We have been continuing our spanish studies and they are good but can be frustrating at times. We would like to move faster, but cannot absorb it faster.
Jerry and I decided to try a little venture to the local Paseo de las Flores Mall. We had been there on previous trips and wanted to look at the spanish books in the bookstore. We also were looking for something for our kitchen.
Nick Wisdom offered to help us get there as he would be glad to meet friends and hang out for a while.
Renee gave us a ride to San Isidro a little town 2 miles or so from their house. The same town we had gone to the market to buy food at that morning. Us three got on a bus from San Isidro to Herredia about 3pm. In Herredia we walked about 5 blocks from the Pizza Hut by the town square with the church. We boarded another bus for the mall. It was a red and yellow bus. Nick told us that we could catch the bus back to Herredia accross from the mall. He said a red and yellow bus would get us to the same bus stop but any bus marked Herredia would get us there, and it was so small it would be easy to find Pizza Hut on the square.
The mall was a success. We got a couple of spanish-english dictionaries and the small stuff from the store. We sat and ate a really delicious ice cream cone. Mine was coconut with actual coconut pieces in it.
By the time we were done it was dark and we felt time to leave. We went accross to the bus stop on a busy street, and a bus to Herredia was there. It was not the red and yellow one, but I thought Nick was right that we should be able to find the Pizza Hut from another bus stop. Jerry was not so sure, but he agreed.
When we got to Herredia, it didn't look so small. We did not pass by any business or lit up areas that looked like a square. It looked just like all dark streets, especially with the dark and rain. There was no place that we wanted to get off. By that time, we were through Herredia going to who knows where.
I kind of thought it would be a bus like the town I grew up in that has a small route it travels once an hour. It seemed likely that we would retourn to Herredia shortly. After 30 minutes and several small towns it became apparent that we were not returning. Then we saw the airport. We were now looping through the San Jose Airport. Hmmm that was not planned. I asked the bus driver how to get to Herredia, but didn't understand the answer, or he didn't understand me. A nice man who heard the conversation came up and told us that it would take an hour to get to Herredia. We went to downtown San Jose to a central terminal. It was not a place that I would like to explore from. It looked very downtrodden. The man showed us a bus that was going to Herredia. We got on it and it left shortly. But wait, here we go again to the airport.
We looped through the airport for the second time that night. Thankfully the bus headed back the way we had come. We started naming off familiar buildings that we remembered. "Oh I remember that Shell station."
When we got near to Herredia, I asked a lady in front of us if this was it. She said she would show us. She spoke english. We had told her we needed the town square. There is was!! We got off at the town square and there was the church. We looked all around, but no Pizza Hut! We asked a man where Pizza Hut was, and he indicated 300 meters straight ahead. So we went that way, and saw only a bus. We asked the driver of that bus where the bus to San Isidro was, and he had us turn and go another direction. When we got there, there was PIZZA HUT, ta da! Around the corner was the bus to San Isidro which looked wonderful.
We also saw another town square and another church. Apparently Herredia is not so small. While walking around it, it seemed rather large. Especially at night.
We had been riding busses around for a couple of hours. They were all crowded, and some of them were not gringo sized. On one Jerry and my derrieres barely fit the double seat, but his knees did not. He had to put one leg twisted under the seat ahead. Like sitting in the back area of an import pickup truck.
Well our adventure was winding down, and we felt pretty good. The bus to San Isidro went straight there and we found a taxi right away to take us to Wisdom's.I read off my little note to tell the driver where to go.
The whole time, we knew that we could get off the bus and hail a taxi home from whereever, but we wanted to try and get there as planned. And we did it!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Gettin'Out a Bit
The last few day, we have continued with spanish lessons. A few of us have decided to go walking every day to overcome the blimpyness that we feel like we are attaining just sitting and studying.
The first day Shari, Renee, Jerry and I went out for a loop around the neighborhood. The first hill out of the wisdom's house is at the end of their driveway. It is very, very steep and quite a good length. We feel our quads twang on that one quite well. The rest of the walk was around several "blocks" which wind through several neighborhoods. It is quite interesting because you never know who you will meet and greet. All of the houses are cinderblock with a concrete finish. They are painted many more beautiful colors than in the US where the grey, tan, white and brown reign. I have seen many bright orange, florescent green, bright blue etc. houses here.
The next day Jerry and I went on our own. We started out kind of avoiding folks first out of shyness at not speaking the language well. Finally we got braver and at least greeted everyone. As we kept going, we felt ourselves relaxing more and laughing about getting lost. We don't even know how to ask anyone for directions.
We encounterd 2 ladies and a man out by a front gate talking. When we said "good day" they asked a question in poor english so we stopped and chatted with them. Between my poor spanish and their poor english, we actually had quite a good time. We each learned a lot about each other and went away feeling like we were beginning to launch out a bit.
We passed many interesting things like an above ground cemetary. All of the crypts are family burial places many the size of a car with highly decorated marble and tiles. There are angel statues all around and of course Mary and Jesus.
We walked through coffee fields and kept going, we hoped, in a circle. Some places looked familiar so we had hope. We probably went 5 miles or so when we saw the cell tower close to the Wisdom's off in the distance. After that we felt like we were going the right way again. We were never truely lost, but were not sure exactly where we were. By the time we got home we were getting a little tired in the legs. This area is fairly hilly.
Today Renee, Shari, Jerry and I also walked again. We went off through a coffee field and back through some neighborhoods. We went to the home of Kati, the Wisdom's former housekeeper whom many know and said hello then heard a band and went to find it.
We found a tiny parade of school children playing drums and other percussion instruments followed by majorettes and oxen carts thay were colorfully decorated. Renee didn't know the exact occasion. One of the signs the kids was holding said something about protecting the earth, an another was patriotic. This was a very tiny, but very charming parade. In fact we were the only audience they had.
The lesson I learned was to never forget to carry my camera. I am going to get some of Shari's pics to share with you.
The quads are still screaming, but I think the breathing is easier on the hill.
Back to studying.
The first day Shari, Renee, Jerry and I went out for a loop around the neighborhood. The first hill out of the wisdom's house is at the end of their driveway. It is very, very steep and quite a good length. We feel our quads twang on that one quite well. The rest of the walk was around several "blocks" which wind through several neighborhoods. It is quite interesting because you never know who you will meet and greet. All of the houses are cinderblock with a concrete finish. They are painted many more beautiful colors than in the US where the grey, tan, white and brown reign. I have seen many bright orange, florescent green, bright blue etc. houses here.
The next day Jerry and I went on our own. We started out kind of avoiding folks first out of shyness at not speaking the language well. Finally we got braver and at least greeted everyone. As we kept going, we felt ourselves relaxing more and laughing about getting lost. We don't even know how to ask anyone for directions.
We encounterd 2 ladies and a man out by a front gate talking. When we said "good day" they asked a question in poor english so we stopped and chatted with them. Between my poor spanish and their poor english, we actually had quite a good time. We each learned a lot about each other and went away feeling like we were beginning to launch out a bit.
We passed many interesting things like an above ground cemetary. All of the crypts are family burial places many the size of a car with highly decorated marble and tiles. There are angel statues all around and of course Mary and Jesus.
We walked through coffee fields and kept going, we hoped, in a circle. Some places looked familiar so we had hope. We probably went 5 miles or so when we saw the cell tower close to the Wisdom's off in the distance. After that we felt like we were going the right way again. We were never truely lost, but were not sure exactly where we were. By the time we got home we were getting a little tired in the legs. This area is fairly hilly.
Today Renee, Shari, Jerry and I also walked again. We went off through a coffee field and back through some neighborhoods. We went to the home of Kati, the Wisdom's former housekeeper whom many know and said hello then heard a band and went to find it.
We found a tiny parade of school children playing drums and other percussion instruments followed by majorettes and oxen carts thay were colorfully decorated. Renee didn't know the exact occasion. One of the signs the kids was holding said something about protecting the earth, an another was patriotic. This was a very tiny, but very charming parade. In fact we were the only audience they had.
The lesson I learned was to never forget to carry my camera. I am going to get some of Shari's pics to share with you.
The quads are still screaming, but I think the breathing is easier on the hill.
