Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday.
It is a celebration of the Nativity. This means the birthday of Our Lord Jesus. In order to prepare for the day of symbolic commemoration, we have the "Posadas". These celebrations are a "Novena" or nine days before the 24 which is the "Noche Buena" or "Holy Night".
These Posadas are an enactment of looking for lodging of St. Joseph and Virgin Mary, called The Pilgrims going to Bethlehem for the Census according to the Scriptures. In Spanish we called them: "Los Peregrinos, San José y la Virgen María". Each family in a neighborhood, will schedule a night for the Posada to be held at their home, starting on the 16th of December and finishing on the 24th on Noche Buena.
Every home will have a Nativity scene. The hosts of the home are the innkeepers, and the neighborhood children and adults are Los Peregrinos, who have to request lodging through singing a simple chant. All carry small lit candles in their hands and four teenagers of about the same height are chosen to carry Los Peregrinos, which are two small statues of St. Joseph leading a donkey, which Virgen Mary is riding sidesaddle. The head of the procession will have a candle inside of a paper lamp shade that looks like an accordion but open at the top and it is called a "Farolito" or little lantern.
The Peregrinos will ask for lodging in three different houses but only the third one will allow them in. That will be the house that is supposed to have the Posada for that evening. Once the innkeepers let them in, the group of guests comes into the home and kneels around the Nativity scene to pray the Rosary. The Rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer, which consists of the following prayers: 50 Hail Mary, 5 Our Father , 5 Glory and the Litany, which is a series of Praises for the Virgin Mary, plus singing traditional songs like Holy Night in Spanish of course!
After all the prayer is done, then it comes the party for the children. There will be a Piñata, (pronounce Pignata, for it has an ñ instead of an n), filled with peanuts in the shell, oranges, tangerines, sugar canes, and seldom wrapped hard candy. Of course, there will be other types of chants the children will sing while the child in turn is trying to break the Piñata with a stick while he/she will be blindfolded.
Although the Piñata was originally from Italy, it has become a Mexican tradition for celebrations where there are children involved. The Piñata was made out of a clay pot and decorated with crepe paper in different colors. Today's piñatas are made out of cardboard and paper mache techniques and decorated with crepe paper. This change was made to prevent the children from cutting their hands when going for the fruit and candy when the Piñata was broken and the clay piece would become a hazard. They have all kinds of designs besides the traditional star.
For the adults there is always "Ponche con Piquete"(sting), which is a hot beverage or "Punch" made out of seasonal fruits and cinnamon sticks, with a shot of alcoholic spririt. A good substitute here in Ohio is hot apple cider with fruits, without the "spirits".
On Noche Buena, December 24, everybody goes to Misa de Noche Buena which is at midnight. After the Mass, everyone goes to their respective homes to have dinner with family and any friend who does not have a family is always welcome to be part of a family celebration, and most important of all to place the Baby Jesus in the manger in the Nativity scene.
The presents are not received on Christmas, for Christmas is a celebration of Life of Our Savior.
The New Year's Eve, there is a Misa de Gallo, (Rooster's Mass) that takes place at midnight also. Some families go to church earlies to give thanks for all the blessings received during the year.
The children's celebration of receiving presents is not until January 6th, "el día de Reyes", the day of the Kings, or the Wise Men Day. It is the Magi who brought the presents to the Baby Jesus, thus, they bring the toys to the boys and girls who have been good. The children place their shoes by the window, so the Magi place the present in the shoe. It the present is bigger than the shoe, it will be placed next to it. Many children, get a new pair of shoes for a present.
El dia de Reyes is celebrated with a "Merienda" consisting of hot chocolate and "The Rosca de Reyes". "La Merienda is the meal that takes. place any time between 5 P.M. and 7 P.M. it is not a heavy meal but the equivalent of "High Tea".
The Rosca de Reyes is a big oval wreath made out of egg bread (like an egg bagel, but huge) with dry fruit decorations and sprinkled sugar on top, but inside, there is a little ceramic doll which represents the Baby Jesus. The person who gets the piece of bread with the Baby, must be the Godparent of the Baby Jesus in the celebration of the Candelaria, on February 2nd..
"El dia de la Candelaria" is the day of the Candle or Light, known as the Day of Purification. That day, the Nativity scene is put away with a party given by the person who got the Baby Jesus in his/her piece of bread during the Rosca de Reyes celebration. He or she will be responsible for making a "Ropon" or christening gown for Baby Jesus. Generally, they have a Dinner with Tamales (Tamales are corn bread filled with meats in a sauce or raisins wrapped in corn husks).
