Fiesta Inn Monterrey Valle Hotel

... day. <br><br>The surprising part, at least for me, was that I really enjoyed Monterrey. The city itself is interesting, and we explored several free museums and an interesting park. We also went for a nice long walk along a canal (not clear if this was a natural canal made pretty or a man-made canal). The entire length had been made into a park, where they hold concerts, yoga, have boatrides, whatever. There are also ...

... of back alley in downtown Monterrey. It has a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom with AC! All for US$10 per night! Sometimes even though we seem to be taken care of - there's just no peace. Monterrey is a BEAUTIFUL city, although very Americanized. After two more meetings were set up for this weekend, we knew we had to cancel and keep moving. It was confirmed by MANY. The people were not happy, but oh well. On to Tampico!

... instead of singing - and off tune to add) the worship songs. I looked to my right and Rob had dissappeared. At the time, I thought he went to the bathroom but really, he was being told all the things he had to change in order to minister - in a back room. He came back about 15 minutes later with huge shriveled holes in his ears where his guages had been. I already started to get bad feelings. <br> As I try my best to ...

... a boat trip around the lake in a boat belonging to Evers' friend Jimmy along with his son also called Jimmy (who also entertained us with their brilliant family band and some great rock and roll!). All in all, Monterrey as great fun, it was great to meet with a familiar face and be shown such a good time with great people. Thank you Ever, Laura and all the Garza family!

... I realized that my "book" Spanish was good - I could understand most of what I read and could write adequately. It was the rapid spoken Spanish and not being able to conjugate nor think of vocabulary in time to speak well that got me. ¿Me comprendes? Finally, the best thing about my trip here so far is how nice the people are around here. Two examples: Before I came, I met a nurse in Austin named Esther. She introduced ...

... the weather was not as i expected and rain was everywhere the car was almost under water, this was the 50 year flood that i ever so carefully time to arrive in, The local river was flooded peoples house were underwater and shops were empting out there stores. Meeting the family was sweet, i still wasnt 100percent with my spainish and here they spoke even faster and was tht much harder to understand, and realised who hard it is venturing into another 'world' alone ...

... talk to people and ask for simple things like more chicken sauce at McDonald's (yes we went.) or directions, in English. everyone in McAllen speaks English and Spanish. Marichu could order food in Spanish, and i in English. it was pretty amazing. we got lost several times trying to find the outlet store. the man at the border asked me if i come through to the states a lot, and walked off with my passport to ask a co-worker ...

... only get a shot of the mother because the babies were off before we could get close. she was very curious though. the hotel was gorgeous with an amazing view right from our window we had a fireplace that the hotel staff set for us while we were having dinner at the fabulous restaurant. the next day we went for a drive to the markets downtown... the first market i didn ...

... The daughter Elizbeth is an aspiring architect who is doing her practicum at the university), olde Monterrey, Santa Lucia Riverwalk , Capital buildings, lookout points, etc. Lunch is the highlight of today. It is Myrna birthday, so we go to the famous El Rey del Cabritos (king of the baby goat) restaurant. It is world renowned for this very typical monterrey dish. That afternoon, they took us over to Jaime &amp ...

So my dad reminded me that I havent updated this in a while, so I thought I should cover my two big trips thus far (and a small little adventure)... All in seperate entries, of course, so I can place more map pins! Small adventure - the "short walk" up to the waterfalls ...