It has been a busy six weeks but I’ll try to catch you up some. After visiting the butterflies we made our way to the historic city of Huachinango (pronounced: WoW-Chi-Nain-Go, this is an Aztec word and speaking Spanish doesn’t help a bit) in Mexico. We chose this destination because they would be celebrating The Flower Festival – an annual event full of parades, dancing, shows, and FLOWERS! The floral arrangements that adorned the entire city and especially the churches, parade floats and streets were a wonder to behold (see pictures for a taste). However, the most memorable thing about Huachinango is the people. They are quite possibly the friendliest and most hospitable people we have ever encountered! It started with our AirBNB hosts, Charlie and Nelva, who treated us like family and helped us in so many ways. But from there it proceeded to manifest itself in every person we met. We were given the ‘red carpet’ treatment – impromptu tours by local celebrities, meals paid for by people we had just met, special access to restricted areas, and the list goes on. Their kindness and generosity overwhelmed us!
From there we traveled to the area of San Lois Potosi to visit five different waterfalls. They were all beautiful, but the favorite for both of us was Minas Viejas (Old Mines). Wonderful swimming and incredible scenery! It was hot enough that we actually wanted to get in the water! It was also at one of these waterfalls that we discovered our first major luggage system failure. One of the racks that holds on the metal boxes had broken away from the chassis and was bouncing around precariously. Fortunately, after about five hours of work at a motorcycle shop and a bill of $12.00 (yes, the decimal point is in the right place:) we were all welded up and ready to go! We felt very blessed to have discovered the problem before it got any worse and while in an area where we could get repair work done. Thank you Lord!
From there we went to the ‘Cave of Swallows’. The ‘cave’ is an enormous hole in the ground about 150 feet in diameter that drops 1,100 feet straight down! It is the largest cave shaft in the world – or so says Wiki. We sure thought it was big! The main draw to visit the site is the fact that a flock of 2.5 MILLION birds make it their home and fly in and out everyday and it is absolutely amazing!
Next we visited a number of missions near the city of Jalpan de Serra. The city is named after the monk who founded the missions Father Serra. This same monk also founded many of the Spanish missions of California and Baja California.
From there we made a detour from our original plans to visit with our new friend Javier in Ixmiquilpan (pronounced: Icks-Me-Kill-Pan – good luck! it took us forever). We were received by Javier’s friends Jacobo and Gil who treated us like long lost relatives. We stayed at one Gil’s cabins on a beautiful piece of property in the nearby town of Tasquillo. From there we took several adventerous rides with Javier and Jacobo; the first was to visit the Caves of Tolontongo which was a stunning series of waterfalls, partially submerged underwater caves, and gorgeous pools. Our next adventure was down a mining road that finally ended in a shallow stream running through a sheer canyon. And lastly we visited a lake overlook with some very challenging off road riding. It was great to spend time with these new friends and also meet the rest of their motorcycle club at their bi-weekly barbecue roast.
From here we made a quick trip to visit the pyramids of Teotiuacan (Te-Oh-Tea-Oh-Can). We spent a full day exploring the extensive grounds and trying to capture in photos the vastness of the site (not even the panoramic photos can do it justice). On a side note, Sharon built a scale model of these ruins when she was in the Fifth grade – so she was especially thrilled to finally see the ‘full size’ model. From there we headed toward Mexico City. On the way, I left a credit card at a convenience store and didn’t realize it until we stopped to pay a highway toll thirty minutes later. We immediately turned around and headed back to the store with a sinking feeling in our guts and lots of prayers on our lips. When we arrived the cashier immediately presented me with the lost card! We were so thankful that a potentially nightmare experience turned out to be one of honest goodness and answered prayers (see photo with my Mexican angel).
Eventually, we arrived in Mexico City to visit more new friends! We stayed with Renee and her daughter Milos for our entire visit here. Literally five minutes after our arrival she was handing us the keys to her house! We had such a great time staying with these dynamic ladies. Normally, during the daylight hours we would take an Uber from Renee’s house to downtown Mexico City to visit museums, churches, and attend shows and concerts. I also was able to spend one entire day on motorcycle maintenance and with the help of Renee’s friend, Zeus, accomplished much more than I had expected. Our last reunion here was with our new friend Rodrigo from Baja. We met up with him and his wife and they took us to Frida Kahlo’s museum, the Canals of Xochimilco, and an incredible dinner that included mescal and crickets!
