Mexico, that colorful and interesting country
Cancun, Mayan pyramid
Mexico has more than 126 million inhabitants and a surface of 1.972.550 km which is 761.610 sq mi. It is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico receives around 39 million tourists a year which is also due to the fact that this country ranks seventh in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mexico is identified as one of six cradles of civilization and where Pre-Columbian Mexico dates to about 8000 BC. A country, full of history, great monuments, beaches, and colorful towns, great food, music, and friendly people. Dare to emerge yourself into a new culture, you will be happy you did.
When going on a trip, and especially to a new country, inform yourself well beforehand. What money to take, do you need a visa, how about some medicine you absolutely need and might not be able to get there?
Another aspect is, of course, the political situation. Is it safe to go there? Get to know what is the proper way to dress, do not think as you are a tourist you can do what you like.
El Arco, beautiful rock arch on the beach
Lovely beaches
Check on the temperatures during the time you are going, one might be in for a surprise. A big variety of beautiful nature will delight you. Visit Cabo Pulmo National Park as an example. Here you can snorkel, dive and visit the coral reef. Perhaps you would like to see Sumidero Canyon. You can book a boat tour to visit this stunning deep gorge.
Show some respect for your quest country. Learning a word or two will be a good idea and normally the locals will appreciate your efforts. There are many little details which will help you to have a glorious holiday.
Have a look at this interesting YouTube video on Mayan Temples. This country is rich in history and many things can still be visited giving you a glimpse of times long passed. I would suggest wearing the right type of shoes as some climbing might be involved.
Why one should travel
I personally love to travel. When I was younger, I studied in different countries to learn the language. You see new cultures, will be able to read books in their original language and see some lovely nature. Most important is to meet the people of these new countries, to see how they live. Eat the special foods discovering new tastes. I have always liked to try new dishes.
Once, in the Philippines, I was asked if I liked the food. I said yes, to then be told it was snake stew. It tasted great must I must admit it was good I was told afterward.
Colorful and handwoven fabric
Then we have music and other forms of art. The knowledge is taught by fathers to their children over many generations. This reflects the people, how they live and love. These art forms often come through the ages and still are present in modern-day life. When you interact with people, you will discover we are all humans with similar wishes, worries, and dreams.
Travelling will broaden your horizon and will hopefully make you realize we are all inhabitants of this great world. To have friends of different nationalities is one of the nice things in life, to have these friendships makes life worth living and precious.
This YouTube video offers you some mouth-watering recipes. It is worth trying to cook those at home and I am sure the great taste will surprise you.
Delicious food
The above YouTube video is about food, Mexican food. The food there is colorful and healthy and it can be spicy if you like. There are many little places on the streets where you can stop to have a flavourful bite. Eating in a different country is, of course, one of the holiday pleasures one should not miss out on.
If you happen to find yourself going to Mexico, you may want to check out the following link. GRUPO XCARET
The company “ GRUPO XCARET ” has something for the adventurer and the family. You can visit Mayan temples, experience zip lines, or stay a little safer with some guided river excursions.
Mariachi giving a show
Conclusion
When you have traveled in your life, it will give you lovely memories when older. Because of Global Warming, certain places on our planet will change or even disappear. Do not put off for tomorrow if you can go there now.
Some people know their way around Mexico but for those of us that do not, a great guide would be helpful. Lonely Planet is well known for its travel guides. Here is one for Mexico. Lonely Planet Mexico (travel guide)
A valuable book for your library
The writer of Fire and blood is Mr. T. R. Fehrenbach, a native of Texas and an American historian. He is a writer of over 20 books. The history of Mexico for sure is not boring and I think you will love this book. Spectacular achievements and great civilizations will keep you spellbound.
I have made a special page for my visitors, check out Recommendations, you might find something of your interest.
Source: Wikipedia
Photo Source: Pixabay
There are many beautiful places in the world. Perhaps you like to read about the Keukenhof, a world-famous tulip park in Holland. The best time to visit is April as hopefully, all the bulbs are open.
Comments
JeffWA
Hi Taetske. Some 20+ years ago actually taking a wonderful two-week bus tour in Europe, I had the privilege of befriending a group of relatives, (an aunt and her niece and nephew) who were Latina/Latino and who lived in El Paso Texas.
Twice, in the mid 1990s they were so kind as to invite me to visit them in El Paso. El Paso is literally right across the border leading into Mexico and on several excursions by car they brought me into that country.
They fully admitted that Juarez, Mexico is not exactly the safest city in that country. But I remember that it was a pretty fun visit.
The family actually took me to some very nice Mexican restaurants where I was able to appreciate the types of food – of high quality that was a part of my meal.
Prior to that visit, and due to the fact that I had a bad experience, I disliked Mexican food.
Sadly, I lost touch with them over the years. However, in remembering my trips, brief and very limited considering the distances that were traveled as they were, Mexico is a country rich in culture, history, and tradition. So much so that one day I would like to see so much more of what Mexico has to offer.
The link to the Mexican travel/tourist company that you included in your article as well as the two embedded videos – one of the Mayan Temples the second on Mexican cuisine all provided a wealth of info for a individual thinking of visiting that country!
