Just another great day in paradise! we got an early start with
Shore Birds
Will of Blue Morpho Ecotours to do some bird watching and see some of the country side in Troncones. The darn birds kept flying and darting about and made my limited photography skills just about useless. Not being a great photographer to begin with I have definitely learned I need a better camera. (Dear Morgan I know now how you felt in Yellowstone.) We saw wonderful birds, grosbeak, a cardinal, a wonderful red-headed woodpecker We also saw wonderful plants and flowers. The lagoon near Troncones is a phenomenal place with abundant wildlife and lots of pigs and piglets. From the lagoon we then went to a fantastic beach for shells, a place
In absolutely shell heaven
where no one complains if you want to collect the shells. We will go back and the shell bird houses I make will be more beautiful than ever, After that we had a great meal at Manzanillo Bay Inn, a truly gorgeous establishment. The senor had breakfast while I had my new favorite soup, cream of poblano
cormorants i Tree
chile soup. Muy fantastico ! On our way back to Zihuatanejo we did some shopping for our adventure manana as we head to the butterfly sanctuary in the morning. We feasted on a crock pot dinner of chicken ,veggies and rice and then headed out to hear Allen, Roberto, & Ralph at the Flop House Bar for happy hour 2 x 1 drinks.
Allen, Roberto, y Ralph
Dear Santa I need a new camera, the smallest possible that has a great telephoto lens. my camera sucks! It was a great day, great music, , life is good, Signing off KO
Zihuatanejo is very beautiful with some very old buildings and lots of statues. After getting some photography tips from my sister I set out to photo graph some of the statues they have around the city. My favorite is El Pescador, the fisherman and I’ve been trying for years to get a decent photo of him, one that shows some of the details and workmanship, at last I have one that’s ok. This morning was to be laundry day, but due to some hot water issues in this building we are no longer able to use the roof top laundria. So I filled our rolling cart and a carry bag and took it to the laundria a couple of blocks away. It is either do it your self or they do it. Naturally we let them do it. A full weeks worth including towels and beach towels cost about $11 US money. Taking it was no problem as I split into two bags, picking it up was a different story. One large bundle sealed in plastic, by the time I go back to the apartment I was sweating so profusely that the bag was slipping out of my arms. I told the Senor that either he picks it up next time or we launder twice a week. And of course his reply was, “no problem we can launder twice a week!”
Gabino
It’s Sat nite and we are going out to dinner, I put on a dress for the big occasion, and we went down to Porto de Mare, sat right on the “Paseo de Pescadores” walk of the fishermen , had a great dinner I had my cold avocado soup and a little of the Senor’s fillet done Vera Cruz style. While we were there Gabino came by doing the woven bracelets and we had him do a couple for us to bring home for grandchildren. It amazes me how fast he can weave them and still carry on a conversation you. He told us how he learned to do them from his Mama, and as a small child he started weaving hammocks. He said it takes about 2 days to weave a hammock. Then on to see Jimmi Mamou, it was a short performance as someone hit his car, fortunately there were witnesses but he had to find an interpreter and take care of that business. So we went on to the “Beachcomber Bar” just at the end of our block for a nite cap before going home. It’s a cute little bar, right on the corner with out 6-8 chairs right on the side-walk and about 6 inside. Some day I’ll get a picture of it. We find that consuming a bit of liquor on Saturday nights is helpful, as one of the bars in our neighborhood doesn’t start music until 11 PM and was just closing
Gabino weaving a bracelet
at 6:30 AM when I got up this morning. The other bar that caused us a sleepless night seems to have quieted down, anyway a bit of booze and earplugs and we sleep good. This morning the Senor fixed a marvelous breakfast of watermelon, mangos and papaya’s. I can’t think of any better breakfast. Signing off KO
Our plans to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary are set for Tuesday – Friday, the hotel reservations are made. That was easy as I did it on-line. Next we need to buy our bus tickets, can’t do it on-line as we can’t print them and mail is out of the question. So we think we know where the bus station is and we figured it was a nice day to walk. It’s only about a mile and time for Doyle to get some exercise. Well we missed our turn and went to far so we had to stop and ask and of course in this part of town rarely does any one speak english, but my few words of spanish sufficed and actually I had composed a complete sentence and got my answer. The part I understood of the answer was the hand wave and the word Commercial. Then we knew we should have turned at the Commercial. We had bought tickets here once before and got to our destination, but didn’t get the type of bus we wanted, so we scoped out the whole station this time and discovered there are about 10 bus lines that operate out of the one station. We knew which line we wanted, I had everything written down so if they couldn’t understand my spanish they could read it and lo and behold the ticket agent spoke pretty good english. So now we have 1st class bus tickets, and head. Since we had worked up an appetite we decided to stop at Fru Taco, I had heard that while it was just a little Mexican neighborhood eatery, the food was good. I got a mushroom and pepper quesedia and the Senor got a spicy chicken taco. One of the gals there spoke english and visited with us as they love to practice their english skills. A most enjoyable lunch! On our walk back I managed to trip twice on hidden obstacles in the weeds that grow thru the cracks in the pavement and really did a number on my knee. Left me
The Senor dinning
limping the rest of the day. But now it’s siesta time!