Hope this update finds you well. We enjoy sharing them!
Chris & Sharon
WOW… quite a tour!!! Thanks for the update… prayers for continued safe travels🙏🙏💗😊
Thank you for the prayers Vicky – we really used them lately (will expound in the next update:)! So glad you are following along with us!
Sharon, I only met you briefly, one time ,in Scotts Valley, Ca when you happened by our Homeless Dinner Outreach with the friend you were staying with, as you passed through our area. I am so thankful to the Lord to be included in your fascinating, and well written newsletters of your journey of a lifetime…it’s an absolute blessing!!!!
We are happy to share, especially, since we feel we have been given so much! As you read in our last post people have opened their homes and their hearts to us – complete strangers. We are humbled daily and learning through it all.
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! Love reading the updates! Continuing to keep you in our prayers!
Thank you Katie! We are so glad to have you along for the ride (and your prayers as well:). We look forward to continue sharing all the ups and downs of our trip.
Crickets! Thanks for the latest update!
Our pleasure – maybe we can share a bowl of crickets next time we see you!?!? 🙂 I am sure your kids would be up for it.
God is so good! That is probably my first reaction. What a thrill it is for me to vicariously enjoy your journey. Chris, you captured it so well in words and topped it off with such explanatory and beautiful photos. Of course the photos elicited all kinds of questions, but I think I will have to wait to ask them. The Mexicans look like such a happy and friendly people group. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to get this opportunity to share their lives and their culture with them. God teaches us so much, I think, through cross cultural experiences. Are either of you keeping some kind of a journal besides your updates, as there is no way you could capture the full impact and significance of the experiences otherwise? However, I have to confess, I am not doing so well in that area myself. I continue to pray for you and it is always reassuring to hear from you. Sharon, your phone call on Mother’s Day meant the world to me, as well as you influencing me so directly to “walk in the light.“ Thank you!! You know I love you both bunches!
Mom, How fun to hear from you on our blog! God is so good in so many ways! Our journey is such an incredible privilege. The people of Mexico were absolutely incredible. We were truly humbled by their incredible generosity and hospitality! Yes, we can learn so much through other cultures! That is one of the objects of this trip. As far as keeping a journal, I have kept an audio diary some days, but our pictures (literally thousands of which are not included in the blog) also help us to remember and tell our story. Still there is no way to capture this trip. It is truly the trip of a lifetime! As for the Mother’s Day call…that was a miracle and it was wonderful! We know we are loved…thanks Mom!
I never fully realized how rich and stunningly gorgeous that area of Mexico is – big WOW! So glad you are safe, healthy and having the ride of a lifetime. Thanks for the vicarious thrills. I think of you whenever I get my PICC line dressing changed. (And other times too!)
How wonderful it is to hear from you! I am so glad that you can still be a part of my life. I would love to hear how you are doing and how you are liking your new home – you can e-mail me at: thestrunas@gmail.com Thank you for reaching out. Love, Sharon
Looks like an amazing place to be!! You guys look so happy, loved the smiles of the locals. Can’t wait to see the next stop ❤🐓 sat hi!!
Hey Natalie (and feathered friends)! So good to hear from you! Yes, Mexico was amazing (especially the people). Next stop should be coming soon(ish:) Hope you and the family are well. You are missed.
I am keeping up with your journey. Your picture magnet is on my refrigerator.
Praying for your safe journey.
Love u guys
Sue Rife
Thank you SO much for your prayers Sue – we appreciate them and know that we are using them daily! We love and miss you and Bob! Hope you are well and look forward to seeing you after our journey.
Chris and Sharon,
Once again you have wowed us with extravagant pictures of God’s creation and your beautiful faces, also God’s creation. It’s really fun to adventure with you, vicariously.
Thank God for his provision of safety and found lost articles and repairs to your bikes.!! It sure makes us, in our cozy homes, so grateful for God’s care for those out on the road. You!
Hugs and blessings from us,
Hannah with Doug.
Hannah and Doug,
We are so thankful for your consistent thoughts and prayers! God’s creation – both the beauty we see in nature and the beauty we see in the faces of those we meet is humbling and awesome! Thank you for sharing our adventure with us, it means a lot to know that you are here with us (in Spirit). Please give Sharon’s love to her patients and co-workers – she misses them all!
Love,
Chris & Sharon