Zihuatanejo Mexico – Page 10

Sailfest 2017 Begins

Sailfest officially began last night with the street dance at Casa Arcadia. We arrived at a little after 7 and the place was packed. Luckily our friends and neighbors had secured a table and I went around and found a couple of extra chairs and joined them. The band was Expressions Inmune a group of young Mexican kids that specialize in Beetles and Creedence Clearwater type music . They got their start practicing in the street in front of the keyboardist’s mother’s art gallery. Which happened to be directly under our balcony. They would draw huge crowds to the street to listen to them practice twice a week.Folks both Mexican and gringos would be dancing in the street to their music.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — The band when they first were practicing under our balcony

That year Sailfest hired them for their first professional gig and you could say the rest is history. They now are professional musicians playing regularly 3 times a week at the Baracruda Bar.

Casa Arcadia was packed, but true to Mexican style, no additional staff was put on. I wonder if that is so the regular staff can maximize on tips from a larger crowd. But I always think with more staff and faster service tips would be bigger and less hassle for the staff. Oh well it’s Mexico.

We enjoyed the music and took up an offer to have our portraits drawn for a Sailfest donation. Not bad and I felt he was kind to our age.

Afterwards we went to Don Memos for dinner, one of the best spots for good food and very reasonable. We ran into friends Jim and Linda and took up there offer for us to join them. Doyle had his favorite spaghetti and my preference is always the fish, this time in a white wine sauce. A short walk back and we were home. Just another great evening in paradise.

Signing off KO

Living in Mexico vs Vacationing

We used to vacation in Mexico, now we live in Mexico for 3 months of the year and next year it will be 4 months. The climate agrees with us, I think it actually improves the Seniors health. He gets out much more here, is more active and more relaxed. Folks always ask us what we do in Mexico and my stock answer is “as little as possible”. But that’s not entirely true. The difference between vacationing and living here is how you spend your time. During a vacation you try to spend as little time as possible, grocery shopping, meal preparation, cleaning and organizing. You want to spend every minute possible on the fun things, eating out, buying gifts for friends, beaching, touring. Now that we live here I spend a great amount of time grocery shopping and enjoy every minute of it as it is in its self an adventure. I have checked out all the stalls at the Mercado and have selected my favorites, the ones that are most helpful with my fractured Spanish and have patience as I figure out the money. I know the fellow with the wheelbarrow full of avocados in the back has the best ones and he will pick out 1 for today and 1 for tomorrow. And they will be perfect every time. I know the best strawberry vendor and who to buy my eggs from. The chicken lady knows exactly what I want when I approach her and I have decided on the best fish monger. I love mangoes and have learned how to peel them using a drinking glass, less mess and nice mango slices.

Where i buy my chicken

Another fruit stall

Strawberries

Meat market

Young fruit monger

For some thing I do need to go to the Comercial Mexicana which is a super market somewhat like ours, but with less organization, much more clutter in the aisles, some recognizable brands and an adventure all of it’s own.

They have a store here similar to our $ stores, with the same theory, buy it when you see it as it may never be there again. They have a wonderful fabric store with beautiful fabrics at unbelievable prices. I usually buy fabric and bring it home to make something. This year I bought fabric and am bringing it to “the sewing ladies” to make a dress for me. They shortened a pair of pants for me for about 25 cents. The fabric cost just under $6. Signing off KO

MANNING THE SAILFEST DESK

This is the second year I have volunteered to help with Sailfest. The Senor and I have always been big participants, with one or both of us attending almost all of the events. But I believe since we are here for 3 months I can donate some of my time to this very worthy cause. Among scholarships and other necessities, last year’s Sailfest raised enough money to build the first new high school Zihuatanejo has seen in 20 years. It is complete with a computer lab. This is in conjunction with donated supplies, labor, etc.making the local people personally invested.

Somehow Faye and I seem to have picked a couple of the busiest days to work the desk selling T-shirts, caps, boat flags, koozies and sail boat rides. It gets crazy trying to keep up, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet folks from all over. And very proudly each of our 3 shifts have taken in close to, or like yesterday, the equivalent of $1,000 US in pesos. But now it’s time to get back to some serious relaxing so with a group of friends we are headed once again to Escollera and it’s beautiful infinity pool.

Still no internet, going to stop by the office with my phone translator and see when I might expect it. This should be interesting. Signing off KO

AS SAILFEST BEGINS

Sailfest is an annual week long event during the first week of February that raises funds to build schools and give educational opportunities for Zihuatanejo’s poorest children.It originated about 12 years ago by the cruisers, those folks who arrive here and may winter here on sailboats. It does a tremendous amount of good for the community and provides some great fun and opportunities. There are tours of the schools, dances concerts, opportunities to crew in a sailboat race or another day to just go out and cruise about the bay and out to Ixtapa.

Friday was my first day of manning the sales desk. I teamed up with my friend Faye.and we sold T-shirts, caps koozies and event tickets. Since this was only the 2nd day of sales and Sailfest is still a week away I didn’t think it would be too busy. Boy was I wrong! But it was fun and you get to meet a lot of great, interesting people from all over the globe.

After our shift we went down the beach to the next restaurant and had lunch and mango margaritas waiting to hear from our husbands about their day of deep sea fishing. They had a good time, but no fish. So we met up with them at Zorrito’s . Then my friend Lori from about 4 years ago in Zihuatanejo called and wanted to meet up. They were at the Flophouse about a block away , went down there and met up with them and friends of theirs and we all returned to Zorrito’s and had this great picture taken. But my internet won’t go in until Monday so I probably can’t add it. Followed by dinner at La Vita Bella, a great restaurant but a little on the pricey side for us. Signing off KO PS Hope pictures soon, maybe Monday

I AM NOT A COOK!

So why do I keep thinking I can. I have prepared meals since I was an 18 year old bride. I raised 4 children and none of them starved to death so I can prepare a meal. But to “cook” is different. It is to follow a recipe, especially one with more than 3 ingredients and maybe with different cooking directions on how to prepare those ingredients with the end results having people rave over your abilities. This isn’t happening here! No matter how hard I try. I cook just well enough to keep my husband from wanting to take me out to dinner every night, but not the kind of cooking that gives satisfaction to me..

Once again I tried tonight, it was certainly edible, but not memorable. And certainly not worth the effort, of toasting the bread in olive oil, pulsing it smooth with almonds and fresh parsley. None of which I have ever bought at home, let alone in the Mercado, which had to be done strictly in my fractured Spanish. I know I deserve an A for effort, but I would prefer a night out! Why do I keep torturing myself, and admit survival cooking is as best as it is going to get. You will note, there is no picture of my shrimp dinner. The most fun part of it was shopping in El Mercado Publico, that part I enjoy. Golly gee, I’m a shopper not a cook, who could have guessed that! Signing off KO

TODAY I SWAM WITH THE FISHES

Friday afternoon we went out to the village of Troncones and checked into the beautiful Inn at Manzanillo Bay. Checked into our beach bungalow to discover they have been completely redone since last year. Very luxurious, complete with a private outdoor courtyard shower. Had a lovely dinner, a couple of drinks and retired to listen the sound of the rolling surf.

Saturday morning at 8:00 am we walked a short way down the road to check in for the swim at Hacienda Eden, get our numbers written on our hands which is how we check in and out of the water. We walked about a 1/4 mile down the road to the beach at Majahua, giving us a chance to meet each other and get to know one another. Several of the group have swam the Alcatraz to San Francisco Sharkfest and other like me are mostly pool swimmers. At just short of 73, I am one of the oldest swimmers. My goal is always to finish strong and not come in last. At Majahua we got our instructions on how to swim way out past the rocks and the current at Punta Majahua, then make a left turn and use the light house on the beach as a beacon to head for. We counted out our numbers and into the water go 15 swimmers. The 8 paddle boarders serving as spotters and guide posts were already in the water. One paddle boarder was accompanied by her small dog with his life jacket on. A panga (small motor boat) accompanies the group for anyone who might choose not to finish.

