About 250km northwest to our first stop: the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende.
The guide book says the whole area has been designated a national monument to protect the architecture and cobbled streets. The place has immense charm and atmosphere - first day out and I have fallen in love already.
Had a brief walk about town then headed off to the northern outskirts to find a botanical garden. Saw my first 'proper' plants here - really interesting place.
Yucca queretaroensis (a new one on me!) and a perfect Agave victoria-reginae were amongst the thousands of beautiful plants on show there.
We were quite late - the sun was setting before we had a chance to look around properly - so it was back into town to find our hotel and somewhere to eat. Another great thing about Mexico - the hotel was absolutely great and only around $450 pesos - £22.50 or thereabouts. Dinner was superb and came to a ridiculous £12 for both of us.
Practically teetotal before the trip, I encountered two Mexican delights: michelada and tequila. Michelada is a light beer served on ice with fresh lime juice; a dash or two of worcestershire sauce and tabasco adds a surprise kick. Ask for salt around the rim if you prefer. The most refreshing drink on the planet now has a new devotee.