Day 8, 3/9/04, Mexico City, D.F.

Debbie says, "Another good friend, and vintage and Carrera racer, Jose Antonio Calderon, was Terry's guide for the day today. Actually, we "moved in" with Jose and his wife Lourdes, the night before…another welcoming home away from home. Their son is a new Cooper driver, so everywhere we go we find the nicest folks driving these spectacular cars.

Terry and Jose spent the day at Jose's shop where Mario's brother, Miguel Domenzain, has his Vintage 260Z prepared. Jose Antonio races an immaculate Datsun 510, painted beautifully in BRE colors. Wow.

Jose's shop also prepares La Carrera cars and does incredible restoration work-see the photo of the Packard as an example. And he builds the cars of Vintage Racer Pablo Iturbide-including his very fast MGA-as well. Jose's body work and paint has to be seen to be believed, but take care…he is so busy he may not have the time to return your emails!!! (Ed. Note: the email thing is a running gag between Jose and Terry…I can tell you if you need Jose, he is THERE!!)

I had another long-time dream day as well. Lourdes had the day off from her busy teaching schedule, and she kindly took me to the Museo de Anthropologia. Everything I love is there…Mayan art, Olmec heads, textile exhibits, a week's worth of things to see. And if that was not enough, I have been studying the Mexican-American War, so a trip to the newly re-opened Chapultepec Castle was perfect. It is not everyday you get to gaze at the hills of Las Lomas from the top of the castle, check out Empress Carlotta's boudoir, or eat fresh coconut covered withlime and chile among the eucalyptus trees. Spectacular day, even without a single mention of cars!!!"

Day 9, 3/10/04, Mexico, D.F. to San Luis Potosi, SLP

After spending the morning again talking with Mario at his BMW and MINI shop, we reluctantly said "Adios" and headed north and back to Alex and Lupita's house in San Luis. It's hard to leave friends.

But arriving in San Luis, we discover that Alex has another unbelievably exciting evening planned. THE CIRCUS TIHANY IS IN TOWN!! So, as we say when we are with Alex ,"LET'S GO!!!" We cannot even begin to describe this circus, except by stuttering a few memorable moments…palomitas (popcorn, literally, "little doves" in Spanish), a Las Vegas showgirl line of dancers, a disappearing helicopter, a group of acrobats that would make Cirque de Soleil jealous, a contortionist that made EVERYONE wince in amazement, a visit to Thailand with dancing water fountains, a Rolls Royce, snow leopards and lions, a BEAR that did a high wire act on his own, more Las Vegas dancers, the Rockettes, a Ringmaster who made you remember that old uncle everyone told you to stay away from, and a black light finale with painted guys falling from the ceiling to within inches of your chair. Holy smoke. And then, as the closing music begins to fade, you hear "LET'S GO!!!" again and Alex and Lupita grab your hands and you are RUNNING TO THE CAR and next thing you know you are the first ones out of the parking lot and on your way to eat dinner and its only 11:45 pm!!! (Debbie thought she wasn't hungry but after gobbling shrimp rolled in coconut with fresh pineapple/mango/chipotle salsa she sang a different tune.) And so, bed before 2 a.m…another perfect day in Mexico with the best friends in the world.

Day 10, 3/11/04, San Luis Potosi, SLP to Austin, TX, 29,303 mi when we are home

But it all must draw to a close. Up early, off by 8pm with hugs for the Jimenez family. A great breakfast watching birds in Matehaula. And then the long drive home. Lil Schmutzie hasn't said much throughout the trip, but I can guarantee she loved every minute of it all. Never a moment of trouble or hesitation, these MINI COOPERS are just incredible cars. And the people who choose to drive them? Incredible as well. Here's to the open road, MINI COOPERS, friends, and the warm hospitality that Mexico has to offer. I hope we three go back soon.

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