January 26, 2012
     Wow... looking at the write-up and picture that was posted for me a few years ago on my homepage, and I must fess up - I have gotten older and don’t wear the tux on a daily basis while traveling. My recent activities have me involved in organizing a group of sensational volunteers who go to our older Elk members homes to perform chores that they can no longer perform. We have a volunteer team that are all retired and enjoy helping others. We do this for a charity donation if they are able. What a fun time we have.
     My travels have mostly been visiting family in Iowa and Wisconsin. I intend to change that this year and do more longer distance traveling. Which brings me to my trip with Harry. Many of you that know Harry ask why I would subject myself to his abuse? Old age I suppose (his and mine).
     Harry will be surprised when I arrive as he is expecting just me, but, I am bringing a good friend with me. Yes, my bags are packed and Flat Stanley is coming with me, he even has his passport ready for the trip. You may know of Flat (if not, Google “Flat Stanley”) - 3rd graders around the world create this guy and encourage the chaperone to travel and record him in different places. Flat comes from Wisconsin via a cute 3rd grader named Abbie. I hope to show Flat many new adventures. Flat Stanley is all decked out with a sombrero and poncho and is anxious for the trip. His co-guardian and my best mate, MJ has him ready.
     If you have read the posts from the trips that Harry and I have taken in the past you will note that Harry thinks an informal dinner is with starched white table cloths, while I am the back alley type and places that the locals go... no tourists allowed. I envision myself as Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmer of the travel channel. My Spanish is terrific this year... si, I have been studying very hard!
     Well that is it for me... I travel for the food (as I have the nice weather here in Florida) and meeting the locals and, of course, the banter with my good friend, Harry.  Adios.

February 1, 2012
     Hola from La Paz! How is that for an opening? 75% in Spanish already and Harry makes fun of my language skills, go figure! It is good to be back traveling with the heckler, although I wonder why I put myself in his line of fire? Harry is in for a surprise in a few minutes - he is headed to the shower, which I did two hours ago and I said it was super... NOT!  A tinkle of hot water at the most. It will be fun to hear him holler in a few minutes.
     I arrived here at the Cabo airport yesterday around noon and was pleased that I could grab a bus to La Paz in 10 minutes, only a three hour ride through the mountains. I love the ride as it was thrilling through the winding roads. Not much to see, but I did long for the car (uGlee) that we traveled with through Mexico the last time. There were so many roadside eateries that would have been interesting to visit. Two nice companions on the small bus: one a young lady doctor from Manitoba headed to a 4 day kayak trip, and the other an ER nurse from Sacramento who commutes to La Paz where her husband has their boat. They will stay here for a few months. They say it is safe in this area.  Well, anyway, Harry was expecting me at 6 p.m., but I borrowed a computer in the airport to tell him I would be here at 3:30 instead. Sure enough, right across the street stood this old man in a Hawaiian shirt, sandals and a camera, awaiting my arrival.
     It was a short walk to the apartment that Harry found - nice location and only 6 (non-elevator) floors up. I thought I was in Russia again! I know that I can beat Harry up those steps, though. Harry gave me the choice of the bedroom that was left. The mattress last evening was about as comfortable as the carpet on your floor. In the middle of the night I took the other mattress from the spare twin and put it on top - yes, comfort!
     Our evening was spent socializing with a couple from San Diego on the roof top overlooking the sea. They have a married daughter that is living here, and they shared their beer/wine with us. Harry and I made a trip to the market to pick up a few things needed for the apartment and to see the area. Dinner was normal Harry, with the wine being more expensive than the dinner, but then, this is Harry!  I just hope someone from Lancaster does not mention a bottle of Mexican wine that we MUST find - if you remember the last time it was for a Malbec and we had a cab take us all over Buenos Aires, Argentina to find it. Did we ever tell you we drank that stuff while eating pizza?
     Okay, back to La Paz - Harry is not finding the shower any better than I did. It seems that 16 squirts come out of the shower-head at a slow pace, and maybe 4 of those are lukewarm? This is why we travel, what else would we write about?
     Well, it is breakfast time - I know my Spanish will come in handy, I'll probably end up with meat loaf instead of eggs!

February 3, 2012
     What a difference traveling is this time around versus other trips to Europe or 3rd World Countries. Throughout the past few years with Harry, and, of course, my beautiful MJ, we have used electronic devices to keep in touch with home (hence the blogs). However, it is not uncommon going through Central America to find an Internet location at someones spare room as we did in Guatemala, or in Russia where the key boards were so different, and then again in Paris where it was two solid floors of flat screen monitors and hundreds of spaces.
     Well, here we have WiFi (most of the time anyway) right in the apartment and Harry uses his new iPad while I use a 10 inch laptop which I brought along.  We are spoiled to be able to log on at any time. Harry does not have much patience when there is no connection at certain times (those who know me will be surprised that I have more patience and even give him tips on how to connect!). He is consistent with the wine, which he always drinks, and when no computer, the whine of his voice!
     Skype is my friend.  Prior to leaving Florida, MJ and I got hooked up to Skype, as my 94 year old mother in Iowa said she was on. It does make for a short, nice visit to someone, and, of course, you can see them. The last several days I have been able to have a nice conversation with all of my family members back home. We now have Harry all hooked up, so you can Skype him also. Formerly when you wanted to call home you went to a shack (hot) in downtown, assigned a booth and told the code to call with and charged by the minute hoping someone was there when you called.
     Life in La Paz is mostly one of walking, eating, napping and repeating the same every 3 - 4 hours. If we forget a meal, I am sure we will eat two the next sitting! Had a nice breakfast at the market yesterday very near the apartment. Harry continues to show the way in his know-it-all way. Yesterday he reached for what he knew was the sugar and poured from the dispenser, only to fill his cup with toothpicks. Harry makes an error? Oh no!
     We did make a run to the liquor store to stock up for the apartment. We split things cost-wise in half, which usually works out. I picked up 18 beers and he picked up 18 bottles of wine, and, of course, I even had to carry them to the cab (a local guy that we hired). I asked the guy if he could wash his car prior to me getting in - no response!
     Harry is up already, which is not common, he being a late sleeper. Today will have a lot of excitement - Harry wants to get a hair cut! For those of you who have followed our travel, you should refer back to Mexico City a few years ago. I am hoping to have the same experience watching him get butchered! We may even take a bus to a nearby town today or tomorrow, but one thing is certain, we will be eating, walking, taking a few naps, and reading books.
     Asto away go or whatever (yes, Harry, I know it is not spelled that way). Once a teacher, always a teacher, Harry!

February 5, 2012
     Well, life in La Paz is fitting me very well. I always like breakfast early at home, but here if you eat prior to 9 or 10 a.m., you may find yourself alone. Lunch is around 2 p.m., (generally their main meal), and dinner is not before 8:30 p.m., which is normally time to wind down for me.
     We had a great breakfast the other morning at a family cafe. While sitting there I noticed a young boy peeking at us. I invited him to join us - turns out his name is Gaston and he is just 9 years old. He is in the 3rd grade, same as my friend, Flat Stanley, who is on lend to me from a pretty little 3rd grader in WI. Gaston visited with us for an hour (he takes English), just talking and having a good time. We bought him hot chocolate and juice. Later, he went to the back room and brought out this homemade banner of sorts, turns out it is 9 sheets of paper taped together - one sheet for each year and a picture of him for each year - he was so proud. Yesterday while I was out I stopped in again to see him while Harry was out golfing, he with the great golf skills scored a 111. Gaston was gone but his mother said it was his birthday. I found a store that sold pinata's and bought one for Gaston - how happy he was when I returned, he ran and hugged me. Made my day.
     I was in charge of finding a dinner location last evening. I selected Latortuga (name of a turtle, obviously I have not spelled it correctly). We had heard Harry's friend, Rainbow, say it was good seafood. Harry and I had walked by this old shack the day before and I even questioned if it was still in business. Well, let me tell you, the old doors had all been opened (they were chained shut when we visited earlier), and inside were quaint tables adorned with Mexican decorations. An old lady (Harry's age) and her husband run it in this neighborhood. We had fresh sea bass which came with rice, salad, tortillas and beer - all for $7! I'll say it was my best meal since leaving. Her nephew (who unfortunately was looped), was there also. Harry is not willing to admit it was a great place. I know this evening our beer will cost $7 alone.
     In the apartment we have a division of duties - I clean up the kitchen and Harry messes it up. Our only use of the kitchen is for “pre-eating”, as my mother would say. She and I continue to Skype daily, as I do with MJ. For those of you who do not have Skype, you are never too old - as I told you, Mom is 94 this month. I am looking for a young man to send her!
     Well all for today is Domingo - we will take a bus. Stay tuned as I am sure Harry and I will find a funny story about one of us old timers to tell you...

February 7, 2012
     After reading a few of Harry's blogs I felt compelled to fill in a few blanks for some of my friends. I was along on the bus trip North also, but seems as though not quite so exquisite. For example:
     Harry said, “Where the beautiful, turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez were whipped into a solid chop by the steady breezes. Before arriving in Tecolote, we required an hour-and-a-half delay at the ferry to Mazatlan, where I had embarked on another trip in years past.” SCHIM SAYS, “IT WAS WINDY AS HELL AND THE BLUE WATER HAD WAVES.”
     Harry said, “The bus struck a loose, sizable rock which bounced under the bus hitting the floor right under my foot and severing the brake line on its path under the chassis. The driver halted our trip a short distance later in a jerking stop at the ferry terminal, where two other riders were disembarking. He took off his white, dress shirt, crawled under the bus in his tee-shirt, and emerged with brake fluid coating his hands. He called the terminal and a mechanic was dispatched to repair our vehicle.” SCHIM SAYS, “THE DRIVER HIT A ROCK AND BUSTED THE BRAKE LINE, IT TOOK FOREVER FOR ANOTHER BUS TO PICK US UP!”
     Anyway, you get the idea. Walking around with a retired school teacher/Administrator always correcting me is getting old - it takes a few glasses of wine before he quiets down. I try to pronounce the words, and he still corrects me. I felt like we did in Russia when trying to say the word toilet, which is identical, but not to them.
     Harry and I do keep thinking of the poor Mexican family that we met. I only wish we had some way to keep in touch with them... we thought too late to stay in touch with the internet. Yes, I would be surprised if they did not have a way of communicating with internet. Speaking of people we met, Harry got into a political conversation with a guy who was traveling with a motor home caravan from Denver - should never discuss politics with ANYONE!
     Laundry is being done today, which is nice when you are in one spot long enough. Tomorrow we are taking another bus trip, to Los Tortos or something (Harry keeps correcting me). A few years ago I had quite a time saying Oaxaca (which is “wa hocca”, go figure!).
     Well, the old man just woke from his nap and it is time to go find a bowl of soup. For those of you who have traveled with Harry, you know he will use one of his old, old jokes on the waitress to say that he is her age!  Til later... Schim

February 10, 2012

     Wow, the trip is almost over! I wonder if I will be able to speak without my English and Geography teacher pointing out the proper ways? Will just have to try...
     It has been an eventful last several days here in Mexico. Harry and I experienced a meal much like the ones we had while in Argentina. There is a steak house in town run by a man from Uruguay (the waiter is from Argentina), and we heard that you are able to eat at a counter while he is grilling the food, which appealed to both of us - what a feast. He served us two kinds of sausage (one being blood), and 5 different cuts of beef, salad, potatoes and desert, wine, beer, and wow, what a meal. We had a few pieces left over for two dog friends of Harry's. The price? Well, we will not remember that, but, will always remember the dinner. It was very similar to being back in Argentina. Oh, Harry even had his favorite song played by the three guys that strolled through the bar. A little embarrassing to say the least. I have a picture that will be posted later.
     Yesterday we took a bus to Todos Santos (I still like the name of Tostitos better). It was a beautiful bus ride through the countryside headed to the Pacific Ocean side of the Baja. Todos Santos would be comparable to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with lots of tourists and artists who reside there. We stayed only 3 hours but had a nice lunch and spent time in the Hotel California. Yes, Hotel California - seems that rumor placed this hotel as the reason for the song, but, in all reality it is just a beautiful hotel that has taken advantage of the name. I would still say you visit it, as not many places are this unique. Overall it was a great day. We were able to catch an earlier bus home with plenty of time for the afternoon siesta.
     Last evening was to be our return to Latortuga of which Harry said was so cheap. Yes, cheap, charming and great food. Well appears that the elderly lady who runs it was off to church when we arrived last evening. Her husband did greet us with open arms and told us no dinner as she is the only cook. We had a fine dinner down the street. Well, it's almost time for breakfast, and maybe even a walk. I must tell you of the place I selected for our first meal a few days ago. From the outside it appeared normal, upon entering it had a sand floor! But being a very clean place it was just freshly raked, so it looked quite groomed. Surprisingly our breakfast once they got around to cooking it was quite good.
     Harry is hollering, time to get the move on - more instructions will be forthcoming from him I am sure.

