End of the Road — Or is It?

Friday I said goodbye to Linda and Eric and to Veracruz and headed for the airport. I left feeling like I had barely scratched the surface of what there is to do and see here.

I may not be able to get back here soon, as I want to make a couple of trips to Europe next, but I do want to come back. Veracruzanos are really nice to be around.

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Last Day in Veracruz

Was back in Veracruz by 12:30. Thought I’d go down by the malecon again to see if I could find some souvenirs. Even though Veracruz’s sidewalks are in bad condition, I reminded myself how much easier walking is here because it’s so flat.

And then there is that tantalizing sea breeze…

I was able to fill my chatchka quotient at last. Found a nice little shop which sold a variety of handicrafts by Veracruzano artists. It was across the street from the so-called artisanal market on the malecon, where they seemed to sell mostly things made in China.

Here there were embroidered items for the home, some clothing, rattan furniture and some pottery. I bought a number of clay figures and hoped they’d get home all in one piece.

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Last Day in Xalapa

This is my last day in Xalapa. I’ll be getting on the ADO bus around noon to head back to Veracruz, as my plane for Mexico City leaves midmorning tomorrow.

Miscellaneous Observations

I don’t think anyone has ever exaggerated about the climate in el puerto de Veracruz. Veracruz can be uncomfortably warm and humid at times, and this is still winter! However, it does have nice breezes and did cool off nicely in the evenings, although I did need to turn on the AC in my room for comfortable sleeping after a couple of days. Didn’t get any bug bites while I was there, but Eric confirmed it was partly because of the time of year. It’s got lots to see and do and is close to a number of interesting little towns to visit. It’s flat, so I was able to do a lot of walking without problems. In the warm weather, I seemed to have fewer aches and pains.

Xalapa wasn’t too hot and had a much more comfortable level of humidity. Pat got quite a few bug bites. She wore capri pants sometimes; I always had long pants and shoes with socks. I only got a few near my elbows and a couple on my hands. I’m assuming these must be the no-see-ums. The bite is pretty small, very red and leaves a tiny blister. Hers itched quite a bit, but mine didn’t. They’re taking a long time to heal and go away.

I liked Xalapa very much, especially the people, who are wonderfully kind and friendly. What I didn’t like so much are the hills. Coupled with the altitude, it may be a big issue for me ten years from now when I retire. The city is very charming, with lots going on. Coatepec is even more charming, and much flatter, but Dennis told me there isn’t much going on in the way of cultural activities or nightlife.

I’ve really enjoyed my first taste of Mexico and am now looking forward to exploring other areas on my next trip, whenever that may be. There are a couple of trips to Europe I want to make first, and I ought to do them while I still live on the East Coast. But I will be back!

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