Our Casa Gets A Makeover

It is good to be living in Tlaxcala again in the same place we have lived for the past two winters.  We were pleasantly surprised to find that our “casa” had been painted  and cleaned “inside and out” during our absence. A photo follows of our Mexican home’s new look.

Our Puerta or Gate and Upstairs on Left

Walking up to our First Floor

Because we are living in Tlaxcala again, we have been able to renew old friendships and visit familiar places.  Two nights ago, we ate “cows feet” during a delicious feast with our next door neighbors.  Last night, we attended two carnivals with wonderful dancers, including attending carnival for the second year in a row in our own  neighborhood .  We were recognized by our neighborhoods in view of our “resident status.  We also recognized some people, including some dancers, and my personal favorite, the local seller of blackberries. 

 We have about one month left in Mexico for this winter and much to try to accomplish with so little time.  I have been exploring a new theme for T-shirts by searching this years photos.  Also, we want to check on buying glasses in Mexico.  Then, we want to make at least a couple more tours with “Mexico Mystic,” AKA, Robert Cox, our professional guide from nearby Apizaco.  See sidebar of this blog for his website.  Finally, we have one more medical/dental mission trip in late April in southern Puebla.

 We were asked by friends why we don’t do any “missions” in the state of Tlaxcala.  So far all of the “missions” we have accomplished have been in the neighboring states of Oaxaca and Puebla.  We advised our friends that we have not been “asked” to join any missions in the state of Tlaxcala.  Perhaps we will find some to participate in the state of Tlaxcala next year.

 Speaking of next year . . . we do hope to return.  However, we also want to repeat a trip to northern Haiti, and in the meantime, somehow survive the dramatic economic downturn in the USA.  While we have been encouraged by recent personal developments, we still have some apprehensions regarding our ability to continue to personally finance our adventures.  The economy in the USA is in very bad shape and, in my mind, likely to be so for a very long time, especially for young people entering the labor market and retirees out of the labor market.

 This morning we hear on our English TV news station about the deaths of USA employees in northern Mexico.  We were also reminded by media of the 14,000 deaths, mainly drug related, in Mexico this past year.  While such news is disturbing, it does NOT reflect the mainstream quality of life in Mexico, especially in southern Mexico, AND for those who have no interest in feeding the drug industry.

However, if people choose to believe such media “events,” I guess it will mean that Mexico will only be lightly visited by USA citizens for the next several years.  We did find though that a LOT of Canadians are still “beaching it” on the southern coast of Mexico and that development of private homes and condos has pushed forward, although a bit slower. 

 I guess I will end my “report” for now.  We are expecting Mexico Mystic (Bob Cox) soon.  Wednesday we will be visiting some less visited by extensive archaeological ruins and having breakfast with an expat couple we recently met via Bob and Rachel. 

 I will post a LOT of videos and photos in the months ahead so stay in touch if you are interested in such.  Adios, Silversard, a “Genuine Tourist,” reporting from Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala.