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.
Someday I will try buying fish directly from the fishermen, but for now my language, and the required bartering skills aren’t aren’t there yet. I do good just dealing in El Mercado. Within el mercado there is a meat market, a chicken market, and a huge fish market, each with many individual proprietors. I
Filleting the fish
return to the same stall I have used before as she is helpful and friendly, even though she speaks no English. We establish that I want Mahi mahi, even though there is mahi mahi on display, she calls out to her helper who produces a whole fish I’m sure was still swimming a couple of hours ago..
I watch as she skill full removes the head and tail, divides him in half, removes the bone and whats left of the bloodline, and skins him. A few short minutes later I’m showing her how big of a piece I want, and I m out the door with enough fish for 2 meals, for 85 pesos.
Beforeafter
The workmen are coming along nicely with the project across the street, they have been putting on tiles all day. They start by carrying them in bundles from the street corner to the work site, then carrying them up the ladder and then individually placing each one. Signing off KO 1 26 15
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
M Dock at the concert last night was fantastic. These are real showmen who can handle any emergency like multiple power fuse blow outs and still keep the show going. And what a show it was. A terrific band and a great boost to the Zihuatanejo community.
We arrived way to early at the venue ( my fault), and that should have been the clue to go eat dinner elsewhere and return later for the show. But that didn’t happen. In efficiency upsets the Senor’s military mind. We spent the first hour with him explaining how things should go, with me saying this is Mexico, this is Mexico. I roll with the punches a little better than he does, most times.
No se la digas a nadie formerly El Pueblo to is a beautiful venue for concerts
The menu was extremely limited ( and I will remember that for future events there) all items were meat, no fish or vegetarian. The Senor ordered a hamburger and I went down to street and bought some cheese for my dinner and was happy. Getting our first
The Senor and I enjoying the evening. Photo cour test of Patty a great photoGrapher as this is about our best picture
drink as slow, but they were barely open. Later proved to be a real game of patience, waiting in a long line while one bartender prepared drinks.
This was a first time for these folks, so I will cut them some slack. But they lost the opportunity to make a real bundle off the generous gringos to-night by being under staffed.
Tuesday was my first shift selling T-shirts for Sailfest , thanks to my experienced and charming partner it was a fun experience
Selling Sailfest t-shirts with Bonnie
. Although in the future I think I would prefer a committee that doesn’t deal in cash.
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
Maids day and beach day are often synonymous, we take off early and return to spic and span quarters. Playa Las Gates is our preferred beach for swimming and general relaxing. It’s never to hot, a bit of a breeze and our friendly waiter at Gloria del Mar. before we left a put on the crock pot to make a chicken stew so we would have dinner when we returned. Had a great lunch shrimp and fish shiskabob, swam just a little and then I made the mistake of thinking i could sit in the sun for 20 minutes to let my suit dry out a bit before going home. Bad mistake, the water must have washed all the #50 sunblock off me and I’m burnt to a crisp. And my cold is getting worse, by the time we sit down for dinner I have laryngitis so bad my voice is cracking. Of course with his bad hearing to begin with the Senor is up able to understand anything I say. Which at this point is probably a good thing, I don’t feel good— leave me alone! This has spoiled my plans of going out and listening to music tonight. Fortunately I have a real good Barbara King solver book in the works, read through most of the night, slept enough to feel a hundred times better this morning. But I know in the next couple of days I’ll be itching and peeling like a snake shedding its skin.
Little guy getting his picture taken with Iguana
Still is was a good day at La playa, I’ve always enjoyed the “stores” coming to you while you enjoy your drink and curling your toes in the sand.
Walking clothing stores
I have so much of Juanita’s jewelry I had to pass, but I bought a lacy cover up to go over a stripped dress I have.
Marching band of Playa Las Gatas
People watching is half the fun, this man was getting money from people who wanted their picture taken with his iguana. I keep thinking the marching band should get cooler uniforms as in lighter weight, it’s just tough enough carrying the heavy instruments. Signing off KO
, Zihuatanejo’s Alberca Olimpia an olympic size, comfortable water temperature, clean and it opens at 7:00AM. It took me 20-25 minutes to walk there this morning. Paid my 20 pesos, I was almost alone in the pool , just one other person. Swam for 30 minutes and caught the first bus back to El Centro. Next on my agenda was the first Sailfest Volunteer meeting. We love Sailfest and since I’m going to be here for 3 months I figure I can spare a few days for the cause. I signed up to sell T-shirts. This should be interesting, me making change in foreign currency! I signed up for 2 shifts, I’m sure I’ll do more unless I screw up and they throw me out. The Senor is concerned I’ll over commit. It’s nice that he is concerned!! Back to the casa to pack for another over night to The Inn at Manzanilo Bay in Troncones for a dinner concert featuring Kim Marcoux
Al Alto on guitar, with songstress Kim Marcoux
songstress with Alan Alto guitarist. Alan is from our neck of the woods and we are loyal fans. It was a wonderful dinner show, we had a great time. Swam in the pool there, had great meals and this time we stayed in one of 2 upstairs rooms. This room was as lovely as any hotel room we have ever had. Completely private, a large outdoor sitting area and a nice size bedroom with a lovely bath. And no iguana this time. The Senor prefers this to the ambiance of a tropical thatched roof bungalow. I just don’t get it. El Senor is no romatico. I went for a walk on the beach the next morning and not only did I see the largest house I’ve ever scene just next door
Rock people
, but since Mexican kids don’t have snow they have to resort to making rock men and rock families.
A little further down I noticed bicycle tracks in the sand and right beside the bicycle tracks were this other set. Looks like someone was out exercising their bird! We traveled to and from Troncones on the bus. It’s an easy trip but an adventure none the less. and far more economical than a cab and easy enough to do. We now travel like the locals.
These tracks made me think someone was exercising their bird?
A trip to the Commercial, drinks at the Flophouse with Dwight and Lynn and we are ready to fix some dinner and call it a day. I’ve been in computer hell the last couple of days , with a big computer a net book a tablet and a phone and all I’ve been able to do is totally confuse me. 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.
Zihuatanejo 