La Paz stop 9

February 17 Since we were late the evening before, we had our driver’s meeting before the parkers left. We were deparkers with Firman and Cheryl. It seemed like everyone got out quickly and we only had duty about ½ hour. We check each trailer or motor home as it leaves to be sure steps are in, antenna is down, hitch and lights are good and spouse is on board. Firman & Cheryl led and we followed. The roads were probably the best we have had on the trip, even some four lane and new construction. In Todos Santos we turned wrong but we saw a Pemex gas station so we went to it. That proved to be interesting before we got out since we were headed the wrong way. We made it and turned around to use the truck route since the gas station man had told us not to go through town; the police would not like it. Of course, we had seen Airstreams everywhere we looked. We didn’t stay long since we knew we were to come back for a day. Our travels had been along the coast but we soon turned inland to cut across the state. There was lots of cactus and sand and dirt, as usual. We stopped at a propane station for Firman to fill up. We were on the outskirts of La Paz, the capitol of Baja California Sur. After carefully following the directions we saw Lois waving the red flag and calling out that we were one mile away from the campground. It was about 2 minutes into the parking time. The campground had just been fixed so we could use it and we were told it would be dry camping again although we did discover we had water. It was a delightful place, except for dust (of course). Our dinner was in La Paz at La Boheme French Restaurant. It was a nice area out in the open in the back. Winston had requested the beef and I, the shrimp. What I didn’t know was that the shrimp was actually more of a chowder consisting of shrimp, fish, octopus and mushrooms and who knows what else. It actually tasted pretty good but was rich and those with stomach problems really didn’t need that. By the time the meal was over it was dark and here we were somewhere in the center of La Paz with only a general idea of how to get home. We told Dick we were following him since we were driving with Norm & Lois. Now that was some trip. We saw lots of the inner city of La Paz. We certainly were happy when we saw WalMart and had an idea where we were – about 3 miles from our motor home. We had gone through I have no idea how many topes and altos, many 4-way. We where mighty glad to see the shining trailers even though there was no entrance light to where we were camped on the other side of a busy four lane highway (Mex 1). La Paz is the capitol and supposed to be one of the safest cities in Mexico. The leaders told us we should not be afraid to walk in town along the 5 mile Malecon (walkway along the water).

February 18 and we were awakened (some of us) by the beep, beep of a car horn. The man with the pastries was here. They were so good and still warm – long johns, plain or chocolate covered and apple turnovers. He also had bread and juices. I was going to purchase a good looking purple juice until I found out it was beet, carrot, celery and mango juice. I’m not that healthy! What a nice way to start a day. Before long a huge bus was waiting outside the campground gate. We were touring the town, guided by a local young lady who really seemed to enjoy her job. First we visited the Church and learned that the pictures on the wall have English titles. This is because the Queen of England had visited here and made them possible. Next we went to a pottery shop that had been in existence for many years. We purchased two plates, their design is so Mexican. Next we went to a weavers who also had been in business for many years. Both businesses were family run and owned. It was interesting to watch the weavers and the potters design their wares. We did purchase a tablecloth there. We were delivered back to the campground and it wasn’t long before Norm & Lois, Winston & I and Dick & Judy and John & Judy were out touring. We went out to see the beaches, or playas. Some of the areas were pretty and some were starting to grow with American homes. We went to see the Mushroom rock that we had been told about. It was neat, we had to walk a distance in the sand to find it. Surprise - there were vendors there – ones that were serious who didn’t let you walk away. I did end up with a silver necklace. We drove to another area and looked for shells but the thrashing and turning of the waves breaks them up into small pieces. There were lots of rocks nearly the size of a baseball. We wandered our way back through town and re-found the campground after a stop at WalMart. Sure is fun trying to find things when the signs are in Spanish. We have yet to find lemon juice. I hate to guess how many clerks have tried to help us. Enid says she buys real limes and squeezes them. She also said she felt that was one thing that helped keep away the stomach upsets.

February 19 - Another day in La Paz, and more exploring to be done, but first we hear the beep, beep of the bakery man. Will we have rolls, every morning? We were going to go to a museum even though we had been told it was all in Spanish captions. We never made it. Instead we headed to town, to the Mercado or the city market. Now that was interesting. At one vendor I wanted to buy a little topper for a cake for someone who is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. First I walked into the area and evidently I wasn’t supposed to do that. I opened the glass case and the lady seemed a little upset. I was trying to tell her about the 50th so all I could think of was Sinco. She thought I was telling her I would pay 5 pesos instead of the 10 that was written on the item. She quickly took the item and closed the case door. Again we went through the same process. Finally I gave up and handed her 10 pesos. There was a communication gap for sure. When we passed one vendor he wanted to know if we wanted to have our picture made with a just killed pig. We thought not! The fish (pesorara) smell was evident. Then we wandered the streets looking at the different stores. We saw three or four party stores. I have never seen so many types of candy and piñatas. Next we wandered back toward the car when we realized we were hungry and remembered that Applebees was close. Lois had had some stomach problems so we thought might be a good place. There were 2 menus – one in English, one in Spanish. The funny part was looking at the prices on the English menu that had $ pesos. Can you believe a hamburger cost $132? After lunch we walked the malecon – a beautiful sidewalk beside the water. Many were busy setting up for the carnival. We were amazed because it evidently took them 3 or 4 days to set up the rides and booths. It was a good time to head back.

February 20 and again we hear the beep, beep of the baker. What a wonderful way it is to start off the morning. This is the day that those who want to are carpooling to Todas Santos. It is an older community and we find we really enjoy just wandering the street. The mission is beautiful and there are lots of small shops, although we soon discover they don’t bargain much. There are some well known artists who have come to live here. We saw some of the work and much of it is a little abstract for me. Dick & Judy and we found a small internet café that served sandwiches on baquettes – ham and cheese but with avocado and tomato. It was very good. Then we found the museum and in the back were reproductions of the kitchen and home from at least 200 years ago. It was made from sticks woven together and palms for the roof. With the lack of rain, they last a long time. Inside the small buildings were the items that were used for living. It gave us a feel of what it was like to live back then. We purchased a few items and came home happy. We had a cookout with some of the others followed by a game of joker.

February 21 was our last day in La Paz. There was no beep, beep this morning. We decided that the baker must be able to make money at the carnival in town. We performed a number of housekeeping chores to get ready to move and get our clothes clean. I used the owner’s washer and dryer that were located at the back of her home. The washer was in an alcove where they had been raising four puppies and the dryer was outside in the elements. In the early afternoon we and Tom & Judy drove into town. We went early so we could walk the malecon. Judy had spent 24 hours in the hospital with vertigo so she had not had an opportunity to see much. She and I wandered through the carnival setup while the husbands sat on a bench talking, watching the waves and the very small float plane. Soon we saw others from the caravan and wandered back toward the Italian Restaurant where we had entertainment from one of the Universities. The young men and women were spectacular in their colorful costumes as they performed dances from various states of Mexico. I must admit it was tiring watching them because they did not stop dancing. They were spectacular. They were followed by a nice Italian dinner of shrimp or chicken fettuccini. After another last stop at WalMart we were back home. All weekend we had been serenaded and talked to by a girls and boys Apostolic Church retreat that was being held in the next part of the campground. There were probably 60 or 70 kids. They sang and sang and then there was some preaching (we think). We wish we knew what was being said. They seemed to have a wonderful time and were friendly especially when Winston walked the dogs.