We regularly wait until after dark and dine by candle light on our balcony. But tonight there was a music show at the Zocolo so we had not only candle light, but a musical serenade as well. After dinner I left the Senor to his TV as I wanted to watch the rest of the performance art the Zocolo. I got as far as down stairs where in front of our establishment was what I call a Mexican Hootenany! Impromptu music! There is one mexican fellow who is frequently there playing his guitar and singing. Strictly Mexican music, he speaks no english, and has a wonderful, powerful voice, that fills the entire street. One of the Canadian guests in our building was also there playing his guitar and singing pretty much what I call folk music and about 10 of us just sitting and listening. Javier is busy selling Tequila or beer from his liquor store. Both Mexican and Gringos come and go, visiting, drinking and mostly enjoying the music. I hung around for about 45 minutes and then headed to my original destination at the Zocolo and caught the last couple of songs by what appeared to be a
Mexican gentleman with a powerfull voice
Mariachi band, They were elegantly dressed, but only 2-3 horns, half a dozen violins and a full size harp playing the “Orange Blossom Special” they were very, very good. Then on to “Daniels” where I joined up with friends who had just finished their dinner and were staying to watch Jimmi Mamou play good classic rock. So in the course of 3 blocks I listened to 3 completely different venues of music, all were great and all very typical of what happens in this town on any Friday or Saturday evening. What is not to love about Zihuatanejo. Signing off KO
Had breakfast with carol this morning, a local lady who really knows the area. We had asked her to meet with us as she recently took the trip to Morelia to see the Monarch Butterflies and we needed to pick her brain so we would know how to accomplish this. We learned a lot and really appreciate the help. We’ve made our hotel reservations and will reserve our bus tickets tomorrow. We are going on a first class bus, no chickens and pigs! Will be going on Jan 31 for 3 days. Next was a trip to the Mercado for fresh fruits, veggies and eggs. I’m loving the papayas and mangos. On the way back picked up bread, soft drinks, and wine.
Produce and eggs from the Mercado
Sure love my rolling shopping cart. Then a short siesta and on to Ixtapa for dinner and a movie and not in that order. Got there way before movie time so we decided that ice cream would be in order. I ordered a coffee ice cream and the senor ordered orange ice cream. Mine came already frozen in a tall sunday glass and his was frozen in an actual orange. He said it tasted like a creamcicle. They had many interesting flavor including corn. So I had to ask for a taste as never in my life have I ever heard or thought of corn flavored ice cream. It tasted good, I couldn’t pick up the corn taste, but the senor said he could, but then I never eat corn and the Senor does quite frequently.
Orange ice cream served in an orange
We saw “The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo”, it was good, and true enough to the book. While at the movies I saw a lady with a pair of pants that I liked, asked her where she got them and following the movie and dinner went and got the pants. Lucky me they were even on sale. We had dinner at Debra’s and Mama Norma’s, or maybe it’s the other way around. The Senor had been wanting spaghetti, me I just want fish and or avocados or both Just another easy living day in paradise, where you never need a sweater or coat or mittens. Signing off KO
Yesterday was one of those great days. We took the bus out to Playa Linda and then the water taxi to Ixtapa Island for some snorkeling and picking up shells. nI find lots of the small ones there.
Oysters at Ixtapa Island
We had oysters for lunch and then I took some of the tortillas out with me to feed the fish. The fish then swarm around you, big ones about 12 inches tiny ones, blue neon ones, stripped ones, plain one colorful ones it fantastic, you are eye to eye with a whole under water world. Should have had an underwater camera. We swam and arte and drank beer and sangria and headed back to town on the last boat off the island about 5 PM as we came back to Playa Linda. One of the Mexican gentlemen on board said it was close to the time for the Playa Linda Flyers. And something about a pole. We could see the pole and being from the northwest we were thinking of pole climbing like loggers. We then saw 5 men in colorful elaborate Mexican Indian dress standing near the pole, so in fractured spanish I asked if they were done and basically the reply was” no crowd. ” We figured out they hadn’t gone up yet, we asked when and they said now for 100 pesos (about $10 a little less with the exchange) So up they went climbing up the pole on metal loops . At the top they sit on a platform and begin to turn and spin the platform while playing music on a flutes doing so winds the rope that is attached to their feet around the pole, then one gets on top of a drum, on top of this platform, that is on top of an 80ft pole and dances on the drum and the others begin to unwind the rope which is tied to their feet. They descend to the ground flying out and rotating around the pole. Colorful, spectacular and we gave them the 100 pesos and tipped them enormously more. They were simply great.
Our plan then was to return to town, pick up some roasted chicken from one of the many chicken sellers, take a siesta and maybe venture out later for a snack. But as we were passing the Flophouse Bar our neighbors Dwight and Lynn were there and we stopped to have a drink with them and then we remembered that on Tues. night there is music there with Machete Eddy.
