I like how you do not disrespect the old houses that look rundown but still have a lot of personality.

Why haven’t you pointed out the schools in the border towns you visit? They are very well kept & the teachers do an amazing job! Students receive very a very good education in both English & Spanish!

Enjoy your videos, I'm retired and don't go anyplace. My travels are through your videos!

You know after watching some of these border Scenes With you guys, it’s even more fun than a lot of the other ones. It really does feel like I’m sitting right next to you. It’s great! Keep having fun and making cool videos I watch them all.

What a beautiful town, it’s my hope there’s revenue to maintain the historic structures. The cactus, yuccas, agaves and other plants are amazing! Thank you for sharing!

Man, that San Ygnacio is a cool looking place. I looked it up and way back in the early 1800's the Comanche tribe made frequent raids in the area...hence the stone buildings with walled yards made for good defense. Town looked like it would have made a great set for the Lonesome Dove movies....in fact it evidently was the setting for the film Viva Zapata. The old town is also on the list of National Historic places.

Oh Lord, those sticks in the fence are grapevines. And that huge cacti at the beginning of the video…a saguaro I think. One is a huge century cactus. It shoots for a bloom every hundred years. Crazy, huh? It’s huge even by South Texas standards! The “stucco” is likely adobe. Glorified clay and awesome insulator when thick enough! Free Range chickens! I used to see that when I was a home nurse in Los Angeles county. I was stunned the first time! I spent 6 years in South Texas as a youth. A severely beautiful place. I hope you enjoyed your time there. 😀

You rightly highlighted the pig in the video's heading. Border towns seem to be a haven for animals who love to roam freely. Loved the handmade cross at the path's end placed there (per the sign) in memory of a local 20 year old woman who died last year. San Ygnacio seems to be dominated by historically eligible Mexican influenced structures and a lovely park in its center with a gazebo and what seemed like white wrought iron benches. Seeing your videos is incrementally refashioning my understanding of the Rio Grande from merely being the natural border with Mexico to a valuable phenomenon of nature with a quiet, understated beauty. You are actually doing us all a public service.

Wow! This has to be one of my favorite city tours you have done! I absolutely love all that historic architecture! Despite the fact that I live in Florida, the desert has my heart!

Thanks Lord Spoda for these videos. We appreciate you sharing them with us and we get to see part of America that we would otherwise never get to see.

My mother was born there in San Ignacio Texas before they moved to Laredo I have several relatives buried there I still have relatives living in Zapata Texas from my mother's side of the family. I lived in Laredo before moving to Houston Texas in 1983. I love your videos from all these border towns it brings back a lot of memories

Gorgeous towns! I love the unique architecture. The chickens and dogs seem to be out in force. The pig was a pleasant surprise! I’d love to know the backstory on the memorial with the lights. Thank you for taking us on a wonderful adventure!

The Spaniards had a great idea abt the walled homes. The Moors had the style of home to keep prying eyes off of their families as well as for security. In spite of the world falling apart around us, I felt much more secure living behind those walls when I did. Many things you can add such as broken glass bottles into the morter on the top of the walls to add layers of security.

I like that the homes have individual characteristics: No cookie cutter Suburbian look where everything looks alike.

Hi Lord Spoda Really a cool, peaceful, old Mexican small town. Century or more old rock houses are wonderful. Greenary abounds. Variety of Cactus everywhere. Unique architecture. At one place, while driving, you had to slow down to let pass the chicken!:) We enjoyed the video, as usual. Waiting for the Part 2. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Beautiful cactus 🌵

9:27 Im wondering what that roof is made from as it doesn't look like tin, Hmm maybe wood. Now that @10:07 would fit in any cowboy movie wow just love the verandah or as u guys say porch. Ps. n yes i always check out on Google maps were you are n there were its is like from the nearest big city n so forth n this is how iv learnt so much not to mention see n i do like your commentary as i use to watch Charlie Bow or something like that n he never spoke but your channel is a totally different ball game matie that's for sure anyway i better not rave on to much but i will say again i truly enjoyed this whole video. so looking forward to seeing u in Australia n listing to wat you have to say as that's going to be so much fun for me it truly we n who knows i might be able to help u out a lil wit some knowledge who knows. thank for the lovely show my friend n good night from me n nsw. - 13:38 you might need to get some binoculars buddy ya haha.

