Last Train to North America (2026) s01e06 Episode Script

[music playing]
[theme music playing]
[Martin] We leave Mexico City behind,
taking the highway for about 330 miles.
We arrive in Guadalajara,
a cradle of numerous Mexican traditions,
which will be introduced
by a very special ambassador.
-[in Spanish] Lorena, nice to meet you.
-Hello, Martin.
-How are you?
-How are you doing?
Welcome.
[Martin in English] Lorena Ochoa,
considered the greatest
Mexican golfer of all time.
Ranked number one
in the world for three seasons,
she is a native of this land.
Her perspective and hospitality
will welcome us to this city,
a place that, for the third time,
awaits a World Cup.
[theme music continues playing]
[Martin] Welcome.
This is Last Train to Russia.
And from here, we continue
with Last Train to Qatar.
This is the stadium that will host
the next World Cup final.
This is Last Train to North America.
[in Spanish] Lorena, you were born
and raised here.
You’ve lived through many things
in this city.
How would you describe
Guadalajara to a first-time visitor?
That’s easy. It’s a place
that invites you to stay.
As you can see, it’s very green.
Guadalajara, as well as Mexico,
has a lot to offer.
We have a lot of great food.
You can feel the joy. We have great music.
All of our culture is so beautiful.
We feel privileged to host
such an important event in our city.
[Martin] I can imagine that it brings you
joy for Guadalajara
to be visited by people
from all over the world.
That is what the World Cup is all about.
Of course. It’s amazing to share
what Guadalajara is all about
with the world.
It’s a huge responsibility for us.
We have to live it
with a lot of fun and respect.
I think the world will take away
a lot of great things
from Guadalajara in their hearts.
I am very happy.
I get goosebumps
knowing we will have a World Cup here.
Mexico is hosting for a third time.
It’s a record. It’s unique.
[Martin in English] Mexico’s
second-most populous city,
defined by its demographic, economic,
and above all, cultural significance.
[conductor in Spanish]
One, two, three, four.
[scatting]
One, two, one…
Give it a bit more.
One, two, three. There you go.
[Esmeralda] We are in
the Mariachi Municipal School.
This is where all Mariachi
musicians come to learn.
Take a breath.
One, two, three, one.
[Esmeralda] This is where
we give it that style.
This is where we give
it that Mexican flavor.
The goal is for our bow to never stop.
[Martin in English] Today, we visit
the very heart of
this region's cultural spirit.
A state-run Mariachi school,
open to all ages.
[in Spanish] Hello?
Yes. We will be in the town square
in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Exactly. We will see you there.
Thank you.
A Mariachi school is pure happiness.
The music is pure. The joy is pure.
It is an important Mexican tradition.
Watch the tempo…
[Fernando] This school accepts everyone.
Their skill level doesn’t matter.
Why? Because it belongs
to the Guadalajara government.
We have to educate our people
in our culture.
It does not matter
if they can’t play the music
Is this where
the Mariachi heart comes from?
In my case, yes.
That is how music should be.
Mariachi music even more so.
First of all,
I want to thank you all for coming.
We have many students for the event.
We have to show
what Guadalajara is all about.
We have to represent our Mariachi school.
With that, let’s begin.
Ready.
[vocalizing]
[Martin] They capture a feeling
in the performance.
Is that the secret to Mariachi?
[singing in Spanish]
[Fernando] We have been visited
by so many foreign musicians
to understand our essence.
We’ve had incredible artists
ask us about the Mariachi secret.
You can share the music sheet,
but it just does not sound the same.
What is the Mariachi secret?
It’s a feeling and a desire to play.
We give it a particular timing.
We give it our unique accent.
It’s something we are born with.
[Martin in English] Originating
in the colonial era,
Mariachi is a symbol of identity
recognized by UNESCO
as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
[in Spanish] What a great experience.
I loved visiting that school.
It is a municipal initiative
to preserve the culture.
Is Mariachi that important
for Jalisco and for Mexico?
Obviously. Getting a chance to play here
in Plaza Guadalajara
is even more important.
Here is where tradition
links up with the people.
We are in a Guadalajara landmark.
This is Guadalajara’s postcard.
Exactly.
[Fernando] Guadalajara is
the birthplace of Mariachi.
It is a great honor for our school
to play in this plaza.
We definitely enjoy it.
[Alexa] Playing the Mariachi guitar
is one of my favorite things to do.
Mariachi represents
not only Mexico but also Jalisco.
[Martin] What does it mean
to play in this plaza?
I’m representing Mexico
in front of the world.
I represent Guadalajara,
the birthplace of Mariachi.
