Boys will be .. Brats

First things first...

The next day we had breakfast at our favorite place to begin a Zih morning, Salvador's Restaurant. It is an unassuming cafe located by the canal bridge on Adellita. It features outside seating, bargain prices and a parade of some of the most genetically interesting Gatos in town. This years posse of cats seemed to indicate a strong Siamese influence had entered the mix. I am guessing that some Americano Seal Point had gone "Tom Jones" with the local feline population. On this, our first morning in Zih, we sat at our favorite table under the mango tree. Gerry ordered the first of many chilequille breakfasts , Daniel had his customary bacon con huevos and I had a rather generic meal of scrambled eggs and toast. It wasn't that Salvador doesn't offer more intriguing choices but I had vowed this year to 'ease' into the local cuisine. I have a love/hate relationship with Mexican food. I love it - it hates me. After a big meal of chile laced sauces my digestive system stands up and screams Aye Carumba! No, this was going to be the year that didn't happen. I had brought along fresh Acidophilis in my luggage and was going to be carefully monitoring everything I ate. I for saw myself as the grand inquisitor of waiters concerning the picante rating. In fact as the vacation progressed I would sniff, nibble and poke at every meal as if it were laced with cyanide. My regimen was to eat bland, albeit boring, food and spare everyone in my party the daily recitation of my 'gut' update. Breakfast was served. As Gerry and Daniel munched happily away, my plate of scrambled eggs congealed in front of me. I took one more look at Gerry's chilequiles, grabbed his plate and dove in.

Next we took our requisite shopping trip to the Mexicana Commercial and filled the cart with fresh tortillas, cheese, juice and wine. I had my annual Zih tantrum because the guys won't STAT WITH THE CART. As this is a gigantic supermercado, ala Walmart, I spent the majority of my time self-righteously stomping from aisle to aisle looking for two oblivious Americanos. I finally found them stationed at outposts on the opposite end of the store. They were both proudly clutching their treasures, Hot and Spicy Trail Mix and Ritz Crackers, which they insisted were integral elements to the success of our vacation. I couldn't wait to repeat this game of hide-and-go-seek later in our trip at "The Labyrinth" - the maze of shops making up the Mercado . I planned to bring a leash.