We arrived late in this old world town and it was now daylight. Here’s a quick visual part 2 of Laredo on a Sunday morning.
It was Sunday morning, so why not church? I am not Catholic but I was welcome to worship, of course, and to my small surprise the worship, sermon and hymns were in English. Keep in mind that Spanish is the main language spoken in most households in Laredo. Out of respect to members, I did not take photos of the typically ornate Catholic church; the door alone is a marvel.
Later, in San Augustin Plaza, I heard my second sermon. This one was in Spanish and much needed. A street preacher called out from the book of John to those sitting and passing by. He spoke with urgency. He seemed to plead. I walked in front of him and nodded encouragement with a smile. Twenty steps later, I walked past a dead cat I had spotted right on the corner of the Plaza.
To the south is the La Posada Hotel, which appears to be a decent place to stay. And just further south, about 500 feet to be exact, is the Rio Grande.
Note that the vines above have climbed at least four stories. We began walking toward the west and I saw a few waves of folks with bags or suitcases. Sure enough there was an alley and side exit for tourists and migrants coming in from the border station - it was not an illegal entry point but one managed by US Customs. I walked further back and clicked a shot of vines climbing a wall, at least 40 feet upward. Then I snapped an image of Mexico, framed by a remarkable flag.
I walked back to the street and saw interesting architecture and blight.
Looking at the image above, I am now reminded that yesterday in Houston, I saw a first - a man wearing a hospital gown, sitting at a bus stop.
I watched him for a good 10 minutes. One bus came and went, he remained. The man, who looked like a mix of Al Pacino-meets-Che Guevara, was perhaps in his 50s. His black beard was slightly greying in spots. His eyes were dark, large and round, the eyes of a sleepless Pacino.
Senor, I called out, you need some food? I motioned with my hands.
He very slowly stood and very slowly walked over. He said, yes, he would like food but also did I have any clothing? I told him no but perhaps to try Goodwill nearby.
“I need clothing. I was in hospital and don’t have clothes.”
Can you imagine? I think I perhaps failed as I now recall Jesus preaching about humility - of giving your shirt and your jacket if someone asks for your shirt. Still, I gave him half of my hamburger, neatly cut in two.
What is that man’s story? And the story of the man in the photo above? I do not know. The world is full of desperation.
Only a few shops were open as it was still Sunday morning. Still, there was color, light, shadow and interesting lines.
Keep in mind that the El Cuatro/El Tonto neighborhood, in which all these images were taken, is one of the poorest in the United States with 99.2% of all U.S. neighborhoods having higher wages and a better standard of living.
Importantly, half of the area’s children live below the federal poverty line.
It grew hot very quickly, climbing to 104F. With the constant news about global warming (I see this at least weekly while watching NBC Nightly News), I recalled that NBC was indicating that record heat would be set in much of the country that day, including Texas, while we were on this short trip. No record was set anywhere in Texas that weekend.
Then I looked up the hottest day in Laredo history. Wow - 115 degrees! That was blistering hot. When did that occur? Huh, more than 100 years ago! In 1908 on June 17, and then again on May 7, 1927. And a whole lotta heat-amplifying concrete has since been added.
About half a mile from the Catholic Church is The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo. It’s open air but largely in the shade and has a bit of everything.
With a final look toward Mexico, we left to the journey back to Houston… and like with most travel, I felt a lingering sense of longing for Laredo during the days that followed.
One square mile. Easily understood. You walk a mile, turn left, walk a mile and turn left, walk a mile and turn left, and then walk another mile right back to where you began.
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