Riding from Guatemala to Veracruz in Mexico by the Gulf of Mexico, was a lovely ride. The nature was spectacular and the people were nice. It was devastating, though, to see some areas totally ruined by forest fire.
After spending some time in Veracruz, I rode in the direction of the border town of Tampico. When I had about 250 km (155 miles) left, I was advised to ride back for 100 km (62 miles) and take another route to the United States. The area was considered unsafe because of cartel attacks and fighting. My mind was already made up, however, and I decided to keep going, despite the warnings.
For the next 250 km (155 miles), I witnessed a serious military presence everywhere and felt tension in the towns and at checkpoints. It was a relief to follow a military convoy through the toughest part.
An extremely nice restaurant owner, Orlando, give me a good history lesson and answers to all my questions. An eleven year old artist, Nadia Aylin, exhibited some of her great work at her mothers restaurant which was a nice sign of normal life – despite the threat of violence that was constantly surrounding everyone’s lives.
After crossing the border, which was just a small river, into Texas I suddenly found peace and was very relaxed. What a change one river can make!