The Ups and Downs of Travel

George and I have had our share of traveling and shared quite a few times with Tom and Christine.

The phone wrings and Tom says, “Pack a few things for you and Dad we’re going to Mexico for a few days to golf”.  That was Tom, an hour’s notice and off we would go.

He had made reservations at a very nice hotel and golf resort in Matzylan. It seemed that within seconds we were swinging our clubs and having a great time. This went on for a couple of days when Tom said that he wanted to experience how the natives lived, so he hired a van with wide windows all around for better viewing and a driver. He did not want to miss anything. Neither did we want to of course. He especially wanted to see the donkeys carrying people and packs on their backs. We all were in agreement and really excited-------UNTIL------ the driver asked if he could stop to see his brother for a minute. I held my breath and looked at Chris.  I knew she was thinking the same thing as I was.  Tom says, “Isn’t this fun?” while we glared at him.  In a few minutes, the driver came up to the car and said he had another appointment and would we mind if his brother took us up the mountain instead of him. Before we could open our lips, Tom says why not?  Pedro brought his car around, an old rattletrap with a shattered windshield. Tom smiles while Chris and I are sending him daggers now.  George, Chris and I squeezed into the back seat and Tom of course sat with the driver so he could ask him questions. When we got in the  “car”   we realize the ceiling coverage is just about clearing our heads.  I say, “Tom, you’re not serious?”  Oh, c’mon Mum,  It’ll be fun.

 I did not want to spoil his fun (so to speak). Thou Fool.

Leaving the driveway amidst groans and clanging metal made me wonder what was ahead for us.

Pedro was very talkative. He even told us how the drug lords took their victims up those mountains to kill them. What exciting news that was! We saw only live bodies and I thanked the Lord for that

We did make it to our destination to the very top of the mountain.  There was a Festival going on which was very entertaining. We talked with some people who understood English and visited a very old church that seemed so out of place there.

 Tom saw enough donkeys to last him a lifetime!!!

So far so good, I thought, but forgetting we had to go Down the same way we came Up.

Pedro didn’t look too sure of himself while driving around the curves and we had good reason to be concerned. He didn’t talk much until he said, Mon’  “I think there’s something wrong with the breaks”. That did it!  If looks could kill.

I grabbed George’s arm and started to pray all the way down the mountain until we reached the bottom and saw the small river we were going to drive through knowing I’d never learned to swim..  Lord please have mercy on George and Me. I knew Tom and Chris could save themselves.

Well we did get through without a splash, and here we are waiting for the phone to ring and Tom saying, Pack a few things for you and Dad.  We’re going to Europe.

BUT THAT’S ANOTHER STORY.

 

Softball Overseas Part II
Softball Overseas Part I
 

Comments 6

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Christine Cormier (website) on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 03:52

Well, that was quite a recollection of the story, bravo! It brought me right back there. I'll never forget this trip as long as I live! Remember the crazy elevators?
Love ya, Christine

Well, that was quite a recollection of the story, bravo! It brought me right back there. I'll never forget this trip as long as I live! Remember the crazy elevators? Love ya, Christine
Sandy Jones (website) on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 05:18

I'm not sure how come that story got duplicated/posted about 4 times in a row in the post, but thanks for sharing. What and adventure! I've only known Tom for a little while and just from the time I have spend with him, I can just hear this whole scene in my head I travel like that too, a little spontaneity and a little fearless (or perhaps oblivious).

I'm not sure how come that story got duplicated/posted about 4 times in a row in the post, but thanks for sharing. What and adventure! I've only known Tom for a little while and just from the time I have spend with him, I can just hear this whole scene in my head :) I travel like that too, a little spontaneity and a little fearless (or perhaps oblivious).
Tom Cormier (website) on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 13:42

Oh c'mon Mum. It was awesome!! I just love the fact that you and Dad actually agree to go with me on these excursions, especially when you know what could happen. I cannot express how much I miss traveling with you and Dad. They were some of the very best times in my life without question.

That trip to Mazatlan was one of the best. Thanks for the memories. I almost forgot all about that mountain drive.

Oh c'mon Mum. It was awesome!! I just love the fact that you and Dad actually agree to go with me on these excursions, especially when you know what could happen. I cannot express how much I miss traveling with you and Dad. They were some of the very best times in my life without question. That trip to Mazatlan was one of the best. Thanks for the memories. I almost forgot all about that mountain drive.
Dick Pellek (website) on Thursday, 16 February 2012 20:46

Making memories is something of an art; and travel is the surest tool I know to paint a spectacular picture with vivid colors. This story is ablaze with images that are never forgotten.

Making memories is something of an art; and travel is the surest tool I know to paint a spectacular picture with vivid colors. This story is ablaze with images that are never forgotten.
Patricia White (website) on Friday, 17 February 2012 20:31

You are a tremendous writer!! I laughed and laughed, imagining what it was like with 'Pedro' behind the wheel!
I too have been petrified in Mexico, and I feel for what you endured. Jack hired a van to take us around when we were there back in 2002. We were taken off the main road to an ancient hacienda literally in the jungle all for his desire to pursue ancient writing! I just knew we were going to be robbed, but we made it out.

You are a tremendous writer!! I laughed and laughed, imagining what it was like with 'Pedro' behind the wheel! I too have been petrified in Mexico, and I feel for what you endured. Jack hired a van to take us around when we were there back in 2002. We were taken off the main road to an ancient hacienda literally in the jungle all for his desire to pursue ancient writing! I just knew we were going to be robbed, but we made it out.
John Cormier (website) on Saturday, 18 February 2012 00:10

Sorry mom but I was there I would said lets do it again tomorrow

Sorry mom but I was there I would said lets do it again tomorrow