After finishing my master’s at the ripe old age of never-you-mind, I set off to check out the Americas. Here are some pictures, taken on a Nikon D300, of seven of the best experiences in Mexico.

1. Mazunte: Oaxaca

Mazunte is a small village with one of the best beaches in the world, in my humble opinion. The waves are gargantuan and dangerous, the food is incredible and the people are relaxed.

Young surfers play on my favourite beach.

A room with a view: where I started my blog.

Powerful waves beat against multi-cloured sands in Mazunte

2. Playa del Carmen: Quintana Roo

Although Playa del Carmen is a bit too touristy for my taste, the surrounding area is packed full of some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The cenotes, a sinkhole resulting from the land collapsing, were believed by Yucutan Mayans to be gateways to the afterlife. They are literally, heaven on earth.

Diving outside Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen: Cenotes

A proper Mexican smile, accompanied by a brilliant traditional hat

3. Chiapas

Chiapas may be one of the poorest states in Mexico, but it is one of the most astoundingly beautiful places on earth. My only regret is I didn’t go and see what I could learn from the Zapatistas, a movement whose central objectives are democracy, justice and freedom.

Zapatista territory in Chiapas, the poorest and most stunning state in Mexico.

A cheeky chicken in Chiapas checks out the corn-filled basket for treats.

Chiapas’ majesty and power are both overwhelming and inspiring.

4. Oaxaca City: Oaxaca

This city is full of colour, revolutionary zeal, music, history, amazing chocolate and delicious food. If you like music, the arts, architecture and basically anything aesthetically stimulating, Oaxaca is definitely for you.

The city’s canvas extends to every available surface.

Oaxaca, a city bursting with art, creators and such beauty

A knife sharpener sleeps on the job out side the market.

5. Tepoztlan: Morelos

Within a few weeks of arriving in Mexico, I installed myself in a tiny school, which was in fact a tent, in the tiny historic town of Tepoztlan. I stayed with Rosita and her family, who all giggled with me as I tripped over the language.

A delicious traditional breakfast and a freshly squeezed orange juice before our epic trek up Tepozteco mountain

My Tepoztlan family

From the LSE to a tent on the side of a mountain. Studying Spanish at Experiencia was just that, an experience!

6. Mexico City: Mexico

Mexico City is one of my favourite cities! Despite its enormous population, it feels more intimate than say, London. You can see its edges, as the city nuzzles into the surrounding mountains. It’s also a photographer’s paradise, with amazing lines, contrasts and colours galore.

Palacio de Bellas Artes: Mexico City’s most important cultural centre

Downtown Mexico City during la semana santa

Great music is played on our neighbouring boat in Xochimilco, the Mexican Venice.

7. Mexican people

Mexico warmed my heart on so many levels, but it is definitely the people that make it the vibrant, colourful, sexy, passionate place that it is. I love Mexico!

Mexico!

Love and laughter with my Mexican crew. I manage to slip on loads of hip hop tracks too, before somebody remembers that apparently, they don’t like hip hop!

I accidentally gatecrash a wedding in Valle de Bravo

New friendships are formed whilst messing about on the river in Mexico City.

Singing Cowboy

Engrossed, in Oaxaca city market.

Colourful Mexico at a street market in Cuernavaca

Girls in Ocosingo, Chiapas

My awesome new friend, Nathalie, hugs The Stones.

The ladies of Valle de Bravo

Tell me tales of your experiences of these wonders in the comments section below.