John’s Birthday II

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“Much like a bad Jaws sequel today we celebrated my birthday again today. Why not?! It isn’t like I have celebrated it yet in this country!! My mom took us out to Cuca’s, a Mexican food place in Rialto. Yes, this is the second time in three days we have had Mexican food. We may be out of the country of Mexico, but Mexico hasn’t quite left us. Denise had tortilla soup, Janet (my mom) had shrimp asado, AJ had a quesadilla platter, and I had a large shrimp cocktail.
Group shot:
<%image(20090517-birthdaycucasweb.jpg|357|336|All of us at Cuca's)%>
If that wasn’t enough we went to the Dairy Queen for dessert. Hmmm…Blizzards!!!

Oh, and my mom got a really nice car. A 98 Subaru, we are jealous, she has air-conditioning:
<%image(20090517-subarunewweb.jpg|382|336|Did I mention air-conditioning?)%>
If you are wondering what happened to the old car, it got totaled (wasn’t me). My mom is ok, but that old Subaru saw its last day. If you want to visit it, I hear it is at the Rialto Pick-A-Part. Tell it we said hi.
”

Hiking the dreamers PCT.

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Somewhere there is a parallel universe…

In this universe Denise and I are at our ideal weight, AJ is no longer a toddler to whom we have limited communication, we are independently wealthy, and we travel the world as independent nomads. As we travel this parallel universe one of the spots we would travel to would be the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

A 2650 mile journey, it starts in Campo, Mexico and ends at Manning Provincial Park, BC, Canada. It goes through 60 major mountain passes, descends into 19 major canyons, and passes by over 1000 lakes, traverses 3 national monuments, crosses 7 national parks, fords through 24 national parks and blazes through 33 federally mandated wilderness areas. You might think this is impressive, but surprisingly it is only the second longest trail in America (bet you can’t guess the longest). Soon the PCT will become the 3rd longest trail when the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) is finished (the NCNST will be 4000 miles when finished). In our parallel universe we would travel these three trails and the Appalachian Trail as well.

You may think this parallel universe doesn’t exist, but that is where you are wrong. It does exist (just not for me), and to prove it we took pictures of one its inhabitants.

Meet Rick Delong:
”

A 32 yr old denizen of JohnnyP’s parallel universe, we picked him up off the side of the backside of the 138. He looked like a hitchhiker to me, but Denise told me he was my cousin (Aunt Angie confirmed this so it must be true) so we invited him into our house. Only he didn’t go straight to our house, he went straight to Casa de Tony’s. After eating an entire plate of Enchilladas Rancheras (with extra sour cream), a whole order of ice cream nachos, and a large orange juice; he became Tony’s favorite customer in one night. You know he came from a parallel universe; because in this one most people would be uber-tired after eating all that food and hiking 31 miles in the desert, but Rick proceeded to stay up all night on the internet writing in Russian (must be a secret code to keep us normal people from learning their secrets).
After resting a day Rick made us pancakes in the morning and for that Denise took him to the post office in Wrightwood:


Rick was so overjoyed with this package that he gave Denise some of his toilet paper (things obviously have a different value in the parallel world) as a token of his appreciation. We were determined to find out more about this parallel universe, so we sent in a spy (AJ) right before he departed back on the trail, but he was soon caught:

Normally, the AJ stowaway trick works, but when the container your trying to hide in is soo small, not even AJ can hide in it. Rick’s pack only weighs 20 pounds full:

Our plans thwarted, we released our cousin Rick back into the parallel universe (please note the use of the umbrella, there is no rain predicted in this area for at least 4 months):
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Rick is back in the parallel universe and we are back in the normal universe. It was fun, but I have to say I am glad I am at home eating Pizza (today is National Pizza Party Day) and not sleeping up at Cleghorn Mountain (can we say WINDY). Anyhow, I hear Rick might be making another crossing into our universe in Bakersfield, look for him there. As for me, I have to continue with my work. The paperwork really stacked up, I think it is going to take until August to get caught up (which conveniently is when I am scheduled for my next vacation).”

