It all started a few years ago, really. I have become increasingly obsessed with succulent plants and very largely those from the north east of Mexico.
A couple of years back I started drooling over 'webshots' photoalbums posted by a Texan called Richard Travis (who, it transpires, is something of an authority...) of his trips and who patiently answered the pestering emails coming his way. This only made matters worse. 'One day' I promised 'I will travel to these places and see the plants for myself.
Then some time later I was chatting with Toby Shobbrook, manager at the famous Palmcentre nursery, and he was telling me of his recent seed finding trip there - his 7th time in Mexico. 'How do you get on there?' I asked 'I speak fluent Spanish and actually lived there for a few months once' he replied. 'Next time you go do you fancy some company?' I enquired... and so began months of waiting, researching, planning and a blitz of emails to Richard about where the best places to visit would be.
Eventually things fell into place and, on a chilly Friday afternoon in November, we left Heathrow to fulfill a dream.