SAFARI, HERE I COME

I leave today for the first leg of my African Safari, which will be to the Seattle area for a quick visit with 3 of my 4 children who live in the surrounding West Sound area and hopefully to see friends also. It will give me an opportunity for some last minute shopping for a couple of items that are not available in Zihuatanejo. On the 23rd of July I fly Seattle to Amsterdam, this is a 10 and a half hour flight and then the much shorter flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi. I have planned to spend 1 full day in Nairobi just adjusting to the time difference and un-jet-lagging before the safari begins.

Packing is quite a process for this trip as you are limited to a combined total for your carryon and checked bags of 44 lbs . My suitcase weighs in at 22 lbs and my back pack a 6.6 lbs so I’ll be ok even though I will be adding a couple of small items when I get to Washington. I have learned to travel light.

Not a lot of music entertainment this time of year but I have been particularly enjoying Thursday nights at Casanova’s to listen to the lovely voice of Kerelei. She does old show tunes, some country, lots of Frank Sinatra era with a beautiful, powerful voice that makes me think she is probably theatre trained. Go for dinner or just a drink and stay for the show 7 ish on Thursday evenings. Also I highly recommend Casanova’s gazpacho, mi favorito and the best in Zihuatanejo.

Zihuatanejo remains warm and wonderful. I love it as it only rains at night and with lovely loud, bright thunderstorms, and lovely sunny days. Temperatures do reach the low 90’s, but cools off quickly to pleasant evenings. With that said yesterday I went to Maderas on Playa La Madera for one last beach day. It was lovely and sunny when I arrived and then the wind picked up and blew in some dark stormy clouds and the rains began. Everyone shifted from their beach umbrella tables to ones under full cover even if a bit leaky and watched the storm blow over with heavy thunder. And lightning you could hear sizzle. 45 minutes later it was all over.

A couple of new restaurants have opened up. It has surprised me that they would choose to open during the off season but I’m no expert. Kaizon (and I hope I have spelled it correctly) is located in the old upstair location were El Agave was for many years above the “beadman” on Nicholas Bravo. My friend Judy and I had lunch there and we both agreed it was quite good. I think they will need better signage or they will get overlooked. Then last night I had dinner at El Narvales across from Shimia and Brenda’s bar. I had a marlin taco served “haystack” style that was very tasty. They were out of white wine and offered to go to the store to get it but Brenda brought a glass from her bar across the way and saved them the time and trouble of a store run. Very good dinner. Great cooperation.

But probably the best meal I’ve had all week was breakfast at El Perla Negre, Nellie’s eggs on avocado toast is to die for. And you also get a lovely side salad, which I brought home for my lunch.

I hope to post pictures and comments on face book while on safari. All I’m bringing is my phone camera so probable no super close ups. Signing off KO