Travel Haiku - El Paso Poem by john tiong chunghoo

the same chime
of the old church bell
El Paso's Mission Ysleta

el paso
still lighted, the fiery melting pot
of american old west, mexico, native indian

halcyon el paso
the old church bell vibrates
in the wild west wind

El Paso, the largest city on the Mexico-Texas border, has a mix of influences from the American Old West, Mexico, and Native Indian culture. A 90-minute self-guided walking tour begins in San Jacinto Plaza, the original site of Ponce de Leon's ranch, and winds through El Paso's downtown historic district. Follow the Mission Trail, where you'll see original churches built by the Spanish in the 17th century, including Mission Ysleta, built in 1692 and the country's oldest continuously active church.