Back to studying.
 |
| The cemetary |
 |
| oxcart in the parade |
 |
| cowboys in the parade |
 |
| oxcart close-up |
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A-B-C-D-E-F-G or ah-bay-say-day-eh-efay-hay
We started Spanish lessons with Olga. She is a very nice lady who has taught Spanish for at least 12 years. All of the Wisdoms received instruction from her. They said she doesn’t give up, if she doesn’t get through she tries something else.
She has us divided up in classes of 1 hour each by learning style and previous knowledge of Spanish. Since our classes are very small, we get great attention from her
We now have had day 2. It is amazing that as adults we are exhausted after we go through the alphabet a few times. The alphabet? I have more compassion for little kids and how tired they get at school. Mental exercise really can make you tired. We all agreed the flesh would rather go out and do some work than to sit and try to memorize words.
Our teacher, Olga, is a Christian so we use the Bible to practice reading and for memorization. It keeps us encouraged, and will be useful later to know some Spanish scriptures.
We are trying this week to establish team schedules for daily life. We want to incorporate group devotions and even exercise. Since many of us are in class and studying we don’t want to become blimps. We already have divided up the cooking and kitchen chores.
Soon we will be going out to the church at Llano Verde. That is the church in a village 6 hours north of here that Clint pastors. They have been going on without him for the last 2 months and are reportedly doing well. He is anxious to get back there and encourage them. Jerry and I have been there before. Since then, they have gotten electricity I understand. That will make a big difference. We won’t need a generator during church services.
This is the rainy season. We often have a morning that is warm and sunny, but by noon it starts raining. It can rain from then until the next am. Jerry and I are in the back cabin and use rubber boots to go back and forth to the house. This keeps the mud down in the houses. After Colorado, everything feels very damp to us. We don’t know if we would think the same if we just came from Washington.
Like Washington, because of the rain, when the sun is out it is very beautiful here. Palm trees, banana trees, even a grapefruit tree. There are also many types of flowers. They are the ones that you would find in an exotic bouquet from the florist.
A couple of other interesting things that have occurred, are a trip to the local farmer's market and separating the 2 trailers.
At the market, we were given lists in Spanish to try and find the produce. It went well and the farmers were helpful. It was a very large market going for more than a block in 2 direction. The procuce was lovely and to us exotic. Jerry had a cart we brought lose a wheel and dump our watermelons. A man yelled out in English, "watch out for runaway watermelons!" They were captured without damage to anyone or them.
 |
| Jerry bought these at the market |
 |
| We had a good time at the farmer's market |
 |
| Bananas right out of the field | <><><><>
When we came down, we put a trailer inside of the big trailer. to make it fit, the fenders, wheels and axles had to be removed. It took some heave-ho-ing with ropes and jacks, but it was accomplished. The men bolted the wheels and axles back on, and now they are both working trailers.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
EEEWWW!!! What Else is in There?
Today, we did a whole team outdoor project. Clint had a huge bush on a large dirt mound embedded with rocks in the center of the driveway. It reduced the ability of vehicles being able to turn around easily. Also the new van is quite a bit larger than the old one and needs more room to manuver. So we took it out.
The guys moved a large palm that was in there first to save it. Then we all went to work. We hacked, cut, sawed, dug, hauled dirt, and hauled rocks. It seemed like it would be necessary to have a bulldozer to get it out of there, but given enough of us and most of the day we did it.
All of us worked adults and older kids. The younger ones brought us water and iced tea.
As we slowly disassembled the bush and the mound we encountered many surprizes. We found many varieties of cockroaches, centipedes( like 6 inches long), a 12 inch long black snake, a very fast, huge rat (that we found out was a mom), a nest of baby rats, several ant nests, a terrantula, a christmas light, a lost spoon, vollyball, and a huge piece of concrete.
Usually it has rained everyday around noon, but it held off until we were completely done and had the tools picked up. Thanks Lord.
It took all of us with ropes and chains to act like horses and drag the mighty bush away. It probably weighed 300 or 400 lbs or more with lots of its roots hacked off.
Tonight after Renees great soup we had a good time of devotion together.
The guys moved a large palm that was in there first to save it. Then we all went to work. We hacked, cut, sawed, dug, hauled dirt, and hauled rocks. It seemed like it would be necessary to have a bulldozer to get it out of there, but given enough of us and most of the day we did it.
All of us worked adults and older kids. The younger ones brought us water and iced tea.
As we slowly disassembled the bush and the mound we encountered many surprizes. We found many varieties of cockroaches, centipedes( like 6 inches long), a 12 inch long black snake, a very fast, huge rat (that we found out was a mom), a nest of baby rats, several ant nests, a terrantula, a christmas light, a lost spoon, vollyball, and a huge piece of concrete.
Usually it has rained everyday around noon, but it held off until we were completely done and had the tools picked up. Thanks Lord.
 |
| Last little bit of root falls |
 |
| Mr. C |
 |
| We did it! |
 |
| Katie moved a whole lot of dirt |
 |
| Russell helping his brother Nick with another project |
 |
| This was about 15 ft. high on a 2 foot mound of dirt. |
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thank you Lord
I just read on comcast where tropical storm Karl was hitting the Mexican coast. It was in the area which we had just driven through. We drove along a highway there that was running next to the Gulf of Mexico. The report said that the surf was running 25 feet inland and tearing up the highway. Thankfully our timing had us miss this. Storm Hermine had just passed, and one of the towns we traveled through already was under water. The whole area must be nearly impassible and deep in water now. I will keep praying for those people.
It is amazing how I would have never even looked at that report before.
It is amazing how I would have never even looked at that report before.
At One with the Van
 |
| Our other new friend right next to our rooms |
9-14-10
 |
| Beautiful Hotel in El Salvador and last bath for several days. |
 |
| We had church in the room when it started raining hard. |
 |
| Our plates of Honduran-chinese food after we were done eating. |
 |
| The ice cream melted faster than we could eat it. |
 |
| Even the dog was trying to cool off |
 |
| Our new friends in front of their room at the Mandarin Hotel |
 |
| We spent many hours at the border. Many vendors and travelers were under this building in the shade. It was well into the 100's and no AC anywhere. We didn't want to drink too much as bathrooms were a little hard to come by. It was definately interesting to see life here at the border. |
 |
| The guy behind us said to say hi. |
 |
| The Mandarin Hotel & Restaurant |
We are one with the van. It has taken on our clothing, our smell, and a good share of our time for the last 2 days. We left the entry border of Honduras yester day about 12:15. That was almost exactly 24 hours from when we arrived. As mentioned before some of the intervening hours were spent at the Hotel Mandarin.
We got back in line about 9am when the border was supposed to have its computer fixed. We really don’t believe that there was a problem. We have no idea why we had to wait, other than they wanted to extort more money from us, at least $250. Well they finally relented and gave us permission to go on. The family from Tennessee, called the Vanderzons also were allow to go on. They were grateful for the help and company as were we. We very much enjoyed getting to know them.
We found out it was worse with the trucker we had driven with in El Salvador than we thought. His tire and wheel had failed because of the topes, or speed bumps. His load had broken loose and slid into a house that was by the road. That was how the little girl was killed. The mom saw it coming and jumped out of the way. The houses there are often just feet from the roadside. It was so sad. We feel bad for him and the girls family too.
We had 4 hours to cross the country, which was considered a 2 hour drive. We are really just crossing a corner. Although it seemed simple, the roads were horrible. There were hugely huge potholes everywhere. They were so deep that hitting one wrong at speed could wreck the van or trailer. We had to keep up a reasonable speed to cross in time, and thus Clint had to weave all over the road to avoid the biggest ones. It was not possible to miss them all and not hit oncoming traffic.
The country didn’t have speed bumps, but did have ---police stops. The first one was set up on the highway not far from the border. Clint had been told to have dollar bills ready and to give out $2.00 at these stops. The first guy said he didn’t think our papers were in order and that we would have to go back, but was thirsty, and would take $5.00 instead. Later the Vanderzons who were at the stop before us said as soon as he saw us, he just waved them on. I guess we did them a favor.
 |
| One of many police stops. The Vanderzons ahead of us. |
The next guy took the $2.00 happily. The next guy said we were great people. He thought we needed reflectors and a fire extinguisher .