Do I Really Have to Go Back to Work?!

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“Unfortunately, the bill collectors say yes. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted…
Yesterday we spent our last day at a really big mall called Perisur. Denise had me take this picture of her. I didn’t see what was funny, but she couldn’t stop giggling:
<%image(20090513-peri09web.jpg|336|448|Fantasy Princess??)%>
It was fun, but basically malls are the same to me around the world. Although, this one did have a Nissan dealership inside the mall (a store front with 4 cars on display). You don’t see too many car dealerships inside a mall.
After that we went to Cuicuilco, the site of an ancient civilization that dates as far back as 800 BC. It was destroyed around 100 BC by a volcano that buried the city. It is an interesting pyramid in that it is round instead of square.
What you see here is only half of the pyramid (the rest is buried in the lava bed):
<%image(20090513-cuil09web.jpg|448|336|Cuicuilco)%>
After that we went to another mall, got some snacks and flew home.

Today was my birthday. We went to Disneyland. The current promotion is that you get in free on your birthday, but I already have an annual pass so I got a gift card that was worth $69. I used it to buy some Disney books I have always wanted but never was able to get. If you’re curious, the books were The Disney Encyclopedia, Walt Disney Quotes, and the first issue of the D23 magazine. It was a good deal and I was able to get an extra 10% off with my Disney Visa card. Other than window shop we didn’t do much. An advantage of having a pass is that you can go as slow as you want and not have to worry about “”seeing it all”” or “”if you got the value of your ticket””, because if you miss something you will just be back another day.
<%image(20090513-dlbirth09web.jpg|448|336|Hello Dale!)%>
After going to Disneyland we went to two Sushi houses. The first one was in Anaheim and was a bit too expensive for our budget (yelp said they were $ but it was more like $$$), so we left and went to our standby place of Miyagi Sushi in San Bernardino.
”

Mother’s Day in Mexico

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“Well, today was Mother’s Day in Mexico. The churches opened up today so we were able to go to church. It was interesting. We went to the Pedregal Ward, not many people there, only 40. The missionaries say there are usually 100-150 out of a ward of 500. One of the Elders was from Tabasco (down in the Yucatan area) and the other was from Texas. It was the first time the people have been able to go to church in two weeks. We were asked not to wear ties and whenever we entered a new room we had to use antisepetic gel. Denise was given a red rose and a tiger lilley. Other than going to church we took it easy and just hung out with my dad.

Yesterday, was a big travel day. After having breakfast in Aguascalientes we traveled to Queterraro, the town of , and arrived in Mexico City late at night.
Here is Denise and AJ at Sierro de las Campanas. This was the hill where the Second Emperor of Mexico, Maximillian of Austria (put in by the French) was shot). It is now a very beautiful park, notice the girl in the background celebrating her 15th birthday:
<%image(20090511-sierrocampanasweb.jpg|448|336|Sierro Campanas)%>
The church of Tlanepatlan:
<%image(20090511-Tlanepatlan1web.jpg|336|448|Tlanepatlan)%>
AJ hanging out at a cafe in Tlanepatlan:
<%image(20090511-Tlanepatlan2AJweb.jpg|448|336|AJ jumping on the chair.)%>”

Easy Day

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“Today for us was a easy day. We sent our laundry out to get washed. Gotta love it; $3 dollars and they washed, ironed, and folded it.All while we went out to play. While the laundry being washed we went to my aunt Socorro’s house and had lunch. After lunch AJ went to play soccer with his Abuelo:
<%image(20090509-ajsocceragsweb.jpg|448|336|AJ and Arnold play soccer.)%>
Denise and my cousin Dulce were the fan section:
<%image(20090509-dulcedenweb.jpg|448|336|Dulce and Denise)%>
After that we picked up the laundry and then took a walk again around town. Here are some of the things we saw:

Oh here is a bit of randomness. Apparently, my friend Barry is operating a ice cream shop in Aguascalientes:
<%image(20090509-barryweb.jpg|448|336|Helados Barry)%>”

Visiting the Family.

