An Ode to Hosts

When sharing stories from the road, I’m often asked whether I’ve run into any maniacs. My answer is usually the same.

Without question, the most rewarding part of my travels have been the people that I’ve met along the way. So far in Mexico, I’ve rubbed elbows with folks from different personalities and perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. It’s been the best way of learning about this country.

In reverse-chronological order, here’s a post dedicated to all my Mexican hosts.

Oaxaca:

Chio and Susana: I realized these two were pretty laid-back well before getting into town. On the Monday I was supposed to arrive, I messaged Chio to say I’d be a day late. On Tuesday afternoon, I texted her from the highway shoulder hundreds of kilometres away to explain that I’d likely to be stranded for the night. But late Tuesday evening (after a series of last-minute rides), I told her I’d actually be in town before midnight.

No problem. I stayed for four nights, and expect to meet up with Chio and Susana once again while passing through Oaxaca this weekend.

Here’s a photo of the four of us – myself, Susana, James (Englishman), Chio – toasting a (tasty) meal I cooked.

Veracruz:

Ceballos family: I almost never left these guys. I only expected to come for a few nights. I stayed eight.

Upon arrival, Alexis suggested it would be best to remain at his place for Carnaval. Sure thing. And after lots of moving about, I was glad put my pack down, have my own room (until Emilio arrived in town for a couple nights), and soak up a comfortable family setting (and the insane humidity). I’m still hoping they relocate to Toronto to open a Mexican restaurant.

From left to right: Alexis, myself, Gloria, Guillermo, Ivan.

Mexico City:

Denise: Denise didn’t actually hosted me. But after a weekend exploring the city, I popped over one Sunday night for an awesome dinner with her and her Canadian guests. It merits a spot.

Clockwise from top left: Gil, Fraser, Denise, Caitlin.

Maya, Ricardo, Caitlin: All action at this place: they’re always hosting travellers. During my five-night stay in DF, I shared the living room with two Germans, Moritz and Christoph. As I was leaving, they were preparing for another influx and backpackers.

Highlights: Cumbia dance lessons in the living room, some sweet meals, a couple nights out on the town.

Here’s myself, Ricardo, and Maya having some tamales around the corner from their apartment.

Tim: Tim was an unexpected host. I met the Michigan native at a gas station outside Guanajuato. He drove me all the way to DF, and invited to me stay the night with his family.

I made sure to enjoy dinner, breakfast, and lunch before leaving. Who said hitchhiking was tough?

Guanajuato:

Pepe: What a fellow. I spent my last eight (yes, eight) days in Guanajuato at Pepe’s apartment. Throughout, he showed me the town and took me out with his entertaining pals more than a few times. I also got lessons in everything from Mexican music to Mexican politics. Always good conversation with this guy.

Manuel: Manuel helped me out by putting me up at the very last minute. I stayed for two nights, and met up with him later on during my stay.

Guadalajara:

Baguettes: I might not have slept here, but the baguette shop was pretty much my home in Guadalajara. I met Alex, Raul, and Rocco when I came in one day looking for a coffee, and never really left. I spent a good chunk of my three-week stay hanging with these guys – both in the store and around town.

Myself, Alex, Raul, Rocco outside the shop:

Rocco: I spent my last two nights in town at Rocco’s place (a block from the baguette shop). Here’s the view from his roof:

Isa and Yessenia: I spent about a week hanging with these two while sorting out my travel plans. What fun. I also got to enjoy my first bed in about two weeks.

I hope Yess doesn’t mind this photo…

Francisco Francisco put me up in his place for five nights. Since he works from home, we developed a sweet daily routine… always involving awesome lunches.

Raziel: Two hours after getting to Raziel’s place, we were heading off to the Lucha Libre. Since Raziel (born and raised in Illinois) is a football nut, I spent a couple Sundays watching the NFL playoffs at his place.

Robert: Since my overnight trip with Robert involved a roadside nap, he makes the list.

Eduardo: Thanks to this kind fellow for taking in a complete stranger knocking on the door at 11 p.m.

Trini, Olivia, Karol: How nice to spend the New Year in San Quintin with this family.Covered in detail here: https://gilbertcoyle.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/hitchhiking-latin-america-entry-4/

Erika, Enedina, Destructiva: My first hosts… through Christmas, and all the way through to New Year’s Eve in San Quintin. Again, covered in detail here: https://gilbertcoyle.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/hitchhiking-latin-america-entry-3/

From left: Ruth, myself, Enedina, Erika.