Friday was Jim Mamou’s 77th birthday, and it was quite the party. One we almost missed. Being both retired and on vacation mode we can get a little fuzzy on days and dates, and we were sure that it was only Thursday, not Friday. Sure glad we figured it out in time to be there.
The Senor dancing with our friend Josephine while Jimmi played “Josephine”
Daniel’s was packed with admiring fans. Jimmi has been entertaining fans in Zihuatanejo for the past 12 years after having come as a featured performer at “Guitarfest” and never left. And for that we are thankful.
Jimmi and Songstress Kim Marcoux
Nobody plays good old rock and roll, and blues any better. Jimmi had everyone was on their feet dancing. Jimmi wife, Judy also entertained us with a song and graciously shared with us a short bio on Jimmi’s music career and the greats he has played with. Also joining Jimmi in song was the blues songstress Kim Marcoux. The entire event was filmed , so maybe next year we might find or selves on his next CD.
Computer issues are sure slowing me down, we arrived with a laptop, a net book and a tablet and of course the smart phone. The Laptop is the Senor’s TV which we access through streaming from our home TV system. The others are for me to play with. Well the net book has died, stuck on “resolving picture issue” that even a “control alt delete” won’t stop stop it. My tablet is so new, I’m just barely able to use it, and still haven’t been able to edit pictures with it. I do better (not good) editing on the smart phone. So getting time on the computer can be a challenge so my blog seems to run a little behind. I guess it is also on “Mexican time”. 02 09 15 Signing off KO
Projects that Sailfest did for the community in 2014
This first week of February is full of Sailfest activities, there is definitely something for everyone. And it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet folks from all over the world and do some good for the children of Zihuatanejo. Last night at the concert the opening with the “The Brothers Mendosa” very traditional mexican strolling trubadores, followed by the very talented Mexican gentleman whose name I can’t remember, and should have as he was excellent singing a variety of songs about Zihuatanejo.
Songs of Zihuatanejo
Next on the bill was the very, non traditional Mexican hold time rock and roll band,
Xpressions Immune
Xpresion Immune. These young Mexican musicians had all most everyone up on their feet dancing and swaying to the music. They have become favorite of the snowbird crowd who first became acquainted with them last year when they played on the street for tips, hopefully someone will help them get a Cd together. They would really sell here. The next group was the extremely popular rock and roll band headed up by long time, Zihuatanejo musician Steve Calvert that also had the same effect on the crowd, having everyone on their feet rocking and rolling to the music we all grew up with. We were disappointed that Michelle LaValle had to cancel as she is one of our favorites, so as Steve was winding up the hour was getting late for the Senor ,we headed out for a night cap at the Flophouse bar.
Chilli cook off
Thursday is the Senor’s favorite event, the chili cook off and silent auction. The Senor loves the chili as long as it doesn’t have too much heat, and I don’t care for spicy at all and just stick with the key lime pie. The Senor also loves an auction, something about the thrill of the win.
Since we had won 2 dinners the night before through the raffles, we decided that we would plan on just picking up 2 more dinners. These auctions can become a contest of who is more determined than who to win despite the cost, but
One of several silent auction tables
the Senor was on his best behavior and when the prices got to high he said well we can just go there anyway. Our big desire was the lunch at La Chula Vida on Playa Blanca, as we had one of our most memorable evenings there last year with friends, but we will just have do it on our own as it wasn’t to be ours this year. A couple of dinners later the auction was over for us and we retreated to the shade. Another great event, another great day. Only to be followed by Fridays sail boat parade, another day another story. 02 05 2014 Signing off KO
I’m really enjoying my morning routine of walking to the pool, swimming, then busing back to el mercado, do a little shopping for fresh fruits, veggies and eggs on pretty much a daily basis. At home this is a chore, I would do once or twice a month, but here it is an adventure. I’ve tried several different fruit vendors and have settled on one that will help me select what I need if I ask. I used to deal with one where a grouchy lady took the money and would select my avocados, but twice in a row she gave me over ripe avocados, so now I go else where. Some of the amazing art isn’t in galleries but on walls for all to enjoy.
Horse race mural on wall coming back from the pool
Also the fruit cart man stops by our apartment and today I was able to buy just a baggie of papaya. A whole papaya is too much for us even thought we frequently breakfast on just a variety of fruits.
I do ok at the fish mercado, but when it comes to meat at the carnecerias I just don’t see anything I recognize as a steak for the Senor. So I buy them at the commercial.
Art gallery across the street
I really enjoy the many art galleries here. I have learned that I can’t afford art so I treat these galleries as one would a museum, look but don’t touch, ask before phtographing. But art casn be found in many, many places here.
