Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
but kept away. Cipriano banged on the drum. He said he opened the store thirty-four years
ago, started with cowboy hats. He had a good location on the center plaza.
I thanked Cipriano and explained that all I could carry was my shoulder bag. I said I had
to find a hotel, and he pointed the way to the Melina Hotel.
As I entered the Melina Hotel, a huge wall photograph of a cascading waterfall greeted
me. At $30 a night for a very attractive room, it was the best so far. I asked about the photo.
“That's Tónachi,” I was told. It was only 40 km (25 miles) from Guachochi, but an hour's
drive.
My belief that there is always music, processions, pageantry, fairs and fiestas in Mexico,
and that you never need to plan for activities, was confirmed. I arrived on the first day of
the fair. Tonight there would be a Norteño band, a dance and the crowning of Miss Gua-
chochi.
It was a modest fair. It seemed like the carnival that came to my hometown in Colorado in
the 1950s. I attended the dance and sat as far away from the amplified music as possible.
The band played but the room echoed, and music blended into noise. The princesses sat
on a dais. The ceremony started late. I was tired so I left without knowing which beauty
became queen.
My bus would not leave until 11:30 a.m. the next day. I thought I might be able to sneak
in a side trip. I asked a taxi driver what it would cost to make a quick trip to Tónachi. “500
pesos,” ($45), he said, for the ride, one way. He didn't seem interested in talking about a
round trip with time for photos. Although I felt the price was high, at least I had some idea
of the cost.
Expenses: Hotel Melina $30, meals $12, buses $16, entertainment $23. Total: $81.
