The song: “Miles and Miles” of Texas pretty much sums this day up: the drive from San Antonio to El Paso is just a long, flat drive. There is not much going on. We picked up 3 radio stations: country, classic country, and to change things up a little, instrumental country. We tried to tune in some western stations but were unable. Austin “wasn’t a big fan”.

Finally after 7+ hours we made it to El Paso, and our first stop was at a legendary taco stand called Chico’s. They serve home-made tacos in tomato sauce with this spicy green stuff on the side, and it was great, but didn’t agree with my stomach much. Austin said that the tacos were “phenomenal”. We didn’t mind being the only non-Mexicans in the place. If you are ever in El Paso, Chico’s is a must.

After we went on a tour of the University of Texas – El Paso (UTEP) and the Sun Bowl. The school is pretty much carved out of a mountain, and you can get some pretty good views of the city – definitely recommended. After UTEP we really drove up in the mountains on Transmountain Drive, and got some spectacular views of EP and adjoining Juarez, Mexico. You can literally walk from EP to Juarez. If you are Mexican, you may need to be hiding in the back of a white van. We discovered that the lookout points in the mountains are fantastic places for the kids to be either making out or smoking a doobie.

When asked about the long drive from SA to EP, Austin said that “Everyone told me I’d hate the drive, but I loved it.” He has unique tastes, and seems to become excited by slight changes in the terrain. Also he claims EP to be his “favourite city so far”, and I’m sure he does not approve of my spelling favourite in his quote with a “u”. He speaks American.

Anyway, I loved EP and really felt the latin influence. Being that close to Mexico made me think of my Mexican friends in Monterrey, Mexico City, Piedras Negras, and Veracruz. That is the next trip on my list.