We have been watching with interest the removal and repair of the tile overhang on the side-walk across the street. Two of the buildings lost their overhang in last year’s good Friday earthquake, and the third just needed replacing. The Mexican people work very hard, and with little help from modern technology. This is a project of labor with only the barest of hand tools. I’m amazed and somewhat horrified at what is being used as scaffolding for the ensuring work, and the fact that the men work in “hurrachies “instead of steel toed boots while working with huge bags of cement, heavy tiles and timbers. The Senor groans every time he sees two men on a ladder, or coming down the ladder like a stair case. His years of working”hazmat” and being safety officer just have him shaking his head. They mix the cement on the flat roof of one of the buildings, then shovel it into a 5 gallon bucket, lower it by rope to the fellow below who then carries up the ladder to the top of the form for the supporting pillars, pours the contents in, goes down the ladder , throws the bucket up, to the man on the roof while getting the next bucket off the rope. All this is happening with pedestrians walking under this construction project and two children playing in front of their mothers shop. Absolutely fascinating, no TV for us today this is real life drama. Almost no power tools, the wood is notched with a machete, they work very hard through the heat of the day and are real craftsmen. I am so impressed but at the same time fear for their safety.
When they clean up at the end of the day, they do their best to block off holes the holes they have dug so no one falls in them, but none of the yellow tape we are so used to seeing around construction projects is ever used
Had a nice dinner at La Vita Bella, the Senor loves their Spaghetti and they have good fish. Then met friends at the Flophouse for a couple of drinks. I sure miss the music they used to have, but it is still one of the nicest friendliest bars in town. Then on to the Baracruda for some music ending up at Zorros for a night-cap. We haven’t been out in a week or two but sure made up for it last night. (The Senor is still napping) The Baracruda was featuring a Mexican trio who were quite good and the crowd was lively, so lively that a couple of
Music was so good you would dance with anyone available
fellows got silly dancing with each other, when one sat down and the other sat in his lap bumping our table, drinks hit the floor, glasses broke I got a bit wet, but” no problema’. The gentlemen kindly bought us new drinks, all part of the fun. I think I have finally discovered my drink, Sangria which is basically a red wine punch. It comes in a tall glass, is very refreshing, very pretty and not too potent. I’ve never been a “sipper”, the Senor reminds me “your not drinking coffee” so I like a tall drink or it disappears too quickly. While I like white wine, it’s quite expensive and you only get served half a glass. That has always frustrated me. So Sangria it is.
A quick trip to El Mercado on my return trip from the pool has now convinced The Senor on the wisdom of Mercado shopping. The bulk of our supplies we get at the comercial, but he always wants to get eggs and some produce while we are there. The produce is never as good and the eggs are more expensive. This morning I got a flat of 15 eggs for almost 1/2 of what he paid at commercial for a dozen. I think I have him convinced.
Our cleaning lady showed up a day early this week, we usually do a beach day when she comes but this through our schedule into a tizzy and we at last decided we go visit La Bodega as we haven’t been there yet this year. Surprisingly enough the Senor suggested we walk there. It’s so good to get him out of the room and moving around a bit. La Bodega is basically on the back side of the pool complex so at least we knew the way. We did a little shopping, had just two bags so we took the bus back. We are reallylearning to live and travel the Mexican way.
Lights of Zihuatanejo in the background.
In the evening it was the “Chic Party” held on the enormous patio of this lovely home high up the hill next to Amueleto where the view is to die for. Especially the sunset. This is pretty much an open invitation party where all “interesting” ladies are welcomed. I’d guess the crowd at maybe 150. There were some local crafts people displaying their wares. I bought 2 pair of one of a kind type shoulder duster earnings that I thought would be fun to wear. Ladies from Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and all parts of Canada and the US were there, giving everyone a chance to greet old friends and make new . A very pleasant day.
My dear friend Cathie ,who first introduced us to Mexico, suggested I might date my postings. I think that’s a great and helpful suggestion as some times I’m writing about yesterday or even two days ago or both. So when I sign off I’ll let you know what day I rambling about. 1/22/15 Signing off KO
I’m getting in to a new morning routine of walking out to the pool, swimming for 30 minute then taking the bus back works for me. I’m always amused by the differences that make Mexico so charming. On my walk to the pool I noticed an attractive building that was an architect and construction company, the appearance would lend credabilitycredibility to the company. But as you look higher up the building to the second story, the attractiveness ends. The paint job only
Only half the building is painted
went up half way. The residents up stairs I guess are responsible for their exterior area. My gringo attitude says the architect is
Weighing a dozen eggs
cheap and would cut corners.
I marvel at how eggs are sold by weight and packaged in plastic bags. But if the Senor goes out for eggs he takes a carton with him. I do marvel at the facts that eggs aren’t refrigerated here. That’s because they don’t pasteurized the eggs thereby ruining their natural protection. Lime is added to many things including mayonnaise, especially since there is no refrigerator in many homes.
