Tuesday 29 April 2008

Finally...


We're in!!!!!!!!!!

Monday 28 April 2008

It's all Good In My World






I just love it when the most unexpected things just appear in the middle of nowhere. I mean, here it is off the hiway, a work of art...political art...but art nonetheless. What fun some people had just spraypainting away. I guess I could take it personally, being somewhat of a 'gringa' myself but, really, why ruin it with that train of thought? Why not just enjoy the pristine beauty of the surroundings and how lovely it is to have a forum for expression...obviously someone or several some-ones, have some pretty strong opinions and for what it is worth, their experiences are true for them. How can you argue with that? My experiences in this country are of tolerance and acceptance and it amazes me how that remains a constant theme. I guess that's why seeing this just make me love Mexico all the more...to be this opinionated and yet be so gracious and helpful and happy like these kids at the brake shop...too cute and having so much fun listening to me butcher their language. Life is all about difference and ain't it grand?

Saturday 19 April 2008

'VULCANIZATION', please



Continuing on down the road there are many, many little shops like this one everywhere...and I do mean everywhere. We pass dozens of them and finally it is explained to me just what 'vulcanizing' is. Apparently, it is a method of fixing flat tires that isn't done in the states anymore and apparently, is done quite often here in Mexico. I am soon to learn that getting a flat tire here is no big deal...there will be a 'VULCANIZADORA' to the rescue, pronto, and fun will be had on the side of the road.

It just knocks me out how simple life can be when what you need is just there, at exactly the moment you need it.

Monday 14 April 2008

****four Star Dining

One of the things I always like about being on the road in Mexico is how very basic things become, that is, once you are off the popular tourist routes and away from all the glitz and glamour. The game becomes...'is this place open for business or not?'. Most of the time, to my utter delight, it is! Yeah. And even if it isn't really open, it will be if you need something. MMmmmm...hungry? Okay, this cafe looks... well... it looks like it might, maybe, be a place to get some beans or something or at least a beer. Well, if not the Cafe Mary Carmen, how about the Cafe Vicky? I do believe that I see an 'abierto' sign on Cafe Vicky, so at least we won't be disturbing anyone's afternoon siesta. Time to be four-star dining chowboys -- a la mexicana.


Thursday 10 April 2008

Sometimes...


Sometimes when traveling around Mexico it really hits me how hard life is here. Looking out of the window I do what we all do on extended road trips (oh, oh), contemplate life and in Mexico -- death. Death is very much an 'in your face' experience here and always there lurking on the side of the road, riding in the back of a truck, sitting in a cage at the mercado or almost happening just as you glance towards it. It is something that can be quite heartbreaking at times, especially when there is evidence that it may have been violent. And then sometimes, I am overwhelmed at the common-ness of it, I mean that it is just such a part of life. I am thinking it is better here where death isn't so hidden away or so sanitized that I am lulled into thinking it won't happen to me. Don't worry, I am not spiraling down...quite the contrary...just musing and blabbing.

Thursday 3 April 2008

Hablas Espanol?






Mexico -- so close yet so far from our reality in so many ways. I mean just look at the theme of this beach campground -- BEER!!!!! I cannot tell you how much I love it. For me it is just this unexpected wackiness that makes me remember why exactly, I travel. It is the stumbling onto and into scenes where you are the star in the ultimate reality show. But, and this is a big but, no one is posing or playing to the camera, so the trick is to insinuate yourself into the act without disturbing the action. For me, this has become easier and better as I learn more and more spanish. Of course, this is one marketing plan that anyone can understand. Cheers!

Wednesday 2 April 2008




Just the perfect way to start the day wouldn't you say? A glorious sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico on a fine stretch of beach. Funny to see the sun coming up over the water instead of going down...so I had to snap a pic...sorry. But I guess the moment just took me and I ran with it. Seeing it again brings me right back to that place and what a funny, bizarre theme these people have going. Stay tuned...