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“Today was a big walking day. Walking to and from Plazas mostly (then again Mexico has lots of them). First we went to my aunt Adriana’s house, she is the oldest on my father’s side. Then we went to the Plaza Aguascalientes. Until recently it was believed to be the center of Mexico, but after a survey was completed it turns out it is only the center of Aguascalientes. Then Denise and I walked back and forth to “”Jardin de San Marcos”” (Garden of San Marcos) looking for eachother. We eventually did find eachother, Denise had a Tortigringa (an American Torta which apparently consists of meat and cheese) and went back to the family home. All told, another exciting day.
A follow the AJ man video:

This is a picture of my aunts Adriana and Socorro:
<%image(20090508-adrianasocweb.jpg|448|336|At my Aunt Adriana's house.)%>
This is the entrance to a beautiful park called “”Isla San Marcos”” (Isle of San Marcos), but it was closed due to the flu and the guard said they hadn’t gotten the order to reopen it yet, they are hoping to get the new order by Friday (gotta love the paperwork system here):
<%image(20090508-islasanmarcosweb.jpg|448|336|Isla San Marcos)%>
This is AJ inspecting the shoe shiner stand, I got my shoes shined for 1 dollar:
<%image(20090508-shoeshineagsweb.jpg|448|336|AJ inspect the shoe shiner stands.)%>
This is me and AJ checking out the murals in the State of Aguascalientes Governor’s Palace.
<%image(20090508-govagsweb.jpg|448|336|Me and AJ checking out the murals)%>

Oh, and if your wondering what an “”American”” pizza is in Mexico. It is a pizza with green olives, mushrooms, bacon, and mozzerella cheese.”

Keep those tires a rollin’!

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“Well, yesterday we started out in Guanajuato and ended up in Aguascalientes. We took mostly the free roads and passed by the city of Leon, a town called “”Incarnacion de Dias””, and too many small villages to count. The trip was fun we got stopped twice, once for flu inspection and once by the army. We passed the health inspection pretty easy, but the army got mad because I took a picture. Funny thing was is the picture didn’t come out and the only bag they inspected was Denise’s!
Anyhow we are now in Aguascalientes and we plan to stay here until Friday. It is really hot here and Denise got a little bit of heatstroke, but she is doing better now. AJ is having fun visiting all of his relatives and finding all the dirt he can. Luckily he enjoys getting wet because all his uncles and aunts keep washing his hands, he must of had his hands washed like 20 times yesterday afternoon.
Here are a few sights from yesterday…
The road trip:

This was Abuelo and AJ at Burger King (first place in Mexico I have seen where you have fountain drinks), the menu is essentially the same, but it is slightly more expensive and they give you Chile Verde sauce along with your ketchup:
.<%image(20090507-burgeraguasweb.jpg|448|336|Burger King is expensive in Mexico.)%>
AJ visits with is 2nd Cousin Monica and his Great Aunt Flor:
<%image(20090507-cousins3web.jpg|448|336|Monica, AJ, and Flor)%>

”

Countryside part II

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“How to have a lovely day in Mexican countryside.

Start with a morning stroll in your jardin hacienda…
<%image(20090506-101_0225a.jpg|448|299|)%>

Hit the road, and first take a short stop in Dolores Hildago, where Father Hildago rang the bell to start the Mexican Revolution. Admire all the signs counting down to Mama’s 34th birthday. (This country is really going through alot of trouble to throw her a fabulous party next year!!)
<%image(20090506-101_0239a.jpg|448|317|)%>
<%image(20090506-101_0238a.jpg|336|448|)%>

Continue on to the city of Guanajuato, one of Abuelo’s favorite cities. Admire the street musicians and the beauty of multiple plazas.
<%image(20090506-PICT0008.JPG|426|336|)%>
Because this is a city built on hills, be sure to hitch a ride while admiring the old world architecture.
<%image(20090506-PICT0022a.jpg|336|341|)%>
And, if Mamma and Papi must kiss on “”Calle de Besos“” then so be it!!
<%image(20090506-PICT0012.JPG|250|448|)%>
Lastly, make sure to spend lots and lots of quality time with Abuelo!
<%image(20090506-101_0254a.jpg|336|448|)%>

John’s edit:
AJ wanted to show you some quickie tours:
First, San Miguel…

Second, a quick tour of Plaza Dolores de Hidalgo…

”

Escape to the Countryside.

