I’ve always thought that it’s a good idea to borrow from other cultures whenever possible ... take, for instance, traveling by bus in Mexico. We gringos could definitely learn a thing or two from our neighbors south of the border.

The whole experience of traveling by bus from Puebla to San Miguel de Allende was, from start to finish, extremely positive. Until just recently I wasn’t aware that Mexico had no national passenger train service (and now I understand why I've never seen a Cantinflas routine filmed in a speeding runaway train "a la Hermanos Marx"), which I suppose necessitated the development of the luxury touring bus industry.

Anybody who’s ever tried to buy a train ticket on line from overseas on the national RENFE website in Spain can tell you what an impossible freaking nightmare it is. By contrast, with less than a half dozen clicks we reserved our seats and bought our tickets to San Miguel ($27 each) on “La Futura” bus line’s website (incidentally, there are hundreds of high end bus lines to choose from in Mexico).

The buses themselves are extremely comfortable with plush reclining faux leather ergonomic seats, and a brilliantly simple spring-loaded leg and foot rest installed in front of each seat that makes a world of difference for your blood circulation on a 3 1/2 hour journey.

As you’re getting on the bus an attractive, smartly dressed young lady hands out complimentary bottles of water, fruit juices, soft drinks, yogurts, fresh fruit, etcétera, a porter checks in your bags, and the driver reminds you that the latest movies are playing on your seat’s individual entertainment system, and that there are separate men’s and women’s toilet facilities and wi-fi on board. If that isn’t civilized, I don’t know what is!