Mexico - Here I am

It's done, I'm now in Mexico. I had some doubts about the proper way to cross the border, but in the end everything went very smoothly.

I had prepared a nice list of all my belongings. The customs officer took a quick look at the list, opened the trunk of the car, and finally, inscribed a beautiful phosphorescent pink sign on my windshield. After a few trips between the different offices, I have my temporary car import permit and my immigration form.

So here I am in the United Mexican States. And yes, that's the official name of this beautiful country.

Mexico is made up of 31 states and one "federative entity," Mexico City, which is the country's capital.

Until now, like many other Quebecers, I only knew two states: Quintana Roo with the famous beaches of Riviera Maya, and Yucatan, and its extraordinary pyramid of Chichen Itza, one of the seven new wonders of the world.

credit: Nationalgeographic.com

After one day, I have already crossed the state of Nuevo Leon and had the chance to see the Cerro de la Silla (the mountain of the chair).

credit: viajerodemexico.com

As usual, I'm incredibly lucky. The road to the south is perfect.

A little narrower than in Texas, but much cleaner. The amount of tire fragments on American roads is enough to cover every vehicle in Canada.

I told you the road to the south is perfect... but the road to the north is a little different. A damaged semi-truck is causing a traffic jam that stretches for miles. As far as the eye can see, and even further.

It's in these moments that we understand the importance of going to the bathroom BEFORE leaving.

We encounter a few checkpoints. These charming police officers are there to ensure national security, so I happily show them my documents, aware of their importance.

And, as I do every time I interact with a government official, I use the magic weapon. A smile, well-prepared documents, and... a smile. It always works.

After a sleep in Matahuela, I cross the states of San Luis Potosí and Guanajuato, and finally arrive in Michoacan, where I have an AirBnB booked in Morelia, a city of nearly a million inhabitants.

The first few days are... difficult. The fatigue of the trip, the altitude (1,920 meters), and the change of scenery mean my mood isn't at its best. But... it only lasts a short while, and the sun quickly returns to my life.

To make my life easier, I hire a facilitator. It's more expensive, but... it's amazing.

credit: aroseyrelocation.com

Rosy helped me get my resident card, my driver's licenses (car and motorcycle), my tax number, my health insurance (the equivalent of RAMQ but much less expensive), and even opened a bank account.

She knows all the little tricks and all the people who can help speed up the process.

When I say she knows everyone... She even knows the official at the motor vehicle office who was her little sister's first boyfriend. It doesn't give me a free pass, but it still helps smooth things over.

Plus, in the state of Michoacan, it's possible to get a permanent driver's license. Rest assured, I jumped on the occasion.

Quietly, I settle into my new life...