December 28, 2001 Laredo, TX, again

Hey folks! After a few exciting days in Monterey, Mexico, we have temporarily returned to the good ole US of A.  We forgot to get our passports stamped the first time through-  we thought we could get them stamped in Monterey, but we would have had to pay a hefty fine since we were technically illegal immigrants at that point... so rather than face certain monetary and potential legal action, we decided to come back:) Monterrey is quite a place- it is the 3rd biggest city in Mexico with about 3 million people, and the most modern.  Edgy modern art and architecture abound- as do American chain stores... it almost feels like California- not exactly a typical Mexican city, but a good start... it has the effect of weaning us off the American lifestyle slowly, introducing only the language element while maintaining a familiar dosage of KFC's, McDonalds, Walmarts, Radio Shacks, etc... In fact, we even went to see The Lord of the Rings in English, with Spanish subtitles.... for 2 bucks!  But in general, the prices are pretty high, although still slightly lower than the US.  Our Mexico guidebook is from 1997, and the prices have just about doubled since then. Christmas in Mexico didn't compare to the experience of being home with friends and family.  We managed to have a good time- and even splurged on a nice breakfast, but it just wasn't the same... no frosty air...no Christmas eve mass... no catching up with old friends who are also home for the holidays... no trips to Seattle to look at lights and shop downtown... no watching A Christmas Story or It's a Wonderful life... no lazy Christmas morning sitting around the fire, sipping egg nog and cider, with the smell of eggs and sausage wafting in from Mom's kitchen... no watching faces young and old light up as the presents are opened, and thanking, and hugging, and 'that's just what I wanted'.... Wow, I got a bit carried away there, didn't I?  I just love the Christmas spirit, that's all.  I hope everyone had a great Christmas and caught the spirit for a moment, however fleeting. Back to babbling travelogue... For you beer fans out there, we visited the birthplace of some of your dear friends... namely Tecate, Dos Equis, and Carta Blanca.  The tour of the plant was mediocre, but the subsequent free beer in the garden made it more than worth the trip.  We are heading back to Monterrey tonight.  The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains, so we plan on catching some of the natural sights this weekend.  We will be adding a movies watched, books read, and towns visited page, and hopefully map, soon.  Much love and kisses for those we misses, Greg and Glen