Real de Catorce

This little community is a four hour drive from Monterrey (6 hours with a soon to be momma and a passenger under the age of 1 and a slight detour after being pulled over by the police). Real de Catorce is found at the end of a 30 km cobblestone road nestled up in the mountains. I didn't think ahead that perhaps if we went up in elevation it would get even colder. As we approached a 2 km tunnel, we realized that it was snowing. Yes snowing, ridiculous.

We checked into our hotel. What I mean by "checked in" is that one of us knocked on one of the lit up apartments in the complex and asked how much. Not that it was up for bargaining, it just is a bit different in the ol' u.s.a. For $25 a night, we got.... oh yeah toilet paper and soap. No heat. Limited hot water (thank goodness I get up before everyone else and can take long, hot showers). Our group met up outside at a little torta stand. Yup, just tortas. You want beef? Nope, just chicken tortas. The only accomadation from there is to say you want tomatoes or not. It was one of the best chicken tortas I have ever had. It was great to step back and shoot a few shots of how easily pleased everyone was. We stood outside in the snow by a little stand, watching the family prepare 14 tortas (yes I had two, but I rationalized over consumption because of the cold). That works, right?

It was below freezing, but with long johns (base layer for this trip), 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of socks, 4 shirts, 1 hoodie, gloves, and 4 blankets, I survived the cold night, barely. I woke up feeling a bit shorted on warm weather, sandy beaches, and a tan, so I took myself for a morning walk to talk myself out of the bad mood. The scenery was euphoric. The sun was rising and penetrating through the thick fog. The cobblestone paths, frantic lost chickens, and light pouring over the mountain and onto the rooftops of homes that had once been present in a booming economy. I roamed around the town for an hour or so in awe of this town. Real de Catorce is about as far from modern infection as possible.

After a hike up a large mountain, a walk into an abandoned church (which you have to step over graves to get to it, but it's cool as Mexico loves and celebrates the dead) and more street food (this time I did get sick and had an appointment with the BR for a lengthy time), this weekend getaway proved to be one of the best times I have ever had.

I am getting ready in a few minutes to go out the door and head to the airport for my next adventure. I will be at the ashram in the late afternoon and I have no expectations or visions for what my experience at Tashirat (www.tashirat.com) will be. I know that I will be safe, I will be seeking further faith and spirituality, digging in dirt, learning and eating healthy, organic, and raw food for the next month. I am uncertain as to how much internet use will be available, so it is possible that it will be some time before I check in. Off to the city folks!