The last guy surprised us and didn’t want anything but to look at our papers. Near the end of our trans Honduran journey, we hit a large mountain. There was great scenery, but there were so many people, bicycles, and free roaming animals that we had to really watch it.
We hit the border about 3pm which did prove that it was doable. We did have to open the trailers and pay a little on the Honduran side, but it only took about 30 minutes.
We went on through to Nicaragua. The stop there took until 5:30 or 6:00. We were grateful for a little roadside stand there as we had not really had a meal yet, and we had great coffee and some bread.
 |
| Katie playing soccer at the border with local kids. |
 |
| It was good to make it in too Nicaragua.The mayor of the border town tried to get us to pay a "voluntary" $1.00 per person tax for driving through his town. He waived a paper around that he said made it manditory. He threatened that we would be stopped by police if we failed to pay. Clint read the paper which actually said we were exempt. When we settled on $1.00 per car, he was smiling as we left. Oh well no police stop anyway. |
Katie and Nick played soccer with some local kids at the border. The street was not very busy with cars at that time.
 |
| Clint doing business. These buildings and people are an official part of the border. It is often hard to tell by looking. |
We were glad to be off into Nicaragua. It was apparent right away that Nicaragua is a pretty modern well maintained country on the main roadways and cities. The roads were good. No potholes. Night fell quickly and by the time we started looking for a hotel we found none that could take our van. Nicaragua unfortunately passed by in the night. It looked like a very interesting place. We hit a major rain storm. We also had to turn around several times as the signs didn’t match the directions given very well. At one point we unexpectedly hit a lake of pretty deep water which was from the ditch overflowing. We were giving thanks that although we couldn’t see for a distance, the road was straight and we stopped without going off. In Nicaragua we noticed some celebrations going on in several towns. It appears that it is their independence day.
After driving until 1 am, we went to the border which was closed and sat until 6 am. We slept as best as able and eventually began to see people moving around. The usual long paperwork process began then we went through customs. As we were bringing the van and lots of other stuff into the country after we cleared the Nicaragua side it took until well into late morning to go through to Costa Rica. They had to call a lawyer from town to expedite the paperwork for importing the van. I haven’t heard yet, but bringing in vehicles is very expensive.
Clint was really happy to be into Costa Rica where he understands the rules. Also we are much closer to Renee and the family who he is starting to miss terribly, Nick too.
 |
| Welcome to Costa Rica!! |
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hotel Mandarina
9-13-10
We are no longer HOBO. We are still at the Salvdoran/Honduran border. It will be great to be on the road again. We found out about 3pm that business would not be possible to be done yesterday, and we would have to stay at a local hotel. We gave in to the inevitable and went to look for the hotel. We hooked up with a family from Tennessee moving to Bolivia. They looked Mennonite, but were from a community there similar to Amish. They decided to go to the countryside in Bolivia where they had a farm available to them to grow vegetables and live a country life there with there 2 daughters. Very nice folks with lots of their own adventures under their belts.
We passed the Hotel Mandarina without realizing it and had to turn around. It was the best hotel available. When we turned around to look for it again, we found out why we had passed it. It didn’t look like any hotel we would stop at. We did pull in with the family (their name is back at the van) Kristie , Kindra, Kacie and David. And found out we could have 2 rooms between us. We gave them the one with the bathroom. We had church together in their room. It was a very sweet time of comparing stories, prayer, and praise. We were glad that they had two big dogs who are protective. We noticed many guys coming and going around us and were a little nervous that some had nefarious intents. Even though the rooms were just a bed with fairly clean sheets we slept most of the night.
We had eaten at the Mandarina restaurant attached to the hotel. It was odd to hear American music in a Latino-Chinese restaurant. We ordered plates of rice and chicken and chop suey that were platters heaped as high as you can heap rice. It was filling, but we couldn’t finish even half the food.
In the morning we were grateful that no one had tried to break into our vehicles. We were just not sure of the danger level as we are on the border here. People were coming from all around to use our public bathroom and take showers and fill water jugs. That explained why so many coming and going. We didn’t care to stay in the bathroom long enough to shower.
Right now, we are at a internet café still waiting on our paperwork getting finished. We hope the computer is fixed, and Clint will be able to get us on the way.
David told us that they said that last night they lost his paperwork that they had paid $150 for . We prayed that the Lord would be able to get that straightened out too.
I don’t think that I will be able to send pictures here as there is no wifi and they may not upload well.
We are no longer HOBO. We are still at the Salvdoran/Honduran border. It will be great to be on the road again. We found out about 3pm that business would not be possible to be done yesterday, and we would have to stay at a local hotel. We gave in to the inevitable and went to look for the hotel. We hooked up with a family from Tennessee moving to Bolivia. They looked Mennonite, but were from a community there similar to Amish. They decided to go to the countryside in Bolivia where they had a farm available to them to grow vegetables and live a country life there with there 2 daughters. Very nice folks with lots of their own adventures under their belts.
We passed the Hotel Mandarina without realizing it and had to turn around. It was the best hotel available. When we turned around to look for it again, we found out why we had passed it. It didn’t look like any hotel we would stop at. We did pull in with the family (their name is back at the van) Kristie , Kindra, Kacie and David. And found out we could have 2 rooms between us. We gave them the one with the bathroom. We had church together in their room. It was a very sweet time of comparing stories, prayer, and praise. We were glad that they had two big dogs who are protective. We noticed many guys coming and going around us and were a little nervous that some had nefarious intents. Even though the rooms were just a bed with fairly clean sheets we slept most of the night.
We had eaten at the Mandarina restaurant attached to the hotel. It was odd to hear American music in a Latino-Chinese restaurant. We ordered plates of rice and chicken and chop suey that were platters heaped as high as you can heap rice. It was filling, but we couldn’t finish even half the food.
In the morning we were grateful that no one had tried to break into our vehicles. We were just not sure of the danger level as we are on the border here. People were coming from all around to use our public bathroom and take showers and fill water jugs. That explained why so many coming and going. We didn’t care to stay in the bathroom long enough to shower.
Right now, we are at a internet café still waiting on our paperwork getting finished. We hope the computer is fixed, and Clint will be able to get us on the way.
David told us that they said that last night they lost his paperwork that they had paid $150 for . We prayed that the Lord would be able to get that straightened out too.
I don’t think that I will be able to send pictures here as there is no wifi and they may not upload well.
HOBO At the Border
9-12-10
Now we are what I call HOBO, or hanging out bellies out. Some of the men when they are standing in a group “chewing the fat” roll their shirts up to their chests and kind of lean back with their hands patting or rubbing their bellies. I think that it is a way to show relaxation and contentment in the moment.
We are sitting in the van at the Salvadoran/Honduran border. We have started the paperwork process that takes an hour or so and have had to wait for and hours lunch break for all. Also the computers are having a problem. They have a figure stuck in that overcharges everyone $250. If they don’t get it fixed soon, we might have to spend the night here. Both borders to El Salvador have been pretty orderly. There are lanes, guys that look kind of official and less people mobbing the van. There are vendors everywhere; ice cream, hats, hammocks, and lots of types of food.
Yesterday at the border coming in we had the Salvadoran specialty food called papusas. It was really good; a dough ball flattened with meat, cheese and beans put in, kind of like they make krautburgers. Then they are flattened and fried on a grill. Delicioso. After that we decided to partner up with 2 semi trucks and travel most of the way through El Salvador. We didn’t get to see much as it was dark and the trees overhung the road. It was like driving down a dark tunnel all night. There was rain, fog, and lots of turns which made us glad that we were in a convoy. At a fuel stop we talked with one of the truckers who said the other truck was dealing with a flat tire and we should go on ahead. Since most of the turns were done we agreed. It was getting pretty late, and Clint needed to get some rest.
We found out today that the truck in the rear after he had caught up and they left, had run over a local woman and killed her. There were people by the side of the road all along. No lights, very dark, she walked in front of the truck. We were sad for her family and for the trucker’s woes. He might have to stay several days or?
We found a hotel in San Miguel about 3:30 am. It was amazing. It was like staying at a 4 star hotel. Lots of palms, a pool with a fountain flowing into it, beautiful, ornate, Spanish-looking interior. There were signs of a small amount of fraying around the edges, but a beautiful gift none the less. We had a great buffet breakfast with impeccable dining staff waiting on the somewhat grungy gringos. A guy washed our car, carried our bags and got ice for the coolers.
