The drive to Mexico City

We said goodbye to San Antonio with hearts in our throats. Having the opportunity to spend very focused time with people that we don’t normally see felt like picking up the sticks and leaves from home and creating a new nest (weird metaphor?) It was amazing to spend time with friends and get to know them on a deeper level that in any other circumstances, we might not have had the opportunity. Cam and I were joking that we should do this every five years just so we get to really spend quality time with friends.

Barrio Antigua, Monterrey

With that being said, this leg of the journey felt like a new beginning of the trip as we were no longer staying with friends, no longer having some sort of safety net on which to fall on. It was both exciting and terrifying. We spent the night at the state park Casa Blanca before going through the crossing. Border crossings are never a fun thing to do, least of all by land. There was a lot of stress floating around as we had to make sure we had all the right documents in order, but it all went well. We had to get a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) for our car across the border and from there a police convey escorted us, among others, to the nearest tollway. Not going to lie, being dumped into the middle of Laredo, needing to find the place to get the TIP, then the general understanding that we should wait for a police escort was a little jarring. However, all was fine.

La Oruga y la Cebada, San Luis Potasi

Our first big destination was to get to Mexico City, but we spent time in Monterrey, San Luis Potosi, and Guanajuato on the way. Monterrey is incredibly modern and is the richest city in Central and South America. I can’t really write too much on it as we stayed one night, but it is beautifully situated in gorgeous rolling mountains. We did walk around, visit the Centro and a “hip” neighborhood called Barrio Antiguo. The following day, we drove through mountains, but spent most of the time on flat, dry terrain to make it to San Luis Potosi, where we again, went into town to walk around the plaza and ate at a yummy restaurant called La Oruga y La Cebada.

View of Guanjuato City from our camper

Our last stop before Mexico City was Guanajuato City. This city still holds a special place in our heart with its sea of colorful houses and happy chatter (minus the constant dog chorus at night). We spent two nights camped on a hill and each day would take the very steep walk into the center and get lost. Every corner we turned was a new treat for the eyes with the many plazas, restaurants, and greenery. At night, we went to a walking theater performance where we toured the city while the performers sang and told a story. As it was in Spanish, I spent most of my time swaying along to the music and drinking my beer until Cam would suddenly remember I don't know what is going on and help translate. It was a lovely evening. 

Guanajuato City

The next day, we again took a very steep walk to the Museo de las Momias. It is home to many naturally mummified and rather gruesome bodies. The story is that during a cholera outbreak in 1833, many bodies were buried above ground in mass graves. When their families could no longer pay a burial tax, the bodies were exhumed, only to find them in a naturally mummified state brought on by Guanajuato's unique climate. Interesting place to go, but rather gross lol

While Cam and I wished we had more time here, it was time to head on to Mexico City.

Until next time!