I Heart Mascota

Well, in case you read our last post about going to Mexico and you've been worried sick about our safety, worry no more. Dylan and I are home safe and we had a wonderful time. Thank you for your prayers!

Here are some of our impressions, thoughts and commentaries about our trip:

1. First of all, we got to fly first class on the way down there because those were the only seats available when we redeemed our miles. It was awesome. Unfortunately, at the end of our trip when we were hot and exhausted, we were stuffed back in coach. Oh well.

2. When we arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Luz picked us up and we immediately left town and began the journey up the mountain to Mascota. Mascota is about 2 hours east of PV, up in the midst of beautiful mountains. I know, you're probably thinking, "Beautiful mountains in Mexico, yeah right. Mexico is just one big ugly desert with some cool beaches around the edges." Well, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our destination was indeed beautiful; the mountains we drove through were up to 7500 ft elevation and Mascota was nestled into a valley at 4000 ft. 2. When we arrived in Mascota, we realized once again that our stereotypical Mexico experiences just weren't going to repeat themselves on this trip. We'd been to Tijuana and orphanages and seen crime and poverty. Mascota has virtually no homelessness, no shacks, all of the kids go to public schools, there is VERY little crime, the dogs have breeds, there's public water, electricity and sewer systems..... and you're not allowed to barter at the local stores. Yes, I know that we sound like stuck up Americans. Well, we aren't anymore!
4. Siestas are great. So is sleeping in everyday and a great exchange rate. Where else can you get a latte with homemade caramel sauce for like $1.50?

5. Despite the wonder of experiencing rural Mexico, we also experienced why it's not a 1st world country: lack of efficiency. People are NOT in a hurry. Schedules and apointment times are suggestions. And if you go to the butcher to buy meat, you might be told that they don't have any that day. (Then why are you open if you don't have anything to sell?).

6. One day, Dylan worked on fixing Luz's washing machine. Yes, this took one whole day. Luz told him that the belt was broken but the man who came to repair it said that it would cost $300 to repair and that she needed a whole new kit (?) and of course he took the belt with him. Soooo, first, we went to a cyber cafe and looked up the model of washing machine to find what size belt we needed. Then we drove to 3 different stores looking for a belt. Several hours later, after the motor was disassembled, the belt put on and everything put back together, Luz mentioned that there was a leak also. Sooo, the inside of the machine was then disassembled in search of the leak. After another trip to the cyber cafe to search for clues, we learned that the model of Maytag was faulty to begin with and a replacement part must be ordered that may or may not fix the problem..... oh, AND they don't sell Maytags or Maytag parts in Mexico.
7. Mascota is a rural farming community and there's not a whole lot to do for entertainment. SO, every Sunday night, the whole town dresses up and flocks to the town square for a 6th grade dance. Well, that's what it feels like anyway! There is a DJ set up in the middle of the square playing music, and men/boys walk in one direction around the square and women/girls walk in the other direction. Everyone checks eachother out. If a guy likes you, he'll ask you to walk with him. Joy and I thought this whole process was hilarious and joined right in. Dylan hated it, thought it was totally awkward, and wanted to stop. So we ordered churros from a local vendor to take his mind off of the awkwardness and continued our walk!

8. Our trip was relaxing and enlightening and we were so blessed to be helpful to Luz. There's nothing quite like leaving your daily schedule to remind you that your lives and problems aren't the only things important in the world! Coming back to reality was rough!

Well, if you made it this far through our report, here's a slide show to enjoy!