Detroit evening times., 1945-03-06
rHE prTKoIr TIMEs


MEXICO CRY. March 5-Vera
Cruz! The great progressive
state and port Of Mexico -.
II has always been a special
dream OF miR-4 10 visit this place
with It's rich soil and vegetation,
and now it has come, true.
Senior miguel Aleman, minister
Of the interior, was my host, and
he scheduled one of the most
beautiful and interesting trips /
have ever taken. No trouble was
spared TO make it perfect, and /
am deeply grateful for ms
thoughtfulness and care in all de-
tails.
Mexico may well boast OF per-
feet roads and hotels, which add
much TO this land of enchantment
EFFICIENCY APPARENT
My insight into the country's
magnificence and progress re-
vealed anew the efficiency and
foresight of President Gen. AVlla
Camacho and his cabinet.
Sen0r Miguel A1eman, young,
able. and possessed of a charming
personality, is a splendid example.
Our arrival in Vera Cruz was
late at night with only the moon
10 light the road. We crossed the
JuaIapan- River oft floating
barge. very primitive and ro-
mantle.
Boys, hauling on ropes from the
opposite hank, provided the mo-
tive power,
NAUTICAL ATMOSPHERE
Our abode in Vera Cruz was the
II otel Mocambo, beautiful, and
nautical in all appointments.
orning came with the soft
swish of wind. and there was a
great temptation just TO loll in the
hamaca, or hammock, which Is a
fixture in every room. They are
wonderful for sieSta, VIII e n the
heat is intense and there is moth
ing to do but rest.
Finally we did get breakfast,
and then wandered down to the
beach. Whic h is reminiscent OF
Honolulu. -
The water is warm, and the
waves like chiffon ruffleS, softly
carressing the sands. A grove of
pines, called Pinetas, gave refresh
ing shade.
/ sat and watched the Mexican
beauties swimming. and saw in
the distance the island of Sacri-
ficios, which is a lovely sight. 1t
was near here that Herman Cortez
landed, and went inland TO Mexico
City.
FISHES FOR DIMES
As we strolled along the har-
bor'S edge We were -acosted hy a
Young TAD or 10, Juan Pedro by
name, and he asked us 10 throw
dimes into the water that he
might fish for them. And like a
fish he did. such lung power!
The skyline is filled with tower
ing factories and mills. w ic h
process sugar cane. vanilla and
coffee. And oh, the bananas, so
scarce in the American markets,
so plentiful here, in so many vari-
eties l couldn't even be & in to
enumeTate them.
Regretfully. we finally said
good-by TO Vera Cruz, and set out
for Fortin, which in itself is a
memorable spot.
The little town of Fortin de las
Flores is as close 10 a terrestrial
paradise as one could imagine
In the heart of the tropics, 1T is
lush with vegetation. a fragrant
corner of Gods garden.
GREETED WITH FLOWERS
We motored here, and on de-
scending from the car were
greeted by Lupe. Elena and
Brigida, bestowing leis of azaleas
and gardeniaS.
Mountains circle the town, with
the Pieo de OriZaba, an extinct
Volcano, towering above the rest.
one sees the Mexican Indian
come in from the Sierra, with
huge baskets. chiquihuites, filled
with flowers TO the brim. These
they roll along the edge OF the
pool until they are emptied. and
10! One may swim in a sea OF
flowers, and be well-nlgh smoth-
cred in their fragrance,
Roads leading out of Forth are
a veritable mass of tropical vege-
tatlon.
VEHICLES CROWDED
Buses or cameones, are the
popular medium of transportation