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
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
We had a pleasant stay at Tronco Bay Inn. All my Spanish classes were a big help as no
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.
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.
Everything in Zihuatanejo is labor intensive, This is how the city streets get swept each morning. Signing off KO
For several days now we have seen or heard several of the “Guadalupanas” as they proceed thru town on the way to their church singing and carrying a shrine to the Virgin Mary preceded by the firing of guns or fire works to ward off ay evil spirits. Tonight it was the community of Calle Nicholas Bravo’s day to participate. We live on Calle (Street) Nichoas Bravo so all this began right on our block and then proceed the 3-4 blocks to the church where a bazaar was being held. It sure beats the Friday night fish frys my Dad took me to.
lights. I watched as lights were attached and finishing touches of flowers added. Our landlords brother was one of the four men that carried the shrine along the route. He found me in the crowd and brought me over to get a good photo another gentleman offered to take a picture with me in it. The landlords brother offered me a candle to march with them. I declined as I wasn’t quite sure how acceptable it was for such a newcomer and I also wanted to get all the pictures I could. Time came for the processional to start, they marched singing their praises, holding lit candles following behind the shrine as fire works preceded the processional. Very moving experience. Next year I will march with them. Mexico at it’s loudest and most colorful Signing off KO
stopped almost in front of our balcony, And with only one forward pull to the left proceeded to get that hulking truck angled perfectly to back down our alley all that with cars parked on both sides of the street. The top of the truck was just inches under the corner of our balcony and slipped down the alley with just inches on each side. We were amazed and impressed. I have son and a grandson who drive trucks and I know they get into tight spaces, I wonder if they ever are this tight. Signing off KO
Zihuatanejo 