Monterrey, MX: listen to the mariachi as you view this one...

Mariachi band at the seafood restaurant

Trent had the opportunity to visit Monterrey Mexico for a business trip just this past week. Luckily I was able to shimmy my way into the sedan and go with him and his two colleagues on the adventure. We knew that we were taking some risks (in Oct 2012, Monterrey was rated the #38th most dangerous city in the world) but since we were going with a previous resident of the city, we felt safe enough.

via

Monterrey is UNBELIEVABLE. It's unlike any Latin American city I've ever been to: modern, clean, gigantic, delicious, and cosmopolitan. Just search Monterrey on Google images and see what pops up. I kept having to remind myself that it was such an unstable city. Because honestly I've felt much more nervous in many cities in USA. 

Unfortunately, most of our trip was working; I stayed in the hotel working on a graphics and advertising for Doc Holliday's while Trent did his thing in the factory. But we were able to have three delicious meals (five if you count the amazing and authentic breakfasts at the hotel), drive around Monterrey Tech campus, and go on a boat tour around the downtown Macroplaza and Fundidola Park. Since most of this was in the evening, and I have yet to buy a more expensive camera, I've posted a couple images from a search showing the boat tour and the Monterrey Tech campus.

Boat tour through Fundidola Park looking at Saddle Mountiain

Fundidola was originally a Steel Foundry. Kind of reminded
 me of Gas Works Park in Seattle. They have a zipline
 between those two high pipes!

I'm pretty sure these buildings are for computer science.

Great stadium...but apparently their team is the worst haha.

And here are my pics. ENJOY! 

Baby goat at Regio's; a Monterrey delicacy

At lunch the following day with our giant lemonade goblets.
They make it with sparkling water and fresh lemon juice. mmm...

cute decor in the seafood restaurant. The food was great too!
We had an array of seafood with chopped avocado and
 cocktail sauce. Again...mmm

"The Cathedral" downtown.

Walking around Macroplaze. Kind of like
 Seattle Center.

the tall skinny building lights up and has a search light on
top after sunset. 

At the fountain of life. We were surprised to hear it was made
in 1984. Hardly historic but very beautiful. I wish more cities
incorporated classic architecture with modern.

Amphitheater right outside Monterrey's city theater.

Caballo grasa

the beginning of San Lucia for the boat tour

Hector and Trent. We owe our great experience to Hector.
He was such a great tour guide!

Me and Rafa

Restaurant on the river. Like the River Walk in San Antonio

Vat made over 100 years ago with Saddle Mountain 

Government building in the Macroplaze

Enjoying our visit. Notice how empty the street is?!
A little eerie...

Growing candles in the restaurant we went to that night

Food anyone can recognize ;)

on the ride back. 

using business cards and my sunglasses as a makeshift
eye mask.