If Mexican Immigration is one of the least efficient organizations in the country, the Mexican buses are one of the most efficient. Riding to and from Chihuahua to get Ron sent north reminded me of the beauties of Mexican buses.

These days all the main line buses are tremendously modern and comfortable, with big, tall, padded seats and a courteous, skilled driver. They still do usually stop for people who wave them down on the road, and they let people off where they need to be let off along the way. It's a nice thing.

At most stops, a vendor or two will come on the bus and offer burritos or tamales or sodas. Sometimes they just get on and then off; sometimes they ride the bus to the next stop, then ride a bus going the opposite direction to get back.

Yesterday we had a wonderful guitarrist and singer get on and serenade us for several minutes - quite a pleasure. I got to talk with him a bit, and like most of the other men in Chihuahua, he had worked in Colorado for some time, but was happy to be at home.

And all of the four or five people who sat next to me were pleasant, sharing their stories. In the US, bus travel is used only by a few, who generally have no other options. In Mexico, it's used by everyone, so you get a more comfortable mix of people. The buses are marvellous.