My Fingers Fly

Shortly after meeting my husband over 20 years ago, I met his uncle and aunt who came to town for Christmas. Since meeting her, Tia Raquel has repeatedly invited us to visit their home in Monterrey, Mexico. Last month we finally made the trip, and we had such a good time. My husband had not been there since his teen years. Since I had never visited that area of Mexico, Raquel was determined to show me the best her city had to offer.

The entire family got together on the first night for a river boat cruise at Santa Lucia River Walk which connects the Macroplaza and Fundidora Park. The 1.55 mile long canal terminates at a large fountain which was made from a recycled smelting pot paying homage to the iron melting company who once owned the property.

As the tour guide pointed out the best spot for tourists to get a photo of Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Hill), I noticed the next peak resembles King Kong. The coincidence tickled me, as the previous week I had published my Gorilla Pilla pattern.

It was a lovely afternoon which culminated in shopping at the Macroplaza where I found an adorable handbag for my Goth-loving daughter. I see another crochet pattern in my future!

The next day Raquel took us to Mercado Juarez, a local flea market. As much as my husband and I love to visit flea markets in our travels (we visit the one in San Antonio quite often), I have never before seen a 3-story flea market – leather goods, Mexican candies, souvenirs, and so much more. Most fascinating was the fact that every other booth sold items for spiritual wellbeing – tarot cards, religious candles, herbs, rosaries, and figurines for Dias de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It would be nice to be able to return in November for this celebration. I would definitely wear my sugar skull poncho if we return.

Ladies' Sugar Skull Poncho Crochet Pattern

Street vendors were so hard to resist. We bought cups of freshly cut fruit, had a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice and soft-serve ice cream. Then dinner at a local taqueria where we ordered sampler plates and had a taste of everything. Needless to say, my jeans were a little tight by the end of the day. Sitting outside that evening, I heard the music of an ice cream truck and considered whether I had room for dessert. It turned out to be the bread man driving slowly down the street with the tailgate open revealing his selections. I was tempted to grab some pesos from my purse, but after a day of what seemed like nonstop eating, we decided against it.

Our third and final day in Mexico found us in Villa de Santiago, 50 miles south of Monterrey to visit La Cola de Caballo, Horsetail Falls. We rode a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets leading up to the falls. The nieces opted for a horseback ride. From the observation deck, surrounded by pine, mesquite and ebony trees, the water flows off the top of the hill and falls about 80 feet down the moss-covered rocks into a pool of crystal-clear water at the bottom. It is truly an enchanting place. 

The trip down the mountain was even better than the ride up. I joined my nieces in ziplining down the mountain, flying above the trees on a gorgeous spring day. One more experience from my bucket list – It was exhilarating!

During our flight home the next morning, my mind was swimming with so many memories and so many ideas for new designs based on the beautiful state of Nueva Leon. Hopefully, I will complete a new pattern book in the coming months.

Where will we go next?