Hot again. 68 for an overnight low with a high of 86. It was WINDY today, average winds 20-25 mph with gusts 35-40 mph. At 9PM winds are down to 18 mph with 26 mph gusts. Winds are supposed to stay strong all night. At 10:30 they are 21 mph with 26 mph gusts.
It was decent out in the early morning. I found a place around the backside of the coach where the wind wasn't to bad, so I sat outside when reading my daily devotional.
When Kathy left for the weekly Tuesday morning ladies Bible Study I left for Mexico. She didn't feel like walking across the bridge just to see Mexico. Its a 35 minute drive from the campground to the Progresso border crossing. I parked on the American side of the bridge. I was surprised that it only cost $2 to park. The parked cars on the right are all in the lot. There are lots on both sides of the highway. There was a lot of traffic backed up waiting to cross into Mexico.
On the bridge into Mexico. There was a $1 toll to walk across into Mexico.
There is actually water in the Rio Grande here.
Mexican customs for those entering Mexico. They direct all foot traffic in a door, down a short hall and out another door. Nobody questioned me about COVID. When we were in MI's upper peninsula during the summer we couldn't cross into Canada because Kathy had not been vaccinated. Even a negative COVID test wouldn't get you in.
It was crowded, shoulder to shoulder people. Booths on both sides of the sidewalk with people hawking goods.
Less than a block from the border I went into a big box store. The 2nd floor was all clothing, 80% womens, 20% kids. Below is part of the pharmacy section. There were multiple aisles full of pharmaceuticals.
Once I was 3/4 of a mile from the border there weren't many people. This photo is looking back to the north.
Heading back into the US. The toll to walk across the bridge from Mexico was only $0.30.
US Border Patrol looked at my passport, took a photo of me, and asked if I had anything to declare before passing me through. Guess no one cares if you have been vaccinated if you are crossing the southern border.
While in Mexico I had 50-100 guys ask me if I wanted my shoes shined. I'm sure I walked by 50-100 optometrists, 100-150 dentists, over 50 pharmacies, and hundreds of street vendors selling all kinds of things. From the time I left my car in the parking lot until I got back I walked a little over 2 miles and was gone about 90 minutes.
My "take aways" from my visit. There are a lot of old snow birds who cross the border every day. Not one time did I encounter a negative vibe from the people. There were no panhandlers, although I did walk by a little old lady sitting on the sidewalk and leaning against a building. I hardly noticed her as I walked by but I felt prodded by the Spirit to go back and give her $5. As I think back I ask myself, why only $5, I don't know, it seemed to be the right number at the time.
On one hand it is sad that Mexico, a country that is older than the US, has never been able to get its act together and provide a better environment for its people. On the other hand I am so thankful for the blessing of being born in the United States of America, the Land of Opportunity. It is easy to see why so many risk their lives to come here illegally.
It was to early to eat while I was in Mexico. On my way back to the campground I stopped at Nancy's Cafe in Weslaco and had one of their specials, some type of enchilada plate. It was great. It came with a cup of soup and when I was almost finished the waitress brought me a small piece of chocolate cake for dessert.
Back at the campground there was a Mardi Gras parade of decorated golf carts. We watched out the coach window. Below was the start.
Then came the "float" with the King and Queen.
Enlargement of float.
And the carts just kept coming, at least 25 of them in total.
No updates on the AC today.
God is good. I pray that He blesses you and yours.
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