[in English] From Guadalajara Square,
the most iconic place in the city, live,
the Municipal Mariachi school.
[singing in Spanish]
[continues singing in Spanish]
[Martin in English] A journey into
the cultural identity of this land.
A special welcome to Jalisco,
the cradle of the genre.
We visit its main square,
and there, we find exactly
what we were looking for.
[singing in Spanish]
[singing stops]
[Martin in English] A stadium that is
well connected with nature,
"Estadio AKRON"
its façade is made out of grass.
The stadium was not built
for the World Cup,
but for the home team
and the most powerful club
in the region, Chivas.
Built in 2010,
This stadium will be officially known
as Guadalajara Stadium
during the upcoming World Cup.
Today, we visit the home
of one of the teams
with the largest fan base
on the continent.
And we will do so alongside
another great sports ambassador
from this region.
[in Spanish] How are you, champion?
My brother. How are you doing?
It’s a pleasure to see you.
-All good?
-It’s great to see you.
[in English] Carlos Salcido,
a three-time World Cup participant
with Mexico, shares his perspective
on this imposing stadium.
[in Spanish] What is it like to play here?
[Carlos] It is truly spectacular.
The pitch is beautiful.
We eat soccer for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner.
Therefore, it’s impressive for us to host
the National Team and World Cup games.
[Martin in English] The last
two World Cups
held in this city were played
at Estadio Jalisco.
This new era for Chivas brought
with it a new venue,
a place where
history is waiting to be made.
The museum tells us the story
of the most important club,
Chivas de Guadalajara.
Now they're going to host
in their own stadium the next World Cup.
Wow. This is the Chivas dressing room,
a very intimate place.
This is a dressing room that was designed
especially for soccer,
unlike some stadiums in the US.
With a capacity of 43,000 spectators,
this stadium will host
four group stage matches.
Including one featuring
the host nation's national team.
[in Spanish] We have the World Cup
at home. That means a lot for Mexico.
I think that with this synergy
and with the current energy,
it can be a World Cup
with a very beautiful story.
Carlos, we can hear it.
The stadium is getting ready.
We have a party tonight.
Mexico plays tonight in Jalisco.
[Carlos] It’s a test for what is to come.
It will rain tequila.
Many things will rain tonight.
[Martin in English]
It’s game day. Tonight…
the Mexican national team
plays right here.
You can feel the excitement.
The people are working in every detail.
They're getting used to play at home,
thinking of the next World Cup.
A true test for the city.
In the lead up to the World Cup,
the people of Guadalajara
are beginning to get the real taste
of this sporting celebration
40 years after last serving
as a host city.
[in Spanish] Being a World Cup host
fills us with pride and emotion.
We want to be World Champions.
It’s very important for us in Mexico.
Especially for us in Guadalajara.
We are excited. Our hopes are very high.
Mexico! Mexico! Rah, rah, rah!
Good evening. How are you doing?
Hello. How are you holding up?
-Everything is good?
-All good, I am happy and excited.
I feel that it’s very special for us
to have the World Cup in our home.
Guadalajara has always
been an extraordinary host.
Look at the stadium that we have.
This is world-class.
You feel it, right?
You feel the goosebumps.
It’s thrilling to see everyone
in their Mexico gear.
Really, I’m so proud that we are such
an important host city for the World Cup.
Well, if you are so excited
standing out here,
I can’t wait to see your reaction
inside the stadium.
Exactly. I carry soccer within me.
[Martin in English] To meet
FIFA standards,
the stadium has undergone
several modifications.
A hybrid pitch featuring a plain surface
that is 85% natural grass
and 15 synthetic.
Enhanced connectivity with 600
Wi-Fi antennas installed
throughout the entire venue.
New giant screens and LED
lighting meeting the requirements
for official broadcasts.
[in Spanish] This look at the atmosphere
is amazing.
There are drums, people are going crazy.
The stadium looks incredible.
Look at me, I still have goosebumps.
This is the soccer atmosphere in Mexico.
This is the atmosphere
that we’ll have during the World Cup.
Of course.
[in English] No doubt that the atmosphere
in Guadalajara
is guaranteed for the next World Cup.
Despite the widely
publicized security challenge
the city faced in the lead
up to the World Cup,
one can sense a clear intention
to turn the page
and embrace the World Cup festivities.
A World Cup is approaching Guadalajara.
May it be a peaceful one.
Nearly 500 miles separate
Guadalajara from Monterrey.
Cities that are not connected
by inter-train,
yet both boost
the metropolitan rail transport system
currently undergoing
significant expansion.
[in Spanish] We’ve made it
to your adopted home, no?
[Desriée] This is where
I went to school.
-[Martin] Of course.