The distance is a little over a mile. The challenge for me is not so much the distance but swimming in the open ocean. It is very different considering the waves, currents and no black lines on the ocean floor to keep you oriented. At one point one of the paddle boarders placed her board in front of me so I would run into her so she could give me a course correction. I was swimming way to far out to sea. That’s their job to keep everyone on course and account for all. Being a crawl stroke swimmer all I see is sky and sea as the land is on my left. So you swim awhile and stop to check the direction and swim on.

Last year I had a great deal of trouble at the finish point as the surf was very high and I needed help getting oout after being tumbled several times.. This year was so much easier, but I did come in with a side stroke so I could keep an eye on the waves and made it “no problema”, proudly calling off my number to man checking the swimmers in. I don’t know and really don’t care where I placed, I’m not fast, but pretty steady. Friends said they thought I came in about 6 or 8. Middle of the pack, feels good, and I know I’ve had a good work out.

This year we were awarded medals, kind of a nice touch, had a group picture, and were busy congratulating ourselves. What made this year special for me was I had my own rooting section. Along with Doyle, friends Faye and Paul with two of their friends and Bonny were all there at the finish line to cheer me on. Hopefully some one has a picture of me coming in as Doyle was on guard to help me if I got caught in the surf.

Bonny went back to our hotel and we had a great breakfast and returned back to Zihuatanejo. Will I do it again, probably, but will just have to see what next year brings. Signing off KO

SUPER FUN AT THE BEACH

A few days ago I received an e mail from a friend I met at swim with at the pool back home. She was letting me know she and her husband were going to be in Ixtapa for 8 days and could we get together. Of course they have an agenda of things they want and need to do and we had some prearranged plans and it looked like we might not meet up. But today it worked out. We invited them to Zihuatanejo, they came and fortunately prepared for the beach. So after a quick tour of El Centro and our apartment we were off to Las Gatas Beach.It’s a water taxi ride out to the beach which is always fun, then we walked down the beach to our favorite spot,Gloria del Mar and our favorite waiter, Jose. Some how he has radar and seems to sense when we are coming as he spots us a half block down the beach and starts waving at us.

We stake out our territory, get buckets of Dos XX’s and margaritas. (Drinks not buckets) and settle in to the business of becoming better acquainted. Siuling and I swim together, and mostly just visit in the locker room. Our husbands have never met, but both are retired military and soon we are all laughing and joking like we have known each other for years. We order a red snapper and some shrimp, all heavy on the garlic and all but lick the platter clean. The guys decide they want to go deep sea fishing. We ask Jose, our waiter if he has a recommendation for a captain and soon the “Black Tuna” arrives and the guys make all the arrangements while Siuling and I swim. Sunday is to be the fishing day. We’ve had all the sun and fun we can handle for the day and head back to the water taxi for the ride back to Zihua, with plans to meet on Sunday. A wonderful day with great amigos. Signing off KO

AHHH! IT’S MEXICO

It’s been a couple of interesting days, trying to get organized and setting up our living quarters. The Senor dropped his partial plate on the tile floor and of course broke it. So we drop everything and are off to the dentist. Fortunately she is english speaking and in the same building as the wonderful doctor we found last year. She was able to put it back together for him but he is having her make a new one as the price was right. I marvel at how simplistic doctors waiting rooms are here compared to what we see in the US. Some what like my doctors office was when I was a kid back in the late 40’s. Strictly utilitarian, actually the waiting room furniture looks like it came from a 2nd hand store, no fancy paintings on the walls. But the medical and dental care is very modern and up to date and extremely reasonable. I have no problem with this philosophy. Ahhh, it’s Mexico

Tried getting our cell phones up and running but the cell store we usually go to was closed and neighboring stores and other cell phone kiosks said we had to go to Ixtapa to get new “chips”. So we make the trip to Ixtapa, lined up and waited our turn only to be told our phones were locked they can’t do it, only our carrier But Verizon tells me that they don’t lock their phones like mine. At least that’s what they say on line (can’t phone them, no phone). But the upside is we got to go to the movie theater while we were in Ixtapa, saw Passengers,very good movie, and then had dinner at Franks.I like eating out! Ahhh it’s Mexico!

