Author: zihuathyme

I'm a traveler, not as frequently as I would like , but I plan on doing more. After working full time at Mount Rainier National Park during the summer of 22 I have decided to retire completely and forever. Prior to that I was semi retired as a Wedding Officiant I officiated at about 20 weddings a season, and with my small delivery service I handled the distribution of a local high-quality Home and Garden magazine . Prior to my "semi retirement" I was in corrections and before that I owned and operated a bail bond agency. I now plan to travel to new places and exciting places, getting ready to do that as a solo as the Senior is no longer with me, his choice, and I am OK with that. For hobbies I'm a reader and love my kindle. And I enjoy writing.

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, NOT FOR ME AND MORE CONSTRUCTION

Living in a second floor apartment with an Iron security gate makes it difficult for a drop by visitor. I thought it would be so great to have a hanging rope that would ring a bell and then we could throw down the key and out friends could come up. Its nicer than hollering from the street which due to traffic noise out side and TV noise inside isn’t very effective. After much searching I found the right bell a lovely brass bell, this was after

the Senor said the bicycle bell I had previously found would definitely not do.

To me every thing is a simple process, hang a rope, with the bell tied to the railing and let our friends know about it. Not so with the Senor. He is more logical. No a rope wouldn’t last , heavy fishing line would be better, and would need to strung thru a series of eye hooks to position the bell in the most advantageous position for us to hear the bell and not bind He installed it as planned but the command strip eye hooks would not stick on the cement railing and the bell bound against the iron railing when pulled hard and someone cut the fishing-line and removed the pull handle. So now he has a plan be requiring supplies from home. So maybe next year.

They moved 2 cement truck loads by wheel barrow to make the cement floor of this restaurant

The construction project behind our apartment has been a great source of entertainment watching a crew of about 5 men build this restaurant behind our apartment from the ground up. They work very hard in very hot weather and it is all manual labor. The only power tool they have used is a “tamper” to compress the soil after the dirt has been redistributed all over the site by wheel barrow. It sounds like a helicopter that is going to take off only it never takes off. They also have a manual tamper.

The man in the green shirt and white hat bought sodas for the crew

Last Friday they poured the concrete floor over interlaced re bar. Two cement truck loads were wheel barreled from the front of the site and distributed through out it. It attracted the attention of a tourist whom I’m sure was a cement truck driver back home. He conversed with the driver inspected the the truck was obviously quite interested in the project and then did the nicest thing. He went to the store round the corner and returned with cokes for the guys. Definitely a very nice, kind, thoughtful person! Signing off KO

More Sailfest

One of the most fun events of Sailfest is the Sail Parade. For 300 pesos you can purchase an opportunity to spend the day on a sailboat, sailing out of Zihuatanejo Bay to Ixtapa and then on to where ever your group chooses to do. Over the years groups I have been with groups who have chosen to “just sail”, go fishing, swim in the open ocean. But most popular seems to be to sail to Ixtapa Island and swim or lunch there.

A group of 16 of my friends opted to go out on the Ziva a 50 plus foot catamaran that was either brand new or just looked like it. It is definitely the Cadillac of catamarans, the most beautiful boat I have ever seen. Along with the 16 of us there were at least 8 -10 others and in no way were we ever crowded. We all brought food and drink to share and our destination was to be Ixtapa Island. Along the way we sunned, visited made new friends, I discovered folks that are probably related, distantly, but us Driscolls all originated from Ireland. As we anchored off Ixtapa Island Captain Jeff called for the panga from our preferred restaurant to come out to take folks ashore to eat and drink more. We were anchored about 200 meters off shore so another gal and I “jumped ship” and swam a shore ahead of the crowd and got us a great table. A couple of more also swam in but most took the

boat. We ate, we drank, we purchased silver from the wandering silver vendor had wonderful day and returning home, happy and tired.

This year Sailfest profited over 2,090,226 pesos which is $108,414. which will all go to building schools and improving the educational opportunities for Zihuatanejo’s poorest children. Signing off KO

Sailfest a Busy and Fun Time

Sailfest is a week of fun events that raise money to provide school classrooms and other educational needs for the poorest children of Zihuatanejo. During the week there are daily opportunities for sunset sailboat cruises, a sailboat regatta/race, chili cook off, concerts, dances, dinners with mariachi bands, auctions both live and silent and opportunities to purchase T-shirts, hats, cook books, raffle tickets,

51329006_1971266506324247_7986157731729899520_n (1)tequila — The Senor accepting a bottle of Big Boy tequila won on a raffle ticket at M Dock concert

and other souvenirs. It originated with a few of the cruisers (boat folks) who wanted to help and brought down educational supplies and has morphed into a wonderful week with 20 plus yachts and sailboats participating along with over a hundred non-sailing volunteers. One of the amazing facts about this non-profit organization is that there are no paid administrators or other staff, the only paid staff is the required accountant.

