21.08.
How the border crossing went, can be found on the Mexico page. It took a while, but it was not that bad.
My destination for today is Monterrey, where I spend two nights. Just to get accustomed to the environment.
Shortly after the border, the big social and monetary differences to the United States become noticeable. The majority of the houses are poorly maintained. Often they are dilapidated or in bare brickwork. Along the streets there is a lot of waste.
I don’t take the highway leading directly from Reynosa to Monterrey. Instead I drive Highway #2 north-west along the border and then the #54 to the inland. It’s a bit like the Outback in Australia, an endless rocky vegetation with small trees and shrubs .. 25km straight ahead, a slight curve, 35km straight ahead again … all the way to Monterrey.
Driving along the border you quickly realize .. it’s “war”. Army and police are on the road on many places with their pickup Jeeps. A machine gun mounted on the back. Behind the gun a masked soldier or policeman. On the back there are three or four other soldiers or policemen. They are usually in groups of three or four vehicles. A hotel along the border is protected with sandbags, behind, there are two soldiers at the ready.
I was stopped at checkpoints. At the first stop, the soldiers were very friendly. I had to open my panniers. A quick look inside. Meanwhile, again, the usual questions. Where do you go .. and so on?
At the next stop, the three soldiers were a bit arrogant. You don’t need to understand the language. You can also read from the tone of voice and facial expressions. One was playing around with his flashlight and asked if I have one. Of course, somewhere deep inside a bag. I pretender not to understand. I had to open the panniers again. They were curious, poking around a bit. As I always say, there are idiots everywhere.
Stop number three was very friendly again. The officer is very interested in my journey and wishes me all the best several times.
In one of my earlier posts I have written about the infrastructure of the cities. That everything is on the highway. All shops can be found on the through road, the houses are aloof. To get things done you need your car and everyone is driving around in a car. I would probably describe it like: These cities have no soul. I’ve often thought that, when I was walking almost alone through the streets.
Monterrey is completely different. The hostel is located close to the center. There is life in the streets. A lot of people are on foot. Although, I understand only a little, I feel much more comfortable.
I am tried to withdraw money, which I did not succeed at four local banks. I was a bit desperate. Is there a limit on my account? Yesterday I withdrawer a greater amount of USD, just for emergency. I have to call my bank tomorrow. I finally succeed at an international institute. I’m relieved.
Instead of a fast food restaurant, I have dinner in a real restaurant. I want to try the local cuisine. As far as I understand, there is a section on the menu with local dishes. I order something. 3 tortillas with chicken, completely covered with a sort of green pumpkin salsa, bean stooge and two pieces of beef. The taste .. new, I have to get used to it.
I can not say anything yet about if it is dangerous. The owner of the hostel says it’s secure here. The houses are all barred, but the area is clean, and the houses are well maintained. There are cafes and restaurants in the streets. He offers me anyway to park the motorcycle in the lobby. I believe him and leave my motorcycle outdoors. It is covered and the alarm is activated. This time I attach, first time for years, the lock on the brake disc. I must not forget to take it off before driving. Otherwise I will get in troubles.
Thank you for reading, Jürgen.
Leave a Reply