New Zealand - When an 8.2 earthquake struck Mexico in 2017, the State of Oaxaca, one of the areas hardest hit, was brought to the world's attention.

Many were unfamiliar with this area of Mexico, however, it was well known to my husband and I who had just started planning a trip to this region of Mexico. The earthquake left us with concern and sadness and in doubts whether we should still venture there.

Time is a good healer, and as the months went by and Oaxaca recovered (as much as you do from a massive quake) we decided it would be fine to go.

Oaxaca City, the Capital of the State of Oaxaca is in central Mexico and is a World Heritage site and culturally rich city - renowned for its world-famous cuisine and beautiful colonial buildings.

It has a lovely small town charm and we found the best way to enjoy this city was to wander around the picturesque cobbled streets in the historic center and observe the people and their daily life and goings on.

It's colorful doorways and exquisite colonial structures - many built from a native green stone were often seen being used as creative backdrops for modelling and film shoots. The Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman with it's carved baroque façade and intricate gilt designs inside is the most famous of Oaxaca's many churches, along with the attached museum set in a former convent - a must visit.

Arriving in Oaxaca with the knowledge we were in a cuisine hotspot, we didn't waste time before heading out to experience its amazing offerings. You are totally spoilt for choice in Oaxaca with its great café's, restaurants, mezcal and rooftop bars and food markets.

At the markets, you find the most colorful array of fresh & diverse ingredients – from grasshoppers to the largest selection of chiles I have ever seen. Oaxaca is a popular destination for those wishing to attend one of the many cooking classes on offer. Here you experience a fun day learning how to prepare traditional Oaxaca dishes and the famous Mexican mole sauce – best of all, you end the day eating your delicious achievements, washed down with a Mezcal or two (Mezcal is an alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant native to Mexico).

The central Zócalo square brings a heart to this beautiful city and is a place I will always remember. I like to immerse myself amongst the local people in countries I visit and try and experience their culture. In Oaxaca City this was easy. The people are vibrant, friendly and have a love of festivity and family time.

According to Wikipedia, a party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation and recreation. Not so in Oaxaca City.

A party was a festive gathering for anyone and everyone - no invitation needed here. As we mingled with the crowds we were surrounded with laughter from children and parents having massive balloon fights, huge crowds applauding and giving money to buskers, street vendors selling food, beautifully woven handicrafts, balloons, plastic toys, and bands were playing and people young and old dancing. Rather than a drunken alcohol-fuelled party, people were drunk with pure joy. We found it so contagious, witnessing these surreal nights - we just had to join in.

We left our nights spent at the Zócalo having danced and laughed, and extremely grateful for having been welcomed at such fun and memorable party.