We are having a wonderful time so far in this quaint, charming town. Our trip was uneventful and on half empty aircraft. There are very few signs of panic about the swine flu; very few masks being worn except in the restaurants by the staff. The town is bustling with activity and even the Tuesday market was open although we had heard it was not going to be.

We’ve walked and walked on rocky cobblestone streets past colorful houses. We’ve eaten in wonderful restaurants with inexpensive prices.

It’s strange to hear so much English being spoken around you. So many Americans and Canadians!

I am beginning to smell the armotic breakfast (I think it’s rolled chicken enchiladas today) that Raquel is cooking below, so I’ll sign off for now and send this later when we go over to Rick’s cousins to use their connection.

Off to San Miguel de Allende! I have a reputation to live up to while there and I hope I meet everyone’s expectations. My mother-in-law likes my photography and has told everyone about the photos she plans on me taking. I think she’s made a map of all the places I should capture with my camera. She’s even told Raquel who comes in to cook and clean for them (No, they are not rich, everyone has cooking and cleaning help there. It comes with the rental!) and now Raquel goes around asking ” Will Leen take photo this?” So you see my dilemma ...

Raquel wanted to know what Rick and I would want for breakfast so we told her typical Mexican fare. We hear she has been out buying beans for our breakfast enchiladas. Oh boy!

Until next weekend, readers! I will try to post a photo during the week with a quick update!

Photo above taken in Cancun, Mexico.

Why is it that I could not pick up my embroidery without humming that song that Willie Nelson sang ...

South of the border down Mexico way
That’s where I fell in love when stars above came out to play
Now as I wander my thoughts ever stray
South of the border down Mexico way

Gee, maybe it was because this was the name of the pattern for them! The tea towels are finished! Here is the last one.

And as requested by a reader, all three tea towels together. I’m not sure which one is my favorite. Maybe the last one with the guitar.

My hands feel idle now. I certainly enjoyed doing them and now can’t wait to get started on some towels of my own, but that will have to wait until our return. I hope Rick’s mom likes them! I have a feeling she won’t use them, but if she just gets enjoyment out of looking at them hanging on a hook that will be enough for me.

On the Mexican vacation front ...
We talked to Rick’s mom last night as she wanted to see what we were thinking in regard to our trip to visit with all the swine flu hype. She told us that there are no reported cases in the entire state of Guanajuato in which San Miguel lies. We are not flying into Mexico City (thank goodness!) but into a smaller, closer airport. Schools are closed there but life is going on as usual with added care taken to sanitize hands. She told us to bring plenty of wipes since they are no longer to be found there.

We are armed with Tamiflu pills, immune boosters from the health food store, masks, hand sanitizing products and our own good health. In a way I feel like I’m in one of those science fiction end-of-the-world-style movies with my arsenal of “stay healthy” products.  I’m sure we’ll be fine. Please don’t worry about us!

Things may be a bit more quiet in San Miguel than normal but we have been assured both by Rick’s mom and his cousin that a good time is still to be had. So, we are going. I get very strange looks from people when I tell them we are headed off to Mexico. Incredulous looks. Are you sitting there reading this and shaking your head in agreement with all those people too?

I don’t think I’ll be blogging at all while down there. Our only internet access will be from Rick’s cousin’s house and we might go once or twice to check our email but not sure how much time I will have to post anything. I will try to at least post a photo with a quick update.

The kids here at home will be looked after by our dear friend Carolyn who is going to house-sit for us. I’m sure she’ll have them better trained in no time. Either that or they will train her just as they have trained us over the years to bend to their every whim. I feel great going on vacation knowing she is in charge.

eBay reading the San Miguel guidebook

Now I just have to decide which clothes to pack ...

Can you tell I’ve been spending a lot of time with my Rosetta Stone?
{words added} photo: on the beach, Riviera Maya

Our vacation seems like only a dream now. We’ve been home almost two weeks and already the sweet memories of tropical breezes and white sand are fading away.

Like I’ve mentioned before, the resort we stayed at was wonderful. Pampering. Gorgeous. Great food. Lovely location. Here are some photos from around the resort.

I start with the entrance and main reception area. Lots of marble!

Our room.

Some scenes from around the grounds.

Below: one of the seven pools (this one had a swim-up bar) alongside one of the restaurants.

The outdoor eating area of the Mexican restaurant.

The spa where we treated ourselves to a pampering treatment one morning. Very, very Zen.

One of the outdoor bars where our little group tended to collect.

There were many Mayan statues like this one.

And this one.

According to hubby Rick, this one is giving what is construed as a rude gesture in Brit speak. How about it folks across the pond: true?