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Now since things
are a little behind the times in Mexico, no "field trip forms" were
needed nor a lawyer's signature. I opened the side door to the van
and it suddenly looked like the roof of the US Embassy during the
fall of Saigon. They knew two trips were planned, but they also
knew there might be a cartoon not to be missed, so they squeezed
in as if this had been rehearsed. Kids sat on laps that were already
sitting on laps.
Four more could
fit behind the last seat, but it would be tight. They lay down and
seven kids climbed upon each other like living cordwood. The trunk
lid was closed and even with all 32 of them in there, I found the
driver's seat empty. The speed bumps brought expected laughter and
pedestrians along the way did double takes. Our arrival in front
of the theater literally stopped traffic. Many of the on-lookers
thought it was one of those thousand-clowns-in-the-tiny-car routines
from the circus.
We made it in
time (since there was no cartoon) and I agreed to come pick them
up (in three civilized trips) at the designated time. I arrived
a little early and the usher nodded and allowed me in without paying.
As I entered the darkened theater and my eyes were adjusting to
the dark, I felt a small sticky hand grip my index finger and pull
me toward a seat. After my eyes fully adjusted I looked to my right
and saw that two entire rows of seats were filled, while every other
seat in the theater was empty. It was like The Waltons in Mexico.
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