It’s been a great first week. Long distances of driving but it is finally paying off. We are currently on day 2 in Zacatecas (Elevation 8,115′ – Population 115,7000) . This city is so wonderful that Paul and I keep thinking that we are on the Amalfie Coast – we even had an Italian illy capucinno – LOL!

After a short drive yesterday, we arrived in Zacatecas, it was an interesting time finding the hotel/camping as we explored the maze and steep challenging residential areas. We finally arrived at Hotel Del Bosque and met up with Jonathan and Sylvie. After a quick set-up they took us to the “garage” to see Ben and Hans and meet Mark and Patricia (former Colorado residents living in Zacatecas for the past 10 years) and their Cuban friend. We then returned to the hotel parking/camping and set-up, pulled out the lounge chair and enjoyed the sun with great company. We all met for dinner (Patricia’s recommendation) for a wonderful “first” Mexican meal for us and it was enjoyed by all. We joined Jonathan and Hans for a stroll around town and a steep walk back up to the hotel.

Since my last report from Nashville, we visited Elvis Presley’s Graceland (Graceland Mansion, The “Lisa Marie” and “Hound Dog II” jets, automobile museum, Elvis After Dark Exhibit, Sincerely Elvis: Elvis Jumpsuits), and San Antonio (The Alamo and enjoyed the beautiful Paseo Del Rio -river walk). We then posted on the BGE site for suggestions for a great BBQ place in San Antonio and elected to have lunch at Rudy’s (brisket, ribs, turkey and their famous cream corn). We were happy to finally meet up with some of the group in Laredo: Peter and Ernst. Jerry & Duke joined us the following day. We walked across the Mexican border to obtain our vehicle permit and tourist cards (interesting experience). Thanks to Peter and Ernst for walking us through the process. We in turn were able to do the same with Jerry that same evening (drove to the next Columbia border). The four vans crossed the border into Mexico on Thursday morning – no problemo. We had an interesting drive through the mountains until dark and camped overnight at a Pemex approx. 130 km from Zacatecas.

Today we continued to explore the city centre and enjoyed the architecture (Cathedral -1752 and Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent -1707 to name a few) and the market. I went in an amazing fabric store and I have never seen so many Christmas fabrics! We then walked to the other side of the city (ravine) and climbed up a steep hiking trail and returned to the hotel via the Panoramica de la ciudad con Teleferico! PS we stopped by the garage on our way down to the city centre and witnessed the first purr of the Subaru engine!

Our plan tomorrow (I think) is to drive to Villa Corona (South of Guadalajara) and stay at a campground with hot springs – Parque Acuatico Chimulco (also great area for sea food). There has also been discussion of going to Ajijic (Lake Chapala). We will then be moving on to Zamora around Dec. 13 for April and Sal’s wedding on December 15^th .

Morning and evenings are cool, however afternoons are just magnifico! Hasta luego, Linda & Paul

PS still struggling with uploading picture, please be patient.

Posted on December 8th, 2007 by platar
Filed under: Linda Plante & Paul Tardif