In the 1500's Hernan Cortez came from Spain to Mexico and robbed Mexico of its gold. He conquered Montezuma and took the gold back to Spain where it decorates various churches and other buildings today. He came into Mexico from the Gulf and journeyed a very short distance up a river which may be the Rio Paso de Ovejas. He landed and established his first of several settlements in Mexico at this spot which is called La Antigua. The cannon was one of his and the jungle-covered walls are part of his hacienda. La Antigua is only 10 or so miles north of Veracruz.

The second photo is of a Marimba Band playing in a small open air restaurant on the banks of the river.

Finally, a favorite missionary companion in the Veracruz Mission waiting for her lunch of breaded shrimp. She has not yet requested a transfer of the president. Good news . . .