Author: zihuathyme

I’ve been not at my best the last few days as I have been hit with with one of Mexico’s famous intestinal disturbances.  Actually ill one day with chills and probably a fever all symptoms point to it being viral and not food borne. Slept for 24 hours, feel fine now but still have a intestinal issue.  This should have posted a couple of days ago.

Last Wednesday Morgan and I visited La Chole the small Mexican village where an ancient Aztec civilization once flourished.  I have been their several times but this was a big thrill for Morgan.  By asking friends we were able to secure a taxi driver who spoke good English and was able to share lots of local information with us  I highly recommend Guillermo Otero.  He has a nice large air conditioned taxi and was very personable and informative. Originally there was to be 4 of us, but early the morning of  the tour Guillermo call me to let me know his friend from the village had called him to say it was not safe to come that day as their had been trouble on the road near by with a bus and  a garbage truck having been set on fire.  Of course we canceled and were thankful we had a  guide with good contacts.  These things don’t happen often but it’s wise to avoid trouble when you can.  By the time we rescheduled we were down to just 2 of us as Morgan’s co worker had to work the rescheduled trip day and my friend opted not to go.

As we set out 9ish that morning, our guide asked if we minded making a quick stop in a village called Coyacocoyul which I’m sure isn’t spelled correctly, to make a stop for some special cookies.  His wife is from this village and her very large family still lives there occupying many of the homes on one street.  He picked up his package of warm home made cookies and shared them with us and we were off to LaChole.

First stop was the museum, where our guide had arranged for Jose to meet us and conduct the tour.  Jose was born and raised in the village and his family discovered many of the artifacts that are housed in the museum.  His heart and soul are in this project, he is very proud of his knowledge and loves to share it with you and answer all your question and his English is OK, because all the signage is in Spanish even though our taxi guide told us that it is primarily Canadian and American tourists  visiting the museum.  He said Mexicans visiting Zihuatanejo don’t go out there, all they want is the beach, beer and the bars. It would be a create project for someone to produce at least a printed guide book explaining the different exhibits.  With out a guide you would not understand the significance of what you are viewing.

After the museum, we move on to the ball court and then the pyramid.  I had been out in this area 15 years ago before these ruins were unearthed, the fellow told us then that there was a pyramid and they were working to uncover it I really wasn’t sure if he knew what he was talking about, but the locals have known forever.  There area few, very few archaeologist still working out there as there is still much to discover, but progress is slow, money is tight and some of it is on private farm land and can’t be touched.

Our guide Jose next took us into his village and to his home where he showed us his private collection of artifacts.  Morgan was in 7th heaven getting to hold these ancient relics in her hands.

Jose’s family farms the land there and among other things they grow tobacco and Jose rolled a couple of cigars for Morgan to bring back to friends

It was a great day and a trip I highly recommend taking the time to visit this interesting bit of history. You can hire a taxi or take the bus to Las Achotes and then wait for the passaherra to take you to the site.

Morgan is having cigars rolled for her and is touching ancient artifacts, oh happy day! Signing off KO

Monday was our first beach day, we opted for Playa las Gattas. Rode the water taxi over with my favorite waiter of many years, Jose. He always takes good care of us. Did a little snorkeling, a little swimming and a tad too much sun.  Both Morgan and I are a bit pink in places where the sunscreen missed

As Morgan is volunteering with the Ayotlcalli Turtle Sanctuary she was to meet up with the other volunteers in Ixtapa for a children’s program sponsored by the local department of Ecology.

I went with her as she had never been to Ixtapa where it was being held. So now she is well indoctrinated on how to get around by bus.  The turtle Sanctuary did a puppet show on the life cycle of a turtle including all the hazards they meet in the ocean, many man made. Next the kids went from station to station to learn different aspects of how to protect the turtles.  Nice little program and lots of cute, bright interested kids.

We finished up the day with a “Meet and Greet” at Paty’s on La Ropa busy, but fun day even with the humidity being almost too high to enjoy the weather.  Signing off KO

What a night, beautiful, colorful and crowded, fiesta done full up! The food vendors were set up so Morgan finally got the churros she has been dreaming of.  We I visited all the alters and luckily was at the right place at the right time as two separate catrinia parades entered the Zocolo.

The alters were lit mostly by candle light but some had gotten quite creative with colored lighting. Some were very simple others quite elaborate.  Foods and drink and pictures were on display.  El centro Zihuatanejo was far more colorful than I have ever seen it.  More like our Christmas displays at home.

I would have to say their were hundreds of catrinias, some absolutely gorgeous, some funny and a couple a bit scary.  Parades started at several points in town and all converged at the Zocolo eventually. Their was judging of the alters and the catrinias and

I understand several thousand pesos were to be awarded.  Then to top the night off there was to be a rock concert.  My apartment is just far enough away from the Zocolo that they can party all night and not disturb me. Having a bit of trouble managing photos.  Put together a whole album but can’t get it to load.  But the above pictures are my favorites. Signing off KO

My first Mexican Halloween, I had no idea what to expect.  One thing happened that no one expected was RAIN! and bucket loads of it.  Since Steve and Brian were playing at Cate’s Legends Bar we thought we would go there and listen to the music and see what was going on.  Soon crowds of kids, most with parents following, began arriving with small bags and plastic pumpkins, some just had a bowl.  Some shouted Halloween, Halloween, some just smiled but not  one trick or treat was uttered. The bar and patrons  handed out candy until it was all gone.  When I went home a little before 10 some  kids were still splashing through the streets looking for anyone who had candy left.  The kids were in costumes, most home made and clever, some with purchased masks, most had their face painted or decorated including parents.  Frequently the parents were in some sort of costume or at least face paint. I think this will be the Halloween the kids talk about for years, running ankle deep in water from place to place to get their treats.  An interesting evening , next year I will be prepared with a bag of candy for treats.

Halloween is fun time for kids and parents, where Dia del Muerto is more celebratory and I would have thought more somber.  But here in Zihuatanejo it was also a fiesta.

Morgan and I went to watch the parade of catrinas on Calle Adelita last night and viewed many of the lovely alters that had been set up along the way and at the small cemetery. Quite artistic, thoughtful, some included pictures of past family members, foods or drinks they enjoyed.  A truly lovely sentiment and you know as they construct these alters their thoughts are about those whom they are remembering. their lives together.

The parade of the catrinas was a disappointment. I had expected beautifully painted faces, lovely costuming and what happened was a two minute passing of a group of 20 or so tightly packed together so you really couldn’t see individuals and most seemed to be in black robes white faces and then they were gone. But that is what happens when you have too high of expectations, best to keep ones mind more open

The fiesta part, was as expected, very loud music, some sort of a play was being conducted on a stage, table after table of food for sale, elbow to elbow folks visiting, laughing and enjoying themselves. Very Mexican.  Still more Dia del Muerto come today. Signing off KO

This is my first time I have been in Zihuatanejo for this very special Mexican tradition. Dia del Muerto honors and pays tribute to loved ones who have past.  It is not macabre, it is spiritual. The belief is that loved ones spirits are with the families on this night. To honor them and show their respect, alters are constructed with flowers and food and revered items of the loved ones.  Yes they miss them, but no longer mourn them  They can now happily remember them, tell stories about them and share with the younger generation.

Hopefully I have not misconstrued anything as I am still learning.  Fortunately I have a friend and neighbor who resides here full time and has for many years to guide me to places of interest that I might not otherwise know about.  Yesterday she took us to the Day of the Dead market.  Which is a “rabbit warren” of stalls tickey tacked together overnight on the side walks just past the big mercado with overhead tarps to protect from the sun.  It was crowed with shoppers and suppliers restocking the booths maneuvering the narrow passage ways.  It was festive and fun and interesting.  Came back with a skull made of sugar and a bunch of gold flowers for our apartment. the bottom picture is all candy. Friday and Saturday there will be some displays in the Zozolo, Cancha or plazza .  All names for the same place which the center of activities for Zihuatanejo.  It consists of a large plaza, a gazebo and a recessed basketball court. Signing off KO

This will be my earliest arrival in Zihuatanejo, October 26.  I wanted to be in Zihuatanejo for day of the dead.  I know this isn’t the biggest “Dia del Muerta” but it’s a good start for me.  A “life changing event” occurred this summer and I am learning to handle it with grace.  The Senior and I had been married 23 years but he has chosen to live his life on a different path and filed for divorce. So I am moving on and am finding life as a very independent lady quite exciting, interesting and at times daunting. I’m looking forward to renewing old friendships and making many new. As usual I will post as I see interesting things to share with you.

I should add I am not arriving alone, my number 1 granddaughter Morgan, is going to be with me in Zihuatanejo for a couple of months.  She is a wildlife biologist and in between jobs just having finished a season in Alaska giving bear tours on a remote island. So I convinced her to check out the “wildlife in Z”. It worked out great as she is flying on what was the Senor’s companion fare.

We arrived at my apartment to find beautiful bouquets courtesy of my wonderful landlord and wine courtesy of my fantastic neighbor

A great welcome.

Signing off KO