The Journals from the Road
December 6-8: Santa-Coke Parades and TV Interviews, La Paz, BCS
Leon thought that I might be able to get an interview with one ofthe local TV
stations so early in the morning we drove up the hill to the station. Sure
enough, we got an interview for Tuesday at 10:30 am at the waterfront.
We were both really excited about the interview and congratulated each other as
we drove down the hill. As we zipped through town we saw a big Christmas
tree made out of chrysanthemums. Leon told me that it was placed in the
middle of the street by the new political party which recently took office in
the state. As he told me about it we were stopped by a reporter and camera
crew. She asked Leon what he thought of the tree. He said he thought it
was a great addition to the season and that it wasn't a traffic problem.
After this answer he quickly added that he was riding with a friend of his who
had biked from Oregon and was biking around the world for peace. She said
she wanted to interview me and he said we already had an interview lined up for
10:30 the next day. She told us to come to her station at 9:30 and bada-big
bada-bang within 15 minutes we had two interviews.
That night we went for a run together and although I would say I am in good
shape I was quickly outdistanced by Leon. On our way back we heard the
trumpeting of horns and saw shimmering lights on the main street.
Low and beyond, from around a palm tree twinkling with Christmas lights came
Santa Clause. Yes, it seems the real St. Nick has exchanged his reindeer
for the more economically viable plasti-deer and a large Coca-Cola truck.
And in the place of bags full of goodies a dozen glowing Coke trucks followed,
bearing beverages, all full of cheery Christmas six-packs, bubbly bottles, and
rosey receptacles of this rust-busting brew. Down the street they honked
and tooted and, low, it was a sound to be harkened unto from afar, a far, great
distance only.
And as they passed Tad pleaded, "Let there be peace on earth and may this
disabilitating din diminish." And there was soon a peace and a smell
of exhaust as they passed. And that was very good, well, good enough.
We toured the evening outdoor Christmas market and then headed home and to bed.
The next day was spent being interviewed in Spanish. And although my
garbled verbs often resembled gringo-lingo more than Spanish I made it through.
Luckily, Leon was at my side to throw out a few helpful phrases when my brain
bumped the mute button.
A note, in Baja kids can choose to go to school in the morning or afternoon.
Today, I was blessed and sent on my journey stuffed full of food and carrying
multiple knapsacks of goodies thanks to the handiwork of Mirta. Even more
wonderful is the memories of discussing travel with Mirta, exploring the town
with Leon, and being introduced to Shakira by Beatriz.
I am now on a 19 hour ride by ferry to Mazatlan. My bike is locked in the
lower compartment and was inaccessible. However, I was able to talk one of
the workers into letting me down for a visit to smuggle some grub and some warm
clothes for the night. I have sustained the first 6.7 hours quite well by
talking to another biker, watching the onboard movie, and even treating myself
to a cherry yogurt with granola.
The next 12 hours may be a bit like the stress training in the movie "The
Right Stuff" as the infant choir is just tuning up as the rest of us are
winding down. Unfortunately, my eaplugs are locked meters below so I may
have to revert to the wad of toilet paper as standby.
Goodnight all...I hope
TAD
An 'edu-venture' around the world for peace.
"We seek to connect young people around the world to each other so that
their friendships build a peaceful world for us all.
-Tad Beckwith
Tad and Leon in front of the La Paz Mission Church.
La Paz Mission Chruch.
La Paz waterfront.