We’ve sort of gotten stuck here in El Centro, California, the past few days. Ali needed a root canal and crown to repair a broken tooth, which ended up taking four appointments over the course of a week.
On the first day we all went across the border together and were picked up by the dental assistant. On the way to the office we chatted about Mexico, the places we’ve been, the kids being born in PV, and whatever else. When we got to the office she said, “It’s so nice to talk to somebody who loves Mexico. Usually, I pick people up at the border and Mexicali is their first time in Mexico, and they don’t like it too much. They are just here for the money.”
Well, the lack of money, really. Total cost was $730. Maybe thirty or forty percent what it would run us on this side of the line.
Later in the week the lady mentioned to Ali that there was a big parade the next day. Ali hounded her for more information and got all the details. She looked at Ali skeptically and asked, “Are you really going to go?”
A parade? On Revolution Day? You bet we’re going to go. Our kids would disown us if we didn’t. After a week in Anywhere, USA, we were dying for something interesting to do.
Revolution Day. We were a bit surprised that a big parade would be going on at eight o’clock on a Thursday morning, but the crowds showed up, and it started pretty near on time.
This lovely street sign brought to you by your friendly neighborhood gynecologist. I would pay handily to have Reforma sponsored by BUMFUZZLE.
Horchata! It’s funny to think that this will be a flavor that forever reminds these two of being home. By the way, that is a small they are sharing. This small cup led to five trips—FIVE— to the corner OXXO to use the bathroom during the parade.
Don’t let appearances fool you—this cop was ready for anything. One finger on the trigger.
For some inexplicable reason these kids were locked up while the parade marched past right out front. I love all the smiling faces.
Why in the world? The Transit Police putting their training into action.
It wasn’t hard for Ouest and Lowe to be noticed by the participants in the parade. I think they got a special wave from each float.
Lowe checking out the fire trucks. Right?
Let’s just say the parade included a little bit of everything.
I like this one—the little girl hanging on tight.
Lowe spends a couple of hours a day with these Magna-Tiles. Super expensive toy, but worth every penny.
18 Comments on “Revolución in Mexicali”
Pick the smallest, most laid-back town you can imagine anywhere in the US. Can you picture the local police doing the motorcycle thing that the Mexican cops were doing? No. US cops take themselves much too seriously. ¡Viva la Mexico!
Sorry. I take full responsibility for telling you about MagnaTiles. I can’t believe how expensive they are… and I can’t believe how much time Leo spends building towers, castles, forts, etc., with the amazing tiles… and then I hear the crash !!! before he rebuilds. (Lisa, Lenny, Leo and Lucy arrived today for a week in Portland!)
I am sure you have noticed, but Mexicali has a huge Chinese population – left over from thousands of immigrants who came from southern China in the early 1900s to work on the irrigation canal project. Mexicali has a Chinatown district with over 100 Chinese restaurants… and I’ve lived all over the world and speak several languages, but am still so surprised to hear/see a Chinese person speaking Spanish – not to mention soy sauce bottles on the table in Mexican restaurants. I just love all the assimilation!
We often stop to the huge Cardenas (Mexican) Supermarket in El Centro. The food is super inexpensive and we always pick up a roasted chicken and a pile of their fresh flour tortillas.
Welcome Home and Happy Thanksgiving,
tgt
i’m so glad you are almost back in Mexico. It’s hard to believe there are folks who don’t like it. I got back from Sayulita a couple weeks ago and I am still dazed being back in the states. I want to go back. BTW, we bought that Shasta! When we were deciding if it would be big enough, Mia pointed to one of the pic of storage and said “The boards will fit in there?. Buy it!” Should be here in January and I am beyond jazzed. The interior reminds me of your rig. Simple and perfect.
Ouest and Lowe, luckiest kids on earth. Where do I sign up? LOL 🙂
Amazing photos! Tell Ali I feel for her. I crossed twice from Yuma to Algodones (with thousands of my closest senior friends) this week for dental work. I don’t even know what to make of the crazy irony between Arizona’s SB1070 anti-iillegal immigrant law and the throng of gringos bum rushing the border to put their health in the hands of those “unwanted” Mexicans.
Seriously right? We officially cross over today – the kids keep asking, Can we go to Mexico now?
My favorite picture is the one with Ali and Ouest doing the dishes:-)
well that is weird. all our schools were closed as they are every year for the holiday. it might have been a private school and they took their day off on a different day.
kinda surprised your celebration was so laid back or maybe it is the difference in kids ages – ours are all teens and the protests are rather prevalent here (the “missing” 43).
Please tell me the guy hanging upside down in the background of photo #13 is doing a stunt?!
PLEASE tell us the story of that guy who seems to be diving into the crowd from that lift!!!
Wish my son would have kids, boo hoo. Meanwhile yours will do!
Oops – hut wrong reply button- not yours Jeanne, if you have kids.
Looks like a variation of the flying men of El Tajin On second look, maybe not, but that was my first impression.
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In my own country(australia) I’ve never met anyone who has been
To Mexico. It’s one my to do list when I visit the USA next. Looks fun.
Are you sure it was the fire trucks he was checking out?
Oooooo! Happy to read about those magna tiles (and of course all the other great stuff too!) – that is going to be Isla’s one Christmas gift this year. We figured it was a great toy, easy to clean up/store, and (hopefully) hours of fun while sneaking in a little brain development too… Happy to hear Lowe likes them.
What a trip! Great costumes and lots of lovely people. I am glad you are south of the border again.
Parades are so much more energetic and fun in Mexico. Eat your heart out Macy’s.
🙂 Great to see that Molly the Dolly is still a faithful, loved travel companion!