“In the Mexican culture, we never miss a baptism, a birthday, a baby shower, a wedding shower, a wedding. You must show up. Otherwise, you’ll be in big trouble.” Eva Longoria, American actress

Eva’s quote really applies to all Latin cultures. So, after 18 months of self-imposed travel restrictions, it was time for us to head back home for our combined Familia Cubana/Mexicana reunion and grandniece, Havana Sky’s, baptismal combined with her 2nd birthday celebration.

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I offered to buy her dress knowing how beautiful baptismal clothes are in Mexico. A trip to Centro Histórico, in downtown Guadalajara, provided many choices in shops along one street devoted to social occasions. The perfect dress was found; simply elegant with an added beaded belt, just enough bling for a real princess dress.

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Havana Sky did indeed look like a princess; correction, an Empress is what I’ve proclaimed her to be. However, during the baptismal upside-down dip, she did not want anything to do with the priest and she let herself be heard, loud and clear; clearly not royal behavior.

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Nephew Eddie and Susie’s three kids are very loving. Eddie, Jr., aka Cash, the oldest at five, has the silkiest hair that these fingers have ever caressed. Charlie made quite an impression with his inquisitive, curious nature. As for Havana, well, she’s two, quite the handful and already possessing a strong, independent mind.

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We experimented with this trip by flying into Tijuana, utilizing CBX: Cross Border Express, a fee-based service that connects TJ airport with Otay Mesa, CA via an international bridge. It’s convenient and easy with substantial savings vs. flying into LAX directly (no Covid test necessary). Rental cars are much less costly here and are available just outside the terminal – a one-minute walk. It was just 45 minutes from landing to sitting inside our rental car. Unbelievable.

Conveniently, our drive north to LA enabled us to visit with my San Diego cousins, and their beautifully accomplished daughter/my goddaughter, Alessandra. Three hours later, caught up and back on the road to L.A. County.

Besides the family obligations, we both had a list long of items to buy and things to do during our short stay in America.

First up – upgrade our phones. Easy, right? Don’t ask. It somehow turned into a hellish 3-hour nightmare. Driver’s License Renewal. Mine had expired over 1 1/2-year-olds ago. When you mention California DMV, what comes to mind is a wasted, frustrating day. Well, the bureaucratic gods were with me that morning. Armed with a 9:00 appointment, I arrived at the Inglewood DMV at 8:35 and by 8:57 was on my way to breakfast.

This brings me to my first sticker-shock: breakfast = $38.31 + tip at IHOP pancakes. Omg. Have I been away that long? Or have I become spoiled by a more affordable way of life? I’ve mentioned before my love affair with Taco Bell’s cheesy bean and rice burrito. Always a must-have upon landing. Well, it’s over, folks! Now $1.59 and it does not even taste good to me …not that it tasted any better at $ 0.99, but it was always comforting. Whatever happened to their dollar menu?

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Our time NOB would pass by quickly. Short, but sweet. Two big empty suitcases helped provide in packing up all the stuff we’d accumulated; challenging? Nah, cause you’re dealing with a professional with years of experience in these matters, to revise the slogan, “Leave the Packing to Me.”

The return trip through Tijuana had a few, minor blips; including a long discussion over the cost of the Roomba Robot purchased quite some time ago and awaiting pick up at a friend’s home. Mexican customs and immigration requested additional tariffs to collect on a new electronic product being imported. A pleasant exchange followed with some added charm and soft plea bargaining; bringing down the fee substantially. Lesson learned – no more “toys” from NOB.

There was an unexpected baggage delay at Guadalajara airport (perhaps they’re not used to full flights again?!), and one final stop at the muy famoso  pitstop restaurant: Los Milagros Dahlia  on the road home for a quick bite. Who’d have thought that the place would be packed with families a half-hour before midnight on a Monday?! Their flavorful burritos are substantial and priced well at $1.97.

On The Menu … Sushi highlighted our quick food tour with a new fish discovery – Amberjack. Next time I’ll order a full line of them. A great seafood pasta, clam chowder and at long last, a tasty American Chinese dinner (impossible to find in Mexico).

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Staying with my aunt and Padrino provided substantial eats … what I call dining at Tia’s Cafe … her café con leche  is wondrous and her abundant Cuban breakfasts kept one satisfied for the long, HOT days ahead in the Santa Clarita Valley. Hello ~ 108 degrees at party time!

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