Guzmán – Colima : 61km

Today is the day. We've bought the car, we've saved the money and we've planned the route. The only problem with today being our final day was that last night was also our final night, and so I had a terrible hang over. We didn't have that far to go today, only an hour or so to Colima, but it was still a big one for us: our first day on the road. We had already decided that toll roads weren't happening on this trip, both because they're expensive, and because they usually cut out most of the scenery. We were proved right in both respects by our trip down the free road to Colima – not only did we save 92 pesos, but we also wound our way through some amazing mountains.

Today was exciting, but it was also sad. At the same time as the thrill of what we were about to do, we both felt upset at the prospect of leaving behind the life we have made for ourselves over the last few months in Guzmán. Not only this, but for me tonight was also when I said goodbye to all of the friends I had made this month in Colima – friends who I haven't spent nearly enough time with.

The driving itself was interesting. For starters, I was horribly hung over, so the twisting mountain roads, whilst beautiful, weren't that great for me. We also learned a few mexican driving habits, such as putting on the hazard lights at every given opportunity. They usually put them on when they're slowing down, even if there's no real hazard – apparently brake lights aren't enough. There was one valid use today though, when after we'd hurled abuse at the driver for stopping and putting his hazards on, a cow appeared from in front of his pick-up. It just goes to show that sometimes you really do need them!

After arriving in Colima, and finding the house where we were staying, we had a chance to relax, and to find out what other people thought of our plans (“You're crazy, have fun, don't drive at night”). We were greeted with typical hospitality, and found that the spanish girls who live at the house along with the people I knew already had cooked us dinner. After dinner, a few drinks and some interesting conversations, we were off to the party that I had been invited to nearly a month ago, and which conveniently fitted our plans.

And so there's our first day. Our warm up, perhaps, since we didn't have to go that far. And despite my throbbing head, all I can say is that it has made me even more excited about the days to come.

Related posts:

1. Colima – Maruata : 358 km
2. Guzmán
3. Almost Famous
4. Maruata II
5. Mexico D.F. : Xochimilco