February 13, 2012
     Take the bus, yes, if you want to see the area of the city you are in, take the bus! We have done this almost everywhere we have visited. A nice way in Madrid for MJ and I to see the many different neighborhoods. It was true in Buenos Aires, and of course here in Mexico. Yesterday we were told to take one of the yellow ones for going out of town (if you leave in from the central part of town and don't get off, it returns to the same place). We boarded and paid our 40 cents and rambled throughout town. At one point it appeared we were headed to the Walmart again, but it turned right and we were in a housing development of sorts. The streets were all dirt and bumpy with little concrete block houses, mostly unpainted. They appear to be one or two rooms at the most! Toward the end of the development were homes constructed of cardboard and sticks! Many people were getting on and off, and we noticed that they were dressed very well and clean. What a way of life and one we would not have seen if we did not venture out on the bus.
     As I type this, Harry is still sound asleep. I can usually tell, as his computer with the news is so loud that it shakes the room. The roosters continue to crow each morning, afternoon and evening. When do they stop?
     My days are numbered now. Tomorrow we go to San Jose Del Cabo for one night prior to my early morning flight on Wednesday morning. Relief troops are coming to babysit with Harry. I will turn over the walking Spanish dictionary to them. Oh, it has been entertaining and I would not trade a two week visit to a Mexican resort for this taste of life! Some of you have inquired about how to get along without English. Well, in most of the places you can get your point across. If you really need someone that talks English, go to a rental car place or a hotel, and, don't ask if someone speaks English, ask if they can help you with a little English. They are afraid to admit they know some English.
     That's all for now. I leave you today with a question:  Did Will Rogers ever meet Harry?

February 16, 2012
     It’s over!  Yes, as I recap this morning sitting here in Orlando and think of not only the last few EXCITING days but also the two weeks - what a great time. Everyone can plan a vacation at some Sandal’s resort in Mexico, take a cruise with a stop in Mexico or book at one of the many Spa Resorts. However, you will not be getting the true experience and get to know the people or see the difference in their culture versus ours. Harry makes it easy, being able to put fear away and of course speaking a little Spanish does help, and for that I will forever thank the Master, Harry. Contrary to some of our blogs, we do get along well, banter, yes! I would feel comfortable tomorrow flying to a place like La Paz and finding my way. A few years ago I would not have thought it possible.
     The last several days I made sure to pay a visit to some of the nice people we had met. First we walked to see Gaston and his parents who run the small café. Gaston was called out from behind the curtain and you should have seen the look on his face. He hugged us and said a few English words. Then he immediately calls Harry over and pulls out a chair for him. He wants Harry to sit so he can show him the hand, leg and arm slapping technique (“The Hambone”) that Harry taught him. Seems as though Gaston had been practicing! We then walked the street to where I had befriended this little 2 year old sitting on the sidewalk with her mother as they were selling homemade dolls. I always gave the little girl my loose change (contrary to Harry’s writing). Well, she saw me approaching and ran to greet me and had a small bracelet to give to me as a gift! What a cutie she is. Dinner our final evening was, where else, at LaTortuga. As we entered with our bottle of wine (they only sell beer) the owners recognized us immediately. We shared our wine with the husband while she prepared our feast. We had three large plates of beef, shrimp and a clam/octopus dish. Our bill was up to $14 total. Even Harry admits that he will go back to this small out of the way place.
     Okay, so now all of the advance planning to pick up the rental car at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, except no one was there, so we went to breakfast. After finally getting the car which was also not there (they were putting on a new tire). We were on the road at 8:30 or so. We had traveled about 5 miles out of town when someone in a pickup told us with his hands that the rear tire was shaking. We stopped at a station who examined the tire and told us to go around the corner, that guy looked and referred us to another, who referred us to another (all in Spanish, mind you). The nice guy showed us the bald uneven tire and sold us a new one (really used as that is all they sold, $25). We started out again, once more a nice Mexican pulled us over to tell us we had a problem. We drove the 5 miles back to our tire man. He discovers another bad tire, we replace it only to have it spin and see the wobble is still there, now, we look to put on the spare and it has threads showing! So he puts one of the better ones on the spare and then on the car. It solved our problem. Now we are headed toward San Jose Del Cabo through the mountains a three hour drive with 4 not so good tires and a spare with a bad rim! Well, we made it, but it was not without a few anxious moments. Harry thought at times it was the Daytona 500 track and would speed into the dangerous corners. Reminded me of our trip through Central America.
     We arrived in San Jose with an hour to spare (no pun intended) for Harry to help me get a room and pick up Joan and another couple from the airport. San Jose was nice, but very touristy, however my room at Yucca’s was super. Well, super if you have traveled through Central America. It had a nice courtyard and clean room. Harry stays here and even reserved 10 days for his return in April. I liked the owner, Yucca, who is a transplant from San Diego but owns this small but quaint hotel with only 3 rooms to rent and maybe an apartment or two? I advised them that I needed picked up for the early morning departure home, a taxi at 5 a.m.. He assured me it would be there, and if not (this is Mexico) for me to ring his bell and he would take me. I was up and waiting at 10 to 5, and so was Yucca to make sure the cab arrived. It did, but how is that for service?
     The people and food get a lot of type space in our columns, that is what this travel is all about. We met so many wonderful people and I can honestly say, not one bad one! Well, back to my routine here in Florida. I am awaiting Harry’s call for out motor trip to Alaska, flight to Bangkok, or Viet Nam. I will start to polish up my language skills… so long.