Most folks would think it risky to drive to a foreign country not knowing the language and being unfamiliar with the customs. Mexico since NAFTA and the Fox presidency are thinking differently now although everthing you read is the same old gloom and doom that was advised before the improvement of relationships, has changed miraculously. Modern cities, excellent cuotas (tollroads) and well engineered highways are but a few of the improvements. Since Mexico gained manufacturing potential, that has led to the establishment of a middle class that is well educated and skilled. Pancho Villa is a hero but is the exception rather than the rule now.

In the history of Mexico, the early Presidents were either killed in office or run out of the country at gunpoint. Such was the case of the decendants of the third Mexican President, I met when I stayed at the El Paso Motel in Saltillo. It was very interesting to look at the historical photos of early Mexico on their wall. Since the President was killed, they had to quickly move the family north into the United States until the political climate changed enough so that they could come back.

Once I met Raquel and her husband Juan at the Alamo Hotel, over two weeks frequenting the house of ill repute that they managed, we had the feeling of friendship. I got to be a friend of the family and shared in the stories of their daughter being married and the celebration after the wedding. You need to remember that English understanding and speaking is as foreign to them as their Spanish is to a 'Redneck' Gringo.

Raquel had a hand held English to Spanish translator but it left a lot to be desired. Raquel loves to talk, Spanish of course and I would try to look attentive but when the expression on my face become blank, she would produce the translator.