Lately, these traditions have been modified. For example, the Posadas are now nine parties that are celebrated in differentes friends homes before Christmas. Also, with the North American Free Treaty Agreement, known as NAFTA, Christmas is now celebrated the American style, with Santa Claus, the meals and presentes, mostly among the afluent people. Others take trips to sky resorts in the United States or Europe, or travel to turistic places within Mexico.
All the education institutions are on vacation during the holidays, they do not get back to school until after January 6th. Also, the government offices and the other institutions connected with the government close during those two weeks.
TAKEN FROM THE FRIENDS OF NAYARIT MEXICO FACEBOOK PAGE.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Cinco de Mayo
On May 5, 1862, Mexican troops defeated an invading French army in the outskirts of Puebla, a city around 60 miles east of Mexico City. How did events come to this point; what were French troops doing in Mexico and why?
On September 15, 1810, a priest, Miguel Hidalgo, sounded the church bells to unite Mexicans in a war of independence from Spain. Independence was declared the following day, September 16th. But it took Mexicans 11 years to oust the Spaniards.
They were barely getting their house in order when an unprovoked war was thrust on them by the US wanting and taking about 50 percent of its territory. Needless to say, Mexicans weren't happy with this circumstance and blamed their leader, Santa Anna, accusing him of great treason. This led to a rebellion to oust him from office.
Once this was done, Mexico entered into one of its most important historical periods, the formation of its Constitution of 1857.
There were two political forces at work, the Liberals who wanted to create a country not unlike the US: A representative republic, democratic, federal, religiously tolerant, free market economy, and an educational system independent of religion, and, most importantly - separation between the State and religion. This instrument would provide Mexican citizens with vast constitutional protections rivaling those in the U.S.
The other political force was the Conservatives who wanted strong ties to Spain, only the Catholic religion would be allowed, national industrial protectionism (limited imports), regulated freedom of expression, no opposing political parties. They also believed Mexico should be tied to a European monarchy with the head of Mexico having absolute power, and to distance the country as much as possible from the US.
This terrible schism led to the civil war known as "La Guerra de Reforma" (The War of Reform). In 1861, the Conservatives were defeated, and their leaders executed. But the combination of so many years of fighting had placed Mexico in heavy international debt with England, Spain and France.
Meantime in the French court of Emperor Napoleon III, a wealthy Mexican land owner and Conservative, who had access to, and meetings with, the Emperor's wife, the Spaniard Eugenia de Montijo, planted the idea of establishing a monarchy in Mexico as a way of stopping the further territorial expansion ambitions of the U.S.
The U.S. was tied up in its Civil War, so France convinced Spain and England to join in sending troops to collect monies owed them by the new Liberal controlled government presided by Benito Juarez.
Troops from the three countries landed in Veracruz in late 1861. The English and Spaniards were able to negotiate a repayment schedule that was acceptable to all. The parties, including the French, signed the agreement. The Spaniard and English troops left Mexico without incident.
The French commander, Dubois de Saligny, declared, "My signature is worth as much as the paper it is written on." Declaring they were there at the invitation of the exiled Conservative government to establish a monarchy and save Mexico from its non Catholic leaders, French troops began their long march to capture Mexico City.
And so it was that on May 5, 1862, the most potent army in Europe of its day met the Mexican army of veterans and farmers outside of Puebla. Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, addressed his troops, "Your enemies are the first-rate soldiers of the world; but you are the sons of Mexico, and they are here to take your country."
The battle began at noon - the French stormed the Mexican defensive position once and were repelled. A second charge brought the same results. It was then that the Mexican troops attacked, driving the French back in disarray. Hostilities came at the end of the day due to heavy rainfall making any more action impossible.
French commanders were so sure of quick victory that before beginning their march had sent a message to Napoleon III declaring the Emperor owner of Mexico. Instead, it took three months to capture Puebla, and eventually all of Mexico.
Having captured the country, the French were never able to appease the population. Widespread resistance finally led to their defeat and departure from Mexico. The Intervention lasted until 1867.
On September 15, 1810, a priest, Miguel Hidalgo, sounded the church bells to unite Mexicans in a war of independence from Spain. Independence was declared the following day, September 16th. But it took Mexicans 11 years to oust the Spaniards.
