Postcards from Mexico
Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Pete Heck
With Mexico, more than any country we’ve ever visited, we developed a bit of a complex relationship.
On one side, we cannot possibly name all the amazing reasons we enjoyed our time there: the friendly people, mezcal, the perfect beaches, discovery of the divine El Pastor taco, etc. etc. But on the other side, in this country in which we generally felt safer than any other Latin American country we’ve ever visited, Pete was robbed at gunpoint. And that moment in time is a pretty drastic blemish, even in the face of all the goodness. We do not hold one man responsible for our views on the entire country, for sure, but it has still been tough to shake. We’d be lying if we said it didn’t hamper our outlook for the rest of our time there – photo walks weren’t taken as freely, people and places were looked at with more suspicion.
If that one incident hadn’t occurred, we would be unabashedly raving and gushing about every single moment there. And with some time and distance between, we will get over what happened. The good will prevail.
On the day we boarded our plane back to Canada, we did so with heavy hearts and a strong desire to return. The healing is underway, and as we still have so much more to see in a country that we did truly love, we promise that there will be a return.
*****
We spent only six brief days in colorful Oaxaca – tasted our first shot of Mezcal, discovered our first street-side taco, and explored the stunning mountains that surround.
Next up, the beachy town of Puerto Escondido. While it was the site of that ill-fated morning run, it was also pure perfection in every other sense.
We made two extended stops in Mexico City while in transit, and were surprised by how much we truly enjoyed it. As one commenter stated: “If Buenos Aires is the Paris of Latin America, than Mexico City is New York”. We couldn’t agree more.
The bulk of our time was spent in Guanajuato, and what a treat that was (even if we were buried behind our work most of the time). It was a wholly pleasant and most beautiful place to be, with colorful buildings appearing to tumble down the mountains.
It has firmly earned a place on our If-We-Need-To-Settle-Down-This-Might-Work list. That’s a pretty short list.
We debated quite awhile over whether or not to spend our month in Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende. We were ultimately happy with our decision, but still made a side trip to San Miguel to see what the fuss was all about there.
As you can see, we think you can’t go wrong with either.
Beautiful photos. I would totally send one of those postcards 🙂
Absolutely stunning photographs. Can’t wait to get to Mexico later this year. Am feeling v excited. So awful about the robbery though – I hope you’re healing ok
We’re getting there! As always, time heals.
Wonderful photos! I visited Mexico many years ago, and Oaxaca was one my favourite places. Overall, I can’t say that Mexico was a WOW experience at that time, but for that very reasons a country where I’d like to go back.
Oaxaca is so beautiful. Mexico definitely WOWed us, maybe it would for you another time around!
I love that these aren’t your typical beach photos from Mexico; I love all the little details. Mexico is so high up on my list right now!
You guys had such a unique time in Mexico and the photos here show that!
Thanks Rachel! It was definitely a fantastic, unique experience for us. Excited to go back.
Great shots. Can’t wait to visit Mexico
Beautiful photos! I have only been in Mexico very briefly on a cruise so definitely didn’t get a real feel for the country. I’m sure getting robbed at gunpoint must have been terrifying.
Mexico is worthy of a lot of exploring! I hope you make it back!
Awesome photos Pete. We will have to visit Mexico before coming home for a visit next summer.
Gorgeous photos, you have managed to capture the vibe of Mexico as well as the beauty 🙂
Stunning photos! I visited Mexico a few times when I was younger, but now I’m dying to go back and explore more!
Gorgeous photos… But so sorry Pete was robbed at gunpoint – that surely must taint your view of Mexico somewhat. We travel there quite frequently; fortunately we haven’t run into any problems like what you experienced.
The pictures are fantastic and make you want to catch up the next plane to Mexico 🙂
I’d love to taste the true Mezcal. How’s it like? Could it be compared to any other spirits?
Pete and Dalene, Gorgeous photos…I travel there quite frequently; and fortunately I haven’t run into any problems like what you experienced, so sorry for this, but glad you are still around to tell the story.
Beautiful! What an interesting and stunning country. I’ve never been there save for a day trip to Tijuana from LA. I so want to explore more.
As always, your photos are gorgeous. I particularly like the one of the young man selling Elotes & Esquites
Stunning photos! Hate that you had that awful robbing experience, but good for you for not letting it totally ruin your enjoyment of Mexico. Hope the rest of your experiences are positive ones.
these postcard pictures are stunning. My mom was from Mexico, so I remember visiting Mexico City, and the beautiful, nearby Guadalajara! I’m sorry, but I have to ask… Did you focus your beautiful images on the architectural and natural beauty of the land while avoiding taking pics of the poverty that is right there as well? I so love your photos and the people, but haven’t visited Mexico in 30 years. Unfortunately, my aunts told us about 5 years ago that they wouldn’t recommend going anywhere at this time, yet they’ve been there since?!?!!