After we left, we drove about an hour the rest of the way to the border. Going through the Salvadoran side was a breeze. Here on the Honduran side it is waiting HOBO as usual. There is nothing we can do except pray to expedite things. We feel that God has his timing in evidence on this trip so we are content. We ate at Pollolandia or Chicken Land and now wouldn’t mind a nap while we wait. You can tell a rather uneventful day by how many food descriptions there. It so far is what we would call a slow news day. 9-11-10
We all agree that it will be difficult to describe our experiences last night. We traveled the rest of the way through Mexico which seems like an oasis of order and beauty. Good bye beautiful Mexico. Just before we got to the border, there were young men flagging down the van. They were waving their ID badges. Apparently they want to be hired to help us negotiate the border. We finally stopped to look at the map and 2 men we had seen a ways back ran up to us. They said they had taken a taxi and followed us.
Clint said ok, and they both jumped into the front seat. They directed him on a different way than he was planning, but they said it was the only way to get through the border tonight. We left Mexico, and entered the frontier. There were some restaurants, scary hotels and many people. It was obvious that the travelers were this town’s bread and butter and entertainment. Our guides took us up a back alley, it seemed, and we parked next to a line of cars and trucks many pulling trailers. This seemed too seedy for the official way into another country, and I had a moment’s thought that our guides were setting us up. But no the chaos that is that border had just started. The one guide took off with our paperwork to get copies. He went running down the street. He did return with the copies. It appeared that these guys were legit. They had been doing this border brokering for 12 years. They live in Guatemala.
There was an obviously drunk man who among others came over to see what they could get or sell or just to watch. The drunk man said in English, “don’t trust them”, pointing at our guides. He asked us for money which he would change for us, and I am sure many other offers. He was carrying a bucket and wiping all our windows with a dry rag. He also looked in all the windows to see what was in there.
While our guide was having our paperwork processed, we locked the van and went to a restaurant in sight of the van to eat. After a while, Clint had to move the van to put it into the line of cars that were waiting to cross the border. While he was at the van, the drunk man said someone had stolen the battery that was for emergency trailer brakes. He said for a price he could find out who had it. We were pretty sure he was the thief and had used his bucket to take it away without notice. Clint kept pursuing him talking to him about getting the battery back. He didn’t want to have to find another one around here. The guides warned Clint against going too far to pursue him. Finally the man admitted that he had taken the battery to safeguard it from thieves. For $5.00 Clint got it back. He had to have him find the top with the terminals which he had thrown away.
The frontier people looked like this was a common occurrence. Next we crossed a bridge and were out of the frontier into Guatemala. The guides had us go to a lot completely full of cars, trucks, trailers, people, kids, dogs, and gawkers. There was no one in any uniforms. All of the border people looked just like anyone else, in jeans and t-shirts. It looked like we were doing business in Gundie’s salvage yard. Without the guides, anyone could have come up and asked for our papers. They inspected our trailers and looked at our papers from the broker in the USA. The bottom line was that we had to pay more than $650. $300 of it was to take our own laptops, cameras and other electronic stuff. No arguing would help. Then we got back on the road and talked to the other border folks in uniforms. As we were in a Guatemala border town it had a very wild look. People everywhere, bars, really terrible looking hotels and probably every opportunist stuck in the country, hoping to go to Mexico. It would be quite unhealthy to walk down those streets for very long. They fumigated our van and trailers, this time both sides. Although the hose wouldn’t reach and they had to spray from a distance. The border officials with uniforms wanted to have us pay for the man who was appointed to ride with us through the country Cainnoneas (sp?)
Clint refused to pay more than the $650 and they didn’t push it. He has been somewhat helpful, and he guided us to a hotel last night. It had clean sheets and AC. That was all we required to be content for the night. The drive to the hotel was no fun. There were very frequent topes for speed bumps. About the time you pass someone or get over 40 mph you come to another one. These are so big that you have to stop and just inch over them, like going over a curb. We had hoped that after Mexico we were done with them. Instead there are more.
This am we got on our way about 10:00. We had our usual breakfast of eggs, beans, and tortillas with meat if available. That is our favorite.
Now we are waiting in line. We have been for about 2 hours. A large bridge was washed out and they are repairing it. They let a few cars go and then they let the dump trucks unload their rocks. This must be effects from the tropical storm Hermine. What is just a news blip in the USA can sure mean a lot of destruction here. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual.
This is the first road delay in Guatemala. There are reports that many roads were blocked because of slides and wash outs. This bridge is the only main obstacle left. We hope.
Now we are what I call HOBO, or hanging out bellies out. Some of the men when they are standing in a group “chewing the fat” roll their shirts up to their chests and kind of lean back with their hands patting or rubbing their bellies. I think that it is a way to show relaxation and contentment in the moment.
We are sitting in the van at the Salvadoran/Honduran border. We have started the paperwork process that takes an hour or so and have had to wait for and hours lunch break for all. Also the computers are having a problem. They have a figure stuck in that overcharges everyone $250. If they don’t get it fixed soon, we might have to spend the night here. Both borders to El Salvador have been pretty orderly. There are lanes, guys that look kind of official and less people mobbing the van. There are vendors everywhere; ice cream, hats, hammocks, and lots of types of food.
Yesterday at the border coming in we had the Salvadoran specialty food called papusas. It was really good; a dough ball flattened with meat, cheese and beans put in, kind of like they make krautburgers. Then they are flattened and fried on a grill. Delicioso. After that we decided to partner up with 2 semi trucks and travel most of the way through El Salvador. We didn’t get to see much as it was dark and the trees overhung the road. It was like driving down a dark tunnel all night. There was rain, fog, and lots of turns which made us glad that we were in a convoy. At a fuel stop we talked with one of the truckers who said the other truck was dealing with a flat tire and we should go on ahead. Since most of the turns were done we agreed. It was getting pretty late, and Clint needed to get some rest.
We found out today that the truck in the rear after he had caught up and they left, had run over a local woman and killed her. There were people by the side of the road all along. No lights, very dark, she walked in front of the truck. We were sad for her family and for the trucker’s woes. He might have to stay several days or?
We found a hotel in San Miguel about 3:30 am. It was amazing. It was like staying at a 4 star hotel. Lots of palms, a pool with a fountain flowing into it, beautiful, ornate, Spanish-looking interior. There were signs of a small amount of fraying around the edges, but a beautiful gift none the less. We had a great buffet breakfast with impeccable dining staff waiting on the somewhat grungy gringos. A guy washed our car, carried our bags and got ice for the coolers.
After we left, we drove about an hour the rest of the way to the border. Going through the Salvadoran side was a breeze. Here on the Honduran side it is waiting HOBO as usual. There is nothing we can do except pray to expedite things. We feel that God has his timing in evidence on this trip so we are content. We ate at Pollolandia or Chicken Land and now wouldn’t mind a nap while we wait. You can tell a rather uneventful day by how many food descriptions there. It so far is what we would call a slow news day. 9-11-10
We all agree that it will be difficult to describe our experiences last night. We traveled the rest of the way through Mexico which seems like an oasis of order and beauty. Good bye beautiful Mexico. Just before we got to the border, there were young men flagging down the van. They were waving their ID badges. Apparently they want to be hired to help us negotiate the border. We finally stopped to look at the map and 2 men we had seen a ways back ran up to us. They said they had taken a taxi and followed us.
Clint said ok, and they both jumped into the front seat. They directed him on a different way than he was planning, but they said it was the only way to get through the border tonight. We left Mexico, and entered the frontier. There were some restaurants, scary hotels and many people. It was obvious that the travelers were this town’s bread and butter and entertainment. Our guides took us up a back alley, it seemed, and we parked next to a line of cars and trucks many pulling trailers. This seemed too seedy for the official way into another country, and I had a moment’s thought that our guides were setting us up. But no the chaos that is that border had just started. The one guide took off with our paperwork to get copies. He went running down the street. He did return with the copies. It appeared that these guys were legit. They had been doing this border brokering for 12 years. They live in Guatemala.
