Chilanga and regia at heart

I am a Monterrey adoptee, fortunate because not everyone can say that, the regios are very selective and territorial, but once at home, they are the most spoiled. Although it is the largest city after Mexico City, it has many peculiarities that make it special and very different from the metropolis of the chilangos. I arrived thanks to René Lankenau, who at that time was in charge of innovation management at Banregio. He sought me out to carry out a corporate communication project and time went by, and I stayed there for three years as a consultant for the bank. Today I continue from the Hey Banco trench, the digital bank that was born in its financial innovation laboratory; this is the story that links me to Nuevo León, but I will tell you more about it later.

The thing is that I love Monterrey, any excuse is perfect to get on a plane (or in my car, the highway was spectacular) to be there, in what I already consider my second home. The only thing I can't deal with is the heat during the heat wave season, because as a professional chilanga, the sudden changes in temperature knock me out. I avoid going there on those dates, I admit it.

As part of the FIL Monterrey I was asked for recommendations to enjoy the city, although it is industrial, it has its own thing and is a delight, Lankenau would say, the first world (and yes, he is right about some things).

Monterrey International Airport is located in Apodaca, 30 minutes from Monterrey or 40 minutes from San Pedro Garza Garcia. Remember that the city goes by municipalities, which are San Nicolas de los Garza, Guadalupe, Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Santiago, among others... They are all part of the city and are perfectly connected, the distances are not so long. When leaving the airport, I recommend you to take the runway, it is the fastest way to get to the city.

Depends on the plan:

• For foodies, San Pedro Garza Garcia is the option. In that area I recommend staying at the NH Hotel Monterrey San Pedro, it is centrally located between the new Arboleda area and a few minutes away from traditional shopping malls such as Plaza Fiesta San Agustin, Fashion Drive or Metropolitan Center. Where to eat? Cara de Vaca, Mochomos, Lázaro y Diego, Vasto, Hanaichi, Cenacolo, La Torrada, Gallo 71, Lo Spuntino, Ryoshi, Hotaru, La Gran Barra, Beluga and Libertad.

• For those going to a concert or massive event, Monterrey is the option. Generally these types of events take place in Pabellón M, Parque Fundidora, Cintermex... There are several options close to each point to stay and the mobility is quite good. To eat? La Nacional.

• But if you want to get to know the city... San Pedro / Monterrey are an option. The Fundidora Park is a must, there is the Paseo de la Mujer Mexicana, a very interesting exhibition of women who have changed history. There are also the furnaces where metal was melted and a lake; the park is very recreational. The park usually hosts massive concerts, such as Pal Norte, one of the most emblematic music festivals in the Sultana del Norte. There is also the Macroplaza, the Marco Museum of contemporary art, the Museum of Mexican History, the Museum of Glass and the Museum of Steel. If you are traveling with children, Sesame Park is an option.
• The nature in Nuevo Leon is impressive, as I told Azucena Uresti (the most regal) that even the hills are beautiful, as if they were hand painted and well done... especially the Sierra Madre where the Chipinque Ecological Park is located (where the famous bears come down from), there is the Chipinque Astronomical Observatory. You can also visit the Cerro de la Silla, the Matacanes Canyon and the Chipitinque Canyon. If you have a car and time, a bit of highway to Saltillo, it's a great road, the view is a spectacle.

It is well worth visiting and eating delicious food in Monterrey, you will love it.

For those who have already been, what do you like besides the machacado and beef jerky? We read them carefully to put together the next trip.

@laleguis

The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of Opinion 51.