-[Desriée] So, I know this place well.
[Martin] You studied here.
You played here.
You scored a lot of goals here.
-[Desriée] Exactly.
-[Martin] It's surprising
how important the train is
in the city of this size.
Exactly.
Everyone uses it for work or school.
And they will use it during the World Cup.
The train will move the masses
who will be here to enjoy the games.
It's very important.
There are currently three lines running.
But two more will be added soon.
The World Cup will allow
the train system to grow?
Exactly.
[Martin in English] A development plan
for Monterrey,
a city in the midst of rapid growth.
[Roberto in Spanish] This is one of
the most important
construction projects in America.
We are building 21 miles
of train tracks in Monterrey.
Currently, we have about 24 miles
of train tracks in Monterrey.
Which took about 30 years to build.
[Martin in English] Known as
“The Sultan of the North,"
Monterrey serves
as Mexico's industrial engine.
Its proximity to the U.S. border
makes it a vital logistics hub
for the country's economy,
a setting that serves as a grand platform
looking ahead to what lies in store.
Welcome to Monterrey's World Cup Stadium.
Its façade is futuristic,
iron-made, medal.
Maybe you will think it's not in harmony
with the surroundings.
Monterrey is a very beautiful city
with a lot of nature.
But wait until the end of this story
and you will see why
this stadium is considered
one of the most beautiful in the world.
Inaugurated in 2015
and known as the "Steel Giant,"
it stands as one of the most modern
and spectacular stadiums on the planet.
The new home of the Rayados de Monterrey
opens its doors to the world
with a truly international outlook.
A state-of-the-art stadium,
featuring key players
who rise to the occasion.
[Lorena in Spanish]
Hey, Sergio. How are you?
-Hello
-[Lorena] What a pleasure.
-Nice to meet you.
-How are you?
This place is beautiful.
This has become
a must-see for any visitor.
This stadium gives the city of Monterrey
and the club a lot of identity.
This is a stadium that doesn’t need
any upgrades for the World Cup.
How do you see it
from a player's perspective?
The fans in Monterrey love soccer.
They live the game since
before arriving to the stadium.
There are a lot of barbecues
before the game.
You can feel a great atmosphere
before the game even begins.
You can imagine what it will be like
during the World Cup.
It will feel like the game lasts way more
than 90 minutes here.
I think it’s something special
that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
[inspiring music playing]
[Martin] How do you imagine all the people
during the World Cup?
How will Monterrey host the world?
The people are the best part of this city.
They love to be great hosts.
There will be a connection
with anyone who visits.
There’s a lot of desire
to host such a grand event.
Mexico is a wonderful country.
And it’s a great opportunity
to showcase the country
to the world.
[Martin in English] I love to speak
with Sergio Canales
because he has the same perspective
as his fans that are going to come here
during the World Cup
and fall in love with this city.
But I also wanted
to take advantage of being here
at this beautiful stadium
to speak with a legend.
Who's that legend? My partner, Desi.
Born in Durango, but adopted by Monterrey,
the team's all-time leading scorer,
a leading figure
in women's soccer in this country.
[in Spanish] Locker rooms
are sentimental places.
It is a place for mental
and physical preparations.
It bonds you with your teammates.
How do you imagine it during a World Cup?
Any national team here
has to concentrate its energy.
If a team can harness the right energy
and channel it onto the pitch,
it can be extraordinary.
Did that little girl who played
soccer ever dream of this?
I never imagined it in front
of so many people in the spotlight.
-This was against our biggest rival.
-How many goals did you score?
I scored 124 goals
wearing the Rayadas jersey.
Wow.
I love your celebration here.
You are pumping your fist.
It represents triumph. We did it.
I enjoyed it. We made it.
How does it feel to be back?
It brings back so many wonderful memories.
I feel at home.
It’s great to be back. This is where
I truly became a soccer player.
It’s wonderful to enjoy this view.
This is unique and very special.
There is no other stadium
like this in the world.
[in English] Dressed like locals do,
we're starting a day of trekking.
With its iconic geological formations,
"The City of Mountains" is literally
embraced by the "Sierra Madre Oriental."
[Omar in Spanish] This is La Huasteca.
It is an iconic place in the city.
This is the perfect place
for nature lovers
to enjoy any day of the week.
You can come with your family.
or you can just come
and do some activities.
[Martin] Omar, how important
is it to live in a city
that connects so much with nature?
It gives us mental peace.
[Martin in English] A unique
and spectacular landscape.
La Huasteca is a canyon
featuring natural vertical walls
exceeding 1,000 feet in height.
[Omar in Spanish] Today we will go
on a hike in the park.
You have to be very careful.
