Veracruz and Boca del Rio

I am not fond of travel days. I find transit centers to be hot, loud, crowded, and my knowledge of the way things work remains low. My stress levels go up and my Spanish skills go down. I spend a lot of time breathing, grounding and trusting that people will help get me where I need to be. And I have not been disappointed. * Arriving in Veracruz I was the last to get off the bus and all the baggage handlers had left. I drug my luggage to the women’s bathroom. The kind woman in front of me motioned for me to leave my bags and use the next stall. When I came out all was good. I felt grateful. * I continued to drag my luggage, was able to find the taxi kiosk, and purchased my ticket to my Air BnB in Boca del Rio. I couldn’t even see who gave me a ticket, let alone hear them. So, now I was stuck – what next? Where do I go to find the taxi? In Spanish, I attempted to ask a young man in line where I go to find my taxi, showing him my ticket. He quickly got out of line, picked up my bag and lead me to the taxi, explaining to the driver that I did not speak Spanish. I was greeted kindly. I felt grateful. * Leaving Veracruz I had selected, and paid for, a seat on a “bus” from the Veracruz airport to Xalapa. I had arrived in downtown Veracruz and I thought I would try a new way. My ticket was expensive so I thought I must be getting the first class bus. My taxi driver began our trip to the Veracruz airport by heading to the center of town, because that made more sense to him. When I corrected him, he stopped the car and called a bunch of people asking for their help in getting me to see the error of my ways. Once I had convinced him that I chose the Airport, he sped up to get there on time, he confirmed which was my bus and made sure my bags were ready to go. I felt grateful. * Arriving in Xalapa I needed to get a taxi for the 27 mile trip to Coatepec. I learned from the last time to snag a manned luggage cart. He was able to direct me to the taxi kiosk – the one with no line and half the cost – then directed me to the taxi line – the one with no line. I felt grateful and enjoyed the beautiful and rainy trip while having a pleasant conversation with the taxi driver.

My first day in Boca del Rio I headed to the beach and walked up to the mall, knowing I would be sure to find air conditioning! I paused three times during the two mile trip – once for about an hour while I watched the Seahawks game in a hotel bar (also air conditioned). This mall is quite new and was impressive in a few ways: most of the stores in it had names I recognized from Bellevue Square; artisan market stalls were lining the hallways; and, it was smack dab on the beach!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I loved my daily strolls on the beach and felt grateful that it was so close! I continue to struggle with the heat, but the breeze and shade opportunities at this beach feel so wonderful! It was interesting to feel the difference between the Monday holiday when families were all over the beach and Tuesday when it was almost deserted.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Veracruz and Boca del Rio are known for their seafood which is caught daily. So, I tried to eat seafood for every meal! I focused on crab and shrimp, and left the snails and octopus for others. I discovered an interesting specialty beer drink that is quite popular in Mexico, called Micheladas. It starts with a cold beer mug with fresh lime juice 1/4 filled and rimmed with chili-salt. Then the cold beer is poured in. Yum it sure quenched my thirst.

• 

• 

• 

• 

The night of September 15th begins the Independence Day celebration when traditional foods, music, dance takes place. At 11 pm the “Grito de Independencia” is reenacted in many state capitals, with the most spectacular one in the Zocalo of Mexico City. I, of course, was asleep in my bed when all that occurred. However, before that I was in Veracruz and very excited to see the Mexican dancing in the traditional outfits from Veracruz.

• 

• 

• 

I was lucky enough to meet a man from Queretaro, similar to my age (probably younger), at the Air BnB whee we were both staying. He invited me to go downtown to see the sights on eve of Independence Day. I don’t think he was flirting with me (not sure what that looks like, in Mexico, at my age), but he was very polite and great company. We took the bus, he paid (because he had asked me, he said). He always walked on the outside of the sidewalk and ensured that I was the first one through a door or opening. We began at the port and I could finally see how large and active it was. Then we headed to the historical district. Families decked in patriotic outfits filled the streets and businesses. As darkness fell the lighted buildings took on a new glow.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•