Estamos Aqui

It was a long, five-day drive but we made it safely on Friday afternoon. The sky is clear, the sea is blue, the breezes are soft and refreshing, the beer is cold and the salsa is hot. Did I miss anything?

We left San Diego at 5:30 Monday morning and arrived in Tucson at 1:30. We did some shopping, ate leftover Thanksgiving dinner goodies, and fell into bed early. Tuesday morning we left Tucson at 6, went by the local Starbucks to pick up a Times, and blew into El Paso by noon. We couldn't get into our room until 2 PM, so we did yet more shopping, had a great "Mexican" lunch, returned to the hotel, ate yet more leftovers for dinner and had another early night. Wednesday morning we left the hotel about 6:30 and headed for the great "crossing the border" adventure. But this time it went without a hitch; got the visas, got the car permit, sped through the inspection area without having to stop, and were on our way. This is a particularly beautiful route, down the center of the country through the mountains. The roads are good; no traffic to speak of, speed limit of 75 mph, rare cops. We arrived in Cuidad Jimenez by what we thought was 3:30 but was actually 2:30. We had been told that the time change takes effect there; in fact, it doesn't take effect until Zacatecas, the next day. When we showed up in the hotel dining room for dinner we thought it was 7:30 and wondered where everyone was. And when we showed up for the breakfast the next morning at 6 and found the dining area dark, we get the hint. So instead of hitting the road at 6:30, we actually left at 5:30.

This next portion of the drive is also very beautiful, through the mountains, but it is only a 2-lane road from Zacatecas all the way to Guadalajara. Our average speed until this time had been 63 MPH. Friday's speed was 42 MPH. However, there was remarkable little traffic, and this is the main north-south truck artery. We were very lucky on this trip. In the past we have had to contend with semi's hauling over these mountains and it's no fun.

We arrived at the beach at about 3:30 in the afternoon, a clear, warm day. The house was completely ready for us, thanks to Fernando and Chuy who set it all up and to Linda and Helen who had been staying here for about two weeks before we arrived. I felt that I had just been away for the weekend and came back to find everything as I had left it! A great psychological boost; it is not fun to unpack this house and set it up.

Not waiting a moment to get into the swing of the place, we went to a party last night given by a couple who are Mexican but live in Modesto most of the year. They have bought one of the old hotels in town, El Buccanero and are sinking capital into it to make it a much nicer place. So last night was the debut of the place. What a difference a whole lot of money can make! This place is in the perfect location for sunset watching, people watching on the malecon, and just general hanging out. They are looking for a good chef to run the dining room. Who knows? We may even get a decent place to eat.

Today was the trip to La Bodega, the supermarket in the next town to resupply the house with such necessities as tequila, Kaluha, avocados, pineapple, salsa casera, chipotle chilies, cilantro, limes, jicama, lovely juice oranges, Mexican cheddar cheese -0 - you know, the basics. And tomorrow is the tianges, the outdoor market over in Armeria. I will do some photos and try to get them up here for you to see.

Meanwhile, it is 4:15 PM, time to mosey on over to Jack's for a swim. The pool temperature is 85, just about right. Tonight is tacitos from the outdoor carts up on the square. Six littler meat tacos, beans, salad for $1.30.

I must be in Cuyutlan.