So apparently this happened during our rock crawling the other day. We then drove a hundred miles on it before discovering it in La Paz.
I went to a nearby llantera (tire repair shop), showed the owner, Pancho, some pictures of the vehicle, and he invited me to jump in his car to go have a look. Before I’d even gotten there I knew that is exactly what would happen.
Before we drove away I pointed to a wheel and explained to him that the tire in question was a two-piece rim. I asked him if that was a problem.
“No, no problema,” he replied while looking at me a little strange.
“Bueno, en Estado Unidos es un problema.” Good, I said, in the United States it sure is.
He laughed and said something along the lines of, “Wimps.”
Actually, in the States most places will in fact work on two-piece rims. They just charge an extra twenty-five to fifty bucks a tire to do so.
Anyway, we got to the bus, sussed out what he’d need, and then drove off to the “tube shop.” Literally, it appears, there is one shop in La Paz that does nothing but sell tire tubes. Unfortunately, they also disappear for two weeks over the holidays. With that avenue closed there was nothing that could be done. I tried one other tire repair place, but all that guy did was walk to the corner, look across the street at the tube shop, and shrug his shoulders. “Cerrado.”
Back to Pancho who told me he could put the spare on if I like, but it would be a waste of money since I was only driving a few more miles to get on the ferry, and then just a couple more miles on the Mazatlan end. He said just to wait and get it done over there. He then waved me off when I asked if I could pay him for his time. Pancho will never be a rich man in the financial sense, but by any other measure I’ll bet he’s doing just fine.
This is how you prepare your boat for a hurricane—drag it three blocks inland and tie it to a telephone pole. Then leave it there another six months.
Lucha Libre graffiti.
In order to get the kids excited about a walk to the grocery store we have started a little game in which I start out with a peso coin and give it to whoever sees a cat or dog first. They then have to give it up if someone else sees the next one first. This is usually good for about twenty animals (about six blocks) before Lowe completely loses interest and Ouest refuses to hand over the coin to Ali.
You know those twenty ounce bottles of Coke that cost nearly two bucks in the States? They are about seventy cents down here. I believe the goal is to fatten Mexico up until it finally overtakes the United States for the number one slot in the obesity ratings. Only then will soda prices be allowed to rise.
We got together with friends again. This time at their rental house where the cold swimming pool gave way to a warm bathtub. Nothing better than when we adults can make fast friends who also just happen to have a covey of kids of their own.
I imagine there is some inside story as to why this wedding party came and danced on the steps outside of this OXXO (convenience store).
For a solid hour the kids read books on their own, handing them back and forth to each other over their mattress divider. I can’t wait for them to really be able to read.
14 Comments on “La Paz”
I always enjoy the photos on your blog. And, hate to tell you, but Mexico passed the U.S. in obesity stats last year to become #1 in the world (we’re still a close #2, though). Better lay in those stores of cheap soda soon…
All right, America is now gunning for number three. Who is it?
Ever try flat fix stuff..no good on aluminum wheels but tubes with steel wheels should be Ok at least to get you to place that can fix or replace the tube..
Happy New Year Pat, Ali and family. Have been following you for many years now. Do feel, with conviction, that you are two of the best parents ever. Keep up the good work, and best wishes for the future.
I especially love the “Pope Lowe III” picture:-)
I didn’t even think about the Pope. He was a marching band leader. 🙂
Split rings and split rims are two different animals, both safe if the handler is aware.Be safe. 🙂
I won’t be standing over the tire when someone else is inflating it, don’t worry.
I had a 1956 Chevy school bus converted to an RV. It had split rims and I feel your pain. My travels seemed to be punctuated by flat tires and a series of inept bozos who didn’t know how to fix them – always in towns with populations under 100!
Happy New Year! I have been enjoying your travels for a long time and can’t imagine a more fun way for your children to grow up! I don’t know if I am imagining it but it appears in some of the recent pics that Lowe’s left eye may turn in? I am not a doctor and of course pics can distort things and so it may not be anything you see in him day to day. Not sure if you have had a chance to have your children’s vision checked but it is usually recommended in the preschool years. I hope you continue to enjoy your travels for many more years to come!
ahh I get it now…
http://static7.depositphotos.com/1315943/793/v/950/depositphotos_7932950-Lucha-Libre-Masks.jpg
My Winnebago had 17″ 5 bolt split rims. I was able to change tires/tubes myself, complete with using a long safety chain wound around it when reinflating….though pumping them up again took a l-o-n-g using a manual tire pump. I also carried two spare tires, tucked up beneath the back half of the RV, and a pair of extra tubes, packed in a lightproof box.
I noticed the same thing about Lowe’s eye. I have amblyopia and am hyper sensitive about it. get it checked out!