They were barely getting their house in order when an unprovoked war was thrust on them by the US wanting and taking about 50 percent of its territory. Needless to say, Mexicans weren't happy with this circumstance and blamed their leader, Santa Anna, accusing him of great treason. This led to a rebellion to oust him from office.
Once this was done, Mexico entered into one of its most important historical periods, the formation of its Constitution of 1857.
There were two political forces at work, the Liberals who wanted to create a country not unlike the US: A representative republic, democratic, federal, religiously tolerant, free market economy, and an educational system independent of religion, and, most importantly - separation between the State and religion. This instrument would provide Mexican citizens with vast constitutional protections rivaling those in the U.S.
The other political force was the Conservatives who wanted strong ties to Spain, only the Catholic religion would be allowed, national industrial protectionism (limited imports), regulated freedom of expression, no opposing political parties. They also believed Mexico should be tied to a European monarchy with the head of Mexico having absolute power, and to distance the country as much as possible from the US.
This terrible schism led to the civil war known as "La Guerra de Reforma" (The War of Reform). In 1861, the Conservatives were defeated, and their leaders executed. But the combination of so many years of fighting had placed Mexico in heavy international debt with England, Spain and France.
Meantime in the French court of Emperor Napoleon III, a wealthy Mexican land owner and Conservative, who had access to, and meetings with, the Emperor's wife, the Spaniard Eugenia de Montijo, planted the idea of establishing a monarchy in Mexico as a way of stopping the further territorial expansion ambitions of the U.S.
The U.S. was tied up in its Civil War, so France convinced Spain and England to join in sending troops to collect monies owed them by the new Liberal controlled government presided by Benito Juarez.
Troops from the three countries landed in Veracruz in late 1861. The English and Spaniards were able to negotiate a repayment schedule that was acceptable to all. The parties, including the French, signed the agreement. The Spaniard and English troops left Mexico without incident.
The French commander, Dubois de Saligny, declared, "My signature is worth as much as the paper it is written on." Declaring they were there at the invitation of the exiled Conservative government to establish a monarchy and save Mexico from its non Catholic leaders, French troops began their long march to capture Mexico City.
And so it was that on May 5, 1862, the most potent army in Europe of its day met the Mexican army of veterans and farmers outside of Puebla. Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, addressed his troops, "Your enemies are the first-rate soldiers of the world; but you are the sons of Mexico, and they are here to take your country."
The battle began at noon - the French stormed the Mexican defensive position once and were repelled. A second charge brought the same results. It was then that the Mexican troops attacked, driving the French back in disarray. Hostilities came at the end of the day due to heavy rainfall making any more action impossible.
French commanders were so sure of quick victory that before beginning their march had sent a message to Napoleon III declaring the Emperor owner of Mexico. Instead, it took three months to capture Puebla, and eventually all of Mexico.
Having captured the country, the French were never able to appease the population. Widespread resistance finally led to their defeat and departure from Mexico. The Intervention lasted until 1867.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Three Kings Day – Dia del los Reyes – Epiphany Jan 06
Today (January 6th) is Dia de los Reyes ( Three Kings day or the start of Epiphany). In Mexico and particularly in Jaltemba Bay the day will be celebrated by the giving of gifts and the eating of the Rosca de Reyes (bread ring of the kings).
Most people will be familiar with the story of the three wise men following the start to Bethlehem bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. This year in Guayabitos they were featured in nativity scenes with their gifts.
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For more traditional Mexicans this is the day that gifts are given to children rather than on December 25th but in my experience children seem to receive the larger gifts more commonly on the 25th.
This evening most Mexican families will celebrate the event by eating the Rosca de Reyes which is on sale in most food stores and on the street.
It will be accompanied by hot chocolate. This medium sized one costs 140 pesos and would serve a family of 8 to 12. It is not served as a desert but rather as the late evening meal called cena at about 8 pm.
The bready, sweet cake contains several “monitos”, small plastic figures of the baby Jesus. The people who find the monitos in their piece of cake will host the meal of tamales that will be served on February 2nd to mark the end of the Christmas celebrations.
Epiphany starts on January 6th and ends with Candlemas on February 2nd. Candlemas is also known as the Feast of Purification. For Christian the celebration marks the day on which the baby Jesus was presented in the Temple.