1 pidgin egg in nest
Speaking of eggs we have planters at each end of our balcony . Both had an egg in them when we arrived. In one a pidgin has been nesting on this old egg on añd off. In the last couple of days she has added quite a bit of new nesting material so maybe she is ready to lay a fresh egg. I wish her sucess. Signing off KO
While the Senor was footballing again on Sunday, my agenda was to go to El Pirata on La Ropa to listen to the music and watch the salsa dancing. As luck would have it my balcony neighbors were
Neighbors Dwight & Lynn
just leaving for La Ropa so we caught a cab together and headed for the beach. We found El Pirata no trouble, found shady spot to sit and enjoy the
KO at El Pirata
afternoon and watch the dancing. It appears to be the “in” spot for a Sunday afternoon as just about everyone we know was there. Including the handsome cheese vendor from El Mercado. Who knew he dancer! A few drinks, some nachos and guacamole, a lovely sunset and another lovely day has come to an end. We took the bus back, and in the future I would take the bus the bus both ways.
Donna and the handsome cheese vendor Bernardo
Easy enough to do and cheap, 7.5 pesos.
This morning I set out to locate the municipal pool, I had information that it was olympic size and very nice. I used google earth to locate the pool and the streets that I need to walk to get there. I got to the sports park that it is located in, but still didn’t see the pool, a couple of quick questions and the parking lot attendant sent me toward it on the opposite side of the park, as a gentleman passed me I asked if I was going the right way to the pool. He understood my spanish but as luck would have it he spoke a little more english that I do spanish. And as always the mexican people are so willing to help he walked with me to the office/reception area and I checked with the lady as to the time it opens and making sure it was open to the public, and the cost 20 pesos, less than $1.40. I thanked my new friend Deno for all his help and said I would return manana. I checked my phone and it was 1.60 miles, an easy walk in the cool of the morning. (Yes there is an app for that). I can either walk back or take any “El Centro bus” . I’m not sure what bus I would take to get there, and I don’t mind the walk and maybe I’ll learn the bus system yet. At home when I was working, that was one of my great skills, teaching the inmates how to maneuver the county by bus. Kind of excited to be swimming again in nice clean pool. After swimming in the open ocean at Troncones which is clear and clean, I really didn’t want to go back to swimming at La Madera where my suit smells fishy after swimming. Signing off KO
We took the bus out to Troncones drop off point, and then began to walk to the taxi stand which isn’t far. A nice young couple in a mini van with 3 kids stopped and offered to take us part way in, we were in the process of accepting their hospitality when the “combi” pull up behind them. We thanked them for the offer, but would have greatly over crowded their rig and we took the combi to the Inn At Manzanillo Bay.
Bungalow #8 poolside with the ocean a few steps away ocean
Our room was a charming bungalow with an ocean front view and a hammock from which to enjoy it and the sunset on our patio. It also came equipped with a 10-12 inch iguana, who had established territory in the wall pocket where the door slides. I asked if we got charged extra for the
Our unexpected roommate
iguana and was told it came free of charge. The windows are all wood louvers including the sliding pocket doors where you are cooled by an overhead fan and a nice sea breeze. So cool that the Senor got up in the middle of the night and turned off the overhead fan. Before dinner we went for a swim in the pool, then changed for dinner. The Senor enjoyed a sirloin burger, while I had quesadillas of cheese shrimp and mushrooms. We retired to our patio and had drinks before calling the lovely romantic (that translates to no TV) evening quits. It appeared that the iguana retired else where for which I was thankful. In the morning I convinced the kitchen staff to give me a little yogurt to mix with my protein stuff and we were ready for the short walk to Hacienda Eden to sign in for Sharkfest.
This is my second “Sharkfest “swim at Troncones . It is a 1.1 mile fun swim, not a race but still a competitive event. It is not for novices, but for folks who swim a mile in a pool in 50 minutes or less. I just barely make it as I average a 46 minute mile. At 70 and 11/12ths, I’m the oldest swimmer, the youngest was 21. My goal is simple, to complete and not come in last. I was successful coming in about in the middle, unofficially number 10 of 17 swimmers.
Me finishing the Sharkfest swim
We start in Majahua and swim out around the point ending at Hacienda Eden. Many paddle boarders help mark the course and keep people like me from swimming out to sea.
Paddle boarder with his dog
One paddle boarder’s dog rides with him. As this was my second swim it was easier in respect I knew what to expect, but I think there were more swells this year keeping it interesting. It’s a fun event!
As we walked back to the Inn at Manzanillo we noticed the sign posted on one of the residences requesting the fruit vendor to stop. It’s like
Sign requesting fruit delivery
businesses at home putting out the UPS sign when they need a pick up. Near the entrance to the Inn was this huge boulder encased by the tree’s roots. The tree was tall and the roots thick and most likely quite old. So how did this happen? Did the tree grow on top of the boulder and an earthquake push the boulder up, or did the tree grow in dirt and the boulder got push up into the roots, or did rain and erosion finally wear the dirt away or was it unearthed in bulldozer construction.