Since I am part of this community for several months I do participate, not only by attending events, but also by manning the sales desk for several shifts. It has been a wonderful way to meet people to make new friends and really feel a part of the community. Besides it’s just a whole lot of fun. But more importantly is the benefit to the children. Many of which have previously been attending schools in sheds

reminiscent of a chicken coop now will have a modern classroom with running water for bathrooms and kitchens which can prepare lunches for hungry children. Over 2 million pesos were raised during this week. Signing off KO

Blood Moon Over Zihuatanejo and the Search for the Elusive “Blue Tooth Dongle”

I find myself busy and not always sure what I have been busy with. Time goes by so fast. It’s hard to believe we have been here 3 months already. Everyday here is interesting, not like when you are on a tour and every place you go is spectacular, but interesting none the less. Watching the progress on the building behind us is interesting, observing everyday life in mexico is interesting. And from time to time you get invited to a party

that is spectacular. We were invited to attend the full moon party at a friends 5th floor roof top. Not only was it a great party with tons of great food and drink it afforded one of the most spectacular vistas of Zihuatanejo. On one side was the setting sun, on the other side the moon rising over the town and in front lay Zihuatanejo Bay. Even with out the Blood Moon this party is always spectacular.

Not only is our TV not blue tooth capable but also it turns out that neither of my computers are blue tooth equipped. My wired head phones have fallen apart and I wanted to replace them with wireless. Hence the need for a blue tooth dongle to make the computer blue tooth comparable.

Not a single dongle to be found in over a half-dozen “eltronico” stores that I have ferreted out. Which is no small task as my Spanish is limited. So when I ask in my very basic Spanish if they have a blue tooth dongle and they say no but proceed to give me rapid fire directions as to where I might try, of which I may only recognize a word or two. Finally one store says they will order it for me, might be here in a few days. Which in Mexican time and can mean any time in the future. KO

Mosquitoes! Bah Hummmmbugs

I have developed a deep loathing for the nasty little critters along with developing a

near”allergic” reaction to their bites. These Mexican mosquitoes are tiny, I never see them. Also they are very silent I never hear them humming around me, yet every day I’m plagued with a new bite that swells up way beyond what I would consider normal. I have taken to spraying my self head to toe with off before going out, especially at night and I still come up with one or two new bites. My new perfume, “Channel number Off” And some times a whole group of bites. Now the Senor never gets touched by them, even when we are together. I don’t know if his hide is too tough or grouchy, old man blood has no appeal. My mother used to take garlic pills and said that worked for her, I may try it next.

I’m for ever amazed at how reasonably one can live in Mexico and fully understand why

so many gringos live full or part-time here. It’s not just the weather. It’s the cost of living. Our monthly rent is comparable to our monthly house taxes, we each pay about $12.50 a month for our cell phone service, internet is approximately $25, manicures 10.50 and similar for pedicures, The Senor got his hair cut including having it washed for $7. We have our apartment cleaned weekly for less than half of what we pay at home for a bi-week cleaning. Our electric bill was $40 for two months. I’m sure it would be quite a bit higher during the summer months as it gets hotter and more humidity and we would need to run our air conditioner. But we are seasonal and not here during the summer. Taxi’s in town are $1.60 buses from local at 40 cents to $1.40 if you go 20-30 miles. The swimming pool cost 75 cents. Groceries are not super cheap but are reasonable especially if you use local brands instead of gringo brands. Beer is $2-$2.50 wine $3-$4 a glass,

The Mexican people are lovely, warm friendly people. I had the sweetest thing happen to

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Janet dancing with the handsome cheese man

me a week a go, I was trying to hail a cab on a very busy street and most of them were going on the opposite side of the street I was standing on. A little girl about 8-9 ish came and offered me her hand. She thought I wanted to cross the street, in my very best Spanish I told her no, I was waiting for a taxi. With that she put two fingers to her mouth let out a high, shrill, loud whistle pointed to a cab he made a u-turn and I had my cab. I thanked her and put a 5 peso coin in her hand. Signing off KO

