Why Minnesota?

After living in paradise and the excitement of Mexico,  you might wonder,  why would I drive 36 hours to live in the cold? As you may remember, I studied Massage Therapy in Costa Rica as shown here. I chose to start my career at Gunflint Lodge. I love it here! The people are welcoming and fun and the trees are dense and full of life. Here's a few views of my work area

I am in such a nice little cabin.

I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity!

Intro to Minnesota

So my travels have taken me far to the tip top of the USA to the Canada border in Grand Marais, Minnesota. It's snowy and I love it. I live on Gunflint Lake outside town. The lake is solid frozen over with a view to Canada.

The trees are tall and green and the roads wind just the right amount.

So far, I love it here! The actual town sits on Lake Superior, more about that soon. 

A Remembrance To My Friendships Formed In Mexico

I had so much fun with all my new friends in Mexico, this is my way of saying they are pretty great!

We all came from different places, cultures, and ages, but 

it never stopped the welcome I saw in this little city.

 We never feared looking foolish, because I

 in the end we all knew it didn't matter.

I

if you meet the right people, you always have the family feel. And I had it from my family and friends alike.

Now I'm off to Minnesota for my next adventure. I will keep you updated!

Driving back to the USA alone

I hear things like "don't go to Mexico, they kill you for being white" "if you travel alone you will get killed" "you can't cross the border, it's too dangerous" and many more, but I will tell you my personal views on it, take it or leave it.

Yes, I left while the sun was still down, yes, I took two short cuts to avoid tolls (on roads I was semi familiar with) and yes I, 24 year old white female with childish Spanish  drove alone with a car completely stuffed full of things. 

I found the trip beautiful.

The towns were as welcoming as the people. 

I got my windows cleaned when I stopped, and I trusted my bike with two little boys in the middle of nowhere while I used their bathroom. My bike, ironically got stolen the day after I made it to the states, while I was inside for an hour eating breakfast.

If you are concerned for your safety, treat it like the US. Don't drive a fancy car in a poor area, don't flaunt your money, treat people with respect, tip people who work for it, and if you use tolls you know you are safe. There is a phone number on your toll receipt that you can call if you are in trouble (car or personal) and the police and a tow truck will take you to the next toll which has everything you need. I survived  with no issues. Learn how the locals handle the rough roads and adjust and big tip, try to speak a little of their language, you are in their country and you'd be suprised what a simple gracias can do to break the ice. 

 If you are wondering, despite my detour and shortcuts, this was my route....

Goodbye México

I had a wonderful group of friends send me off before my new adventure with food, games, and music. What more could anyone want?

It just goes to show you can find true friendships anywhere in the world. Thank you for welcoming me into your group!

Nature and Views of Álamos

Pictures are great but I highly recommend you see this in person.

Flowers towered above us on the many ancient walls.

This is just someone's entryway.

church built in the 1800s

isn't this just a perfect little house?!

It was hard to believe how big this vine was!

so many places for me to climb!

It really is a special town. I always have a hard time not sharing all the photos!

Last Hurrah in Álamos

  I couldn't have left México without another trip to say goodbye in style. So we took a brief daytrip to see the beautiful city of Álamos.

 After a wonderful meal at Las Palmeras, we headed out to town. But first, look at this restaurant!

So yeah, it's a beautiful building. 

and a surprising entryway...

but check out this bar!

I mean really! Look at that!

 but I digress... on to the city. 

   This place was beautiful! The streets were such a site, so full of history and architecture

The mountain view was worth the trip. It was so green and refreshing there.

The ancient cobblestone streets were like a trip back in time.

Aren't my parents cute!

I hope you enjoyed this nice walk through Álamos. More to come!