Veracruz was a long, hot Mexican state but along the way we met some wonderful people, people who were so enthralled with our trip they really wanted to become part of it. They became part of it in many ways - hooking us up with the local newspaper or radio, riding with us part of the way, hosting us in their house while insisting we eat and rest as much as we can. or by doing anything they could to make our trip easier.