Troncones and Sharkfest

We always enjoy a trip to Troncones, a quieter village not far from Zihuatanejo. I believe it was surfer central way back in the 60’s and still popular with surfers, but now also has a large contingent of lovely beach front homes and hotels. Our purpose for going this particular weekend was the “Sharkfest Swim” that I have participated in over the last 6 years. There are Sharkfest Swims all over the US in large bodies of water But those are competitive swims, timed events for serious folks. This is the relaxed, just for fun Mexican style swim. For me the challenge is that I can still do it at my age and I’m determined not to come in last. But with my fit bit I did track my time and distance, 48 minutes to swim 1,613 yd. That is pretty close to my average pool time of 2:48 for 100 yds

The surf was easy going in, I was able to get thru the waves and out into water where I could put my fins on with out being washed back and forth. We swim as a large group at first but soon everyone is swimming at their own pace. We head straight out to where

our boat is then make a left turn. This has us safely swimming around the rocks at Point Majahua then we head for Hacienda Eden in Manzanillo Bay. A distance of about 1 mile mas o menos. As I approached the shore I could see the surf was getting high and wiped out one or two of the swimmers as they finished. 2 years ago I got caught in two huge sets of waves that took both my fins, my goggles and my swim I pod never to be seen again. I thought it was going to take me also. Put a couple of young strong men helped me walk in thru the waves. So now I’m mildly terrified of huge waves. So I hung back and watched the next couple of sets break and when the paddle boarders said “swim like hell” I did. One of the then helped me get my fins off so I could walk in with her. I love to swim, but don’t like the waves.

We had a pleasant stay at Tronco Bay Inn. All my Spanish classes were a big help as no

English was spoken there. They have a nice pool , a good restaurant and good rooms with a great ocean view. But two days was all the Senor could handle of peace and quiet as he was missing his football games.

The pool was beautifully lit at night, changing colors to even red and lavender. Signing off KO

Spanish Class, Growing Tomatoes and Other Unrelated Stuff

I signed up to take some Spanish classes at the English Plus school here in Zihuatanejo . I’ve been very impressed with how they teach Spanish. Of all the Spanish classes I have taken this is the best. We are learning how to use the language correctly but with out a lot of drills in conjugation of verbs and learning of rules. Lots of conversation and frankly being put on the spot. I know I’m progressing, but certainly not a star student. I do much better with the written word than the spoken one. I have a lot of trouble hearing what a native speaker says. I will continue with the classes during our entire stay as any progress is good.

Last year the Senor grew a couple of tomato plants and they were full of yummy tomatoes before we left in March. It was helpful that our balcony had full sun all day. This year he brought a few seeds from home in our luggage and planted them about mid November. They took forever to germination so he bought more

seeds at the Bodega and planted them in a different container, I think we have one plant growing from the roll out mat of seeds from home and the packet of seeds we bought here are thriving. He is still worried that they may not produce as our balcony this year is shaded.

I woke up Wednesday with a bite on the calf of my leg. Hurts doesn’t itch. Over the years I have had this kinds of reaction several times from bug bites .I have always been a

veritable smorgas-bord for mosquitoes, they are attracted to me and completely ignore the Senor. At first this looked like any old bite, but the area around the bite is becoming more inflamed at bit swollen and warm to the touch. Thinking I may need to go to the doctor, after all Sharkfest is tomorrow.

The vacant lot next door is no longer vacant, but a hub of construction. Rumor is it is going to be restaurant. One day we watched a huge dump truck maneuver its way down our alley, jockeying back and forth between the gates to the lot and the

Holes being filled with rock all placed by hand

driveway on the opposite side of the alley so he could dump a full load of BIG rocks into the first deep hole that had been dug previously. Then by hand the workmen broke the big rocks into smaller rocks and again by hand moved them into the rest of the holes. Then using what appears to be a jack hammer they added dirt and tamped them all down. Sounded like a helicopter getting ready to take off.

Yesterday they created vertical towers of re bar and are all wired in place. I swear I never saw a single level being used, just eyeballed into proper position. They work so hard, with so few of the tools that we would expect to see on a construction site. This is real manual labor. It will be interesting to watch the progress.

