After leaving the Obispado with its view of Monterrey below, my friend drove me over to Chipinque Park, passing by the wealthy Castillian homes below the Obispado, the shopping malls near Colonia del Valle and up to see the views of the city below.

Then, we take a trip to the town of Santiago, Nuevo Leon, about 30 minutes south of Monterrey. We pass by a market along the way that is packed with Regiomontanos buying cheap furniture, artesania, etc... Santiago does not disappoint, with a charming zocalo (town square), beautiful church with Nativity scene on its steps that's open to the public, and great views of the lake Presa de la Boca surrounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. We dine at the delicious Las Palomas on the zocalo, which has a charming courtyard; I get the tacos with cabrito and particularly enjoy the cheese-nacho entremeses and the cafe de joya was out of this world...lightly spiced and sweet...no need to add sugar/cream! The crowd is a mix of romancing couples and large families enjoy the beautiful weather and delicious food.

In reflection, I have such fond memories of Monterrey and Nuevo Leon. I found the people very warm; I loved how people talked to strangers more, starting queries with "Amigo, ... or Amiga, ...". I was moved by how when I showed my friend pictures of recent visits to Quebec City in wintertime and Halifax in May, how the waiters came around, asked questions, admiring the beauty of the oceanscapes in Halifax and the snow sculptures at Carnaval. I can't imagine this happening in the USA or Canada, I think socially waiters are trained not to intrude; but I found myself enjoying the warmth and interpersonal interaction. My friend would put his arm around my shoulder as a sign of warmth and friendship, which made me think how cold our interactions often are in Canada/US. I got my hair cut in Monterrey and my charming hairdresser Lupita gave me a big hug, telling me that I was "Bienvenido" anytime (in Spanish) and she looked forward to cutting my hair when I was next in town. I couldn't imagine a first-time hairdresser being so warm to me in Montreal. Some might feel their space was intruded; I just enjoyed the warmth! As people told me, and I concur, the Regiomontanos are "muy agradable"! Not to mention that I also learned a ton of Spanish on this trip (still far from fluent!)! My eyes have truly been opened and I hope to return some day, perhaps visiting some other part of Mexico as well!

!Buenos viajes y Viva Mexico! DANIEL

I wanted to add to my commentary since this is my last post, that one thing I really respected about Mexico was how people I spoke to seemed to consider the pre-Hispanic cultures as much an important part of their history as those post-Christopher Columbus. This was evident to me when my friend spoke and by the presence of Aztec/Maya etc... imagery on (it seemed to me) all the Mexican currency and native people given prominence (such as Nezahualcoyotl on the 100 peso bill). My friend, who I think is of mostly Castillian descent, spoke of the pre-Hispanic accomplishments in architecture, agriculture, mathematics and science with great pride.

Sometimes I find in the USA/Canada that much of the pre-European history is glossed over as "the history of others" or some people consider including this just being "politically correct", and a focus tends to be more on Jacques Cartier, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John A. McDonald and post-European-arrival settlements. I know there are differences in the history, but this particularly struck me.

Daniel, I've really enjoyed your reports. So nice to read reports that aren't just about all-inclusives or beaches! I've been to Mexico many times over the years and occasionally friends ask why we keep going back - haven't we seen it all? But everytime we go, we hear of another area we want to visit. There is so much to see and do in Mexico, I can't imagine ever feeling that I had seen it all. Thanks for your reports.

Thanks SusanInToronto!

I definitely think I too would enjoy paying a repeat visit myself to Mexico. In planning my itinerary, I wanted to go somewhere in the country where I felt that I would meet/interact with ordinary Mexicans rather than go to a beach resort. Monterrey did not disappoint...the Regiomontanos I met were so warm and welcoming, curious about where I came from and delighted to tell me about their favourite places.

I hope you have a magnificent time in Australia (that should be a trip of a lifetime) and suspect you'll have a good time in New Orleans, if you decide to go.

Cheers! DAN

PS My friends asked too, "why are you going there?", so I do relate... Incidentally, I already can think of about a dozen more places I'd love to visit in Mexico (not to mention that I'd love to return to Nuevo Leon again someday); after one visit, I think I've already been hooked, line and sinker!

I remember your posts preparing for your trip. I am really glad you made it down to Monterrey. I would encourage you to do some more traveling in Mexico. I like Monterrey, but you will will really be amazed as you begin to visit some of the colonial cities and destinations further south. I think you will find Mexico fascinating to explore. Glad you had such a good time!

Thanks Dude for all your help in planning this trip; believe me, your words amongst others helped turn this trip idea into a reality. I send you good karma for your help!

I do want to explore places further south at some point: a number of Regiomontanos in particular seemed to mention Guanajuato as someplace that might appeal to me. So many places though look interesting from guidebooks, it's hard to know where to start.

Funny how the Municipio de Santiago, Nuevo Leon that I loved is not even MENTIONED in my Lonely Planet or Rough Guide guidebooks, two guidebooks I picked out because they at least talked about Monterrey, a city which some (I think Frommer's is one!) guidebooks leave out altogether!

Feliz ano Dude!