MN to GTO

[DianaL]

Hello, I am a retired surgical RN and I am moving from MN to GTO in November, probably the first two weeks of that month. I have received wonderful advice from expats from GTO I have met via a network of friends going all the way back to people I grew up with in Saudi Arabia.

Thus, I have received advice on visas, car insurance and roads, but one of the expats feels I shouldn't drive alone after I cross the border. (I am a young 71 y/o.) It is possible I can get a companion in TX to drive with me, but just in case that plan falls through, it was suggested I join this forum and see if anyone of you is driving to GTO about the same time. My exact date is flexible. The idea is that I would follow, as in caravan, another person driving to GTO.

There is one complication. I am traveling with my three Boxers. I have already researched taking my dogs to Mexico and will have all the required paper work. One of my Boxers is my service dog, one is a service dog in training and the third is a rescued puppy mill bitch. All have obedience training and in fact, the service dog has AKC ribbons in obedience. The service dog in training will also compete once he settles down and can concentrate. At 2 years of age, he is still a silly puppy.

Traveling with three dogs means I will need to stop every 3-4 hours to let them out to stretch their legs. I do have a question regarding my dogs, though. One new expat friend said hotels/motels do not allow dogs. He suggested I find a place to stay that is used for "trysts" because they often have private entrances and I can sneak my dogs in. If anyone has a name for a place like this on my journey, that would be helpful. I do plan on staying overnight in San Luis Potosi and leaving early for GTO.

As a surgical RN with some natural OCD issues common with RNs, I am leery of sleeping on a bed used for "trysts". I will be taking a sleeping bag. Any comments on the cleanliness of places to stay are VERY welcome.

I will, if necessary, find a safe place to park my Jeep and sleep in it with my dogs. No way would I leave my dogs in my Jeep overnight without me.

BTW, I am fluent in Spanish. I lived in Mexico City for nearly 5 years in the 1970's and have been used as a translator at the hospitals where I have worked both in surgery and PACU.

As a person who has traveled extensively and traveled alone as young as the age of 14 to Saudi Arabia, I am not reluctant to drive alone in Mexico, but I am also fool hearty, taking risks I shouldn't. I hope someone can help me. Please contact me via this forum or at my private email, dlboxerdog@gmail.com or call me at 651-230-7958. I appreciate your thoughts.