Tree growing around a boulder
Some things you just have to ponder . I’m the pale one in pink with fins in the group picture.
On the afternoon of the 6th, Tree Kings Day here in Mexico, I set out to buy some trim at the fabric store and instead discovered that for 5 blocks and maybe more a whole new bazar of temporary shops had been set up. Tarps had been hung street-side and on the side-walk between the tarps and the shops are a myriad little booths of toys, clothing , mandarin oranges, and Rosca Cakes all for Three Kings Day.
Between the tarp and the shops a whole new bazaar sprung up on the side-walks
Evidently they started on the 5th and I guess will be gone on the 7th and disappears like a circus leaving town. Evidently the Mexicans don’t believe in shopping early, and this looked like a bit of a shopping frenzy to me. The Rosca Cakes are a wreath type pastry cake within it is a small baby Jesus figurine. I’m told that whom ever receives the piece with the baby Jesus in it is to host the same guests to a fiesta on February 2nd, Candlemas Day, the 2nd of February. I’ve also been told that it’s tamales that are to be fixed for the fiesta on Candlemas Day. Later that evening our
Rosca Cakes
balcony neighbors brought us a slice of the Rosca cake and I got a lamb in my piece , Lynn got a shepard in hers. I didn’t realize there were many little figurines in the cake. The cake was a little on the dry side, but should be great with strawberries or ice cream on it.
Since I didn’t find any suitable trim to make straps for my new pant/jumpsuit I decided the sewing ladies would be able to put straps on it for me. They are so sweet and agreeable, I will pick it up from them this afternoon. It was a good decision because I was wanting black straps but out in good light I discover I really need navy blue straps. That was the whole extent of my yesterday as I really wasn’t feeling up to par and found it necessary to keep close to home and slept or read most of the day.
Work up this morning feeling like my old self, scratch that, my normal self again. After my morning swim my street dogs found me, they were in luck, I had bones left over from our ham hock soup last night. As I walked by the Plaza, a pick up game of soccer was happening at the basketball court. Just another Zihuatanejo day.
Morning soccer game
The rest of the day will be spent with an excursion to the Comercial. Signing off KO
Hard working lady cleaning the La Madera path and beach
Zihuatanejo is much quieter now that the Mexican tourists have returned to their homes. The morning path to La Madera is no longer crowded with the health seeking runners, soon to be replaced by different tourists as more and more American and Canadian visitors arrive fleeing from the cold climes. I often have the feeling that here in Zihuatanejo if you are willing to work, there is work to be found. I marvel at how hard the lady who cleans the path to La Madera works, it’s not a glamour job, but it’s honest work and one whose labors we reap the benefits of. I’m amazed at the piles of sand she sweeps off the path, and the wheel barrows of litter she removes each day. Same with the daily street sweepers who appear early each morning and clean up the careless, thoughtlessness of others. Definitely unsung heroes!
My gentle little street dog was not at the bridge to meet me this morning, I don’t think I’ll tell her that I gave her breakfast to a friendly street cat. Actually “Luna” is not a true street dog as she does have an owner and a home, but I doubt she is being fed a High protein
Street cat enjoying the Senors left-over chicken
Science diet formulated for lactating mothers. She belong to the coco man who owns the chickens I feed. There are many street dogs here vying for scraps from the garbage sacks or the kindness of strangers. There are many of the yellow “anywhere” dogs of which Luna is one. There are many of very questionable parentage that have produced some very odd-looking dogs. The one common trait they all seem to share is a gentle nature.
Cats tend to be roof cats, traveling blocks without touching ground. But also found along the fisherman’s walk, and the occasional shop cat. We have planters anchoring each end of our balcony which tends to attract the roof cat population cats for their nature calls. We know as we see kitty tracks across the balcony, and occasionally , in the wee hours of the morning we have even heard their loud discussions. Just before day light last week I heard a cat on the tile overhang just below us, my flashlight has a laser light on it and I couldn’t resist a game of laser tag . But the laser scared the hell out of this cat. She ran as I chased her with the light. She didn’t understand what a fun game it can be.
Books on both sides, but no access.
There is a curious library kiosk in the artist park, it looks quite similar to the one just erected on the campus of the college I attended, with the main difference being this one is locked up tight and the one at home is open for anyone to take or leave a book. Maybe it is used by the school once the children return to school?
Today is 3 Kings Day, I’m not sure if it is a true holiday or a day of celebration, I don’t know if the children wake up to their gifts or if it happens later tonight. But I’m curious to find out. Signing off KO
Zihuatanejo 