I have so many messages from people about Mexico.

Many are myths, imaginations or perceptions about what Mexico is, and how awfully dangerous it must be. We have discovered the beautiful side of Mexico, far away from the myths and imaginations of some.

The Corn God: The Maya believed that humans had been fashioned out of corn, and they based their calendar on the planting of the cornfield.

I think Mexico is either underrated or unknown in some parts of the world.  I guess this does not apply in the USA due to the close proximity.  Certainly where we are from in New Zealand Mexico doesn’t seem to be a highly rated or known traveller destination.

Amazing Fish Tacos in San Miguel De Allende – Can you taste them?

For my kiwi readers – let me just say Mexico is much more that tacos, tequila, beaches and margaritas.

Rich history solidly based around family, religion, people and tradition, Mexico has a slower pace of life that we are used to.  It’s laid-back with an emphasis on a cool, calm and collected pace. Some might find this frustrating if they are accustomed to the fast paced Western consumer driven environments.

It’s a country of contrasts, friendly people and endless travel options.

Always happy smiles and laughter

Mexico is a country where modern manufacturing plants sit next to ancient cities, desert dunes give way to a beautiful beaches, where rituals and craft making skills have been passed down for centuries.

The capital city, one of the largest cities in the world, is built directly over an entire ancient city. They are constantly discovering artifacts from Aztec times under the streets of Mexico City.

Contrasts such as this are the norm in Mexico, rather than the exception.

Gualalajara – just some of the architecture the graces the colonial cities

For us this is just perfect. The choices available are as varied as any one country could possibly offer. Mexico welcomes over twenty million visitors every year but I would say very few from New Zealand.

This is a country where I can be snorkelling on a tropical beach in the morning, exploring ancient ruins in the afternoon, dining in a quaint colonial city in the evening.

Such is the diversity, proximity and excellent transport system.

Colonial Puebla – a city not to be missed

Mexico has gorgeous colonial cities that were being built in the 14th century, glitzy beach resorts if this is your thing, (it’s not ours) snow-capped volcanoes and some incredible sunrises. Then there’s the cherished archaeological sites that are fairly well spread out across the country.

Centuries of mystery and intrigue are held within the pyramids, temples, ceremonial palaces and ancient cities. The huge pyramids of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, the Mayan city of Tulum, near Cancun and Monte Alban and Mitla are all easily accessible.

The ruins of Mitla just outside of Oaxaca

I find Mexico far from being a “developing” nation:  it’s actually the world’s fourteenth largest economy, a remarkably efficient transport system and a vibrant contemporary arts and music scene.

Discovered this cool restaurant in San Cristobal on our last night, fabulous food and music.

It’s certainly not all suburbs and SUVs though, big adventure can still be found through happening upon a village fiesta, complete with a bullfight, music and dancing.  Or try hopping on a public bus, packed with farmers all carrying machetes half their height and curious about how you’ve wound up going their way.

The power may go off, the water may not be drinkable and you still cannot put toilet paper in the toilet. Occasionally it can seem that there’s inescapable noise and dirt. But more deeply disturbing are the extremes of haves and have nots, grim poverty that exists, most poignant in the big cities, where unemployment is high and living conditions are crowded.

Then there is the ostentatious wealth of a few very evident again in the big cities.

I loved chatting and buying some fruit from these dear little ladies.

There is also the ongoing drug wars that provide a seemingly non-stop stream of sensational, often gruesome headlines. Whilst the violence is very real in some parts of the country up north, we never ever felt like we were in any danger – for the most part, we found Mexico a friendly, fabulously varied and enormously enjoyable place in which to travel and live.

Tamales – I never could like these

Our 3 month Mexican Experience started in Guadalajara, the second largest city. We had rented a small apartment in the outlying area of Tlaquepaque did a housesit in Lake Chapala and plodded our way through the colonial cities of Guanajuato, Mexico City, Puebla, Cholula, Oaxaca ending up south in Chiapas, at San Cristobal de las Casas.

Living here is extremely affordable, rent is cheap, food is amazingly good and you gotta love the markets. Example we both got our teeth cleaned and scaled here for $45 each, cost in N Z $160. I also got a full blood test for $50.

I should be skinny by now.. with all this wonderful fruit and vege… but no

After a break of 2 months in Guatemala and Belize we’re headed back to the Yucatan of Mexico for our beachy, explore the ruins and cenotes adventure.

I’m looking forward to getting back spanish speaking in Mexico. In Belize the english just feels wrong to me.

In 4 months, we barely scratched the surface of this richly historic country and now we are shouting at top of our lungs!

Te queremos Mexico, hasta la próxima vez

“Viva, Mexico!”