Driving in Mexico is a lot different than in Canada or the US. Just getting from A to B is sometimes an adventure. Here's the low down: Expect to take a wrong turn despite using a map; not all places are on the map; all highways are NOT created equal; and most importantly, roads are not just for cars, bikes and pedestrians. Instead of the Hockey and Construction seasons that we have up north, maybe their two seasons are Wet and Construction.
But we are becoming acclimatized to the driving, as well as the culture and food. Each region has its own 'feel', and we're beginning to get an idea of whether we like a town or not.
So far, the only town we couldn't wait to leave was Tuxpan - it was too noisy and all business. Thankfully, we were only passing through; we slept there (barely), got in the car in the morning and got outta Dodge!
We visited El Tejin, where some ruins were only recently discovered. The people played games involving ritualistic human sacrifice, though it's unclear whether the winner or loser was sacrificed. I guess we'll never know for sure why those societies fell; we can only surmise that it was disease or war or something else. It was fascinating. Different than the Mayan ruins we saw in the Yucatan.
We've been in Tecultla since Thursday, and it's another great beach town bereft of tourists. Imagine 5000 hotel rooms in a town with a population of only 6000! Apparently during holiday seasons there's not an empty room in town, and only elbow room on the beach. The rest of the year, as now, there's nobody on the beach.
We met other people from Canada here - the best restaurant in town is run by a Toronto guy who came for a visit six years ago and fell in love with a Mexican sweetie. He's happy to share his stories and offer suggestions of other must-see places in Mexico. But more importantly, he listened to my veggie-meal woes and goes out of his way to cook up made-to-order meals just for us! Great veggie food and awesome coffee....He's officially the coolest person in town!
We also met a couple from Kenora, Ontario, who drive down for 3-4 months every year. And a couple who are on their way to Panama, but not before they stop and volunteer for a few months in Guatemala (they were doctors).
David's as happy as a clam that got away, out surf-fishing today. (If he catches a fish I don't know what we'll do with it.)
So far, the only town we couldn't wait to leave was Tuxpan - it was too noisy and all business. Thankfully, we were only passing through; we slept there (barely), got in the car in the morning and got outta Dodge!
We visited El Tejin, where some ruins were only recently discovered. The people played games involving ritualistic human sacrifice, though it's unclear whether the winner or loser was sacrificed. I guess we'll never know for sure why those societies fell; we can only surmise that it was disease or war or something else. It was fascinating. Different than the Mayan ruins we saw in the Yucatan.
We've been in Tecultla since Thursday, and it's another great beach town bereft of tourists. Imagine 5000 hotel rooms in a town with a population of only 6000! Apparently during holiday seasons there's not an empty room in town, and only elbow room on the beach. The rest of the year, as now, there's nobody on the beach.
We met other people from Canada here - the best restaurant in town is run by a Toronto guy who came for a visit six years ago and fell in love with a Mexican sweetie. He's happy to share his stories and offer suggestions of other must-see places in Mexico. But more importantly, he listened to my veggie-meal woes and goes out of his way to cook up made-to-order meals just for us! Great veggie food and awesome coffee....He's officially the coolest person in town!
We also met a couple from Kenora, Ontario, who drive down for 3-4 months every year. And a couple who are on their way to Panama, but not before they stop and volunteer for a few months in Guatemala (they were doctors).
David's as happy as a clam that got away, out surf-fishing today. (If he catches a fish I don't know what we'll do with it.)
We'll stay another night or two here, then head south along the coast - maybe with a detour to Xalapa - if not, then straight southbound, to a small place called Catamaco, past Veracruz. I'll find a good Mexico map online and post the route if I can.
Take care all,
April and David
Chloe's Note: They call me "Blancito Gordito" (Fat Whitey) - hey, I'm just big-boned! I've been meeting lots of dogs, but making few friends. Speaking of which, I met a dog that looked like Rosco, my good buddy back home. We called this guy "Roscito" in my boyfriend's honour.
LOL Blanco Gordito HA! Wow I love that pic, of dad and chloe in front of the temple. I cannot imagine what is going through chloe's head these day's, I guess she's just happy to be along for the ride.
ReplyDeleteNice pic of that rural neighbourhood with the dog, I’m sure it is a brief respite of what we think of when we think of Mexico seeing as it is so synonymous with tourism.