Egypt and Mexico

We've been watching the news coverage of the popular uprising in Egypt. It's been remarkably peaceful, except for one day when the regime's thugs attacked the demonstrators in Tahrir Square. Yesterday hopes were high that Mubarak would step down, and when he failed to do so, the disappointed demonstrators renewed their determination. There were worries that violence would break out. This morning we heard that Mubarak had left Cairo and gone to Sharm-el-Sheik--and then the announcement was made that he was stepping down and turning the governing responsibility over to the military.

Jubilant celebration broke out all over Egypt. Now the really serious work of developing political parties and setting up a democratic government must begin. We are hoping that the military will move quickly in this direction.

This afternoon we joined our group of friends for a trip to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. They all went to Darryl's dance first, but we slept in. We met at Campanario Bar again. It's their favorite because Santiago is the bartender. Santiago's wife and very cute but shy grandchild stopped by today. It's a small place, but very friendly.

There were twelve of us, including the usual suspects plus Judy's son Kelly and his wife Shonas. This is their first visit to Texas, and they are enjoying the (relatively) warm weather compared to their home state of Kentucky.

Nuevo Progreso's tourist district is only several blocks just across the international bridge. So far it has been a safe place for Winter Texans to visit.

David, G.W., Hugh, and Jean at Campanario Bar

Steve, Lee, Ken, Jan, Hardy, Judy, Shonas, and Kelly

For lunch we went to the Red Snapper. Ken and I shared the jumbo shrimp plate with "baked potato," rice, and small lettuce salad. The shrimp were really jumbo and delicious. The potato was actually a small foil "boat" with mashed potatoes inside. They were good, but not what we were expecting....

Musician at the Red Snapper

Shonas pulls Hardy onto the dance floor at the Red Snapper. I don't think we've ever seen Hardy dancing before (except square dancing, of course).

Steve cutting a rug with Jan.

After lunch we went to Ruben's for haircuts. The best part is the wonderful back massage afterward.

Ruben cutting my hair.

We got to use our new electronic passports for the first time to re-enter the US. Ken drove home--I think I rested my eyes. It was 6:00 p.m. by the time we got home, so we took a quick walk.