I wish I could say that the drive back to Mexico City from Teotihuacan was nothing like the drive there, but I can't. With written directions from the staff at our hotel, we made it (via Hwy 132, 140 & 145) to the toll road (during the day) that was built to take vehicles straight to the Mexico City airport. Not.
The road went straight to the outskirts of Mexico City and plopped us on a four-lane avenue several miles from the airport. Major signage disappeared except for the occasionally small "Areoporto" sign so we kept driving straight. Then we saw airplanes, but no directions to the terminal.
The next thing we knew we were driving past the airport and into central Mexico City. We got off the heavily trafficed road and stopped to ask where the airport was. It was behind us. Like duh! But how did we miss the turnoff?
After an hour or so of weaving our way through back streets dodging trucks, vans, cars, dogs, street vendors and pedestrians, we finally found familiar terrritory. After visiting terminal 2 and then terminal 1, with the help of our lucky stars and a friendly taxi driver that gave us good directions, we finally found the rental car drop off.
I'm totally mystified how people learn their way around Mexico City. They must be born with a GPS in their head. Given the lack of signage, crazy drivers and crazy roads, I can't think of any other way they can navigate.
We are now in Guatemala City having landed a few hours ago. We're off via bus tomorrow for Copan, Honduras. This time we're leaving the driving to them! Hip, hip, hurray! (At least I hope so!)
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