Welcome
Back on our Rio Grande float, the guide told us we had to cross the border and go into Boquillas, Mexico. He described the whole experience and we got excited about doing it. So that night we did some research and found a hack job of a blog, but that led us to an article written by Robert Earl Keen. After reading it we knew we had to go.
REK fans will love the article, but in case you don’t want to read it, he basically tells the story of how a guy he calls John Stranger, convinces him to go to Boquillas and how once goes he’ll write a song about it. And he did.
For 30 years we’ve been loving this song. Our friend Doña Doña even made her own version of Gringo Honeymoon cookies and mailed them to us after we eloped! We had no idea it was a real place, but his lyrics magically transported us on a Gringo Honeymoon. Now we’ve been there and tried to relive it the way REK did.
Go ahead and click play to join us on a musical journey. The actual lyrics are on the left and what we experienced is on the right.
We were standing on a mountain top
Where the cactus flowers grow
I was wishing that the world would stop
When you said we’d better go
We took a rowboat across the Rio Grande We took a rowboat across the Rio Grande
Captain Pablo was our guide Captain Fermin was our guide
For two dollars and a weathered hand For ten dollars and a weathered hand
He rowed us to the other side He pulled us to the other side
The end was not in sight
And we dreamed all afternoon
We asked the world to wait
A gringo honeymoon
We stepped out on to the golden sand
The sun was high and burning down
Rented donkeys from an old blind man Rented donkeys from Celestino Joaquin
Saddled up and rode to town
Tied our donkeys to an iron wood tree Celestino tied the donkeys to the other donkeys
By the street where children played
–
Was running from the DEA but he was afraid to take his picture.)
He left a home and wife and family
When he made his getaway
To his run down one room shack
He blew a smoke ring and he smiled at us
I ain’t never goin back
The end was not in site
And we soared that afternoon
We asked the world to wait
A gringo honeymoon
He took us to the town’s best bar (The Carta Blancas were $2 each!)
And he sang like Marty Robbins could
Played like no one I know
And it was ours to take back home
And we were singin like
The end was not in sight
We asked the world to wait
So we could celebrate
A gringo honeymoon
Where the cactus flowers grow
I was wishing that the world would stop
When you said we’d better go When Greg said, Amelia it’s time to go
Big G and his donkey, Alicia
The short walk to the Rio Grande and the view from the cantina were beautiful.
Before crossing the border we did a short hike in the Boquillas Canyon.
Tourism is this town’s way of life. The kids were selling homemade bracelets.
The wind and air quality got really bad as we left our Gringo Honeymoon.
Loved the song! You two are so adventuresome.
Wow!! Amazing adventure, dang it’s a real place. Love the donkey ride.
🫏 🫏
What a fun post! Thanks for taking the time to create all that. The border was closed at Christmastime so we missed that one.
It was all Amy’s idea! And yes it took a lot of time and like usual I was trying her patience 😁
Was the donkey guy your chaperone? Did he stay with you the whole time? Very cool post! Loved it :).
Yes he was! When we crossed back into the US I told Amelia, Celestino had a heck of a day. Beers, lunch and a twenty dollar tip! She said, twenty? I gave him $40!
Outstanding post, very clever! Following along to the song was fun. And look at you guys, going on a spontaneous side trip! The pic of Big G on the donkey is one I won’t soon forget and the shot of Amelia on the boat is really cool.
Boo wind.
Thanks Needles! Amelia is pretty proud of the idea and her writing. You would’ve loved it for sure!
Great post, so fun to listen and follow along, very creative! Agree with Needles, Big G on the donkey has burned an image into my brain.
🤣
Piling on…really enjoyed following your adventure via the creative multi-media format. Very captivating and engaging! Kudos you two!
Gracias!
Well…I couldn’t love this more!! Thanks for the song, the pictures, and the adventure through your eyes!
Love you both! Keep the information flowing! I will read your posts aloud to your Subaru 🙂
¡Bien hecho! Una luna de miel tan interesante.
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Loved hearing the song (great song) and how you experienced it. So glad you went on this adventure and shared it the way you did. So cool!!! Big hugs!!!