The Eve of Departure

After a year of expectation and planning, it is now the eve of my departure. SO hard to believe. I think I’m more tired than anything right now that it hasn’t completely sunk in that I am leaving to move to Mexico tomorrow. Wow.

For the last month or so especially, I have been intensely preparing for my move. I have had to research housing, insurance, travel arrangements, cell phones, classes, vaccinations, and other items. In the midst of doing all of those arrangements I had to pack up my entire life in South Carolina and move my things (difficult to say the least...those of you who know me know that pack-rat-itis runs in my family) to Memphis, TN, where I will be leaving them in my dad’s attic.

I have decided to drive my car to Mexico. Several people with whom I have been in contact who have lived in Monterrey have told me that Monterrey is not a very walkable city, and since I will be there for a year I would like more independence. Of course, preparing to take my car has involved purchasing Mexican car insurance (only $270 for a year!), figuring out how to get a temporary permit (thanks to my dad for help with that), renewing my Tennessee car registration, and making sure it’s safe to drive.

Tomorrow – Wednesday, July 29 – my dad and I will leave from Memphis, TN, and drive to Dallas, TX (my dad is coming with me and flying back from Monterrey to Memphis). On Thursday we will drive to right around Laredo, TX, which borders with Mexico. We will stay the night somewhere around Laredo in order to wake up early on Friday and cross the border. From there, it is roughly a 3 hour drive to Monterrey! I am looking forward to seeing a lot of the Mexican countryside. Monterrey has a lot of mountains around it – similar to Colorado...the pictures are beautiful! I will take lots of pictures and start posting as soon as I get settled in. Stay tuned for my first post from Mexico!

Emily

P.S. I've had some requests to post a map of Mexico so you all can see where I will be living. As soon as I have a chance to figure out how to do that, I definitely will!