There was an obviously drunk man who among others came over to see what they could get or sell or just to watch. The drunk man said in English, “don’t trust them”, pointing at our guides. He asked us for money which he would change for us, and I am sure many other offers. He was carrying a bucket and wiping all our windows with a dry rag. He also looked in all the windows to see what was in there.
While our guide was having our paperwork processed, we locked the van and went to a restaurant in sight of the van to eat. After a while, Clint had to move the van to put it into the line of cars that were waiting to cross the border. While he was at the van, the drunk man said someone had stolen the battery that was for emergency trailer brakes. He said for a price he could find out who had it. We were pretty sure he was the thief and had used his bucket to take it away without notice. Clint kept pursuing him talking to him about getting the battery back. He didn’t want to have to find another one around here. The guides warned Clint against going too far to pursue him. Finally the man admitted that he had taken the battery to safeguard it from thieves. For $5.00 Clint got it back. He had to have him find the top with the terminals which he had thrown away.
The frontier people looked like this was a common occurrence. Next we crossed a bridge and were out of the frontier into Guatemala. The guides had us go to a lot completely full of cars, trucks, trailers, people, kids, dogs, and gawkers. There was no one in any uniforms. All of the border people looked just like anyone else, in jeans and t-shirts. It looked like we were doing business in Gundie’s salvage yard. Without the guides, anyone could have come up and asked for our papers. They inspected our trailers and looked at our papers from the broker in the USA. The bottom line was that we had to pay more than $650. $300 of it was to take our own laptops, cameras and other electronic stuff. No arguing would help. Then we got back on the road and talked to the other border folks in uniforms. As we were in a Guatemala border town it had a very wild look. People everywhere, bars, really terrible looking hotels and probably every opportunist stuck in the country, hoping to go to Mexico. It would be quite unhealthy to walk down those streets for very long. They fumigated our van and trailers, this time both sides. Although the hose wouldn’t reach and they had to spray from a distance. The border officials with uniforms wanted to have us pay for the man who was appointed to ride with us through the country Cainnoneas (sp?)
Clint refused to pay more than the $650 and they didn’t push it. He has been somewhat helpful, and he guided us to a hotel last night. It had clean sheets and AC. That was all we required to be content for the night. The drive to the hotel was no fun. There were very frequent topes for speed bumps. About the time you pass someone or get over 40 mph you come to another one. These are so big that you have to stop and just inch over them, like going over a curb. We had hoped that after Mexico we were done with them. Instead there are more.
This am we got on our way about 10:00. We had our usual breakfast of eggs, beans, and tortillas with meat if available. That is our favorite.
Now we are waiting in line. We have been for about 2 hours. A large bridge was washed out and they are repairing it. They let a few cars go and then they let the dump trucks unload their rocks. This must be effects from the tropical storm Hermine. What is just a news blip in the USA can sure mean a lot of destruction here. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual.
This is the first road delay in Guatemala. There are reports that many roads were blocked because of slides and wash outs. This bridge is the only main obstacle left. We hope.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Star Wars Frontier
9-11-10
We all agree that it will be difficult to describe our experiences last night. We traveled the rest of the way through Mexico which seems like an oasis of order and beauty. Good bye beautiful Mexico. Just before we got to the border, there were young men flagging down the van. They were waving their ID badges. Apparently they want to be hired to help us negotiate the border. We finally stopped to look at the map and 2 men we had seen a ways back ran up to us. They said they had taken a taxi and followed us.
Clint said ok, and they both jumped into the front seat. They directed him on a different way than he was planning, but they said it was the only way to get through the border tonight. We left Mexico, and entered the frontier. There were some restaurants, scary hotels and many people. It was obvious that the travelers were this town’s bread and butter and entertainment. Our guides took us up a back alley, it seemed, and we parked next to a line of cars and trucks many pulling trailers. This seemed too seedy for the official way into another country, and I had a moment’s thought that our guides were setting us up. But no the chaos that is that border had just started. The one guide took off with our paperwork to get copies. He went running down the street. He did return with the copies. It appeared that these guys were legit. They had been doing this border brokering for 12 years. They live in Guatemala.
There was an obviously drunk man who among others came over to see what they could get or sell or just to watch. The drunk man said in English, “don’t trust them”, pointing at our guides. He asked us for money which he would change for us, and I am sure many other offers. He was carrying a bucket and wiping all our windows with a dry rag. He also looked in all the windows to see what was in there.
While our guide was having our paperwork processed, we locked the van and went to a restaurant in sight of the van to eat. After a while, Clint had to move the van to put it into the line of cars that were waiting to cross the border. While he was at the van, the drunk man said someone had stolen the battery that was for emergency trailer brakes. He said for a price he could find out who had it. We were pretty sure he was the thief and had used his bucket to take it away without notice. Clint kept pursuing him talking to him about getting the battery back. He didn’t want to have to find another one around here. The guides warned Clint against going too far to pursue him. Finally the man admitted that he had taken the battery to safeguard it from thieves. For $5.00 Clint got it back. He had to have him find the top with the terminals which he had thrown away.
The frontier people looked like this was a common occurrence. Next we crossed a bridge and were out of the frontier into Guatemala. The guides had us go to a lot completely full of cars, trucks, trailers, people, kids, dogs, and gawkers. There was no one in any uniforms. All of the border people looked just like anyone else, in jeans and t-shirts. It looked like we were doing business in Gundie’s salvage yard. Without the guides, anyone could have come up and asked for our papers. They inspected our trailers and looked at our papers from the broker in the USA. The bottom line was that we had to pay more than $650. $300 of it was to take our own laptops, cameras and other electronic stuff. No arguing would help. Then we got back on the road and talked to the other border folks in uniforms. As we were in a Guatemala border town it had a very wild look. People everywhere, bars, really terrible looking hotels and probably every opportunist stuck in the country, hoping to go to Mexico. It would be quite unhealthy to walk down those streets for very long. They fumigated our van and trailers, this time both sides. Although the hose wouldn’t reach and they had to spray from a distance. The border officials with uniforms wanted to have us pay for the man who was appointed to ride with us through the country Cainnoneas (sp?)
Clint refused to pay more than the $650 and they didn’t push it. He has been somewhat helpful, and he guided us to a hotel last night. It had clean sheets and AC. That was all we required to be content for the night. The drive to the hotel was no fun. There were very frequent topes for speed bumps. About the time you pass someone or get over 40 mph you come to another one. These are so big that you have to stop and just inch over them, like going over a curb. We had hoped that after Mexico we were done with them. Instead there are more.
This am we got on our way about 10:00. We had our usual breakfast of eggs, beans, and tortillas with meat if available. That is our favorite.
Now we are waiting in line. We have been for about 2 hours. A large bridge was washed out and they are repairing it. They let a few cars go and then they let the dump trucks unload their rocks. This must be effects from the tropical storm Hermine. What is just a news blip in the USA can sure mean a lot of destruction here. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual.
This is the first road delay in Guatemala. There are reports that many roads were blocked because of slides and wash outs. This bridge is the only main obstacle left. We hope.
I am unable to post photos at this time, sorry
We all agree that it will be difficult to describe our experiences last night. We traveled the rest of the way through Mexico which seems like an oasis of order and beauty. Good bye beautiful Mexico. Just before we got to the border, there were young men flagging down the van. They were waving their ID badges. Apparently they want to be hired to help us negotiate the border. We finally stopped to look at the map and 2 men we had seen a ways back ran up to us. They said they had taken a taxi and followed us.
Clint said ok, and they both jumped into the front seat. They directed him on a different way than he was planning, but they said it was the only way to get through the border tonight. We left Mexico, and entered the frontier. There were some restaurants, scary hotels and many people. It was obvious that the travelers were this town’s bread and butter and entertainment. Our guides took us up a back alley, it seemed, and we parked next to a line of cars and trucks many pulling trailers. This seemed too seedy for the official way into another country, and I had a moment’s thought that our guides were setting us up. But no the chaos that is that border had just started. The one guide took off with our paperwork to get copies. He went running down the street. He did return with the copies. It appeared that these guys were legit. They had been doing this border brokering for 12 years. They live in Guatemala.
There was an obviously drunk man who among others came over to see what they could get or sell or just to watch. The drunk man said in English, “don’t trust them”, pointing at our guides. He asked us for money which he would change for us, and I am sure many other offers. He was carrying a bucket and wiping all our windows with a dry rag. He also looked in all the windows to see what was in there.
