Nuevo Progresso, Mexico

Well, Rod finally got me to go to mexico for the day. This is the bridge over the Rio Bravo river that you walk across, leaving your car on the american side. You pay 25 cents to cross. As soon as you get to the Mexican side of the bridge you see soldiers in sandbagged bunkers with guns checking the autos as they enter and leave Mexico.

There are people that stand under the bridge asking for money. They put their hats thru the slates in the railing. We were asked not to give them any money. When you reach the other side it reminds you of a huge flea market. There are a very large number of pharmacies, dentists, beauty salons, and the occational store filled with everything. The street vendors are all on the sidewalks lined one after another. There are people standing in every doorway to every establishment barking out......you want to buy ........whatever it is they are standing in front of, including the doctors and dentists offices, and the sidewalk vendors doing the same, its a busy walk. The colours are bright. The clothing beautiful.....and the experience an interesting one. Everything is reasonably priced and you can barter with the vendors. We had a very nice lunch in mexico of fillet mignon, potatoes, veggies and salad for less than 10.00 each. The waiters were all dressed in suits and we had a good time. It's not Mexico though! It's in Mexico, but it's really nothing like Mexico is supposed to be. Rod is talking about maybe taking a 3 day bus trip to Monteray in the new year. We'll see!!