boston to study for a summer in 2010. Despite sharing a common language, it’s really staggering how different US and British cultures are. For example on my first morning, going out for breakfast with my housemate I was flawed by the question - “how would you like your eggs, sunny side up, over easy or over hard?”. This question completely floored me. I’d like to think my knowledge of American egg frying styles has improved since then.

America’s optimism, can-do attitude and enthusiasm for a good time have changed me forever. I made a really close group of friends during my time in Massachusetts and one friend in particular who I haven’t been able to shake since…

Here’s to America. Land of the free, and also coincidentally the only place I’ve ever been told off by the police for walking along the beach after dark!

I'm writing about every country in the world. One a day for 195 days. Learn more

I absolutely love Mexico. It’s one of my favourite places to visit, especially for a winter holiday. It’s also a country where I feel I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what Mexico has to offer.

Today I’m going quickly to share some of my most favourite things about Mexico.

Oaxaca City

I absolutely loved my time in Oaxaca. It’s a city that has everything you could want from a visit to a Mexican city.

From Ancient Zapotec ruins such as Monte Albán to incredible markets, all with an abundance of delicious street food. Oaxaca is also packed full of wonderful bars serving hundreds of varieties of mezcal. We spent a week in Oaxaca city, but it really wasn’t long enough.

Monte Albán, just outside of Oaxaca City

Carnaval de San Martín Tilcajete

I’ve already written about this spectacular fiesta just outside of Oaxaca city. Superlatives simply don’t do it justice. It’s impossible not to love the costumes, music, food and wonderful party atmosphere. For more information, check out my previous post on Carnaval de San Martín Tilcajete.

Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos in Mexico city

Now for Mexico’s more well-known festival. Day of the Dead was the most stirring introduction to Mexico City I could have imagined.

Chilaquiles for breakfast

Chilaquiles is the breakfast of kings. There is honestly nothing else on this planet I would rather eat for breakfast. How can you go wrong with a delicious mix of corn tortillas, covered in vibrant spicy salsa with a little Mexican cheese and possibly beans or possibly even eggs.

Anyway - here’s a pretty decent looking recipe for Chilaquiles

Mexican beach snacks

I appreciate I’m being very positive in this blog post - but honestly, who can say no to a delicious taco, freshly made guacamole, or even some grilled shrimp under a parasol on a sandy beach? Don’t forget to wash it down with a margarita. For me, Mexican beaches have the best beach-side eats in the world.

La Casa de las Flores

For my final pick, no travel is required. All you have to do is watch La Casa de las Flores (or The House of Flowers). Go on I dare you - immerse yourself inside the ridiculous and surreal world of La Casa de las Flores. You won’t regret it.