While our guide was having our paperwork processed, we locked the van and went to a restaurant in sight of the van to eat. After a while, Clint had to move the van to put it into the line of cars that were waiting to cross the border. While he was at the van, the drunk man said someone had stolen the battery that was for emergency trailer brakes. He said for a price he could find out who had it. We were pretty sure he was the thief and had used his bucket to take it away without notice. Clint kept pursuing him talking to him about getting the battery back. He didn’t want to have to find another one around here. The guides warned Clint against going too far to pursue him. Finally the man admitted that he had taken the battery to safeguard it from thieves. For $5.00 Clint got it back. He had to have him find the top with the terminals which he had thrown away.
The frontier people looked like this was a common occurrence. Next we crossed a bridge and were out of the frontier into Guatemala. The guides had us go to a lot completely full of cars, trucks, trailers, people, kids, dogs, and gawkers. There was no one in any uniforms. All of the border people looked just like anyone else, in jeans and t-shirts. It looked like we were doing business in Gundie’s salvage yard. Without the guides, anyone could have come up and asked for our papers. They inspected our trailers and looked at our papers from the broker in the USA. The bottom line was that we had to pay more than $650. $300 of it was to take our own laptops, cameras and other electronic stuff. No arguing would help. Then we got back on the road and talked to the other border folks in uniforms. As we were in a Guatemala border town it had a very wild look. People everywhere, bars, really terrible looking hotels and probably every opportunist stuck in the country, hoping to go to Mexico. It would be quite unhealthy to walk down those streets for very long. They fumigated our van and trailers, this time both sides. Although the hose wouldn’t reach and they had to spray from a distance. The border officials with uniforms wanted to have us pay for the man who was appointed to ride with us through the country Cainnoneas (sp?)
Clint refused to pay more than the $650 and they didn’t push it. He has been somewhat helpful, and he guided us to a hotel last night. It had clean sheets and AC. That was all we required to be content for the night. The drive to the hotel was no fun. There were very frequent topes for speed bumps. About the time you pass someone or get over 40 mph you come to another one. These are so big that you have to stop and just inch over them, like going over a curb. We had hoped that after Mexico we were done with them. Instead there are more.
This am we got on our way about 10:00. We had our usual breakfast of eggs, beans, and tortillas with meat if available. That is our favorite.
Now we are waiting in line. We have been for about 2 hours. A large bridge was washed out and they are repairing it. They let a few cars go and then they let the dump trucks unload their rocks. This must be effects from the tropical storm Hermine. What is just a news blip in the USA can sure mean a lot of destruction here. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual. We could see where the rivers had been huge, maybe 10 times wider and deeper than usual.
This is the first road delay in Guatemala. There are reports that many roads were blocked because of slides and wash outs. This bridge is the only main obstacle left. We hope.
 |
| Border Official checks our papers |
 |
| Guy leaning against the post has our battery |
 |
| In the border crossing, not much security here |
 |
| Our border helpers |
About an Hour from the Border
9-10-10
Sorry I made an error in where we drove to last night, sometimes it is hard to remember the names of the cities. We arrived in Tuxla Gutierrez not Tuxpan. It might not make a difference to anybody who is not following on a map, but it meant we went north instead of south. We are well under way to Guatemala, about 100km. from the border. We have had an excellent drive today. Good road, less toll booths than we thought, great fellowship in God, and outstanding mountain scenery. There is no way to convey how beautiful, lush, and unspoiled the whole coast of Mexico is compared to the U.S. If I knew more Spanish, I would love to travel around here for a few months. Although this is not strictly a pleasure trip, we still have had much pleasure. God really has been able to help us tremendously on the way. Thanks for the prayers.
Sorry I made an error in where we drove to last night, sometimes it is hard to remember the names of the cities. We arrived in Tuxla Gutierrez not Tuxpan. It might not make a difference to anybody who is not following on a map, but it meant we went north instead of south. We are well under way to Guatemala, about 100km. from the border. We have had an excellent drive today. Good road, less toll booths than we thought, great fellowship in God, and outstanding mountain scenery. There is no way to convey how beautiful, lush, and unspoiled the whole coast of Mexico is compared to the U.S. If I knew more Spanish, I would love to travel around here for a few months. Although this is not strictly a pleasure trip, we still have had much pleasure. God really has been able to help us tremendously on the way. Thanks for the prayers.
Friday, September 10, 2010
To Tuxpan
We ended up in a very nice hotel last night about 11pm after some of the worst traveling so far. After gettting the water pump changed, we left about 4pm. We went through a series of mountains. It was probably beautiful country, but we were on at times terrible road with lots of huge potholes. It began to rain and lightening almost continuously. For at least a couple of hours the flashes were not more than a few seconds apart. We would have enjoyed it because it was so spectacular but for the rain and millions of trucks. Both that Clint had to pass, and coming at us.
This video shows a short stretch.
We are heading out this am about 8 or after breakfast the hotel has a restaurant. We are happy to have landed so well last night. It sometimes takes us a long time to find a place for this long a rig to light. This video is an experiment to see how this works to insert.
When we leave, we are headed for Guatemala. Hope to post from there.
This video shows a short stretch.
We are heading out this am about 8 or after breakfast the hotel has a restaurant. We are happy to have landed so well last night. It sometimes takes us a long time to find a place for this long a rig to light. This video is an experiment to see how this works to insert.
When we leave, we are headed for Guatemala. Hope to post from there.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Dead in the Water over a Water Pump
We are not really "dead in the water", its a bad confession anyway, but it sounded good We are actually "stranded" at a beautiful old fashioned-looking hotel, with swimming pool and internet access. I think a lot of it is old with colorfully flowered basins in the bathrooms and brick archways and old roof tiles.
I don't think I ever mentioned, that Mexico is very patriotic. Almost every business, house, car, food cart and balcony has either a flag or streamers in red, white and green. It looks like a holiday everywhere.
Clint went out to San Martin this am to find a water pump and some tools. He and Jerry and Dale removed the old one, and are replacing it now.
Shari, Katie, Nick and I went exploring. We found a little Cochina or food shop selling hand-made tortillas with different kinds of meat. Our favorite was the carne asada. Yum, great breakfast. We bought some for the guys after going to the bank.
All of the towns are wall to wall, little shops. It would take you all day to shop, but be very enjoyable.
The pool felt good after walking in the sun.
I don't think I ever mentioned, that Mexico is very patriotic. Almost every business, house, car, food cart and balcony has either a flag or streamers in red, white and green. It looks like a holiday everywhere.
Clint went out to San Martin this am to find a water pump and some tools. He and Jerry and Dale removed the old one, and are replacing it now.
 |
| Hard at it |
 |
| great handmade tortillas here |
The pool felt good after walking in the sun.
 |
| Hotel Posada San Martin |
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sad Day with Great End
9-8-10
Today started well as we got breakfast and coffee at the hotel. The people were very nice. We had been experiencing some overheating on the uphills but nothing too bad. We figured the thermostat was bad. Most of the day we had been driving next to the coast. Absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking at times. We passed through many towns that looked quaint, colorful and lively. It would be endless fun to explore them. So far everyone we talk to for direction is friendly and helpful, d not always knowledgeable, but trying to help.
We suddenly came upon the flood area which we had heard about yesterday. We were following a Semi. There were rigs coming our way that had made it, so we decided to make the plunge and cross the flooded area. There obviously was not turning back. It was several miles long and had all of our hearts racing a bit. The water on the truck was up to its bumper quite often. We started passing submerged buildings, and were joking that that was our next hotel and it had a lake view. After we entered the City of Lerdo, it wasn't so funny. The main part of town was about four feet deep in water. Many homes and business were awash. I am sure many people had great losses. Praise be to God that we had no troubles getting through the water.
After the flooded town, we started climbing again. We noticed the van was really overheating now. We had to stop once to cool it off. When we went down or level it seemed to recover.
