Returning Home through Tamaulipas and Texas

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Tuxpan was a nice place to spend a couple of days. The sun did come out while we were there and so we spent a day by the hotel pool since it was more to our liking than the nearby beach. After a few hours of playing in the pool and lounging in the sun, the bugs came out in full force and again we were ate up!

The archaeology museum was closed for renovations; go figure. We were told the quickest and easiest way to go to the Cuba-Mexico Friendship Museum was to take a boat across the river and then it was only a few blocks walk. This museum was also under renovation, but only partially. We were able to view a collection of pictures of Fidel Castro, one of his suits, and one of his guns. The worker at the museum informed us that the house, which is now the museum, was purchased by Castro because it came with the boat he used to go to Cuba to begin his revolution.

After leaving Tuxpan, we did not stop at Panuco and instead drove to Ciudad Victoria in the state of Tamaulipas. We stayed there for two nights and spent one day visiting the local museums. Tamux is the natural history museum. Tamux featured many exhibits about the natural world, the human race, dinosaurs, and the galaxy. We also visited the regional history museum, which features collections of artifacts from the state from pre-Hispanic times through to the last century.

Ciudad Victoria was a three hour drive to the border between Mexico and the USA. We figured it was close enough that if we encountered any problems we should still be able to be in the United States by sundown.

Leaving Mexico was easy, although it seemed strange to be actually concluding our journey. The procedures for exiting were quick and without problems. First our passports were stamped and second a man from customs went out to our van and removed the temporary permit from the windshield that we received when we first entered Mexico back in December. Next we proceeded to row of vehicles crossing into the United States where we waited about an hour. When it was our turn we were asked if we were bringing back dirt, meat, produce, liquor or drugs. We said no and were welcomed home. We made it to my Mom’s house, between Dallas and Fort Worth, the following day. A few days later, we made it to the Dollhouse. The beers were on ice and we were happy to be home. But, I believe we are cursed. The more we travel, the more we want to travel despite the warnings and reports of danger and violence presented by our government and the media on a daily basis.

Here’s my theory…

Latin America is full of culture, history and life. I am aware of the travel warnings and of the problems along the border. It is wrong to pass blame and it is unnecessary; this accomplishes nothing other than spreading animosity and fear. Remember for each finger pointed there are three more pointing back. Most places in Mexico and Latin America are just as safe, if not more safe, than many places in the United States. I do not advise others to ignore the ongoing warnings and problems. Rather, travelers should travel smart. Do not flaunt wealth. Do not be demanding and expecting. Appreciate, respect and try to understand the people, the places, and even the problems. Realize that when in Latin America, you are not in the United States. The two places are different, but they are likewise similar. And, always enjoy! Enjoy where you are for the culture, the people, the history, the places, the differences, and the similarities.

Our four month adventure was a long time, but it was not long enough and we are already talking about where we will go next.

Looking back, it was an incredible journey. We put about 9,000 miles on the van, we took about 5,000 pictures, we visited many beautiful places, and we met only friendly, helpful, and welcoming people. And, we will do it again and we will enjoy it again!

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