Cleveland, Tennessee, USA - I have been to Mexico four times now (once on cruise ship, twice flying in and then taking a bus from Cancun to Belize City, and finally, this drive all the way down Mexico.) Here are some things I think about this country. Please note this is only MY opinion and not necessarily the opinion of my travel companions...

1. Mexico is a beautiful and geographically diverse country. We have seen gorgeous beaches, breathtaking mountains, farmland, arid areas, lush tropical areas, jungles, small villages and ginormous cities.

2. Mexicans are resourceful and self reliant folks. There is no sense of entitlement here. You have to try and make a living by selling something or providing a service. As a foreigner, you will be asked a million times if you would like to purchase something. You just have to say "No, gracias." This is how they support their families.

3. Federales are everywhere especially in the northern part of the country. They look quite intimidating. They just waved at us as we passed through wherever we were.

4. Spanish is not the only language spoken here. The government of Mexico recognizes 68 distinct indigenous Amerindian languages.

5. We passed a great many elaborate descansos (roadside memorials) - especially up in the mountains where someone had died in an accident. I could not believe the size and beauty of some of them.

6. Mexicans will try their best to communicate with you. They are kind and helpful people. I took four years of Spanish in high school. I am surprised what I remember at times. We are usually able to get our point across with broken Spanish and hand gestures.

7. IF (and I said "if") you want to see the REAL authentic Mexico, you have to venture away from the resorts. You see watered down, "Americanized Mexico" at those places.

8. Do not drive at night in this country. It is not safe because there are no street lights or guard rails. There are animals and people on the road. There are numerous speed bumps that are barely visible even during the day. We are always off the road by early evening to rest and plan our next day. Editor's Note: Check out Tammy's other Mexico driving tips.

9. Please be respectful. Don't disparage a country as a whole especially if you have never been there. I ask you what area of the US is representative of the entire country: is it Detroit, NYC, Appalachia, California. What is America? The same can be said about Mexico. This is a culturally and visually rich country that you should consider visiting. I would love to help you if you decide to be adventurous.

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Tammy Barbour is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida in Materials Engineering. Her first career immediately out of graduate school was in the aerospace industry in research and development. With her desire for more freedom she left the engineering field after a few years and became a successful Realtor first in Michigan and then in Georgia and South Carolina. And now after almost 15 years as a Realtor, the desire for the outdoors and adventure led her to her final career change: overlanding expeditions. She has joined the experienced team of Central America Overland Expeditions who drove Land Rovers from GA, USA all through Mexico, over 3,000 miles for this journey alone. After enjoying four trips to the beautiful country of Mexico, her goal is to explore all over Mexico and every country in Central America over the next few years and to meet lots of like-minded adventurous folks along the way. You can follow her adventures at caoexpeditions.com.