In the next town, Clint pulled over to look for a mechanic to either remove our themostat or loan us tools as thats what we thought was responsible. The mechanic was busy so we decided to get something to eat. God led us right to a place where a family had an open air restaurant. When we got to looking around, it looked like they might be Christians. We asked, and they were. We were instant family. Caroline the wife fixed us a bowl of delicious stew and tortillas, and her husband Juan made us feel welcome. Their business was in an outdoor area with beautifull brightly painted walls. After the food, Clint and Jerry went to work on the car, and the rest of us chatted with them. They are new Christians and seemed glad for the encouragement, and we were glad of the wonderful visit with our newfound brothers and sisters. Their son and daughter were there with their daughter-in-law. We prayed for each other and found it difficult to part.
Now we are in a charming hotel in the next town. Clint was able to get the van into a pretty tight parking lot behind a wall so that we can stay here. There may be a mechanic that can help us as the removal of the thermostat didn't help. They let us swim and all it took was a few minutes as the pool was cold. It did feel good to be cold for a few minutes.
 |
| Beautiful countryside |
We suddenly came upon the flood area which we had heard about yesterday. We were following a Semi. There were rigs coming our way that had made it, so we decided to make the plunge and cross the flooded area. There obviously was not turning back. It was several miles long and had all of our hearts racing a bit. The water on the truck was up to its bumper quite often. We started passing submerged buildings, and were joking that that was our next hotel and it had a lake view. After we entered the City of Lerdo, it wasn't so funny. The main part of town was about four feet deep in water. Many homes and business were awash. I am sure many people had great losses. Praise be to God that we had no troubles getting through the water.
 |
| Tell me they're not spearfishing next to the van |
 |
| Wow |
 |
 |
| Let's go for it |
In the next town, Clint pulled over to look for a mechanic to either remove our themostat or loan us tools as thats what we thought was responsible. The mechanic was busy so we decided to get something to eat. God led us right to a place where a family had an open air restaurant. When we got to looking around, it looked like they might be Christians. We asked, and they were. We were instant family. Caroline the wife fixed us a bowl of delicious stew and tortillas, and her husband Juan made us feel welcome. Their business was in an outdoor area with beautifull brightly painted walls. After the food, Clint and Jerry went to work on the car, and the rest of us chatted with them. They are new Christians and seemed glad for the encouragement, and we were glad of the wonderful visit with our newfound brothers and sisters. Their son and daughter were there with their daughter-in-law. We prayed for each other and found it difficult to part.
 |
| Su Leing, Aracely, Maria, Juan, David and Isabel holding Nina, Jerry and Catherine (the dogs) |
Hanging Out with Bellies Hanging Out
09-07-10 2:30pm
We are on our way to Vera Cruz or as close as we can get. We hear there is some flooding we may have to go around, plus we have to go around the city itself. We heard from Jacob (from back at the Brokers) that if you go through Vera Cruz instead of around, you will be stopped and fined $200.
This fining business seems to be very prevalent and popular. We have been stopped twice two times today. The first time was about ½ hour out from our hotel. They stopped us for speeding, even though we we not going any faster than the cars ahead and behind. It seemed to be all trucks and us. They wanted one amount, and started to write a ticket, and then they had us pull ahead and give them about $20. We never really got a ticket. Clint said if you refuse, they will take you to the station and write it up and it will end up being hours and $200. We were not happy, but relieved with the results.
We have been driving south and Clint took us on one small side-trip to the Playa or beach of Miramar. We so much wanted to set foot in the Gulf of Mexico. We stopped there for a local breakfast of scrambled eggs with bacon, black beans and cheese, and yeah coffee. Not great coffee, or even good coffee, but coffee.
Next we went to the beach this place Is set up for many thousands of people, but it was almost a ghost town today. There were hundreds of umbrellas and beach chairs set up. Great white sand beach. The water was warm and glorious. It was nice to smell sea air again after being an inlander in Colorado. There is something untamed about even a resort beach.
As we tried to get back to the main highway we tried to find it in Tapico. We got into town with very old buildings, parking on both sides and increasingly narrow streets. It was getting barely passible to us and we were afraid that we would get stuck and attract more policia. We did find a way thanks be to God and also gasoline just as soon as we prayed, and are long gone from there.
Before we actually got to the beach, we got stopped by the policia again. It was a small town, and it was evident that they just stood out there and picked off likely subjects. This was for following too close, and not having wide enough mirrors. We can see around our trailer fine, and we were close because we were pulling up to a stop sign. The officers looked pretty serious about our crime spree. We got out after Clint and he haggled a bit for about $50. Expensive beach trip. Sorry Clint
Most of the countryside is lushly green with lots of trees. This is a very beautiful country. At least this part.
Now parked for the night, fed and just swam in a pool under palm trees. It is 11 pm. We have been trying since 5:30 to get a hotel. Every town was the same no hotels, or hotels with no parking for the van and trailer. We went through Tuxpan and Posa Rica and several small towns I didn’t write down. Each had amazing central areas with some great big hotels but no parking lots. We even got stopped twice more at check points with police, but not for tickets. Everyone we asked about hotels pointed up the road, but didn’t really give us any leads. It was like trying to find a garage sale by the signs. You can’t get there from here. We drove through some of the prettiest country I have ever seen There were terraced hillsides, orchards, sugar canes, banana and orange trees and possibly a tea plantation. Finally finally at the last police stop we asked and officer and he told us yes there was a hotel ahead. We didn’t spot his, but a guy ran out into the road and flagged us in to his. Pretty basic rooms, but clean sheets and we are not in the van. Also they had a restaurant, so we were able to get dinner right here on the grounds. We are in a beach town, and may wake up to ocean views nearby. It is weird to think of the ocean to the east of us.
Nick wanted me to name this blog, “guys hanging out with their bellies out”, because they like to stand around in groups with their shirts pulled up over the top of their bellies to keep cooler.
We are on our way to Vera Cruz or as close as we can get. We hear there is some flooding we may have to go around, plus we have to go around the city itself. We heard from Jacob (from back at the Brokers) that if you go through Vera Cruz instead of around, you will be stopped and fined $200.
This fining business seems to be very prevalent and popular. We have been stopped twice two times today. The first time was about ½ hour out from our hotel. They stopped us for speeding, even though we we not going any faster than the cars ahead and behind. It seemed to be all trucks and us. They wanted one amount, and started to write a ticket, and then they had us pull ahead and give them about $20. We never really got a ticket. Clint said if you refuse, they will take you to the station and write it up and it will end up being hours and $200. We were not happy, but relieved with the results.
We have been driving south and Clint took us on one small side-trip to the Playa or beach of Miramar. We so much wanted to set foot in the Gulf of Mexico. We stopped there for a local breakfast of scrambled eggs with bacon, black beans and cheese, and yeah coffee. Not great coffee, or even good coffee, but coffee.
 |
| Ticket Number 1 |
Next we went to the beach this place Is set up for many thousands of people, but it was almost a ghost town today. There were hundreds of umbrellas and beach chairs set up. Great white sand beach. The water was warm and glorious. It was nice to smell sea air again after being an inlander in Colorado. There is something untamed about even a resort beach.
 |
| The Gulf of Mexico |
As we tried to get back to the main highway we tried to find it in Tapico. We got into town with very old buildings, parking on both sides and increasingly narrow streets. It was getting barely passible to us and we were afraid that we would get stuck and attract more policia. We did find a way thanks be to God and also gasoline just as soon as we prayed, and are long gone from there.
Before we actually got to the beach, we got stopped by the policia again. It was a small town, and it was evident that they just stood out there and picked off likely subjects. This was for following too close, and not having wide enough mirrors. We can see around our trailer fine, and we were close because we were pulling up to a stop sign. The officers looked pretty serious about our crime spree. We got out after Clint and he haggled a bit for about $50. Expensive beach trip. Sorry Clint
Most of the countryside is lushly green with lots of trees. This is a very beautiful country. At least this part.
 |
| Everywhere beautiful vistas |
Now parked for the night, fed and just swam in a pool under palm trees. It is 11 pm. We have been trying since 5:30 to get a hotel. Every town was the same no hotels, or hotels with no parking for the van and trailer. We went through Tuxpan and Posa Rica and several small towns I didn’t write down. Each had amazing central areas with some great big hotels but no parking lots. We even got stopped twice more at check points with police, but not for tickets. Everyone we asked about hotels pointed up the road, but didn’t really give us any leads. It was like trying to find a garage sale by the signs. You can’t get there from here. We drove through some of the prettiest country I have ever seen There were terraced hillsides, orchards, sugar canes, banana and orange trees and possibly a tea plantation. Finally finally at the last police stop we asked and officer and he told us yes there was a hotel ahead. We didn’t spot his, but a guy ran out into the road and flagged us in to his. Pretty basic rooms, but clean sheets and we are not in the van. Also they had a restaurant, so we were able to get dinner right here on the grounds. We are in a beach town, and may wake up to ocean views nearby. It is weird to think of the ocean to the east of us.
