at the airport by Daniel, Lourdes and Mayela. Lourdes had arranged a nice hotel for us - it was
a century old and very stylish. In its early days the revolutionary leader, Pancho Villa, had
ridden into the reception area on his horse :o)
On our second night, together with Daniel's friends who'd flown in for the christening, we
were entertained to a lovely barbecue by her family. Fernando, Lourdes' cousin's husband spent
the entire evening cooking for us all. Later in the week he drove all of us around in a minibus on
a sightseeing trip, and for both of these kind and selfless acts we were very grateful to him!
On this trip we visited the Cola de Caballo waterfalls, which are half an hour to the south of
Monterrey and a twenty minute walk from the nearest road. Believe it or not, as we trekked up
to the falls we bumped into those nice Argentinian women that we'd shared a taxi with a week
before in Acapulco - it's a SMALL world!
excellent guides to take us around the Museum on Mexican History - - we now know the difference
between Benito Juarez (hooray!) and Porfirio Diaz (boooo!). The weather that day was scorching
- reportedly in the high 30s Centigrade. That evening Lourdes and Daniel had arranged a meal in a
nice restaurant with a Mariachi band to entertain us - fantastic!
north to Lampazos. It was grey and wet when we set off, but by the time we got to the
church the sun had come out and the rest of the day was pleasantly sunny.
Mayela was as good as gold throughout the ceremony. Afterwards there was a procession
through the streets, with us all following the statue of the saint and her banner, plus some
black-shirted military and some women in strange feathery headdresses - see the photos :o)
The destination was Lourdes' uncle's extensive property, where there was food and drink for
800 people! - it seems that most of the town was there. The occasion was to do with the
local saint's day, and Mayela's christening conveniently coincided.
We had a thoroughly entertaining afternoon and were treated throughout like old friends.
It made us feel that we should at least be able to speak some Spanish as a sign of respect
for everyone's hospitality - something for those long winter nights perhaps.
vistors from Europe gathered together for brunch with Lourdes' closest relatives in the restaurant
of Monterrey's excellent Museum of Modern Art. Then it was farewell to all until the next family
occasion or until Lourdes' family next visit London - we'll be determined to match their warmth
and hospitality!