As I write this it is 4:30 in the morning, my balcony door is open, I see the restaurant across the street is still open, with only one or two patrons left. They will be closing soon. From down the street I hear singing, no music. just one voice reverberating up and down the narrow Pazole Alley. Some day I will get dressed and check it out. My guess is he is just returning from one of the many all night bars and enjoys the sound of his own voice. I hear no others, no laughter, no talking, just one melancholy voice. Signing off KO

Bienvenido 2019

When I was a child, about 8 years old, my parents explained to me that it would be 2000 before we had a new century. I got to figuring it out and I was going to be in my 60’s and flatly stated that was terrible, I would be too old to have any fun on New Years. Well we aren’t quite the party animals we were at the turn of the century put we still went out with friends, ate , drank, saw the New Year in with our toes in the sand watching the fire work all around Zihuatanejo Bay. Little did the 8 year old me know, it’s 19 years past the turn of the century and I’m still not to old to have fun and celebrate.

The Senor went fishing with his friend Dave both of them caught a dorado. They are really good eating. I put up enough fish in our freezer for at least 12 meals. While the Senor went fishing my friend and I went shopping, but first a stop at “Fishers” at the Ixtapa marina for breakfast. They have the most delicious breakfast cocktails where I indulged in a Pepinillo a mix of liquid cucumbers, lemon and lime soda and Tangarey and a fantastic poblano enchilada and egg dish. Then on to the shopping at the MicMac shop which specializes in very cool clothes made of very cool cotton. It’s hard to say who enjoyed the day more, the Senor and I.

This morning when I arrived at the swimming pool for my morning laps there was no one in the pool. There usually are two or three other folks enjoying the pool, but this morning I had the entire Olympic size pool entirely to my self for a full 45 minutes. Great way to start a day. My ” Sharkfest” swim is just a week away. Signing off KO

Christmas and More

We had a wonderful and quiet Christmas. Christmas Eve we were invited for A & A (alcohol and appetizers) at good friends Faye and Paul’s apartment. Appetizers were so delicious and plentiful it definitely doubled for dinner. Christmas morning we joined friends Charles and Christine in Ixtapa for breakfast at the Krystal Hotel’s lavish buffet. A few phone calls with family but mostly the day was spent just relaxing. Then finishing the day with turkey soup leftover from Thanksgiving. Actually a great stress free Christmas.

Saturday mornings are one of my favorite times, it is the time for the little Saturday morning market, the Ecco Tianguis (sorry my computer doesn’t spell check Spanish.

Hand made clothing and accesories

Eco Tianquise

Hat from coconut fronds

It is a home made, recycled.re-purposed and organic market. It is my source of lovely gifts for my family, much of the jewelry I wear. The Senor and I always enjoy the very healthy breakfast I bring home from it. It is bright, colorful full of music and friends. Just a very happy place.

Two days before Christmas tragedy struck Zihuatanejo.
Children playing with fireworks hit a power line that set off a blaze that consumed 150 homes high on a hill that was difficult for the “bomberos” (Firemen) to reach. This was an area where some of the poorer folks live, but the community pulled together, both Mexican and gringo, and within 4 days enough donations had poured in to fulfill the basic needs of all the families with only 60 families remaining in temporary shelter. And the help and donations are still coming forth.

Everything in Zihuatanejo is labor intensive, This is how the city streets get swept each morning. Signing off KO

Everyday Life In Zihuatanejo

The weather is perfect, mid 80’s cooling down to high 70’s at night. Never a need for a sweater or any sort of wrap at night. The bar’s and restaurants are mostly outdoors, either sidewalk type, courtyard or balcony. This makes for a highly social atmosphere. We eat all our meals on our balcony and are entertained by the Mexican street life..

The entrance to our building is is a large blue door off the alley. It leads to the stairs to the 3 apartments. This is a secure door and locks automatically. We are on the second floor and when friends come over we stand on the back landing and throw down a set of keys for them to unlock and come up. The problem is when folks come we don’t always hear them so they stand beneath our balcony and call out to us. If the TV is on (when is it not) or if there is much street noise we still don’t hear them. To resolve this problem I picked up a bicycle bell with plans to attach it to the balcony railing and hang a rope down off the balcony. Seemed simple to me,and if I had been left to my own I would have had it up weeks ago and maybe it would have worked. But the Senor has taken over this project and now it has become a feat of engineering. Planning, thinking, needing supplies and tools. I’ll let you know if it ever gets done.

I’m still fascinated by the little things, produce delivered on baskets balanced on heads, bicycle deliveries, and fruit carts every where. Colorful artwork is popping up up all over. Zihuatanejo has a new mayor and improvements are being done all over the city. The tile covered sidewalk roofs are being repaired or replaced. New streetlights have been installed. There is one off our balcony that never worked. We were glad as we figured it would shine in the bedroom. It was replaced with an led light that just shines down on the street and side walk not in our room. Perfecto!

signing off KO

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