Nick wanted me to name this blog, “guys hanging out with their bellies out”, because they like to stand around in groups with their shirts pulled up over the top of their bellies to keep cooler.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Then we got in Line
09-06-10 4pm.
Wow, today has lots to tell already. We are in Mexico, on highway 53, we think. Many blessings today and interesting encounters. We left the hotel 8ish. It was a clean, comfortable place which served a good breakfast so we didn’t have to mess with that. We got to the Brokers called Transmitgrantes America. They are the ones who process our paperwork. They look at the load and tell us how to package everything for the border, and write up an audit for immigration of what we have. Anything expensive that we didn’t declare, they can confiscate. We found that the brokers would take until noon to fill out the paperwork, so we waited. Nick met a man named Jacob Hershberger from Costa Rica bringing a load of milk tanks down. Turns out he was the father-in-law of a friend of theirs. He drives a white Freightliner.
We prayed for his toothache, backache and sore throat. We will probably see him enroute. Its nice to have a friend on the way.
Also while waiting we met a man named Francisco who was selling keychains for a ministry. He was delivered from drugs, gangs, etc. and was inviting others on the street to come to the same deliverance ministry called Outcry in the Barrio. We prayed with him and bought key chains of course.
Next we left for Los Indios where the border is. People from California drive to this border. It is great we were near it.
The border was very uneventful on the USA side. I can’t call it the American side, cause we are in the United States of Mexico and still in America. When we got close to the Mexico side, we had to wait in a line for about a half an hour for officials to go over our papers and look at our trailers. One potential glitch came up. They needed hasps on all of the trailer doors so they could put seals on the locks. The side door just had a key lock. It seemed likely that we would have to punch a hole in the side of the trailer in order to put a chain or lock around the door.
Clint rummaged around and found a hasp that Seth Dunn had given him.
Hallelujah. He was able to mount the hasp across the door to make it look like that was the lock. The agent was satisfied even though it was evident that it was kind of a token effort. At least proprieties were satisfied. Clint gave him the $20 that he needed to do his part and we were on our way. Almost.
Next we got in line so that they could look at our papers and X-ray our van and trailer. We had to hand the papers way up to the guys because it was the truck port of entry.
Next we got in line to just wait in line. Then our line went and our convoy made a complete loop around immigration only to get in line to pay $3.00, only they wanted $14 when we got there.
Then we got in line to get our tires sprayed against germs and bugs, etc.
Funny thing is we had to pay $8 for the privilege and they only did the tires on one side. It was a guy with a garden-typed sprayer, a mask and a white suit.
Then we got in line after making another loop around to park outside of immigration. We got out.
Then we got in line to go to show our passports and get a form.
Then we got in line to get our now filled out forms stamped.
Then we got in line to pay $23 each and get a new form to add to the other.
Then we got in line with our new form to go to the same person for the 3rd time and get our passports stamped and our immigration paper back.
Clint stood in a very short line to get some money exchanged.
After the line marathon, we were off we got to the border at 12:30 and left at 3:50.
Other than bordem, which is inconsequential, it went very smooth. Not long after the border, we hit a large flooded area across the road. It was apparent that it had been deeper, possibly impassable. We are glad that we didn’t try to come here yesterday. Now we are in an increasingly fierce deluge of rain. We are trying to figure the best way to travel to avoid the tropical storm headed this way. Yesterday we were not sure if the border would close because of it.
It is about 5pm.
Oh oh, then we got in line. There was another stop miles from the border. We waited in line to talk to some soldiers and show them our papers, then they said we were in the wrong line even though the first guy said to go there and we circled around the building to get in another line. This was a military group with camouflaged sheds with guys with big rifles sitting in them. Even though it seems a little intimidating, it is still comforting to see their presence in light of the murders lately. I think we’re done. We are happy to be about 4 hours from the border. This part of Mexico is beautiful. Just like the parts you see painted in the Mexican restaurants. I love the colorful buildings. The rain is behind, but there is evidence that it has been fierce here lately.
I forgot a good joke that Judith Streng came up with. One of the foods she made for us was a green slaw with orange slices and amonds. She had toasted them and they got a little overdone. She said they were not almonds because she had burnt the “L” out of them.
Now in Ciudad de Victoria. In for the night after a good dinner.11pm
 |
| Francisco's key chain |
 |
| Jacob's truck |
We prayed for his toothache, backache and sore throat. We will probably see him enroute. Its nice to have a friend on the way.
Also while waiting we met a man named Francisco who was selling keychains for a ministry. He was delivered from drugs, gangs, etc. and was inviting others on the street to come to the same deliverance ministry called Outcry in the Barrio. We prayed with him and bought key chains of course.
 |
| Installing the hasp--so glad to have it |
Next we left for Los Indios where the border is. People from California drive to this border. It is great we were near it.
The border was very uneventful on the USA side. I can’t call it the American side, cause we are in the United States of Mexico and still in America. When we got close to the Mexico side, we had to wait in a line for about a half an hour for officials to go over our papers and look at our trailers. One potential glitch came up. They needed hasps on all of the trailer doors so they could put seals on the locks. The side door just had a key lock. It seemed likely that we would have to punch a hole in the side of the trailer in order to put a chain or lock around the door.
Clint rummaged around and found a hasp that Seth Dunn had given him.
Hallelujah. He was able to mount the hasp across the door to make it look like that was the lock. The agent was satisfied even though it was evident that it was kind of a token effort. At least proprieties were satisfied. Clint gave him the $20 that he needed to do his part and we were on our way. Almost.
Next we got in line so that they could look at our papers and X-ray our van and trailer. We had to hand the papers way up to the guys because it was the truck port of entry.
Next we got in line to just wait in line. Then our line went and our convoy made a complete loop around immigration only to get in line to pay $3.00, only they wanted $14 when we got there.
Then we got in line to get our tires sprayed against germs and bugs, etc.
Funny thing is we had to pay $8 for the privilege and they only did the tires on one side. It was a guy with a garden-typed sprayer, a mask and a white suit.
Then we got in line after making another loop around to park outside of immigration. We got out.
Then we got in line to go to show our passports and get a form.
Then we got in line to get our now filled out forms stamped.
Then we got in line to pay $23 each and get a new form to add to the other.
Then we got in line with our new form to go to the same person for the 3rd time and get our passports stamped and our immigration paper back.
Clint stood in a very short line to get some money exchanged.
After the line marathon, we were off we got to the border at 12:30 and left at 3:50.
Other than bordem, which is inconsequential, it went very smooth. Not long after the border, we hit a large flooded area across the road. It was apparent that it had been deeper, possibly impassable. We are glad that we didn’t try to come here yesterday. Now we are in an increasingly fierce deluge of rain. We are trying to figure the best way to travel to avoid the tropical storm headed this way. Yesterday we were not sure if the border would close because of it.
It is about 5pm.
Oh oh, then we got in line. There was another stop miles from the border. We waited in line to talk to some soldiers and show them our papers, then they said we were in the wrong line even though the first guy said to go there and we circled around the building to get in another line. This was a military group with camouflaged sheds with guys with big rifles sitting in them. Even though it seems a little intimidating, it is still comforting to see their presence in light of the murders lately. I think we’re done. We are happy to be about 4 hours from the border. This part of Mexico is beautiful. Just like the parts you see painted in the Mexican restaurants. I love the colorful buildings. The rain is behind, but there is evidence that it has been fierce here lately.
 |
| Blurry but green, It is beautiful |
I forgot a good joke that Judith Streng came up with. One of the foods she made for us was a green slaw with orange slices and amonds. She had toasted them and they got a little overdone. She said they were not almonds because she had burnt the “L” out of them.
Now in Ciudad de Victoria. In for the night after a good dinner.11pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)