We rose early in Villa Hermosa (for Mexico time) at 9 a.m. we met over breakfast setting the tone for the trip. The Hilton is not the best place to start an adventure such as what we are on. They do have shuttle service, $$ exchange, great breakfast and a fantastic cup of coffee, but they are much too luxurious. After breakfast we were off to collect rental vehicles where we discovered that Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental are the same and thus unexpectedly the same van was rented to both Justin and RA. We managed to find another vehicle a bit smaller and little higher price – but will serve the purpose. The next major obstacle was getting allthe luggage and the people loaded. About 20 yds of rope and 10 straps helped us manage to get luggage on top and people inside. The ride from Villa Hermosa to Palenque was uneventful, mostly discussing the beautiful scenery and the occasional bump to slow traffic. Over the last few years we have seen major improvements in the roads in this area and less military presence checkpoints. There is the occasional family or groups of kids trying to sell peeled oranges, freshly fried pigskin and fresh cut fruit or blue water in a sandwich bag at the speed bumps. The trip to Palenque from Villahermosa was just under 2 hrs. with arrival in Palenque midday. The streets were calm as the temperature had steadily been rising. We immediately located a restaurant for cold drinks, bathroom breaks (no paper or toilet seat)BYOTP. After a little break and a little walk around the market, most of us got a fresh ice cream… pineapple, watermelon, coconut all basically fresh frozen juice pops. The Watermelon still had the seeds in it. Then we loaded up and looked for a couple of bible book stores which apparently have gone out of business. All 13 of us in 2 vehicles proceeded for the 28 kilometer trek to Puyipa. The first 20 kilometers takes roughly 20 minutes. The final 8 take 30-45 minutes. The first 300 ft of road after leaving the pavement is a beautiful tree covered archway shading the caliche-worn roadway. At the end of that, it is a winding pothole filled bolder infested washout that is called a road. The first trip down on each excursion always takes longer as we figure at which side to drive on. You hear the grinding of rocks across the muffler and the cross member. Today’s trip was no different. We dipped, dodged, creeped, bounced and rocked along about 20 minutes until we came to an area that was newly washed out –it looked a lot like a gravel riverbed and we went up the hill (one of many we would climb) after minimal progress up the hill, our overloaded van spun its tires and stalled out. The front wheel drive didn’t have enough traction or strength to continue forward. We had to unload everyone, backing down the hill and all 5 passengers pushed the van up the hill. Of course RA was smart enough to be the only licensed driver, (it costs extra for additional drivers) so once the vehicle gained traction and started forward motion he continued on without his passengers to the top of the hill. “Welcome to the Jungle”. All passengers were sweaty and hot and the A/C felt great when we were able to reload into the vehicle. We were about ½ of the way thru our journey of dirt road at this point. Most of it looks like a trail from there on in. We saw landmarks letting us know we were headed in the right direction. Many beautiful corn fields and some cows, but everything was beautiful with lots of high green grass (no lawn mowers in this area of the world, only machetes) We got there late afternoon only to find out their electricity had been out in the village for two days. The ground was wet and very muddy as we unloaded our bags. We had very little organization as we formed an assembly line unloading luggage into a small area of the back of the church which we used to store luggage and change clothes periodically. The ladies of the church prepared eggs with ham to eat in Corn tortillas along with some very HOT hot sauce in the rain. Those that spoke Spanish were able to converse with the people while those of us who don’t were trying to learn the language. We introduced ourselves around mostly to the children. The children are very inquisitive and watched “The Americanos” constantly. They all wanted to know what is in our bags and what we are doing. They all seem to know Ju Ju (Judy Presley) and Chechum (meaning “Little Pig in Choe) “Sonny Hatten”. Of course they all love Justin McFarland as is like family to this village. Pastor Juan asked RA to bless the food as we ate as soon as we arrived. We had a church service beginning at 8:00 p.m. with no electricity. We had 3 candles in front of the pulpit along with a small propane tank with a lantern at the front of the church. Some of the (Elderly Ladies)Mayan people arrive 1 hr. early for the church service to pray. The pews (wood benches) have no backs on them. The ladies all sit on one side and the men on the other. RA was asked to preach that night. He preached by Candelight and a small flashlight. Thankfully, about 9:30 when church was just about over – the electricity came on. Lots of loud cheers and claps. The ladies had prepared some chicken soup which we ate after the service.
Getting ready for bed was a new experience for the Americanos. We brought sleeping bags and mats but the whole bathroom and shower experience is something that won’t be missed. RA and Justin assure us that the bathroom and showers have been remodeled since December… however, we are not convinced. The bathroom does have a door on the front (as you enter thru a pen with chickens, turkeys, and pigs) however it is a toilet bowl with no seat or tank on it. You must bring your own toilet paper and then there is a 50 gallon drum of water that has a bucket that you dip out to flush the commode. Now remember you have waded thru mud and water, chickens, turkeys, dogs, and pigs to get there. The shower is even a more memorable experience. The newly remodeled shower has a concrete floor much better than the rocks we used to stand on, wooden sides that go up about 4 feet, a bucket and hose that are now inside the shower and some of the coldest water you will ever experience. RA says it is exhilarating. It is the first bucket of water that gets you, after that your body seems to adjust somewhat.
After moving about 7benches from each side of the church, we lined up our sleeping bags and tried to call it a day. The men slept on one side and the women on the other. The rain continued that first night which helped cool it off a little… but dogs fighting during the night woke us many times. Ear plugs will be a recommendation for the next trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment