So we haven't made a decision yet...we've been in La Paz for 2 weeks...tied to the docks at Marina Palmira. No more rockin and rollin. Lots of peace and quiet. I've even completed a couple of those "long put-off projects". There's an Applebee's, McDonald's and Burger King. And the weirdest thing...a Chinese restaurant with Mexican waiters and cooks...it wasn't bad. This morning I watched a fisherman catching bait...he seemed to be very happy. He was singing away oblivious to anyone watching him. Even the guy emptying the garbage was whistling away.

Susan's starting to come around about Mexico. Don't let the State Department fool you...this place is as safe as Anytown USA. We've walked, bused, boated and taxied all over town. The people are so friendly...most of them want to learn English as much as we want to learn Spanish. I've really had my eyes opened...they have the same wants and wishes we have. The Mexican people put their families first. They're very religious. Education and culture are very important to them. There's a fellow that works here in the Marina. His name is Ramon and he tests my Spanish every time I see him. He calls me Señor Pepe and he seems pleased when I have a new word or sentence for him. One may assume it's because of the tourist trade but it doesn't change when you get out away from the waterfront. The cost are about the same as in OKC until you start buying things for the boat then it's seems to be about twice as much...that's the one thing that has disappointed me. There are other negatives...even though it's safe here...it seems that the Mexican people don't trust each other. There's rot iron bars on all the windows and doors...fences around everything with barb wire. It seems that there are a lot of unfinished projects and buildings that are occupied but not finished. We found out that this is a tax loophole. You don't pay taxes on a building until it is finished...so nothing ever gets completed. You gotta love the good ole American Mexican loophole...

JW flew home Wednesday...I miss him already. This trip was hard on him...he was a real trouper and he hung in there. Hopefully he will have some fond memories that will last a lifetime. We took a taxi to the airport which is about 15 KM from the marina. The funny thing is you can get a taxi to the airport but not from the airport to town...go figure. I can't tell you why because I could not understand the driver Sergio...he spoke pequeño English and I speak pequeño Espanola. He kept saying something about the federally. Anyway when we arrived at the airport he started talking to La Policia then he motioned for us to go inside where we went to La Comisario Policia (the Boss). He eyed me up and down then said "Ok". I said, "Gracias Señor". I've been here long enough to figure out that the Sergio was asking for permission to stay and give us a ride back to town. What a Country! Even the parking lot attendant gave him a hard time about giving us a ride back to town. And it only cost us 440 pesos $36.50 US...not bad.

Christmas is only 24 days away...all the stores are playing holiday music...they even sell real trees here. However I just can't get into it. The weather is so nice it doesn't feel like Christmas. I guess that means the boys aren't getting anything this year. It also looks like we'll be here through the end of the year. Well I guess that's all for now. Adios, Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo.