Monterrey, Mexico
I’m sitting in my hostel in the charming Barrio Antiguo, the historic heart of Monterrey. This is Mexico’s third-largest city—a vibrant, modern metropolis just a short drive from the Texas border. My hostel is only steps away from the Macroplaza, the largest plaza in Latin America, home to the elegant Palacio de Gobierno, several museums, and leafy parks. On all sides, the city is framed by dramatic mountains, including the iconic Cerro de la Silla—“Saddle Mountain”—with its unmistakable silhouette.