Jeff
Taetske
Good evening Jeff,
Thank you for commenting on my post on Mexico. To emerge oneself visiting a new country is an absolute must for me. I am not the beach/get brown type of person. I love to visit places, interact with the locals and go to funny out of the way eateries. Like that you get a real “feeling” for this new place. Long time ago I worked 3 months on a Greek cruise ship, Venice and the Greek islands. Later on I did 7 months on a Russian cruise ship, from Southampton/Enland down the coast up to the Canary Islands with Lisbon, parts of Spains mainland and Madeira inbetween. Going on land I always explored these new places and coming back in 14 days would know my way around already.
To travel is one of the joys of this life.
Regards, Taetske
Cory Haasnoot
I have never been to Mexico but it looks beautiful from the pictures and videos on your website. I would be kind of nervous traveling there now with all the drug cartels and turmoil that goes on down there. I just wouldn’t feel safe but that’s just me I’m sure it’s a wonderful place to visit. The historical culture is what I would want to see if I traveled down there.
Taetske
Good Morning Cory,
Thank you for leaving a comment on my website. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Yes, it is a shame that this beautiful and interesting country does not find peace and that traveling there might not be the best choice just now. Luckily there are still many countries worldwide where traveling is a joy and not dangerous. I hope you will find a nice one for your next holiday.
Regards, Taetske
Bruno Oliveira
Hi Taetske:
I never been to mexico, but after reading your lovely post I got curious and will seriously think about it.
Would you recommend a beach oriented Hollyday or a more cultural side?
Is it possible to have both beach and culture in the same trip?
What are th best number of days to get to know mexico in terms on trip lenght?
What about cost of living is it more expensive than the states or canada?
Thank’s
Bruno
Taetske
Good Morning Bruno,
Thank you for visiting my website and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
I worked in the tourist business for 14 years. Italy, different places in Spain and the Canary Islands, also 3 months on a Greek cruise ship and 7 months on a Russian cruise ship. In Italy, I did the round trip, 7 days by bus and more than 2000km on the road.
What kind of holiday would be best? Beach or culture? Personally, I think the best is a combination of 1 week relax and 1 week touring the country. 2 Weeks in a bus can get stressful and 2 weeks only on the beach gets boring, but as I said, that is my opinion.
In general I would say that prices are cheaper than in the U.S and Canada. One should take care while visiting the very touristy places as of course there prices are high, but not higher than in the before mentioned countries. You can always try to haggle a little. Off the main routes, it will be very affordable be it food or souvenirs.
Regards, Taetske
Nuttanee
I have always wanted to visit the Mayan Temples. Seen it many times in the movies. Sadly but all these years I have never visited Mexico just yet! I go to other places instead like in Europe or in Asia. After reading your article I will definitely make it happen this year that I am going to Mexico. Good read.
Taetske
Good Morning Nuttanee,
Nice to see you again and thank you for your comment.
The world is so big with so many lovely places one could visit that it is not always easy to chose where to go.
I hope you will be able to visit Mexico this year, such a colorful and lovely country.
Regards, Taetske
Daniel
I must say that this article is awesome Taetske. I have never been to Mexico, I have family there and I know that they are very satisfied there primarily because of food, they say it is so delicious. I must talk with my wife about this, we want to go on a travel in the spring and you just give me great idea.
Taetske
Good Morning Daniel,
Nice to see you again and hear you liked the article. I really think that to be able to travel is one of the nicest things one can do in life.
I traveled a lot when I was younger and I am very happy that I was able to do that. My oldest girlfriend is Marie from Sweden, we met when I was 15 years old. Then I have a Danish friend Rolf who lives in Canada. We met in France when I was 18 years old. Lifelong friendships are a treasure.
I hope you will be able to visit Mexico this year with your wife.
Regards, Taetske
Josie
Yes, I think I will go visit Mexico with the family one day! I’ve had this trip on my bucket list since a couple of friends went to Mexico a couple of years ago, and the colourful way you describe it, makes me even more excited to go there! I absolutely love the Australianised version of Mexican food – I’d love to experience the real thing, amongst the real culture one day!
Taetske
Good evening Josie,
Thank you for leaving a comment on my website. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Normally the food tastes best in its home country, Nowadays you can get all the foods where ever you go but it misses the local touch. I hope you will be able to visit Mexico one day.
Regards, Taetske
Jannatul Ferdaus
After reading your article, I found out that you have discussed in your post about Mexico, it looks beautiful from the pictures and videos on your website. About your description, Mexico is a colorful and lovely country, most important is to meet the people of these new countries, to see how they live, to taste Mexican foods and to visit the beautiful Mayan temple. Thank you for sharing this article. I like your post very much.
Taetske
Good evening Jannatul,
I am happy you like my post. I hope you will be able to visit Mexico one day. I am sure you will enjoy your holiday.
Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Regards, Taetske
Rhain
It is always a welcomed idea to enjoy the culture of foreign countries especially when such countries are rich in their heritage and culture. Mexico is certainly one of those countries. It is not difficult to understand why the country attracts such a huge number of tourists annually. It is certainly on my travel wishlist. Thanks for sharing
Taetske
Good Morning Ikechukwo,
Nice to see you again. Thank you for your comment.
Being able to travel is one of the highlights in life and the memories stay with you forever.
Regards, Taetske
sabrinamou
I have never been to Mexico however it looks excellent from the photos and recordings on your site. I have for a long while been wanted to visit the Mayan Temples. Seen it commonly in the motion pictures. Tragically however every one of these years I have never visited Mexico at this time!
I go to different places rather than in Europe or in Asia. In the wake of perusing your article, I will get it going this year that I am going to Mexico. I will try to visit everything listed by you. Your guide is very helpful for travelers. Thank you.
Taetske
Good Morning Sabrina,
Thank you for visiting my website and for leaving a comment. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
One lifetime is not enough to see everything Mother Nature has to offer. I still have so many places to visit in my guest country Spain. My last big trip was 3 weeks in America in May 2016.
Regards, Taetske
Pentrental
With so many beautiful and interesting places, Mexico makes for the perfect travel destination. You’ve presented some excellent questions such as with medicine must-haves, which is something that travelers can easily overlook. Safety, of course, is always important, and it’s difficult to know whom to trust to find accurate information especially with today’s media.
Honestly, I had not heard much about Cabo Pulmo National Park and Sumidero Canyon until now. These are refreshing references beyond the common ones such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. If I’m traveling to Mexico I want to go off the beaten path but remain safe while doing so, and it’s through a quality post such as this that I am able to do so.
I will keep your site bookmarked as I have found it extremely helpful. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Taetske
Good Morning Brandon,
Thank you for visiting again and for leaving a comment.
I would like to travel a bit more but having the farm and some animals it is not always easy to get away. When I was young I visited many countries and am now left with fond memories.
Last year I got a rock tumbler for my birthday so now we go on day or weekend trips here in the south of Spain. I do hope to make a big trip this year but it seems that New Zealand is first on the list.
As I have been a tourist guide when I go on a holiday I prefer not to be in big groups so to be able to mingle with the locals.
Regards, Taetske
Evagreene
Wow😍! Mexico is indeed a wonderful place to visit most especially on vacation with family. I’ve heard a lot about the Mexicans; great music, exciting beaches and also beautiful ladies. It will put an understanding smile on my face if I’m opportune to visit Mexico especially the Dzibilchaltun located close to the northern coast of the Yucatan.
Taetske
Good Morning Obaseki,
Mexico has a lot to offer to its visitor so I am sure you will not be bored going on holiday there.
It is said that Dzibilchaltun was a big city with some 200.000 inhabitants and an estimated 8400 buildings. That is big even for modern standards. I live in a beautiful Spanish village in the south with approx 42.000 inhabitants.
Let me know about your trip and I wish you good luck with the Mexican ladies.
Regards, Taetske
Dave Sweney
Hi, Taetske!
I have had some very good experiences years ago now in Mexico while I was in El Paso for work. We would go across into Juarez and then into the surrounding areas on weekends. Really it was such a nice time, I would go back in a New York minute!
You lay out some compelling reasons to head there too. I did not realize that they had so many UNESCO sites. That is all the more reason to go.
I do think using a guide would be a good thing, otherwise, you miss out on too much. While visiting a new country, I will try to get one so I can maximize the time while visiting…
Another enjoyable read, thanks much!
Taetske
Good Morning Dave,
As always it is nice you are visiting again. Thank you for your comment it is really appreciated.
My Father loved nature and my Mother loved the culture. When going on a holiday it would always be a mixture and very interesting. Historical places give you the possibility to savor past times and as I have a rather vivid imagination, a holiday would always be very exciting. If you do not know the country you are going to visit it is good to read some books beforehand and having a good guide with you is a must.
Here in Spain, we are blessed with many UNESCO sites and we all have the obligation to take special care of these places so future generations may also enjoy visiting.
Regards, Taetske
Linda Frankson
Many of the things you described I have been there and done that. But there is a difference as per visiting and living.
Visiting will fill your appetite for more. As there is so much to see and do, but living amongst the Latin people is so different.
Such as you living amongst the people of Spain.
Mexico, for me, was the beginning of a new life. Just reading your post brings back so many precious memories.
First Mexico then Costa Rica, you would think that it is very similar. There as some traits that are similar like the language, but the culture is very different. Guatemala. Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, they all have their differences. They all have their delights.
That is what I said at the beginning of this comment. It opens up your appetite to explore more.
It was a delight reading this post and yes so many memories Linda
Taetske
Good evening Linda,
As always a delight to see you again. You are my most faithful visitor. I really appreciate your comment.
One can learn so much from visiting different cultures. It is even better if one can stay for a longer period so one can immerse oneself in the culture and really get to know the people.
I spend long periods in different countries in Europe when I was young and that has formed me. As you know I am now living in the south of Spain, I have lived here since 1976 that is more than half my life. I still have to visit South America, hopefully in this life.
Nice to hear you liked my post and that it brought back fond memories.
Regards, Taetske