In Acuna, Mexico

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

Sometimes, as I mentioned earlier, one has just to love “machines”… my program just lost the beginning of this Blog! Plan B from now on with automatic back up… I know how to do that!!! Another sip of coffee this morning as I watch the first rays of sunshine on the Lake next to me… It is a reservoir, but I call it a Lake! From e mails and comments received lately, this past day, looking at Spirit in his most perky mood, I do agree with what I read yesterday “glad you are feeling so lively again”… as yes, we are! Awareness can only reach a certain height in the self knowledge of the daily equilibrium balance, most often a change of surrounding and time set behind are the only causes that will make one realize how they felt in the immediate past. And strange at that as Terlingua has always been my favorite place to hang… our hats! As the Journey goes on I know that with time the answers will come in, I know that some day I will pin point exactly why I need to move on with not much rest in between never allowing the roots to get into too deep.

I am getting passionate about photography! I have separated the kinds of images that I take! There are the ones documenting our Journey, the ones as I took yesterday in Acuna under a gray sky (I did like its effect however), there are the ones that really catch my eyes and let them linger on penetrating the moment when it was taken, and then, as my friend Karen, also into photography, while visiting Big Bend, and I describe, the "WOW" picture! There are rare… lucky to have even one amongst thousands of pictures, more than skills it is luck, being at the right place at the right time. It has become a "need" to have a "WOW" picture once in a while as one cannot make it happen… it just has to happen! Last night as the hundreds of ducks where making their presence known loudly, Spirit and I walked the couple hundred feet to the shoreline and watched the show, as again Mother Nature had risen the curtain over and over for many encores.

Mary Jo, coincidentally a Blog reader also camping here, and I, decided yesterday to spend a few hours in Acuna, Mexico. My rig is still up and we decided to drive her car to the border, actually a bridge we needed to cross and leave the dogs behind, at camp. Spirit has all his shots and documentation of course, but as cautious as I am with him, it turned out yesterday to be a good decision. Strange enough to tell you the truth, I did not see a single dog for the few hours were where there! Even stranger was not have him with me! He does real well for a few hours which is a fact I found out when I was working in Terlingua, but next time we will ride in… which I know will make it for an experience! There is a real nice food store in Del Rio called HEB, it was our first stop. I know… you see this everyday most likely… well, don’t take it for granted as I had not seen such a store in about 3 months now. A clerk ran toward me as I was taking those shots… picture taking is not allowed in the store for some reason, that was alright as I already had these two shots with my little camera.

Will most likely go back tomorrow to do some food shopping and buy some fish which I am really craving… It was then the drive to the bridge which separates the two countries. We decided to walk across… saving the $12 cab fare each way. Even as close as it is, it is always strange to feel that… well, we are in a different country suddenly. The reality is present always in the mind as everything changes in essence even if the surroundings remain as is. The laws, the customs, the language, the money. 10.5 Pesos for one dollar right now.

 

The surroundings did change. We were definitely in Mexico, they say typical border town, maybe… Colorful it is and people hanging out everywhere, even made me wonder what they were doing. Maybe nothing. Not much commotion, everyone was very nice and friendly. Of course many wanting us to go in the stores which we politely declined when needed. One thing I noticed right away is that everyone here must be a dentist! One even advertising below " we love cowards"!!!

More Dentists… more Drugstores… colorful buildings of a different era and finally much food…

Parking is very limited and I was glad that we were walking, going into the stores with Spirit would have been difficult, maybe impossible as I did not ask if dogs are allowed, definitely not in restaurants.

We found a pretty cool little restaurant to have lunch. I actually saw through the window some customers eating an appealing Ceviche, which I love. That is all it took to go in, great service I must say as right away some chips and salsas appeared with cut up limes, a bit hot for me, but the taste was there… and one can get use to it pretty quickly after a long walk and hunger setting in. It was good… very good as I can still taste it and would not mind at all another round… The Music was playing, we went into a more relaxed mod and actually could have sat there all afternoon, which is what they do in Mexico… right?

