Finally! The Adventure Begins... Mexico 2007 - part 1

The trip down to Mexico took a little longer than expected. But, I was in the Zihuatanejo Airport by 6:30. Only about an hour late. I was one of the first to get through immigration and baggage claim.

Only one obstacle left. Customs. A traffic light stands just before the door into the airport lobby. Each person takes a turn pressing the button. Green light and you’re free to go. Red light and it’s off to the side to have all your bags checked.

I don’t mind telling you I was nervous! I had a lot of stuff over the acceptable amount. Mostly for the Children’s Library Project in Barra de  Potosi. I had 3 cameras, only one allowed. I had lots of books. Boxes and boxes of crayons. Notebooks. Markers. All in quantities far exceeding the “personal use" rule. And the best prize of them all, a DVD projector and 10 movies.

If I got the red light I’d be sunk! Probably an extra hour in the customs office and who knows how many pesos in taxes or bribes. I watched the people in front of me. Green light. The next person, another green light. And another. With each green light my odds of getting the dreaded red light increased. It was my turn. With sweaty palms I reached up and placed my finger on the button and held my breath. I slowly pressed… GREEN LIGHT! I had trouble not shouting with delight. I would have been in trouble for sure.

As I stepped through the door I heard a voice call out, “Rico!” I turned toward the voice and there was a bright flash. My amigo Roberto! was waiting for friends who were arriving on the same flight. The guy loves to take photos. We exchanged quick handshakes and salutations. And agreed to meet on Friday.

I went out front and caught a taxi. The driver wasn’t too happy when I announced my destination as “Barra de Potosi”. It’s a longer, rougher trip than to Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa. He’d already been driving for 10 hours today. And it was dark.

The trip was slow and uneventful. That is, if you consider rounding a bend in the road and finding a couple dozen cows in the road uneventful. Good news! We missed them!

Once in the village I went right to “La Casa Rosita”, the pink house that will be my home for the next 6 weeks. I dropped the bags off and walked up to my friend, Laura’s house. After hugs and greetings we sat on the terrace and enjoyed a cold glass of agua fresca. Cantaloupe was the flavor of the day. It tasted so good!

By this time it was almost 9:30. And, I was starving! We went across the street to Dona Emi’s for a late bite to eat. I had two orders of tacos barbacoa and Laura had enchiladas. We sat in front of the open flame of the chimenea, where Dona Emi cooked or dinner. A breeze blew through the restaurant. The crickets were chirping. The stars were out.

It’s good to be back…