Reaching Mexico 1/9/9

I thought I would start by catching everyone up over the next week or so. Here are Woody's first comments from outside the U.S. border, nearly three months ago already:

we are somewhere southeast of the city of poza rica, camped right on the beach. this is the first internet cafe that we have been able to find. it has already been a grand adventure. the border crossing was surprisingly simple--we had to purchase a visa and that was all; no customs whatsoever. we still haven´t been stopped by the police, even though we see them all over the roads. the food has been delicious, and the leche de coco--coconut milk, is the best thing ever. my spanish is already getting better and i am able to hear it better as well. it is very fun to speak to people. our bikes do indeed draw a lot of attention; double-takes and stares we have become used to already. we have met some wonderful people in 3 days and i can only begin to imagine what else may be in store for us down the road. speaking of the roads--the condition has been pretty good for the most part, however there are some potholes which could swallow our bikes whole. the driving, on the other hand, is close to insane. no on follows any rules, they pass on hills, on corners, and in towns. they pass when there is oncoming traffic. it is a different kind of defensive driving. we are getting into the swing of it, being careful and smart. we drove through the city of tampico 2 days ago and that went from scary to fun as we quickly understood and followed the method. though i have never done it, i imagine short track racing to be similar.


-- luludilly