Bruce and I are still meandering around southern Texas. We've spent a lot of time in the Rio Grande Valley. A few days ago we went to a bull riding competition in the town of Mercedes. It was pretty cool, although I hated to watch the guys get thrown off of the bull. A few of them were stomped on or chased by the bull. Most of the younger guys wore helmets and padded vests for protection.
What do you call a bull that is taking a nap?
A bulldozer. LOL!!!
We've been to a couple of wild life preserves for bird watchers. (Bentsen Rio Grande State Park and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge) Those bird watchers are serious. They have all sorts of cameras with telescopic lenses and they hide behind blinds to wait for the birds to arrive. Have you ever heard of a green jay? Either have I, but we saw a few and they are pretty. We saw a bunch of chachalacas and if anyone ever calls you a chachalaca it's because you talk too much. They say 80% of the red head drake from Canada and northern USA spend the winter down here in the Laguna Atascosa Refuge. The parks are pretty and have trails to walk or ride bikes on. The American Bird Conservancy designates the refuge as a "globally important bird area".
Just about every town has a flea market and we've gone to a few. The one we went to in Mercedes was mostly Mexican. They sell lots of used clothing, new clothing, fruit and veggies and the usual junk. We've been eating lots of tacos and found a very tall Mexican making some authentic tacos. I say very tall because it seems that most Mexican men are short. Anyway his tacos were really good. We bought the usual ground beef tacos but he had us try a fajita taco, which was awesome. Of course we had to buy two more. Mexicans don't put cheese on their tacos. He put cilantro and onions on. I usually don't like cilantro but these were really good. We listened to some music at this market also. They call it conjunto music. It's like polka music with a Mexican twist. There is aways an accordion in the band.
Since Mexico is just across the Rio Grande we decided we should venture over the border. It's easier to park the car and walk over. It only cost a quarter each way, and the US checks passports on the way back. It was interesting. All the venders wanted you to check out their stuff. I found the tin ornaments I wanted. We had a nice lunch in a recommened restaurant that was filled with tourists. Mostly older retired people. We bought a bag of Churros from a street vender and his wife. These are fried dough type things with sugar on them. I also found what they call milk candy. This is condensed milk and sugar cooked to a soft ball stage with pecans on it. I might try to make this some day.
Tonight we are at South Padre Island and are going to a kite festival tomorrow. I'll post picture of kites tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment