Driving in Mexico is a two person job. Tobey sits behind the wheel and I operate the computer/GPS and watch for potholes, rough spots, vados (low spots – like water runoffs), and topes (speed bumps). It also takes both of us to navigate through towns with narrow streets and through construction zones. We passed over this bridge and we were both pretty nervous. Needless to say, most days we only averaged about 30mph.
The area from Catemaco to Acayucan has mixed agriculture – corn, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas, oranges, and mango trees. Since it is Saturday, we have seen many people on their way to and from the markets. Taxis are a common form of transportation for many of the people. It is not uncommon to see 20-30 in the small towns and often with 5-6 people squeezed in to a single cab!
Just south of Acayucan, we got on MX145D, the cuota (toll) highway; four lanes, divided. Even though it is fairly rough, it seemed like a super highway. The posted speed limit was 110km/hr. Tobey was able to get up to 100 and manage to miss most of the potholes until we hit the road construction zone.Back to single lane, not divided. Even though we were on the cuota, it is not in very good condition.
Another thing we have noticed traveling through many of the small towns and villages is that the people spend a good deal of their time gathering firewood. Whether on horseback,bicycle, or foot, they had bundles heading back to their homes. Many people still cook over wood stoves and heat their homes with wood. It is not an easy life for many of these people.
Another thing we have noticed traveling through many of the small towns and villages is that the people spend a good deal of their time gathering firewood. Whether on horseback,bicycle, or foot, they had bundles heading back to their homes. Many people still cook over wood stoves and heat their homes with wood. It is not an easy life for many of these people.Near Minatitlan we saw several oil trucks and refineries. We also saw this bridge in the distance and then realized we had to cross it. Doesn’t look as frightening in the distance!
Up close it makes your stomach do flip-flops!
Another interesting difference between Mexico and the US is that here, very few places take credit cards. The gas stations (PEMEX) in Mexico are run by the government, and only a few now take credit cards. We just filled and paid $1580 pesos ($117USD cash). It makes budgeting and planning ATM stops a challenge. We don’t realize how good we have it!
We arrived in Villahermosa about 4:30 – not bad, 200 miles in 6 hours. We stopped at the Walmart Supercenter hoping to pick up some “American” style milk. You know what I mean, pasteurized, comes in gallon cartons. No luck. We bought a liter of milk that does not even have to be refrigerated until it is opened!
We did, however, meet a very nice young man, Victor. As I was pushing the cart ahead of Tobey, Victor must have thought Tobey was lost because he came up and asked him if he needed any help. No, Tobey told him we were just looking around. Victor is in the 9th grade and was shopping with his mother. His English was very good and we had a nice conversation. His mother gave us some tips on places to visit when we hit the Yucatan.
We are boondocking tonight and are hoping the rain will stop by tomorrow. We hope to visit LaVenta zoo and archeology museum tomorrow and much of it is outside.
GPS 18.01525° N, 92.92654° W
1 comment:
Yadons, I missed a week but just caught up while watching the Broncos get spanked. What a great trip! Keep up the good blogging. Bill
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