In June of 1991 Husband and I took a train from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to Monterrey, Mexico. The cars were not air-conditioned except for the club car where it was cool and the cervazas were cold.
Husband reluctantly posing for me between cars.
View of Saddleback Mountain from the roof of our hotel.
Neptune Fountain at the Gran Plaza or Macroplaza
Faro del Comercio (Lighthouse of Commerce), a column 230 feet high and 40 feet wide erected to commemorate 100 years of the founding of the Monterrey Chamber of Commerce. At night it was lit by laser.
Note the admonition on the building to “Vote like this – PRI – on July 7.” The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) continued to hold political power in Mexico for seventy years until 2000 when Vicente Fox with PAN (National Action Party ) was elected President of Mexico. Today the PRI has gained back some power with the election of President Enrique Pena Nieto.
The Bishop’s Palace sits on a hill in heart of the city. Built in 1787-90 it was involved in the Mexican-American War as U.S. forces under General Zachary Taylor stormed up the steep hill and overwhelmed the Mexican garrison at the top on September 22, 1846. Now it is a museum – The Regional History Museum. One can drive or walk up to it. We walked and the view of the city was worth it.
Courtyard inside the Bishop’s Palace
The white in the distance is a cemetery. Beyond that is the industrial part of Monterrey.
THE COASTAL CRONE 
What a lovely visit! I miss Mexico so very much. We stopped going with all the violence. Your tour was marvelous. I have never taken that train, bet it is fun except for the lack of ac!! So enjoyed this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We miss it too but glad that we had so many good trips into Mexico. And growing up in Freer we often went across to Nuevo Laredo as a family. Today we don’t even go there because of the violence. Occasionally, we will cross at Progresso but stay on the main street. The train ride was an adventure and we traveled with the locals. I learned to enjoy Mexican cerveza on that train!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos, I wonder how much things have changed, if at all, in the last 25 years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I haven’t been back since then but I did go online and saw some additions around the plaza – some type of waterway. Monterrey is still a very industrial city but the violence has increased because of drugs. Thanks for taking time to comment!
LikeLike
What beautiful memories these photo’s evoke I am sure.. Many thanks for sharing them, what a contrast of Old and New with the Lighthouse of Commerce building..
Have a peaceful weekend Joss.. Love Sue x
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were good memories. I really liked the contrast of the old church and the modern too as they both reached toward the heavens. A peaceful weekend to you also, Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 relaxing indoors today.. Blowing a gale and torrential rain outside.. 🙂 You too have a peaceful one xxx Love Sue
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous photographs! I especially love the one of Neptune’s Fountain. Fabulous Action Shot! ~Theadora
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Theadora! Neptune’s Fountain would be right at home in Paris, wouldn’t it? Thank you so much for taking time to view my post and comment. I hope all is going well for you these days. I always relish your Paris posts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so! The dashing Neptune would very much look at home in the City of Light!
Enjoy the week!
T.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures.Thanks for taking us along. It’s too bad such a journey today would have a number of risks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, today the risks would not be worth the trip but I am glad that we took it when we did. We don’t even go across to Nuevo Laredo these days because of drug violence. And it is a shame because it only hurts the Mexican people who depended on visitors. I haven’t been to Laredo in years but we hope to plan an overnight trip soon. We always stay at La Posada there on the river – this side. Enjoy the weekend as it should be nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to love to travel in Mexico for business. I could stay in the best places and the food was wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating journey and especially travelling by train – that’s always and adventure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrea, I wish train travel was more available here in the US. This train was certainly an adventure as we were traveling with the locals at a leisurely pace so we could enjoy the view. Thanks for the visit! I hope all is well with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
CC, thanks for sharing these stunning photos and bringing me to a place I doubt I’ll ever see for real. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome! With your photos you bring me to your beautiful world that I will never see either. Nice to travel from home via blogger friends!
LikeLike
Thanks CC. Yes, it is a great way to travel as none of us are ever going to get to see everywhere no matter what we do!
LikeLike
Fascinating city. These are precious photos, Thank you for the post, CC! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, Monterrey is a city of contrasts – prosperity and poverty – as is much of Mexico. Thanks for the visit and comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the red tower!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The red tower was one of my favorites too and it was stunning at night. Would love to go back but we probably never will. So glad to hear from you – must visit you soon!
LikeLike
Great photos! I have visited a few of the beach areas in Mexico, but haven’t been to other places. I believe I have seen the Neptune fountain in a textbook before 🙂 It’s really too bad that the violence and drug cartels have impacted visitors to Mexico.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tourists are fairly safe on the beach resorts – safe as anywhere is these days – as they need those tourist dollars. And the water and beaches are great. Yes, it too bad that the cartels have taken over and spilled into the US. We really miss visiting the way were used to visit. Neptune’s Fountain is quite a piece of art and so massive. Thanks for your visit – always safe here! I hope all is well with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful trip, wonderful memories, beautiful pictures. I am so glad I didn’t miss this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, we were young and adventuresome back then but there are good memories. I hope you are doing well, Val! Cheers!
LikeLike
Enjoyed your journey, especially the train ride which looked like a good adventure. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, it was quite an adventure but we were young back then. Not luxury travel but it was authentic. Thanks for stopping by, Maverick!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love train travel. I have never been to Mexico and enjoyed this visit, walking in your footsteps
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I have never been to Canada. I love train travel too and wish there were more opportunities. Thanks for following along with me to Mexico! I hope all is well with you.
LikeLike
Wonderful pictures! The Lighthouse of Commerce is a very intriguing structure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Lighthouse of Commerce was one of my favorites too as it seem so futuristic and out of place. Nice to hear from you, Sheryl!
LikeLike
Viva México…. A beautiful post… thanks for sharing with us… All my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, viva Mexico! I hope to visit again soon. It is always a pleasure to have a visit from you. Must travel your way soon. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, thank you for sharing these landmarks. My hubby also is reluctant to pose for the camera, by the way…
LikeLike