The 1938 Experience

The Larsons spent an overnight and full day of fun in El Paso before driving on to Arizona. In 1938 it was possible to go freely back and forth across the Rio Grande River, and the Larsons took advantage of that opportunity to take a bus tour to Old Mexico, where they saw an old jail, an ancient mission, a bullfighting ring, and other sights.

They had great fun that day and Fred noted several impressions of El Paso and also “Old Mexico” across the river in his small notepad:

• about 60% Mexican

• warm and grand

• Raviols, Tuccos, Hot Tomalas and other

• Mexico - Land of beggars and bullfights

• Old Mission 388 yrs old, Jail, Bull Ring

• City layout in North Border - no sewers, no water, no gas

• Rio Grande river separates US - river where fish swim backwards to keep sand out (what ????)

• Everyone is a seller - no set price on anything

• Cabarets

• Shops

• They really —— (can’t read this word darn it!) this bull in Mexico

Based on Fred’s description and the photos, I was expecting a trip down memory lane and went in search of the old part of El Paso, hoping for a stroll along the Rio Grande. Alas, it was not to be…

The 2023 Experience

Google told me that there was a riverwalk some 7 or so miles away, a 20 minute drive. I decided I had the time and that it was worth it, so off we went. A half-hour later I was in New Mexico crossing a bridge that promised a river walking trail on the other side, only to discover that there was no such trail but only a condominium community that was near the river but with no obvious access to it. Certainly no place inviting us to park and go for a walk. Discouraged, I went back the way I came and snapped this shot as I crossed the bridge:

With all my twists and turns trying to get to the pet store, I had passed a TexMex food truck a couple of times but since I was on a mission I did not stop. The second time past, though, I told myself that if I passed it one more time that I would stop and get some food. Sure enough, when I was finally on my way back to the campsite, there it was right on the corner. I parked the van and asked the young ladies running the truck what I should get. They made their recommendations which I happily accepted and then watched them make it nice and fresh just for me. Four birrias (which I had no idea what it was) and 4 tacos (they suggested that I get some of each so that I could compare). I took my feast back to the campsite where I enjoyed it and all my frustrations of the afternoon melted away.

And that’s all there is to tell about El Paso. I think the 1938 experience wins.