Best tacos this side of Mexico

Onward.

Leaving the coast behind and arriving into California's central valley. Waiting in the still lonely heat of the station as the train pulls away leaving a vacuum of silence. I'm here to meet Brian, the next link in a string of friends I'm visiting as I work my way north. I know Brian from graduate school and from Katie, his girlfriend and excellent friend of mine I teach with in Michigan. He is how you say,...'that guy'. Hmmm, meaning he is always up for fun times and adventure. Laughing outlook and warm heart. These days he does river restoration work for the San Joaquin River Conservancy here, though soon he will be making the move back east to Vermont to be with Katie.

Spending a couple hours waiting for Brian to get off work there was little to recommend except how much Mexican influence is everywhere in the valley. A whole migrant subculture from Mexico and further South transplanted to al Norte. I had tacos down the street at a local taqueria tasting just like the real ones they make in Mexico City. Walking past a picture of Emiliano Zapata as soon as I walked through the door glowering over the quote, "I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees". Fans lazily revolving amidst the heat and speaking in Spanish with a little Mexican girl running off with my order.

We are heading to a show at Lake Tahoe for the weekend. Arriving near midnight with just enough time to catch the glimmer of lights sparkling on the distant shores of the lake over a cold beer before passing out exhausted. I snapped this shot earlier in the journey. A snack for the road and the best tacos I've ever tasted this side of Mexico. Tacos Hidalgo, deliciouso.