Monterrey
Trip Start
Oct 15, 2008
1
59
97
Trip End
Jul 15, 2009
Monterrey, Mexico
Thursday, March 26, 2009
As ever the only place I could afford to stay was the red light district - managed to find the least seedy place I could. Close to the bus station and the metro, by far the best way to get around.
Tried to go on the tour of the largest brewery in Mexico but they failed to tell me when I booked that I needed to wear long sleeves, so only got the upfront spiel. Not free beer either as private function booked in their scenic grounds - NOT HAPPY!
From the small historic area of the city, with a few stylish bars & restaurants, but very underutilised, it was a pleasant long walk along the waterways to Fundidora Park, a former foundry, but now a real interesting cultural centre, re-using many of the old buildings as museums, galleries, etc.
From there walked to the convention centre as wanted to get tickets - Enrique was playing that night, Santana the next - unfortunately the latter was twice the price of the former and I was also concerned about being bored by 10 minute guitar solos, so the hunk won! Sadly, it was a short disappointing show.
Had to go to the border to renew my visa - decided Reynosa was the easiest safest choice - no problem. Just paid the money to leave, got stamped out, walked straight back in again & paid for a new visa - none off that being out of the country for 3 days bullshit!
Read the Cola de Caballo falls were scenic - pleasant enough but unless you have a car, not worth the effort. Are apparently some more impressive ones further up, so if you have a vehicle, keep going!
Another Pueblo Magico, Santiago, was a great place to stop on the way back - arty colonial village with a church on a rock outcrop overlooking the town, mountains & large scenic reservoir.
