Feliz Navidad

Merry Christmas from the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas!  Since our last update we have travelled through two very different regions of Mexico: the coastal plains of the Yucatan, and the mountains of Chiapas.

Our trip through the rest of the Yucatan was quite interesting.  We followed Mexico’s Gulf Coast through the cities of Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen, Villahermosa, and Cardenas before heading inland.

Colonial streets in Campeche.  The city center is enclosed by a big stone wall which was used to defend against pirate attacks in the 1600s.

The main square in Campeche.  Every night there was music or performances on a big stage.

Culture Shock

Holy cow, we’re in Mexico.  After about 6600km of riding from Vancouver, BC to New Orleans, LA, we’ve finally made the jump to the Yucatan in Mexico. 

It’s been a huge shock to instantly transition from a familiar routine to being completely out of our comfort zone in some of the big towns.  But we’re getting better, trying to look less like gringos, and starting to soak in some of the culture.  Here are three of our favourite things the Yucatan has to offer:

Caribbean Beaches: We spent a few days lazing on beaches in Playa del Carmen and Tulum.  In Tulum we camped right on the beach for two nights!

First taste of the Caribbean

Rollin’ into the Big Easy

After almost 100 days on the road we’ve reached our final destination in the United States… New Orleans! We’re taking it easy in the “Big Easy”, preparing for our journey to Mexico.

For the last week we have been cruising through the thickets and marshes of East Texas and Louisiana. We’ve been revelling in flat but windy riding and Cajun food.

Looking into Texas’ “Big Thicket National Preserve”. This dense bush used to be a popular hiding place for criminals and outlaws.

More Truths Learned as the Tour Continues

Texas is big

… and some parts are really remote! 

Most of West Texas is composed of desert and cattle ranches.  Since the abolition of slavery, much of the rural Texas economy has shifted from growing cotton to cattle ranching.

A cow, and wind powered well near Fort Davis, TX. This day we rode 70 miles without passing any civilization or services.

Shades of the Southwest

If you imagine the south western United States as being home to gun-toting rednecks and cowboys, you are partly correct. Never before have I seen so many trucks with rifle racks in the back and this morning I saw my first real cowboy up close. I noticed him because of the sound his spurs made when he walked. That being said Texas is one of the most friendly states we’ve been in. Normally I would be terrified riding into a city like El Paso (pop. 650 000) on a three lane highway with no shoulders, but the drivers here all gave us plenty of space.

Looks like they really live up to this motto: “Drive friendly, the Texas way”.