I've been to the historic town of San Ygnacio (ig-nah-see-oh) several times. Some scenes from the movie Viva Zapata! Starring Marlon Brando were filmed here. There exists a foundation which has restored a few of the old buildings. A very unique town.

San Ygnacio was like a time capsule of different periods. Lots of history there. If those walls could talk, as they say... A very evocative and unique locale, with a lot of personality. My better half also enjoys your videos btw. Since I'm the "writer" in this partnership, it falls to me to make the comments. But she has asked me to pass on her appreciation of your work LS, so here it is: Mrs. Andrew sends love and thanks, and says you're doing a bang-up job. And I second that. I'm looking forward to hopping into the Bronco with you for your trip to Part 2.

San Ignacio is a small Beautiful town. Several years back they would open some houses for tours. You could go inside them and see how they lived.

Omg!! He looked at you and said “Who you calling a pig?” 😂😂 Awesome Community!! Very lovely homes and probably also haunted

I kept waiting for you to say "That rooster is playing chicken with me! What do you guys think?"

If you went through Grulla, you would have seen my ancestors old houses, built in the 1600's.They were the first Spanish lan grantees

You have a good voice for vlogs and interesting how you search for the river to actually see the border. Much appreciated and safe travels

I was born and raised in Laredo just a few miles up river. San Ygnacio has a very rich history. There are many archeological sites in the area. I urge your viewers to research. There is a historical society that is restoring a lot of its historical buildings. This is the Rio Grande Valley it has very unique flora and fauna. You have animals like the Ocelot, and the Amazon Kingfisher that are not found anywhere else in the US. Since it rarely freezes coupled with the rich valley soil plants can grow to immense size and age. Great video!!

that's why I have subscribed to your channel, we love your videos, your videos show almost everything including roosters and pigs, thank you for your efforts

Hi from a freezing London, UK just watched this incredible video and when I saw San Ygnacio and Route 83 I couldn't believe my eyes, I was out there in April 2016 and hardly anything has changed except the lookout which looks like it's had a bit of TLC, had to check my photo's and you had stood where I had stood!

MR. SPODA !!! ...ENJOYING YOUR BORDER TOUR, THIS IS A GREAT CHOICE....THANKS !!

The brightly colored wooden boxes on platforms are bee boxes for honey collection.

My grandma's house resembles some of these incredible homes. It's still in pretty great condition. These houses just need to be updated but the old architecture needs to be preserved. Great video.

Yo Spoda...in the video as your driving around trying to avoid various animals you came upon a building with a sign on it that said "senior center nutrician center"...right after you read the sign aloud a chicken comes into view hauling ass away from the ahem "nutrician center"...my ribs were sore from the laugh I had over that one!..that was some true irony right there brother!...lol

Its like the pig stopped and if he could talk would ask can I help you 😆 Chickens remind me of the game frogger 🫢 Nice little town !

I like what you put all the houses I would love to buy a house in the little towns

This town is really interesting! Loving this!!! Thank you! 😊

Yes, known as Dia de Muertos - Day of the Dead. A day to remember deceased relatives just after Halloween here in the US. Lots of the same decor. The Catholic Church co-opted a native "holiday" of ancestor worship centuries ago.

You may have sold that house for the realtors. So cute & next to the trail too. Love what you showed us today.

I love this town and this video!! Wow, it was amazing and sad at the same time that many buildings are abandoned. The cross was a dedication to the young girl who perished there by her parents and her siblings. I often wonder when I see these types of houses like who used to live there and why were they abandoned. Very interesting

That Halloween house is AWESOME!!!

