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     A 1/2 day bus ride from Guanajuato, changing buses in Leon, got us to Centrál Autobus in Aguascalientes at 1 p.m., where we were met by Fabiola, the sister of our new son-in-law. We had never met any of our new family before, except for the few who live in the U.S., so this was exciting. Also, this was going to be a language experience, since only a brother and a brother-in-law spoke in English, and they both worked until late. So most of the day was going to be spent in a Mexican home, with Mexicans and in Spanish. To add to the experience, seeing a foreign city with people who live there is absolutely the best way to site-see, so we were excited about the trip.

A cab ride through the city and we were met at the “casa” by Juan Nieto and his daughters and their children. Our family had just grown by leaps and bounds. Everyone was so gracious and kind. I think that they wanted to make a good impression as much as we did. And they did.

Sherry’s Spanish has grown tremendously, even since this current trip began, for which I was very grateful. As you know, I only speak “un poco”. I understand a little more than I speak, but it has to be in context. More about that later.

Anyway, after warm greetings, a tour of the home, being given a bedroom, and the like, we were off to explore the town. La familia live within walking distance of a very historic area, with lots of great churches, government buildings, restaurants and shopping. It was a charming walk (see the photos). We had lunch in a lovely Italian restaurant (chosen for it’s beauty and quality of food, I’m sure) and were serenaded by a huge mariache band. I didn’t count, but I’m guessing 8 or 9 musicians. People sang along and applauded enthusiastically. A nice experience.

Okay, my Spanish. I said that I could understand a bit if it stayed on topic. Here’s an example: Juan Nieto and I were walking together, arm in arm (a Mexican custom), and he was telling me about the history of the city, and the current political situation - 3 parties, who’s conservative, liberal, etc, pointing out buildings as we went. I was getting about 1/2 of it, I guess. Of course, I might not have been getting any of it, and am only flattering myself that I was getting half, but I THINK that I understood about 1/2 of it. Anyway, he pointed to a building and said “muy importante”. Unlike the other grand historical buildings, this was just a regular building. It looked like a store of some sort. I nodded and moved on, and Sr Nieto moved back to talk with Sherry. “Bill… Bill”, I heard. Well, it turns out that the building was Sr. Nieto’s bookstore. I was so embarassed. I had assumed it had to do with our political discussion, but was surpremely wrong. I apologized and apologized, and tried to explain that I just didn’t understand what he had said. We took photos of Sr. and Sherry in front of the shop, which now obviously said “Sr. Nieto” on the front. It doesn’t take much to screw up, does it? Armando, if you’re reading this, please relay to your father how I missed it and how badly I felt.

 

As the day wore on, we walked and walked. Juan was obviously getting a little tired and suggested that we stop for coffee in a lovely place that used to be a hotel, but was converted into a restaurant and upscale shopping area. Frankly, we appreciated the break as well. Juan is 79 and in remarkable condition. If I understood him correctly (big IF), he still plays baseball and can read fine print (an ability not lost on someone who’s worn glasses since he was 10). Juan seemed really healthy. He even took us up onto the roof to admire the view. He already lived on the third floor (walk-up) and the roof was another 4. No problem for Juan. The view, by the way, was awesome.

Later in the evening, Juan (son of Juan) came over after working all day. I’m going to refer to him as Juan II, purely to keep them separate on this blog, and hope it doesn’t offend anyone. Anyway, Juan II was the first in the family we met that spoke English. He had actually lived in the U.S. for a while, although it had been 5 years since he had spoken any English at all (he did fine). He thought we might be bored (we weren’t) and took us for a very long ride through town and out into the countryside. He was actually taking his daughter and her friend (15 year olds) to a party and took us along for the ride. We went WAY out into the countryside. During the drive back into town, we came over a hill, and there in the night was Aguascalientes all laid out before us. Thousands and thousands of lights. Wow.

Some interesting observations: Aguascalientes has traffic lights and stop signs. (An aside: I was wrong about Guanajuato not having traffic lights. On the way to the bus station, where the expressway merged with a large city street, there were traffic lights). Anyway, Aguascalientes is just like our cities in regard to lights and stop signs. People stop for the lights, but the stop signs are more of a suggestion. ALTO could just as well mean be careful, slow down, take turns. Seems to work. Also, there are speed bumps in the oddest places. You’ll be going along a long straight road, and right in the middle of it is a speed bump. Juan II only missed seeing one.

In the morning, the church bells (lots of churches) started at about 6 (this was a Sunday) and rang every half hour. Juan (sr.) went out to get groceries and we had a breakfast of fresh local mango, coffee, banana, bread and yogurt. We didn’t eat the yogurt. The most common type here is raisin flavored (not my favorite). Not his fault. He probably likes the flavor; it certainly seems to be popular. By the way, Juan said that all the little grocery shops opened at 5:30 a.m. I don’t know if this was just for Sunday, or everyday, but he mentioned getting food before going to Mass.

The family insisted on going with us to the bus station, and of course wouldn’t allow us to pay for the taxi. Or the dinner the night before, or the coffee in the shop. They were being gracious hosts, of course, and we tried to order cheaply. It’s a little dance guests and hosts do. Hosts usually win. It was kind of them, though. I hit it off with the youngest - IAN (1 and 1/2). Usually, little kids are drawn to Sherry. For some reason, he took to me, and by the time we left, I got to carry him around (something no one but his mother was allowed to do, at least while we were there).

So that’s our one night in Aguascalientes. Muy interesante. We were really really glad we went, even though it meant about 10 hours on a bus (total - both directions). Well worth it for us. We were so happy to meet the new members of our family, make new friends and see a new part of Mexico.

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