We drove over to San Diego’s Old Town for the Day of the Dead festivities. There were plenty of people to watch, and faces to be painted, but for some reason there wasn’t a single street food vendor to be found and the music seemed to be on break more often than not. I was kind of counting on some street tacos and mariachi. We wandered around for a couple of hours and enjoyed the beautiful day, but this sure wasn’t Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival.
I ordered a new shift cable yesterday. They had to fabricate it themselves based off of my photos. The order was placed around noon, and it showed up today less than 24 hours later—without even paying for expedited shipping. Some things are just different in the States.
11 Comments on “Day of the Dead”
Little girls just love having their faces painted.
That face has come a long way since the first butterfly!
You mentioned that when you parked on hills, there was strain on the shifter, when trying to shift the transmission out of park. Try applying your park brakes, after stopping, but before putting the transmission in park. It may help.
What John said, but once you set the parking break, release the foot brake and let the parking brake hold the truck. And then put it in park. You’ll never fight the shifter again.
What both of us failed to mention, is after starting the vehicle, shift the transmission out of park before releasing the emergency brake. 😉
Great pics of your girls!!
I have noticed over the years that you make a lot of comparisons between Mexico and the US. I agree there are many differences between the two countries. There are pluses and minuses on both sides. It was nice to see a plus in the US side in this post. The advantages you have from “winning” a U.S. birth (re: lottery), allows you and your family the lifestyle you enjoy (not to take away from your personal drive and ambition). Because of this, your frequent criticism/comparison of the US (in a negative way) measured against Mexico seems naive and I don’t get it. Being born in Mexico doesn’t destine one for a life of poverty but the chances for success are much less compared to the opportunities the U.S. I do see that you embrace the simpler/slower life in Mexico. I guess it’s your denigration of our country, in comparison to something you see as superior in Mexico that I find disappointing in your blog.
I liked it when Pat and Ali tallied up the cost of having a baby in Mexico versus the U.S. of A.. Just from a financial standpoint, it is hard to argue that the US insurance system is better. But I wouldn’t call that denigrating, would you? It’s just a factual observation, without bias or emotion. A funny example from a recent post was the DO NOT DO THIS OR THAT OR ANYTHING, and KEEP YOUR KIDS ON A LEASH (OK, I am exaggerating there) post about the pumpkin farm. Fear of litigation leads to suppression of creativity and spirit. Observation, not denigration. Sorry if I misinterpreted you opinion by the way. One thing I have always loved about this blog is that the Bums rely on their own observations of what makes sense, and listen to their gut, and learn. Anyone remember the warts-and-all post about running up into a narrow inlet against the outgoing tide in the Bumcat and nearly getting capsized? That sure didn’t happen again, as far as was reported. I guess what I am thinking is that the idea of a country should be resilient, and withstand hearty criticism, so that it can develop and grow to be a better place for all citizens. The ideals of the U.S.A. are worth celebrating. The follies are worth steamrolling.
My comment was in appreciation of Pat’s positive comment regarding the U.S. I’m all for comparisons and honesty. There is good and bad everywhere. On the other hand, Mexico has an emmigration problem and the U.S. has an immigration problem. But let’s not get political here. Let’s continue being voyaurs of a family’s excellent adventure.
Maybe there wasn’t any food because the dead don’t eat! 😀
They leave their favorite food out on the gravesite. It is gone in the morning. Perhaps it is street animals. Perhaps the dead return for their favorite meal. Quien Sabe? And what difference does it make? It is a beautiful ceremony, steeped in hundreds, and hundreds of years of tradition, predating the Spanish conquest.