Mexico

In a country renowned for its cuisine, Oaxaca stands tall. It’s the place that gave us the drink of the gods (mezcal), the food of the gods (chocolate), and the sauce of the gods (molé).

He lived a quiet life here, and would probably be a more obscure figure today if Stalin had simply left him alone. Then again, Stalin didn’t leave anyone alone.

You can find something to eat everywhere in Mexico City. And if you can’t find it, give it a minute and it’ll find you.

Oaxaca, in my first experience, felt like a city that was usually quiet. The old aqueduct, the beautiful colonial church, the brightly painted buildings on cobbled streets. The town seems right out of a Yankee tourist brochure. In July, with the state’s biggest festival just starting to swing, it had everything except the Yankees.

I didn’t have a hangover, but I wasn’t going to miss this classic redeemer of those who regret the night before.

Three days, two friends, and one of the greatest cities in the world.