TO MEXICO 20 FEBRUARY 2007

LUC WITH MR & MRS ASZENMIL


Still struggling to get the clocks to USA time. Dead tired when we get up. Rush to the airport and then half a hour of stress as they are checking out our Mexican visas (missing a tourist form!). Eventually sorted and then onto a very empty plane to Puerto Vallarta. Luc makes friends with a most colourful couple sitting on the other side of the isle, Mauricio Aszenmil and his wife. They are from Israel, lived in Argentinia (speaks fluently Spanish) and on their way to join friends in PV. Gives us the chance to speak the 5 words of Spanish we know (quickly discover that our Spanish is not going to get us far!). Luc and Mauricio had a ball on the plane, building the lego helicopter he got from Mike and Liz. Mauricio helps Luc to get the toilet door open and comes back laughing – he told Luc to wash his hands and Luc said “No, this is a new jacket, I will make it wet!”. No problems with the visa and getting into PV. Lots of hugs between Mauricio and Luc when saying goodbye. We are also picked up by the Mar de Jade shuttle service. As I look at the handwritten sign, I remember the horror stories of people being picked up by fake services and being robbed and dumped somewhere. I decide that we will be stuck at the airport if I listen to this fear and we get in! The trip North to Chacala is 1 hour and 30 minutes and we are very grateful for the aircon. I find it amazing to see how alike countries look. This area reminds me of a mixture between Malawi, Mozambique and Costa Rica. The drive up to the North is slow but smooth. Of course neurotic Monique, just can’t get rid of her normal fears – visions of armed bandits jumping from the bush on the side of the road and stopping us (Al la “Proof of life”), will be get to our destination, can I trust the driver? But once again having to realise that somewhere in your life you have to trust God and other people. A sigh of relieve when we turn off the highway and we see Chacala 9 km! A little dirt road to the left and after 5 days we are eventually at our final destination. A friendly welcome by Emily, warm goodbye to our driver (who’s biggest challenge on the way here was to turn down the volume of the radio every time his teenage son turns it up!). We have a little downstairs room, with two double beds, shower and toilet and a view of the building next door! The resort is situated at the end of a beautiful white beach, against a hill. (the village looks a bit like the villages in Jolo!). We meet Anastasia (who tells us she will be visiting SA soon) and Emily offers us great lunch – after a big bowl of sweet corn soup Luc says “Mommy, this is the best food!” (Sorry Uri, there goes NY’s French fries!). And then adds “Thank you for bringing me to such a beautiful place”. No negotiation about what we do after lunch. Luc straight off to the beach!! Then the pool – sun going down and not heated – so not a lot of swimming there! Dinner is great – beans and rice and other interesting things – and my first Mexican beer – Pacifica. Luc makes a new friend (Beckett) and his mom, Suzanne, offers tot look after the two of them. Also meet Angelica and Laura (the owners) and very keen to start on the project. Use the evening to read through the handbook of Sexual Abuse! Tiredness sets in and in bed early (even missed the talent show!).