March 31st

This is a real holiday of surprises!

There are speed bumps all over this part of the world but they are not painted a different colour like ours, nor are there any signs so they are hard to see at the best of times. They are vicious and you have to stop completely and roll over them.

On the way home from Tula last night we went over one at speed, despite some late braking, as it was impossible to see due to the low sun and the fact that they are, as I said, almost invisible.All the girls in the back seat bounced up to the ceiling of the car and back. I didn't really think much more about it and as we were back late we all dashed into dinner and had a good time.

Last night I was in agony, unable to sleep and ended up sat up against every pillow and cushion I could find. I could feel bone grating on bone and knew it would mean a trip to the local quack!

Uschi took me into Jilatopec where I had an x-ray done for £15 which showed that there was indeed a fracture. Then we popped round the corner, clutching my x-rays to the local doctor and he said that there were four broken ribs and gave me some pills and a needle in the bum! I get to keep the xrays as a kind of memento!! 

It seems that Uschi has to give me an injection every day in my derriere. She said not to worry because she injects the horses all the time. At this point I just wanted to point out that I had thinner skin than a horse. She just smiled with a bit of a glint in her eye, hmmm .......

 I have been in contact with my travel insurance to tell them what has happened and the doctor has recommended an upgrade on the way home to Business or First class as I won’t be able to sit comfortably for 11 hours and not be jarred or disturbed by other passengers. We have scanned all the doctor’s notes and sent off an email – so now we have to wait and see what happens. Regardless I think that yesterday was my last ride for this holiday which is a pity because I was really enjoying it. So now I will just have to read all those books I brought with me and get a bit of a tan – a kind of beach holiday without a beach.


It has, however, given me the chance to walk around the ranch and time to appreciate how hard Uschi has worked to get the ranch to where it is today, especially when you realise that the Mexicans are not used to a woman being the boss.
   
She bought it as a piece of land and set to building her dream. She has added more buildings as she went along but started off with just the main house, adding the barn and horses' accommodation and has gone on from there. She has great taste and knows what people would want from their holiday. The landscaping is tastefully done and a pleasure to wander through, there are little touches everywhere that reveal her personality.

 
 
Primarily people come here for the horses and she will not let you down there. Each one has bag fulls of character and always raring to go when asked to canter, again, slowing down and stopping at your request. I would however recommend borrowing some chaps as the cacti can be quite evil!

But people also come for the weather - it hardly rains here and also the most amazing food - a kind of fusion of the best Mexican and Swiss food you could imagine, with a twist. Come and try it!!



I believe she now has a stunning swimming pool for guests to relax in, adding to the hot tub and the massages to leave you feeling a new person (but probably with a bit of a sore bum!!)