Mexico still seems to me to be a very exotic place --- it's high on my list of places I would most like to visit in the near future. And Ron Butler takes you there in a way that no one has before. His DANCING ALONE IN MEXICO: From the Border to Baja and Beyond is a wondrously fascinating look into this mysterious, age-old country and its many characters.

Combining his succinct personal observations and travel experiences with the history of the different places in which he finds himself, Butler explores the multifaceted world that Mexico has become. As rich in ancient culture as it is thriving in today's tourist market, Mexico is a patchwork quilt of landscapes and adventures, most of which it seems that Butler has experienced for himself.

However, I think I would have preferred to have read something more along the lines of UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, in which the story would have a through-line, a real narrative that would help explain Butler's love of the country better and make sense of his wanderlust. Granted, the wonders of Mexico are clearly appealing and exciting to any tourist looking for ancient culture and contemporary narcissistic fun, but I was hoping for a more personal diary type of book than Butler has written. Sure, he lets us in on why he was in a certain place at a certain time, and his adventures with Mexican plumbing, food, and language are all amusing; but I never felt like I had a complete grasp on his attraction to the place and thus felt shortchanged at the end of the book.

DANCING ALONE IN MEXICO could be very helpful to those who are venturing out to discover Mexico on their own --- his descriptions of lodging and food establishments are the type of thing that would help somebody plan their own trip in order to avoid or not miss a certain spot. Butler has really been around, and his insights will be key to those of us looking for a way around the resort life onto the unbeaten paths of this huge country.

An interesting travelogue with some great helpful hints.