For us it falls on January 6 but for Roman Catholics in many countries it is celebrated on the Sunday that falls between January 2 and January 8. For those who celebrate according to the Julian Calendar it will be around the 19th of January.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Leaving, on a Plane again
Leaving on Tuesday, January 11, back again to Guayobitis, Mex. Our time at home for a visit has been wonderful. Over the Christmas Season we were able to visit with many of our friends on the Lower Mainland. Sorry, we didn't get to see all of you.( We will be back in the Spring).
We, along with Dar's Dad, went to Kamloops (by Via Rail) for Christmas. We left Vancouver at 8:30 pm. Christmas Eve and arrived in Kamloops at 5:30 am, Dec 25. It was nice. Dar's Dad did not want to drive in a vechicle, so he picked the train. It was quite tiring because you don't get a lot of sleep with all the people and noises. We had four days there with Dar's brother and sister-in-law, niece and nephew, their beau's and seven of Collete's family. It was real nice to have all of Dar's family together as her sister and brother-in-law droped in, out of the blue, on December 26. We all had a few good drinks and way to much food. The laughs were enjoyed by all, so the time there was wonderful.
New Year's Eve saw us off to Woody's Pub, seeing Dar's hairdresser Chris for awhile and then off to Langley to a friends place for some serious drinking for me, and bring in the New Year with a bang. I paid for it the next day, getting to old to do that kind of drinking, but had loads of fun anyway. Darlene was the DD.
Saw my family on New Year's Day and had an excellent visit. Also a couple of Basketball games for my oldest Grandson, who has recently broke his nose in a game.
As I said, off this Tuesday, so will get a couple friends in (visiting) this weekend and then it will be time to heard 'er South again, and warm up.
Wish you all could come with us, what a Party that would be!
See you in the Spring!
Love Brad and Dar
We, along with Dar's Dad, went to Kamloops (by Via Rail) for Christmas. We left Vancouver at 8:30 pm. Christmas Eve and arrived in Kamloops at 5:30 am, Dec 25. It was nice. Dar's Dad did not want to drive in a vechicle, so he picked the train. It was quite tiring because you don't get a lot of sleep with all the people and noises. We had four days there with Dar's brother and sister-in-law, niece and nephew, their beau's and seven of Collete's family. It was real nice to have all of Dar's family together as her sister and brother-in-law droped in, out of the blue, on December 26. We all had a few good drinks and way to much food. The laughs were enjoyed by all, so the time there was wonderful.
New Year's Eve saw us off to Woody's Pub, seeing Dar's hairdresser Chris for awhile and then off to Langley to a friends place for some serious drinking for me, and bring in the New Year with a bang. I paid for it the next day, getting to old to do that kind of drinking, but had loads of fun anyway. Darlene was the DD.
Saw my family on New Year's Day and had an excellent visit. Also a couple of Basketball games for my oldest Grandson, who has recently broke his nose in a game.
As I said, off this Tuesday, so will get a couple friends in (visiting) this weekend and then it will be time to heard 'er South again, and warm up.
Wish you all could come with us, what a Party that would be!
See you in the Spring!
Love Brad and Dar
Thursday, December 23, 2010
© Tara A. Spears
One of the ubiquitous signs of the Christmas season is the vivid scarlet of the poinsettia plants that appear in malls, churches, homes and offices in December. Its shape appears in tablecloths and wrapping paper, silk flowers, and seasonal jewelry. This indigenous Mexican plant quickly garnered world-wide popularity and comes with a charming legend that explains how the poinsettia came to be a symbol of Christmas spirit.
The legend of the poinsettia tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo. They were very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas festival. Each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties. The two children loved Christmas, but were always saddened because they had no money to buy presents. They especially wished that they could give something to the church for the Baby Jesus. But they had nothing.
One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service. On their way they picked some weeds growing along the roadside and decided to take them as their gift to the Baby Jesus in the manger scene. Of course they were teased by other children when they arrived with their gift, but they said nothing for they knew they had given what they could. Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger and suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.
Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and a horticulturist who started cultivating the stunning plant. Over the intervening years, poinsettias have been hybridized to include a range of colors from salmon to white to bi-colored that have become traditional Christmas decorations throughout the world. In any region that does not have winter frost temperatures, the poinsettia plant will become a perennial shrub whether kept in a pot or planted in the ground. However, it is difficult to grow in the sweltering coastal Riviera Nayarit area due to the high night temperatures. The plant is readily available at the tianguis Monday and Thursday markets, local plant nurseries, and from street vendors.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Back In Canada
Afer two months in Rincon de Guayabitos we are back in British Columbia for Christmas and visit a with family and friends. We will be going to Kamloops, BC for Christmas at Dar's bother and sister-inlaws. We are going by train on Via Rail http://www.viarail.ca and taking Dar's Dad with us.
