Dec 19 - Mezcala, Guerrero

Mezcala is a small mining town in central Guerrero located about half-way between Iguala and the state capital Chilpancingo.

I was here for a week living in an extra room with my ex-brother-in-law. Mezcala is a bigger than San Martin, Zacatecas but still lacks a lot of modern conveniences. However the price of just about anything in Mezcala is about double what it is in San Martin.

The town seemed to be center of cartel activity with armed men openly driving around in SUVs. On more than one occasion some had even stopped to buy beer at the store I was in staying in. One would make the purchase while the rest would stand watch around the SUV or take positions at the street corners with their hands resting on their rifles and holstered pistols. All of their guns were worn out and seemed to be completely stripped of the original finish.

Despite presence of openly armed cartel members, Mezcala seemed to be a calm and relaxed place and I really enjoyed my stay.

Dec 19 - Tree Lizard

Lizard in a tree outside my room in Mezcala.

Dec 18 - Chilpancingo

A few Droidx cellphone shots I took during my short visit to Chilpancingo, the beautiful capital of the state of Guerrero. Unfortunately, we just came for some business and I wasn't able to see much of the city or take very many photos. Chilpancingo seemed to be very tranquil, modern and clean city, although the traffic and roads were a little crazier than in most places.

Dec 18 - Mezcala to Chilpancingo

Driving to the state capital from Mezcala, Guerrero with my ex-sister-in-law leading the way. The road was very curvy and dangerous in some places but it wasn't too bad. The drive is about two hours there and back.

Dec 18 - Cuernavaca to Iguala

A few Droidx cellphone pictures I took during the bus ride from Cuernavaca, Morelos to Iguala, Guerrero.

Dec 17 - Chinese Food

Me eating Chinese food in a Soriana in Zacatecas while on my way to Guerrero.

Mexico has a large Chinese emigre population and Chinese food buffet restaurants are very common and popular. The menu and style is pretty much the same as the "Americanized" Chinese food you'd find in the United States, except for the presence of chile pepper in most dishes. Unfortunately the chile is usually too hot for my tastes so I'm pretty much limited to a couple of things on the menu.

Dec 17 - Zacatecas

View of Zacatecas from the bus station loading gates.

Dec 9 - International Bridge #1

In Laredo, Texas. Getting ready to cross International Bridge #1

In Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Getting ready to enter Mexican customs.

Looking through the vehicle gates into Nuevo Laredo.

Dec 9 - Border Inspection

Border inspection just inside Mexico. NOTE: I had a camouflage jacket confiscated by the soldiers. A lot of other people also had clothing taken away because they were camouflage or militaristic in nature. Even though I already knew why, I asked just to get an official answer. I was told that there is a new law prohibiting the importation of "military-style clothing." Criminals impersonating police and soldiers have become a well-known problem in recent years. Although it should seem obvious that confiscating vintage military/hunting hats and jackets (clothing that in no way resembles modern Mexican military dress) from normal people will have practically no effect on anything, I suppose the government feels it must keep up the appearance that it is actually doing something proactive about the situation.

Dec 8 - Houston

Cellphone picture I took as the bus was entering Houston, Texas on 1-35. 

Yerberia Martha, an interesting looking store across the street from the Houston bus terminal. Too bad it was closed.

Some shots of Sombrerete, Zacatecas