Quote of the day:

 The road goes ever on and down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way, where many paths, and errands meet and whither then I cannot say
--Tolkien
 

7 PM Tuesday, June 25

 San Diego, California

 (Carlitos’ house)

 Just returned from Mexico; drove down to Enscenada and scoffed up a couple of Tecates, a Corona or two, drank the obligatory shots of tequila (at Hussongs bar) and bought the obligatory fifth of tequila and some local trinkets (dos pair of earrings for Carlitos and me). The air pollution was eye-watering and the language barrier illuminating to say the least; the rapid transition from "first world" to "third world" and back was too rapid and voluminous to put into words; lets let some of the pictures in ghost gallery due some of the work.

Left most of our techno-toys at home to avoid any conflict of interests, that is to say, any conflict where a Federale was interested in collecting a tribute for his looking the other way at a manufactured infraction. (Am concerned after re-reading this how prejudiced it sounds, but I'm leaving it in for posterity, and because I promised myself that these accounts were going to be as honest as I could stand to make them.

 We were serenaded on two different occasions, one by a mariachi trio, El Trio Ran, who sang a song called El Cienaquensa (sp?); their harmonies were first rate; and the second time by an old timer, who I would guess was a Native American. Enjoyed them both very much. Got a micro-recording of each performance. Had a first rate bowl of pork soup at the El Charro; the negotiation for the butterfly earrings went well: talked him down from $8 to $5 dollars and fifty cents; Carlitos went back and talked down another 50c, the dog!

 flashnow: I've re-read this account twice now and both times it has embarrassed me; I've tried to deal with my thoughts and feelings about my first venture into Mexico honestly both times and on each occasion, came up short. For whatever reason, it is obviously something that I'm going to have to try and process later.

 Leaving the dead horse alone for now,

 Mac Pilsner