"Republic of the Rio Grande" Laredo by RobertViolin

Laredo Travel Guide: 45 reviews and 51 photos

Did you know that Laredo was once the capital of a republic that included lands from both Texas nad Mexico? In many ways, in its history we can find evidence of how this city has sought to form its identitity apart from the two coutnries that contain it.

Laredo is a contradiction in many terms. It is a small city of seemingly unimportance; yet, as the major port of entry between the United States and Mexico, it marks a spot where the first world and the third world meet face to face. Its people are American Citizens by birth; yet any Laredoan will immediately tell you of the impact of Mexican culture. A common saying is that Laredo is politically American, culturally Mexican. Both English and Spanish are spoken, though Spanish predomainates, but any "fronterizo" (border person) will readily understand one language while speaking the other.
One of the most popular things to do in Laredo is to cross into Mexico, or as it is commonly said, "Going to the other side." Once in Laredo's sister city of Nuevo Laredo, a popular tourist activity is shopping at the various mercados that are set up. Many people buy handcrafted articles, but candy and liquor stores seem to dot Nuevo Laredo's downtown section. As a very general rule, prices are cheaper the further one travels from the international bridge.
I have lived in Laredo almost all my life. It is my home. If you are coming over or have any questions about this area, feel free to write me.

Intro Written Sep 4, 2002
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DEVIL4YA Jul 17, 2002 at 9:19 AM

finally someone with huevos .. Glad someone isnt scared to go
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mabu May 6, 2002 at 1:56 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY :-)
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Beach_dog May 6, 2002 at 7:09 AM

Great start, Happy Birthday Roberto :0)
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b1bob May 6, 2002 at 3:57 AM

Nice job!
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Geoff_Wright Mar 7, 2002 at 4:10 PM

Good info. I may be down your way nearer the Fall.