January 21, 2022, the actual dates of the crossing: January 12-14, 2022
MEXICO: the very name invokes all kinds of reactions from euphoric memories of warm beach vacations to horror stories of drug cartels’ brutal killings. So, with much trepidation, Angel, me and my dogs must cross through Mexico to get to Belize. There are basically three routes: the west coast, the middle, and the Gulf side. Angel drives the Gulf route so I am simply along on the drive. Of course, I gave him instructions about NOT driving at night, staying on the toll roads, etc. He politely listened and then he drove it his way. We drove at night often. We did adhere to toll roads when they were available and we covered Mexico, north to south, in two and a half days! OMG!
Either the roads were almost devoid of traffic or they were totally congested. Angel told me stories of how the drug cartels took over large parts of northern Mexico and how the locals fled in their wake instead of staying and being killed off. It was chilling to drive through this area which is now safe due to consistent patrols of the National Guard heavily armed, well equipped with every possible piece of technology and armament. Their uniforms are quite handsome too. I grew to appreciate their presence whenever I saw them which was often all along this Gulf route.
Along with the National Guard, we also saw army convoys. Their uniforms are drab camo but their weaponry equally impressive. Then there are also the black uniforms of the Federales, the federal police, with their collections of weapons. I felt safe all along the route due to the presence of these troops.
And Angel drives competently, safely and fast too. I did not drive in Mexico at all and was happy to simply be the passenger.
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