But it was time to get on, Spirit was on my mind, feeling guilty about leaving him behind and knowing at the same time that it was the right decision when coming here. We end up on a square which had many vendors set up, probably because of the Holidays, this balloon vendor has been my favorite picture of the day…

So was this street Lady.. there is a Lifetime in those eyes, I would have loved understanding her stories. She was doing well.

 

Maybe some of you remember myself traveling a few years ago on the present bike, but on two wheels, also around the country. I had a custom "huge" box made for the rear seat and luggage rack… We called it the Pizza Box and I always thought what a novelty it would be if I ever started delivering Pizzas with it as I know I could fit about 6 large ones! Well, my dreams were shattered yesterday as it was not an original idea… you can see from the picture below… a motorcycle Pizza delivery is already in existence! I will try to find the picture of it…

Well, that is all for now. Many more pictures to come next time. We are obviously back safe and sound as it should be… I don’t think I will walk that bridge again however… it was a long one and the fumes lingering… you understand!

 

Don’t forget or "Spirited Doggie Treats" and "Art Cards"…. Dogs cannot live of Love and food alone… they need treats, they like treats… we know!

The feedbacks are coming in… this is from real people… with real dogs!!!

* My dogs went crazy over the Spirited Pumpkin Treats!

* Ara, just wanted you to know someone ordered our dogs some of your treats and they loved them.

We are always under deep appreciation toward the readers that have send in a contribution helping this website’s expenditures. For those who have not, continue enjoying the site, pictures, recipes, and if you feel it’s worth $1 a month, the contribution button is above, snail mail is below…

Ara Gureghian   853 Vanderbilt Beach Rd #245   Naples, Fl 34108

Always, be well…    Ara & Spirit

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6 Responses to “In Acuna, Mexico”

  1. ken Says:

    Ara how about some recipes on how to make real Mexican salsa and some traditional dishes? Mexican food just tastes better in Mexico

  2. Homer Jimenez Says:

    Hey Ara;

    While you are there, don’t forget to check out The Local Whitehead Museum in Del Rio…it is an eye opener.

    In Acuña:
    which the “ñ” is written (Alt)164..hehehe…don’t forget to check out
    * Crosby’s Restaurant
    * Lando’s Restaurant
    * Tlaloc the rain god statue, over on the Mexican side of the Dam
    * Check out the Two Eagles monument, over at the middle of the dam where it divides the two countries, very nice …some incredible views as well.
    * There are some awsome seafood restaurants…they are called ” Pescaderias ” , a good taxi driver can show you around town…it is worth the trip. Trust me. You will have the best time around.
    * Enjoy yourself in Acuña, there is a very good night life as well.

    I am overe here in Piedras Negras, across from Eagle Pass…let me know when you are coming over. There is lots to show you around as well.

    Homero

  3. Homer Jimenez Says:

    Hello Ara;

    While in Del Rio, try and check out the Whitehead Museum, it is an aye opener
    Ask the locals where do they eat Mexican around town. There is a very good restaurant there, which is hidden . It doesn’t need to advertise, it is always full. Check it out

    While in Acuña:
    *Visit the Tlaloc Raingod statue, over at the Mexican side of the dam
    *Check out the two eagles at the middle of the dam, where it divides the two countries. Dam opens at 10:am and closes at 6:pm , if i am not mistaken.
    *If you love Mexican Seafood..check out some awsome restaurants there, they are called ” Pescaderias ” , a taxi driver can show around town. It is worth the trip and get to see some nice shots of Acuña.
    *Visit Crosby’s, Lando’s and other Restautrants for some great tasting Mexican cuisine….trust me.
    * Enjoy your time , over at Acuña…and don’t forget to check out Piedras Negras, as well . It si across town from Piedras Negras
    Saludos

  4. Ginny Says:

    WOW indeed Ara! The first couple of pictures..the reflections on the lake and the silhouettes…well it’s just totally breath taking. Great job with the camera!

  5. Joe Says:

    Ara I poached the pizza delivery bike pic with comment and link to you.

  6. conchscooter Says:

    I traveled throughout Central America with my two large dogs and mexico was great to them. Spirit will be welocmed eveywhere, but if you keep him leashed people will think he is “bravo” (fierce), but off leash he will be a part of the scenery. In restaurants? Sure, the less gringo the restaurant the better…. Always an adventure!

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