Santa Cruz to Salina Cruz to Coatzacoalcos, Mexico     November 29, 2023

I left the hotel about 7:50 and walked to La Crucecita via the pedestrian walkway.  I found one of the few places open for breakfast - 9 am seems to be opening time.  That’s time for lunch for some of us!  I had the best breakfast I’ve had so far.  The eggs were mixed with lots of cheese, bacon and tons of mushrooms.  It was delicious.  Of course it came with a dollop of beans which were good too in a beany way-

I was only about 10 minutes from ADO - the bus depot.  I bought my ticket to Coatzacoalcos which cost about $68.  We left La Crucecita at 9:45 sharp.  We drove through hilly areas completely covered in trees-

and sometimes close to the ocean-

The road was very windy and it was slow going but the driver was very aggressive but safe.

Huatulco is the blue dot and Coatzacoalcos is the red point-

Once in Salina Cruz, which is a port city and one I am glad I didn’t spend a night in as it looked like Walmart might be the major attraction.  From the bus depot I walked around the corner and found a hole in the wall restaurant-

and had the best fish ever.  First, the waitress brought the tortillas in a basket-

They were warm and very soft.  The only way I like to eat them is with jam and she sure gave me a funny look when I asked for marmalade!  As soon as I ordered the fish, they erased it from the menu board.  I guess  they just had one piece.  It was delicious-

You know it’s a good place if the bus drivers are eating there.  There were lots of women (and pots) working in the kitchen-

The second part of my day left Salina Cruz at 2:45-

The bus depot had open walls and there was a nice breeze.  My seat was right at the front and luckily I didn’t have to share the whole trip.  There were two bus drivers and one didn’t shut up the whole 7 1/2 hours.  I’ve never heard anyone talk that much.  I was sitting right below the tv and they played 3 annoying movies that I don’t think anyone was watching.  As the night wore on, it got colder and colder.  Finally at a stop I asked the driver if he could turn the heat on.  He did for awhile but I was sure glad I had my pants, sweater and towel - to use as a blanket.  The temperature was 11!

Along the way the terrain was flat then hilly again.  We drove on a lot of two way traffic highways and then on double lanes.  It was drizzling the last few hours.  

We drove right by my hotel, Los Andes, but they wouldn’t let me out so I walked back 2 km in the drizzle.  I didn’t mind one bit because it was nice after sitting so long and it’s the first time I haven’t been sweating in 3 weeks!  

Nice colors-

I’m just here for the night and moving on to Villahermosa but there’s a pool here that looks pretty nice so I’ll see what the morning brings.  Today was a good day!

P.S.

Something happened to me in the night.  I matured.  I guess that’s what happens when you go from 61 to 62.  I woke up realizing that I need to focus on the 90% instead of the 10%.  Just think about it.  I’M IN MEXICO!!  I’m not working, I’m warm, I’m exploring new places, meeting new people and improving my Spanish.  How great is that?  It’s interesting how a little attitude tweak can change everything!  I’m very much looking forward to the next month of my trip!