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“Well, everything here in Mexico is going well. After resting a couple of days, we have hit the road for a family road trip out to Aguascalientes. The first stop, however, on our trip is San Miguel de Allende. Noted for its hometown hero, Allende, this colonial town has been invaded by Americans who have turned it into Mexico’s Arts and Crafts capital. Today we stayed at a Hacienda called “”Quintana Loreto””. It is a funny place, when you see it from the outside it is just a ugly looking wall, but you go in and it is a beautiful hotel with gardens, birds, and a pool. Lots of Americans seems to be living here as there are some long term apartments in the back of the property. AJ is sleeping fine now in his tent. He whines a little when we put him to bed, but he does that at home too. I don’t have time or battery power to post much, but I leave you with some quick pictures.
This is from a place called “”El Mirador””, it overlooks San Miguel de Allende. In the background you can see the cathedral:
<%image(20090505-miradorweb.jpg|448|336|Gotta love this vista.)%>
This was taken from the pool, AJ loves water! You’d think he was a fish:
<%image(20090505-poolweb.jpg|448|300|It was a little cold, but AJ didn't mind.)%>
AJ and Denise walking down the street in the center of San Miguel de Allende:
<%image(20090505-streetweb.jpg|448|336|AJ's looks to be up high.)%>
AJ loved the beef at Cafe Ole:
<%image(20090505-torosweb.jpg|448|336|AJ loves to laugh.)%>

P.S. For those wondering about the flu,not many seem to care anymore. We only saw a few people wearing masks leaving the city. We are anxiously waiting for Wednesday when the museums open back up.”

The First Day….

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“Well, we’ve made it here to Mexico. Our flight was fine, AJ particularly enjoyed the take off and landing. As soon as the nose left the ground, he fell asleep!! Unfortunately, he only slept through the first 40 minutes or so of the 3 hour flight, but we all survived. He didn’t have any issues adjusting his ears, (didn’t need to suck on anything and no crying) so living at 5000 feet and going up and down at least once a week does have some advantages. One other good thing was that the plane was only about half full, so we were able to get a (free) seat for AJ and he was able to wiggle across all three seats for the bulk of the flight.

Here in Mexico, even I have noticed some differences from last time we were here and the city was NOT shut down for the flu. Maybe half the people in the airport were wearing some sort of dust/surgical mask and over the PA, mixed in with the normal “”don’t leave your luggage alone”” message, was a message about washing your hands more often because of the flu. We also passed through a thermal scanner to make sure that we didn’t have a fever. (All of us were a nice reasuring shade of blue.) Outside of the airport, Traffic was much lighter than I remember. By this I mean that traffic was at normal Bakersfield/Provo/San Bernardino type levels instead of the bumper to bumper, clench your seatbelt, close your eyes, and pray type madness that usually goes on in the main city streets. It was also interesting to see big orange stickers “”closed by order of the law”” sealing up many resturaunt doors. We did stop for a pizza, and there were long long lines at all the fast food drive-ins. (And big signs in front the fast food places “”the drive in is open!””)

We have also survived our first disaster. Yesterday morning we realized, about an hour away from home, that no one remembered to grab Bunny, AJ’s sleeping companion. As all you parents know leaving the sleeping companion at home, when sleeping in a new place is just not a good thing!! So, last night it was 50 long minutes of crying before AJ exhausted himself and went to sleep. However, thankfully, once asleep, he did sleep through the night and he woke up happy this morning. Maybe only 45 minutes of crying tonight? We can dream.

This morning he is happily being spoiled by almost everyone in the house. (Everyone but his Momma.) He is enjoying exploring his new digs and having everyone cater to his every wish.

Well wishes to all, and we’ll get some pictures up soon. –Denise
“