This is my sixth trip to Mexico since my first time here in 2018.
Besides the butterflies and writing conference, I’ve been meandering through San Miguel de Allende and, more recently, the areas around Coatepec and Xalapa in Veracruz state.
I’ve met plenty of retirees from the US and Canada who are living here, and always get recommendations for more “secret” places to consider spending time in, with a promise not to tell of course.
I’ve also met many Mexicans who continue to show me just how nice and hospitable they are. The woman who drove me six hours from San Miguel to Xalapa (via a service called BlaBlaCar) stopped to buy me specialties from the region and taught me a lot about the places I should visit.
My HomeExchange host greeted me with a bag of coffee beans (Coatepec is the coffee capital of Mexico), a hand-painted card, homemade cookies and more detailed advice about what to see and do.
While searching for a bus back to Coatepec after spending time at the world-class anthropology museum in Xalapa, I found kindness everywhere. The woman at the bus stop told me which bus to get on first and the driver refused my fare, insisting I have a free ride (though everyone else paid).
It’s not perfect here. There were definitely a couple of taxi drivers who overcharged me and a pharmacist who somehow sold me 10 boxes of cold medicine rather than 10 pills (I don’t think my Spanish is that bad, but who knows.) But the acts of kindness, welcome smiles, and warm greetings far outweigh any negative interactions.
After a week in Coatepec, I’ll be picking up the pace and moving on to four more places in the next week and a half. I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
In the meantime, here are some recent scenes from my meanderings.
Folkloric Dance
San Miguel in Black and White
Churches, Landscapes, and More
Discovering the Olmecs (and others)
March 1, 2025 @ 07:24
Thank you for showing us humanity still exists, Tim. Beautiful pictures….enjoy your adventures!
March 10, 2025 @ 22:55
Yes, I’m finding humanity everywhere (except on the news).
March 1, 2025 @ 09:16
Thanks, as always for sharing your adventures with us ~ your photos are spectacular! They’re a breath of fresh air amid the ongoing tribulations here at home. Enjoy!
March 10, 2025 @ 22:56
The news from home is very present here, but the people are still kind and welcoming.
March 1, 2025 @ 17:35
Wonderful survey. I’ve got to explore blablacar! I’m glad you gave lots of attention to the anthropology museum in xelapa which is easily equal to the one in Mexico City.
March 10, 2025 @ 22:57
Thanks, Doug. I’ve done two trips in Blablacar now and both have been great. We could use it in the US.
March 3, 2025 @ 21:18
I would hardly ever travel anywhere if it weren’t for you, Tim! Thank you!
March 10, 2025 @ 22:57
Thanks, Stevi!