During our time in Mexico, we were quite busy for a couple of retired people. Dar spent some time helping our Mexican friends learn, while Dar herself learnt quite a bit of Spanish herself. She has come along way and can now read and carry a conversation in Spanish. I am very happy with her progress. For me,not much, but the basic words.
(Darlene doesn't think she can carry a conversation).
I found a group of gringos, four winter residents like me, and two who live in the area year round who all ride big bikes. We have enjoyed some very good rides in and around the State of Nayarit and some nice country and great roads. We also enjoy a real good lunch on each of our rides.
We will be returning to Mexico on January 11, 2011 and spending more time in Guayabitos until our planned trip to Cancun, by motorcycle in Febuary.
During our time in Mexico, we were quite busy for a couple of retired people. Dar spent some time helping our Mexican friends learn, while Dar herself learnt quite a bit of Spanish herself. She has come along way and can now read and carry a conversation in Spanish. I am very happy with her progress. For me,not much, but the basic words.
(Darlene doesn't think she can carry a conversation).
I found a group of gringos, four winter residents like me, and two who live in the area year round who all ride big bikes. We have enjoyed some very good rides in and around the State of Nayarit and some nice country and great roads. We also enjoy a real good lunch on each of our rides.
We will be returning to Mexico on January 11, 2011 and spending more time in Guayabitos until our planned trip to Cancun, by motorcycle in Febuary.
Monday, November 8, 2010
November 8, 2010 Finally a New Post
Here it is November 8, 2010 and we haven't done a Post, well actually me, as Dar said it was my turn and she wasn't going to do one.
All is really great here, we are having a ball. We have been extremly busy with visiting so many of our "new" friends and reaquanting ourselves with the "old" ones. I have been here 2 weeks and tomorrow will be 3 weeks. I have already been to five soccer games, drank 10 gallons of cervaza, 3 feista parties 2 birthday parties and one lunch of "special" Chicken Soup. (Wow,is that good) We have gotten all the good gossip caught up and also Dar has started her Spanish lessons. She is also teaching a local family some English. (every Thursday). I am also getting quite abit out of it and being able to use more and more Spanish Words. Oh yea, did I mention , I have had my share of cervaza, it goes down just like water. We all know that we shouldn't drink the water here, so, drink cervza instead, its good for you.
I got here (Guayobotis Mexico) mid afternoon, October 23. After a somewhat eventful ride. Left Birch Bay on Wednesday October 13, after a late start in the Day. Had more things to do in winterizing the R.V. than I thought. But I did leave under clear sky's and made it to Woodburn OR, just north of Salam. My luck, leaving so late, I made to Seattle just in time for the heavest of "rush hour" traffic. Not bad, just under 500 kms. for the day.
Left early next morn, but too cold, so after 45 minutes on road had too stop, have coffee and wait to 10:30 for fog to lift and get some warmth. By mid day I was through Roseburg and had to "greas up", as was very warm and didn't want to get sun burnt. All was going well until just south of Shasta Lake City, CA a bird hit the bike windshield. Can'nt say for sure what kind of bird, but a Eagle or Red Tailed Hawk, whatever it was, it was big. Smashed the windshield, creaked and scrached the right hand side of bike fairing and knocked my DOT helmet, right sideways on my head. I was probably doing close to 100/105 kms at the time I also got a mouth full of bird guts and feathers. The thing damm near "knocked" me out. Luck was with me at that moment, that I did not lose control of bike. Didn't feel like mush after that, so got to Redding CA, got hotel room and phoned my Insurance. Such do like my Insurance Co." Meagson Fitzpatrick (Victoria BC), they say " make sure bike is roadworthy, get new windshield and new helmet. All on my statement of event, without the use of a insurance ajustor.
October 15, 2010. New windshield, new helmet in Redding CA. and back on the road. As I only made 665 kms. yesterday, will have to made some up today. Had lunch in Stockston and back on the road, made over 800 kms today, so was good day. Stayed night in little town of Santa Nella,CA. Home of the "Best Pea Soup in America" Soup was good, bed was lousy, but slept not bad as I was quite tired.
