Telling the story of travel is always a capturing of images, idiosyncrasies, ironies, and of whatever catches the eye and ear along the way. For Off to Mexico, I’ve used poetry and prose poetry to tell the story of Mexico, but as my wife says, “You don’t write poetry, these are just short stories.

” She may be right as I try to make my writing easily assessable and enjoyable. I’ve always enjoyed Mexico.

From the first time there in the ’80 in Cancun with Jo, my wife, and her sister, Sue, Mexico captivated me—the balmy weather, the music, the food, the people. I’ve not only traveled there with Jo, but with a friend, and on my own several times for language schools, retreats, and one solitary trip when I was recuperating from Lyme disease.

My Spanish is still exceedingly poor, but gestures and smiles seem to work well in getting by when words are hiding from you. In this small book, really a travel memoir of sorts, you’ll join along as a friend and I drive from Tucson down the west coast of Mexico, and, after three days, discover the charms of Sayulita.

You’ll travel along to Merida for my nervous first time alone in the country, where I attend a language school, but learn very little Spanish. You’ll also come along to Puerto Morelos, a small beach town, where I’ve spent time in retreats and on vacation.

And you’ll disappear in Holbox, a small hide-away island off the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Then comes Baja, gray whales, and kayaking the Sea of Cortez.

Finally, you’ll come along to the colonial village of San Miguel de Allende for my second Spanish language school experience, where again I learn little of the language, but enjoy the weather, the music, the food, and the people. .