It’s a rough path.
You don’t want to fall.
You could get hurt.
The entire trail is like this.
The rocks are solid and some are loose.
-Are you ready, Martin?
-[Martin] Yes.
It’s a beautiful trail.
-[Omar] It’s a lot of fun.
-[Martin] Yes.
Could you explain that to my body?
If it will hold up?
[Omar] Your body will make it.
You just have to control your mind.
-[Martin] Your mind is the enemy.
-[Omar] Exactly.
Take short steps on this hill.
-To conserve your energy.
-[Martin] It's slippery.
[Omar] Let’s go, guys.
[Martin in English] It’s incredible
how the rocks,
they seem to be perfect stairs.
You know, every step is…
is beautiful to climb, to… to trek in…
in this path. And…
It's also a little bit slippery
when there's small rocks…
but we can see the reward right here.
Look at this place,
the mountains, the valley.
The limestone
at La Huasteca Ecological Park
is quite a challenge.
There are over 300 climbing routes
mapped out within this park,
offering varied difficulty levels,
for every type of climber.
[Omar in Spanish] Let's go, guys.
We are almost there.
You can do it, Martin.
[Martin in English] And after
the exertion, comes the reward.
The view of the city from the summit
leaves us speechless.
[in Spanish] What a beautiful
contrast, no?
Within a few minutes,
you are in the middle of nature.
You can’t hear any cars.
You can’t hear any honking.
Once you get up here,
you can feel the city
and see how close it is.
Exactly. We are in the middle of it.
As you said, you disconnect.
You can disconnect yourself from the city.
So you can connect with yourself.
[Martin] This is so beautiful.
It’s so special.
You can see the entire city
from the mountain.
Very few cities have something like this.
Once you get up here, you can appreciate
the greatness of Monterrey.
It’s amazing to have these contrasts
in the city.
[Martin in English] Globally renowned as
one of the premier climbing destinations,
thanks to the quality
of its limestone rock.
La Huasteca is a truly
challenging experience.
[in Spanish] This is wonderful.
-Hey.
-How are you? Good afternoon.
It smells great here.
We have "cabrito al pastor" ready for you.
We just came from an intense hike.
Intense.
So, this is a gift sent from heaven.
There is nothing better
than a hike than a great meal.
Amazing.
[Sebastian] "Cabrito" is meant
to be shared.
We cook it at birthdays and other parties.
The purpose of "cabrito"
is to use all of it.
-This is made "al pastor"?
-That’s right.
This technique is called "al pastor."
Whenever an animal would die,
you could preserve it
by cooking it with this technique.
You put it on a stick.
You put a lot of embers to cook it with.
You angle it a certain way in the open air
and let it cook.
[Martin] You do it outdoors?
[Sebastian] Yes, outdoors with all
the embers. It’s something magnificent.
[Martin in English] After climbing
a mountain,
enjoying the view of Monterrey,
we're going to have the typical dish
of Monterrey. "El Cabrito."
[Sebastian in Spanish] The meat
is so tender, it falls off the bone.
Let me help you.
-Yes.
-Down.
This is the most
tender part of the animal.
It is the most delicious piece.
This is what most people,
including myself, prefer to eat.
You can grab it directly
with the tortilla.
Then you add your spicy salsa.
[Martin] I love this.
Nature.
Barbecue food.
This is a truly Mexican taco.
Bon appétit.
[Sebastian] Enjoy it.
[Martin in English] We simply
had to sample
the quintessential
"Regiomontano" flavor.
"Cabrito," a roasted goat kid,
set against an unbeatable backdrop.
[in Spanish] You’ve got everything.
How are you feeling? Are you okay?
Yes.
It’s a perfect day to drive.
I like it. It relaxes me.
Desi, my friend, I wanted to thank you.
No, thank you.
Be very careful.
It’s about one and a half
to two hours to the border.
Okay.
And I packed you some chicharrón,
a typical snack from here, for the road.
We have to cross the border.
We are on our way to Houston.
You have shown me a wonderful country.
Mexico is truly amazing.
It has been a pleasure
to explore this country with you.
I’m taking Mexico in my heart.
Thank you so much.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Mexico is yours.
You are always welcomed here.
-Please be careful on the road.
-Yes. Thank you.
And come back soon.
Thank you.
Bye.
[Martin in English] And so,
we leave Monterrey behind.
Our final stop in Mexico leaves us
with some very special impressions.
Just 135 miles separate us
from the U.S. border.
But without a doubt this journey
has given us so much to reflect upon
regarding everything we have experienced.
As I told my colleague,
beautiful and beloved Mexico.
This has been Last Train to North America.
We'll see you at the next station.