Today as I was headed to the bank to get more money as our landlord upped the rent $200 a month, even though we had a written contract. Ahhh, its Mexico. I discovered the Telcell store that was closed yesterday,the one everyone said couldn’t help me and I needed to go to Ixtapa, was open today. And guess what, they were more than happy to put a chip in my phone and it works perfectly now. Ahhhh it’s Mexico.

The first few days we are so busy getting what we need where we need it. Just starting to get in the relaxed mode of rolling with the punches, sometimes it takes a little time to get into that laid back mode of a mexican minute could really be sixty and manana does not mean tomorrow, it simply means not today. AHHH it is Mexico

This is how holes in the sidewalk are fixed. At least this on has a “bandaid fix” most don’t along with odd pieces of metal and re bar that have been cut off close to sidewalk level leave walking the streets a bit of a challenge especially at night. Ahhh, it’s mexico

Signing off KO

Things I will miss and things I won’t

Our time in sunny Mexico is drawing to a close, sadly we are on our last day. I love Mexico and Zihuatanejo with all it’s quirks and interesting culture. There is so much I will miss, but there are somethings that you just have to say “Ah it’s mexico” and overlook. I will miss all the friendly faces that speak to you on the streets and greet you with a quick Hola! or Buen Dia even when they don’t know you at all. I will miss warm days at the beach with

the breeze blowing, I will miss nights without ever needing a sweater, I will miss 25 peso cab rides, and riding water taxis, I will miss the pigeon who lives in our balcony planter and the iguanas that entertain us during dinner on the balcony at night. Let’s face it I will miss my balcony!

I will not miss toilets with no seats in public facilities. Where do they all disappear to? I won’t miss needing to discard TP in the waste basket instead of the bowl. I will miss daily fresh fruit. I will miss fresh fish cooked to perfection. I will not miss Mexican bars that play music until 6 am, but I will miss yummy drinks expertly prepared. I will miss mercado shopping, but not barking roof dogs, but I will miss the sweet, gentle street dogs.I will miss swimming long course at 8 am at the “Alberca Olympica.” I will miss walking all over town and taking 10 peso bus trips for longer distances. I will miss our Zihuatanejo friends new and old.

I will miss always seeing folks I know where ever I go in town. I will miss taking my camera every where as there is always something interesting to see. I will miss the time I have here to read book after book with out guilt. I will miss having time to blog about simple daily events. I won’t miss washing dishes by hand.I will miss coconut palms, flowers and greenery all winter long.

I will miss my trips with Sylvia to the the little Saturday morning market, where everything is home grown, or made or recycled and hand made or organic. I will miss lovely sunny mornings as we return to gray rainy weather, but all good things must come to a close. So this is my final blog of the season Signing off until December 30 2016. KO

Feliz Cumpleanos and Frustrating electronics.

My camera is broken, now I am using my cell phone camera. It has taken me 3 days to figure out how to get the pictures trapped in the phone down loaded to the computer and once there find them again.The Senor and I gathered with friends at El Meditereano for dinner, a lovely courtyard restaurant shaded by a huge tree. As it was an outside location I thought it would be cool. Wrong! the courtyard seemed to have trapped the heat of the day.

I guess that big tree doesn’t provide enough shade during the day because it was very warm there. The courtyard is pretty, but so dimly lit it was difficult to read the menu.On the positive side,the menu was excellent and the food was very good. I was serenaded by strolling Mexican troubadours who upon request sang “De Colores” for me.. It was a fantastic evening spent with good friends

Oyster appetizers

The Senor and I split a fish fillet, this is half!

.
Everything electronic is just a bit wonky right now. The real camera will only snap 1 picture and that is as it is turned on, so you have to have it aimed before turning it on. Then turn it off and aim and turn on again. The cell phone only functions as a camera here. Now my new computer is stuck on trying to shut down, but it won’t shut down, so I can reboot it. I unplugged it and I thought that when the battery ran down I could re boot it. . Nope still won’t work.Computer isn’t 6 months old yet. sure glad we brought both computers. This all makes taking pictures a bit more of a challenge, but I will pursue. Signing off KO

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