Left around 7:30 am. and the ride was great, weather was just right for riding. All was good until I got to the top of the Grapevine, north of Los Angles. The closer I rode to LA, the colder it got. By the time I got into LA I had my leather jacked on and zipped up. Thank heavens for GPS, made it through the nighmare and out the other side. Made it to Blythe CA for the night, Just under 800 kms today.
Left motel 6:30 am and off to find good cup of coffee at Starbucks. Checked out Facebook, added a few comments. Riding by 7:00 am, sunrise was gorgas and very little trafic on I-10, so made good milage. Made 180 kms in hou rand fifty minutes, stoped for pee break at rest stop and then it all happened. I had lost my bike keys somewhere between Blythe and here. So when I had turned the bike off, it wouldn't start again without security fob. Didn't know how to break security code, so caled "Good Sam" snd has hook come and take me and bike to Arrowhead Harly Davidson in Phoenix AZ. They showed me how to break code, but would have to wait in Phoenix for 21/2 days,until Dar passed through on her way to Mexico. I had extra set of keys at homeand would have had to wait 10-14 days to get new set of keys from HD, Milwaukiee,WI. While waiting I had Bike serviced, new tires and replace intake seals, which resolved my stalling problem. That took a day, but couldn't go see much of Phoenix as I had very little gas in gas tank and needed keys to open gas tank lid. Oh well, Ineeded the rest. While in Phoenix I got to meet up with a long time ex work associate, Jan C. and have dinner with her. We caught on old times and what has happened in to last 2 years, when she and her husband moved to Phoenix. Good dinner and good laughs, really enjoyed.
Dar got to Phoenix on October 20, a day late (thats another story). Got keys from Dar as she changed planes, and on the road again. Made it to Nogales AZ, for the night. I wanted to cross the Mexican boarder first thing in the morning.
October 21, crossed into Nogales Mexico, got visitors visa and found out that you get moto-
cycle temporary import permit at Inspection Office 50 kms into Mexico. Had a few problems with communication at inspection office, but after 11/2 hours finally got approval (they didn't like my copy of registration papers, wanted orginal papers) Paid my "import" fees,440 peso ((approx $37.00 CAN), got stamp of approval to have Motocycle in Mexico for up to 180 days and on my way. Ah, they say, MEXICO, what a beautiful country. The roads are great, I stayed on D-15 all the way to Tepic, Nayarit. Its a "toll highway" and the toll fees from Nogales to Tepic were 870 peso(approx $74.00 CAN) All fees are the same for automoble as for a motocycle. Stayed fist night in Oberegon, Sinaloa, MX,545 kms for the day and second night in Villa Obion, Sinaloa, MX (just ouside Mazatlan) and 570 kms. for the day. I left AT 6:30 am in the morning, on my way to Tepic and Guayabitos, Nayarit, 1480 kms, from the USA boader. Throughout my time in Mexico, I found the people extremly helpful and courtious at all of the gas stations, hotels and places to eat, from taco stand to resturant. They were more helpful in their service and making sure I understood the cost of the service and in counting out the change for the product. I would reccomend travel to anyone, just watch your self and know where you are at.
All is really great here, we are having a ball. We have been extremly busy with visiting so many of our "new" friends and reaquanting ourselves with the "old" ones. I have been here 2 weeks and tomorrow will be 3 weeks. I have already been to five soccer games, drank 10 gallons of cervaza, 3 feista parties 2 birthday parties and one lunch of "special" Chicken Soup. (Wow,is that good) We have gotten all the good gossip caught up and also Dar has started her Spanish lessons. She is also teaching a local family some English. (every Thursday). I am also getting quite abit out of it and being able to use more and more Spanish Words. Oh yea, did I mention , I have had my share of cervaza, it goes down just like water. We all know that we shouldn't drink the water here, so, drink cervza instead, its good for you.
I got here (Guayobotis Mexico) mid afternoon, October 23. After a somewhat eventful ride. Left Birch Bay on Wednesday October 13, after a late start in the Day. Had more things to do in winterizing the R.V. than I thought. But I did leave under clear sky's and made it to Woodburn OR, just north of Salam. My luck, leaving so late, I made to Seattle just in time for the heavest of "rush hour" traffic. Not bad, just under 500 kms. for the day.
