Mexico

Hola,

Yesterday I was back in Mexico to get my dental work done. Nuevo Progreso seems to be your standard border town. As you cross on the bridge over the Rio Grande River, there are people under the bridge on the Mexican side. They have their caps out and are asking that you throw them a penny, a nickel, a dime.

The merchants seem to sell similar items: jewelry, leather goods, blankets, pottery and CDs. The prices are very reasonable. You can buy a Mexican blanket for $2. Much of the pottery is beautiful. The little children are on the street with their parents and attempt to sell you items. They give you the most pitiful look. There is also an abundance of pharmacies, dentists and beauty salons. Traffic is extremely congested.

It is difficult to pass by the beggars on the street and frequently I put money in their cup. I think that for some of them begging brings in their only income. Wouldn't it be nice to have the money to change their lives?

Today is a wet day. We are all supposed to go to Hidalgo for the Festival of Lights this evening, but I think it will be cancelled, unless there is a major weather change before then.