Wow! Great video. Enjoyed watching.

Thank you for your tours. I have learned so much from watching your videos. Thanks for the education.

I would bet that all those stucco houses have the original rock underneath the stucco. All those houses are older than the hills

There is a Mexican yucca plant toward the beginning video. I knew that because my older relatives spoke of them all the time!

Mexico, Day Of The Dead (2/11) 2nd November a very big festival. What classic old houses they have there with the Mexican frontage of the square and rounded top. Very different from the last episode. The old stone buiildings remind me of a lot of old farms in England that were converted into homes. Barn conversions have become quite common. My sister lives in one that was a dairy farm with all the buildings converted. As for chickens running around .... Bastard chickens run everywhere here, sleep in the bushes until 03:30 then start giving it large! Like the pig, we have buffaloes and cows wandering around. Nothing like stopping a fence in the middle of nowhere and looking at G maps there are plenty of dirt tracks going close to it. Could be taxis ;-) Roll on part 2.

I love your Chanel! It is enjoyable and heck a funny!! When you start saying hmm, huh I start laughing! I’d love to see a SF Bay Area clip by you! This is where I live! Ridiculously over priced!

I remember my grandpa had a very small stand on HWY 83 that was back in the 80s can't Remember, there was a lot farming there put some of it's going away now. been picking fruits there I was a kid mostly watermelons and melons that was back in the 90s and 2000s. awesome video

A lot of the buildings down here are extremely old. Old 83 going towards falcon dam is a good trip

You missed the fort towards the river, my grandmother was the youngest granddaughter to live in the fort. The same families have lived there since they settled. It is recognized by the State of Texas. It’s a museum now.

Great to see my hometown in your video!!!

Thanks! like how you made it 2 parts so we can all watch tomorrow at work too lol.

My dear friend..you know what would be cool..get water samples and let's see how it is...The Rio Grande.Peace to you and your family.

The neighborhood and its streets looks like a movie set. Awesome place.

Looks like Mexico! Very pretty! I love it! Thank you!

You know its a good neighborhood when there's bars on the windows and doors.

When you went through Rio Grande City, you missed Fort Ringgold, which was constructed at the end of the Mexican War. It stood guard for nearly a century over the Rio Grande & Rio Grande City. In the 19th century, it was host to a many prominent military people, which included Robert E Lee, John J. Pershing & others. It now houses the educational administration offices for elementary & secondary schools. The original barracks still stand & it’s a very impressive place!

Omfg I worked on a drilling rig close to SAN YGNACIO about a decade and a half ago. That road heading north that turns to gravel at one point and dust and comes out near Mirando city. It was about 3 miles up on that road. Long story short is you probably noticed as well the houses were also nicer then most border towns that are small. Don’t know about now but back then we had a mandatory safety meeting before heading there. Also there’s the small store on the highway. We also got stopped and given a very stern warning by what were obviously security to some individual. The reason being we were seen drinking on the river. Maybe it was that road that was closed off or another. Don’t remember. Buy you drove down the ledge so to an open area along the river. Anyway the build up,was to mention this. Supposedly some very high members of certain cartels live there. As far as the American side goes. Which we did see alot of people crossing the river that day. All carrying large ruck sack like bags. That park was full of prostitutes at night. Now we did venture to town after that. Never down to the river. Also we were being watched and followed the entire time. Even to the point of the sherifff showing up and bringing some Rubbermaid picnic tables for us to drink on at the park. Just don’t think they really wanted us out and about in that town. Anyone familiar with the oil field knows we can’t drink there. Other then that it was a very cool town. People were friendly af but then again if we got out of line I’m sure they were sent there to keep an eye on us.

Yes very interesting, real purty little town.

Thank you for sharing this. Fascinating. I enjoyed "our" drive around very very much. ❤ From Australia

That place with the stick fence in the beginning is the river pierce foundation. The artist Michael Tracy lives and works from there.