Left early next morn, but too cold, so after 45 minutes on road had too stop, have coffee and wait to 10:30 for fog to lift and get some warmth. By mid day I was through Roseburg and had to "greas up", as was very warm and didn't want to get sun burnt. All was going well until just south of Shasta Lake City, CA a bird hit the bike windshield. Can'nt say for sure what kind of bird, but a Eagle or Red Tailed Hawk, whatever it was, it was big. Smashed the windshield, creaked and scrached the right hand side of bike fairing and knocked my DOT helmet, right sideways on my head. I was probably doing close to 100/105 kms at the time I also got a mouth full of bird guts and feathers. The thing damm near "knocked" me out. Luck was with me at that moment, that I did not lose control of bike. Didn't feel like mush after that, so got to Redding CA, got hotel room and phoned my Insurance. Such do like my Insurance Co." Meagson Fitzpatrick (Victoria BC), they say " make sure bike is roadworthy, get new windshield and new helmet. All on my statement of event, without the use of a insurance ajustor.
October 15, 2010. New windshield, new helmet in Redding CA. and back on the road. As I only made 665 kms. yesterday, will have to made some up today. Had lunch in Stockston and back on the road, made over 800 kms today, so was good day. Stayed night in little town of Santa Nella,CA. Home of the "Best Pea Soup in America" Soup was good, bed was lousy, but slept not bad as I was quite tired.
Left around 7:30 am. and the ride was great, weather was just right for riding. All was good until I got to the top of the Grapevine, north of Los Angles. The closer I rode to LA, the colder it got. By the time I got into LA I had my leather jacked on and zipped up. Thank heavens for GPS, made it through the nighmare and out the other side. Made it to Blythe CA for the night, Just under 800 kms today.
Left motel 6:30 am and off to find good cup of coffee at Starbucks. Checked out Facebook, added a few comments. Riding by 7:00 am, sunrise was gorgas and very little trafic on I-10, so made good milage. Made 180 kms in hou rand fifty minutes, stoped for pee break at rest stop and then it all happened. I had lost my bike keys somewhere between Blythe and here. So when I had turned the bike off, it wouldn't start again without security fob. Didn't know how to break security code, so caled "Good Sam" snd has hook come and take me and bike to Arrowhead Harly Davidson in Phoenix AZ. They showed me how to break code, but would have to wait in Phoenix for 21/2 days,until Dar passed through on her way to Mexico. I had extra set of keys at homeand would have had to wait 10-14 days to get new set of keys from HD, Milwaukiee,WI. While waiting I had Bike serviced, new tires and replace intake seals, which resolved my stalling problem. That took a day, but couldn't go see much of Phoenix as I had very little gas in gas tank and needed keys to open gas tank lid. Oh well, Ineeded the rest. While in Phoenix I got to meet up with a long time ex work associate, Jan C. and have dinner with her. We caught on old times and what has happened in to last 2 years, when she and her husband moved to Phoenix. Good dinner and good laughs, really enjoyed.
Dar got to Phoenix on October 20, a day late (thats another story). Got keys from Dar as she changed planes, and on the road again. Made it to Nogales AZ, for the night. I wanted to cross the Mexican boarder first thing in the morning.
October 21, crossed into Nogales Mexico, got visitors visa and found out that you get moto-
cycle temporary import permit at Inspection Office 50 kms into Mexico. Had a few problems with communication at inspection office, but after 11/2 hours finally got approval (they didn't like my copy of registration papers, wanted orginal papers) Paid my "import" fees,440 peso ((approx $37.00 CAN), got stamp of approval to have Motocycle in Mexico for up to 180 days and on my way. Ah, they say, MEXICO, what a beautiful country. The roads are great, I stayed on D-15 all the way to Tepic, Nayarit. Its a "toll highway" and the toll fees from Nogales to Tepic were 870 peso(approx $74.00 CAN) All fees are the same for automoble as for a motocycle. Stayed fist night in Oberegon, Sinaloa, MX,545 kms for the day and second night in Villa Obion, Sinaloa, MX (just ouside Mazatlan) and 570 kms. for the day. I left AT 6:30 am in the morning, on my way to Tepic and Guayabitos, Nayarit, 1480 kms, from the USA boader. Throughout my time in Mexico, I found the people extremly helpful and courtious at all of the gas stations, hotels and places to eat, from taco stand to resturant. They were more helpful in their service and making sure I understood the cost of the service and in counting out the change for the product. I would reccomend travel to anyone, just watch your self and know where you are at.
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