I'm not certain, but I think it's been 15 years since I've been across the boarder to Nuevo Laredo. I can still remember the first time I walked across the bridge exited and full of wonder at the anticipation of entering another country. I was a 15 year old high school kid always looking for adventure and instantly fell in love with the city. The particular bridge I crossed lead to the main street of the centro (the center of the city). The first thing that jumped out at me was all the action going on. There were vendors galore and people walking up and down the streets carousing, talking and having a great time. If you wanted something to eat or drink, you would only have to stop and ask the nearest food vendor. If you wanted to buy a pair of shoes, you needn't go very far. There were shoes stores, on what seemed to me, on every corner. And, of course there was the music. Some of it was musica nortenea, mariachi and some Spanish pop. The atmosphere was electric and it brushed off on me to my delight.After that first trip to NL, I couldn't wait to go back. My theater director (which also was the most influential teacher to that point) planned regular trips to the boarder city and I was always right there, ready to go. It was this point in my life where I learned that it was OK to travel ninety something miles to go have dinner. I thank you so much Mr. Howell. The allure of Nuevo Laredo never subsided. Every single time I went back, I was just as exited as the first time I was there.
After high school I continued to go to Nuevo Laredo. The most wonderful times I had there was when I introduced my wife to it. And yes, I did convince her that driving ninety something miles for dinner was OK. She loved the city as I did and it was so great watching her absorb Nuevo Laredo just as I had done that first time. Our favorite place to eat was a quaint little restaurant called Mexico Tipico. We did eat at other places, but that seemed to be our place of choice most of the time. We bought countless amounts of fruit and other items during the times we were there. It was especially nice bringing back Tequila and rum. We would also take orders from our family as well. We took back Leche Cemada, Dulce de Calavasa and many other things. The times we had there were very special indeed. The only regret is that I failed to take very many pictures of our times there. But, I have my memory. That will have to surfice.
The times have changed for the worse. There is a dark and ugly cloud hanging over Nuevo Laredo these days. There is violence, fear and violence. This makes me very sad. It makes me sad, not only because I'm frighten to return there, that would be selfish. I feel sadness for the people of Nuevo Laredo. I don't live there, they do. However, I do feel robbed. No longer can I go and enjoy a beer at the market and listen to great music. No longer can I speak with the people of Nuevo Laredo and listen to them tell me about there lives and vice versa. No longer can I go enjoy a good dinner at Mexico Tipico and enjoy the ambiance. It's sad and tragic.
I can only hope that one day before my time is up, I can once again see Nuevo Laredo the way I remember it. For now, only the memories of those great times will have to fill the void. Nuevo Laredo, how I miss you. Nuevo Laredo, vuelve un dia. Viva Nuevo Laredo!