I am amazed at the size and apparent good health of the Saguaro growing next to the street in San Ignacio [@ 00:17]. I can't imagine how it got there, San Igacio is way too far East for it to have grown by itself. The only thing that's certain is it's a mature Saguaro, more than 100 years old. Very few Saguaros grow outside Arizona and I have never seen so large and healthy an example growing that far East. The climate obviously agrees with it!

You think that park has enough benches.

I've noticed in a lot of the border towns you drive through I never see any people just out and about in the neighborhoods. I live in Mission but I've never driven past Rio Grande City heading West.

You hit it out of the park with this one!

love the commentary and how you get out of the car and explore. really stunned how deserted the mexican side is, i always pictured small towns or communities all along the border to take advantage of trade with the US. are there laws that prohibit towns from being raised on the mexican side of the rio grande?

The border theatre in mission. She came to the valley and a lot more

San Ygnacio is on you Tube and you can see what you missed

So interesting! Thank you for showing us these cool little towns.

This is exactly like my India ❤

I would definitely love driving through there

Too bad the cactus flowers were not in bloom, very beautiful.

You are pronouncing it wrong because the word is in Spanish 🤭 but it is an awesome town we have here in South Texas we have a lot of towns with old historic buildings. Awesome video ❤️

Omg this town is really beautiful ❤️

Another good video . .. thanks .

i believe that architecture style is called spanish colonial

The senior center's lunch (that chicken) is making a break for it.

Beto sign definitely in the right yard.😂

You can get a permit for pigs in central California. Very inexpensive compared to getting it from the grocery store.

Free range chickens means not a lot of bugs. Chickens love to eat insects. Cool video.

I laughed and laughed at you. "Is that a pig just walking around?" "There's another chicken crossing the road. No wait, he's coming back. No, he changed his mind, Nope, he's gonna make a run for it. No, guess he changes his mind!" At a run down, abandoned house...."there's a for sale sign in case you're interested in buying it!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA You may b surprised that some of those homes you called abandoned.....may not be! Yuck!

Interesting tour about one part of Texas (I almost moved to Austin in 2020). What time of day was this driving tour taken? I didn't see a single human on your winding roads 🤔 !

Yes, most of those places DO need to be torn down. The architecture is early 21st century ghetto.

Now that's a big cactus.

A town without people walking around, strange.

My family is from there , I’m 11nth generation.

This video was very funny 😄

The whole presentation, I did not see one person walking,just steel grates, fences or walls on any place that could be inhabited - no restaurants or community gathering spots - did I miss something?

I love Texas....

South of the border the Rio Grande is known as El Río Bravo.

The Great border wall looks to be a chain link fence......😂

I guess the reason there are chickens and a pig roaming the streets is there are no dogs roaming the streets. Didn't see one person either.

The male seed eater bird is also found there.

This small town is suitable for retiree......

I wish I had the chain link concession in that town.

The way that pig looked at you, as soon as you said, "Is that a pig?" Priceless! As if to say, "What do I loom like? Of course I'm a pig and of course I belong." Ha ha.

Suggest you go to McAllen, there is a small village where the buses used to park, and you can walk across the river to Mexico, I believed that's the shortest distance, on the bridge you can see the Mexicans trying to cross the river... (not deep), and you can enjoy a good day there for food and entertainment, however, that's 15 years ago, don't know if it is safe or not now...

Basically your entire country would look much like that demonstrated in your videos. This is where European influence stops and Spanish influence begins. The poverty is strikingly different than what would be expected from two different cultural influences.

12:19 Pig sighting. the prime star of this video LOL :)

Funny that the chickens are running away from the senior center nutrition center? Maybe they are running from becoming their next meal?

Bro, you just rolled through that stop sign. Be careful of the local cops.

Really i have no issue with lengthy videos.

Think you meant "flora", not "fauna", at 8:16