Went out this morning looking for breakfast and found a place just across the street. She must only open on weekday mornings. We got pulled pork tacos. Galen keeps looking at the gorgeous old building next to our hotel that is for sale and talks of how he would restore it. Right.After checking out of our hotel, we had a leisurely walk to the bus station. It is Monday morning and everyone’s going somewhere. Parents and grandparents are dropping children off at daycare, kindergartens, and primary schools. Little kids with big backpacks.
Across from the bus station is a drive through coffee shop with outside seating. We order large Americanos. They even had decaf
for Galen. It wasn’t bad coffee, but it wasn’t made with espresso.
We sat out in the shade of an umbrella. We’re wimps. Even plus 20C seems warm.
Our bus to Navojoa was late, and another bus for Navajoa pulled in so we changed our tickets and got on the bus. Amtrak could learn something about electronic seat assignments from Tufesa. Each station knows exactly which seats are available and the location of each bus.
Right after leaving Guaymas, we go through Empalma, the town where the family we met at the Pollo restaurant lives. Lots of seafood cafes line the street. Maybe we should have stayed here.
Going south on hwy 15, the landscape gradually gets more lush. Close to Obregon there are even irrigated fields.
We arrive in Navojoa just before 2:30 and Enrique is waiting for us. Enrique is a close friend of my aunt and uncle. When my Uncle Bob heard we were passing through Navojoa, he immediately made arrangements for us to stay with Enrique, who took over the church and retreat centre that Bob’s father had started and Uncle Bob and Aunt Nellie had continued. One thing led to the next and before we knew it, everything was arranged. The river of life delivered us into the welcoming arms of a very gracious man.
Enrique took us to his sister’s place, where the whole family is eating dinner on a huge table with a polished stone top. The 97-year old grandmother, the children, and Enrique’s wife, Larena. We are served plates of steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, macaroni salad and tortillas. And for dessert, a lovely cake. All because the beloved Nellie is a sister of my mother.
Elsa, Enrique’s sister, is a very gracious and vivacious host, flitting from table to kitchen to ensure everything is served properly, all the while carrying on a conversation in English. We heard the story of how she met her American husband while her family was vacationing at the beach, how her children went to the same private highschool in Oregon that I attended, and how enthralled she was with the clothes from the Pendleton mill.
After dinner, Enrique took us to see the church and retreat centre, the grounds of which are covered with amazing metal sculptures. The sculptures are being stored on the grounds, a gift from his brother to the town, waiting for various sites to be prepared to receive them. Galen’s jaw is dragging in amazement.
To see more of the photos we have taken of art and sculpture on our trip, see the flickr album
We assumed the evening would be ours, to catch up on writing and studying Spanish, as Enrique had an appointment – someone from his church had built a new house and wanted him to bless it. It wasn’t long before he returned to fetch us – the family was inviting us to join them.
I love the way you can build houses in warm climates, with outdoor courtyards that can actually be used year round. What a concept. And the cool, tile floors. This house has a area at the front that they can rent out to a business. The main door for the living quarters is behind the covered parking.
It wasn’t long before the hostess brought out appetizers. Chicken with hot sauce, crackers with cream cheese and raspberry jam, a fruit and vegetable plate. Then the plates of food arrived. I requested a smaller serving, saying that it seemed like I had been eating all day. Enrique’s daughter said, “Welcome to Mexico. “
Galen & Rebecca Kennel's Travel Blog 