Trip Dates: 2008-02-09 – 2008-02-11
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.
After a quick spin around the city’s sights, I headed out with my friend Siomara to a lively salsa club, where we danced to infectious rhythms played by Cuban salsa bands. It was an absolute blast. The rest of my time here has been wonderfully relaxed—savoring delicious food, wandering the streets, and soaking up the atmosphere with Siomara. Tomorrow, I’m catching a flight to Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancún on Mexico’s Caribbean shore. A few days of sun, sand, and turquoise water are exactly what I’m craving.
