Dare I say that the majority of people in the US have no idea about Mexico beside dreary border towns, beach resorts and a few hours off the cruise ships. Mexican workers in the US mingle too little and food in "Mexican" US restaurants taste nothing like those in Mexico. When folks hear where we're going, we hear gasps and "be careful".

The Burlington Sister Cities Program with San Luis Potosi (SLP) presents us with another opportunity to appreciate the culture, see the beauty and love the people. Our hearts are drawn for the third time to this week- long English teaching project in two universities.

In addition to "life" on the campus we'll be visiting small towns, people's homes, a "safe house" for immigrants coming through Mexico from countries to the south; staying in a nice hotel in the historic district with its museums and Colonial period churches and dining in a restored 16th Century Augustinian monastery, now a 4 star hotel..

Come along with us as we fly about 500 miles into the very middle of the country - the Sierra Occidental to our west and Sierra Oriental to our east. We'll land in this high desert city of about a million, perched some 6,000 feet above sea level. Looking over this rugged terrain it's hard to believe that old Cortes and his fellow Spaniards and horses could have made it up half a hill.

Oh by the way, it's not Cinco de Mayo but September 15th (1810) that marks the real holiday of independence, to honor the the ragtag Indian peasants who lined up with a brave Catholic priest to overthrow these gold grabbing Conquistadores. (can't resist a little history)

New trip to Mexico

Cranking up the blog again for a new trip. This time it is San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Here are some pics of the art and humor from a previous trip.

Back home again

In the 17 days we were away from home one new resident managed to move in. We are leaving her alone for now but she will have to go when we trim the azaleas.

Paris to Atlanta

Sitting up front on Delta the service begins before the plane takes off.

THANKS MERRILL!!!!!!!!

A travelling companion.

It's okay if you get the crumbs from your croissant on your linen table cloth.

We are leaving by way of the Normandy coast.

You can always check your flight progress.

Chosing the dessert from 4 selections is difficult but we managed to live with it.

Be careful. There is another meal yet to come before we get to Atlanta.

Pavillion en Le Vesinet

Yes. There really are houses behind those 3 meter high security fences.

Getting over that security fence will only bring you face-to-face with the next level of security. His name is Twingo. He is named after the Renault Twingo because they are about the same size.

Once you get by this it is easy living.

Open air market in Le Vesinet

Cousin Agnes is a very discriminating shopper.

Oodles to pick from

"I only want the freshest ones."

"We can't eat yesterday's bread. It must be purchased fresh every day."

Oct 12 Near Charlie DeGaulle's Airport

Plane tomorrow - no internet connection since Rouen.
Highlights of visit in Le Vesinet, western suburb of Paris.: .
Beautiful lunch with FOUR French cousins -day of our arrival.

Unbelievable traffic jam, due to FLOODING in this area of France.
Pictures of Le Vesinet we’ll post later, because of the special architecture .
France’s love for the aesthetics is, I believe,so intrinsic to their culture. We’ve learned so much; enjoyed discussions during long family dinners; my head is spinning with all this language; happy to come home.

And finally a touch of the spiritual, taken from a little parish church near the house

(Translation of prayer)

To You Who Enter into This Place
You have entered this house
The house of “God-Love”
Whoever you are, He welcomes you
with your joys and your pains
with your hopes and your deceptions
Be welcome
If you are believing pray to God

If you are searching, are in doubt or troubled, ask for light.
If you suffer, if you have pain, ask for strength.
If you are joyful, spread the grace.
May your visit in this church warm your heart.
Whoever you are, know that you are loved by Jesus Christ the Resurrected.
In Him, evil does not have the last word.
May peace be with you.