With friends at the Flophouse Bar
So we decided to stay and listen and besides margarita’s were 2 x 1. Machete Eddie was good, but Allen from Pacalo’s (also from Belfair) came in and also played until it was time for him to go to work at Pacalo’s and he is great. 4 margarita’s later it was time to go home after all we were still in our swimsuits, very tired, very relaxed, slept like babies a truly great day. Signing off KO
My morning walk took me in a different direction this morning as I had no scraps for my chickens. I headed away from the bay about 4-5 blocks and came across this park dedicated to heroes with this fantastic mural and then on another street they were continuing the over the sidewalk coverings. these covered sidewalks are really appreciated in the heat of the day and I’m sure they are equally great in the rainy season. But it fascinates me how the tiles are just set there with only gravity holding them in place. A little later in the day, when we went to find a shoe shop to add holes to the Senor’s belt the work men were placing the tiles. No roof top delivery here, every thing is manual. My next site was one so common and daily here in Zihuatanejo done so religiously is the daily washing and sweeping of the store front. Every shop keeper takes a small bowl of water and splashes it around the sidewalk tiles to keep the dust down while sweeping every thing clean. Every day every shop!
It was laundry day and new to our apartment building this year is roof top
Mexican manual clothes dryer
laundry area. Of course the machine is all in Spanish but it wasn’t too difficult to figure it out and of course the mexican dryer was a cinch…all manusl. Well my pictures came out larger than planned, but it is easier to leave them than try to correct. Plan of the day is snorkeling at Ixtapa Island, signing off KO
I usually go out for an early morning walk after 1st light, and since we’ve been eating a lot of fruits and veggies I have lots of trimmings and peals and since I’m used to saving all of that for the Senor’s chickens it just made sense that I could find a needy flock here. I didn’t have to look to far. But I was concerned that the man preparing his coconuts for the day where i located the flock would think I was just dumping garbage. But he knew exactly what I was doing and even called the chickens for me. It wasn’t anything like chick,chick,chick. But now they expect me and just come even when I call them. They are becoming bilingual!
Signs were posted around town about the “Birthday Bash” so while the Senor glued himself to NFL playoffs at a local watering hole I went to the birthday/charity event. It was quite pleasant even though I felt like quite an outsider as I didn’t know a soul when I arrived, but that was soon remedied. I purchased one of Owen’s books, “Dog Gone” and he was gracious enough to sign it for me, I had previously read his “Prisoner in Paradise” which has since been passed on to friends. I listened to some very good musicians, heard some local tales.
Following the event I took my kindle to “TA TA’s” restaurant on the beach for a couple of mango margarita’s, absolutely yummy with a good book, kind breezes and a continuous parade of life going by.
And now as I sit on my balcony the music from the Sunday evening events at the Zocolo drift my way, a great end to a great day. Signing off KO
As nice as it would be to eat out everynight, we are budget travelers and have been fixing most of our own meals. A couple of breakfasts out and a couple of beach meals has been it. So off to the Comercial, the local super market. This is our second trip. We have figured it out, as we are here for 6 weeks, don’t buy the tiny size get the regular size so we don’t have to go as often. But while there we bought a crock pot, which I know I will enjoy. And the Senor learned how to work the pastry counter. You get a tray and tongs, pick out all that you want and take it to the pastry lady to bag and label with a price.
Then out to lunch at Mi Chyoto (spell?) as we wore ourselves out shopping and putting everything away. A quick trip to our favorite ice cream store for desert and a lazy siesta. Just amazing how the time flies!
Later, in the cool of the evening we headed out to Pacalo’s for the music. On previous trips we have always gone to listen to Steve and Ralph as we had discovered Steve was a long time Bremerton musician but this year it’s “the Steve, Allen Show” and the Senor has a message to deliver to Allen from a girl in Belfair. As it turns out Allen is a Belfair person also with a long history playing music on the Kitsap peninsula. Small world. The music was great, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, the crowd is large, mostly grey, but ready to party.
Steve and Allen are joined from time to time with other musicians during the evening. A great saxophone, a harmonica and a banjo player. Just made the whole evening great. It’s so nice to go out for an evening in t-shirts and shorts and not have to bring a jacket or sweater. Signing off KO
It was a great day at one of our favorite beaches, took the water taxi across and discovered there are two water taxi companies and the one that docks on the starboard side of the pier is a bit easier to getting on and off. It’s still a bit of a challenge, but there are always very strong young men to assist for a few coins and they are worth every centavos we pay them. As soon a we docked we met Juanita, my jeweler, after a hello and a hug she promised she would stop by and see me later.
We picked Oliverio’s to eat and relax and swim from and it was a good choice recommended by one of our party. There were 6 of us. The snorkeling was fabulous as the water was clearer than I think I’ve ever seen it and the colorful fish were closer in. I sort of scoot out on my rear until the water is just deep enough to float in and as i turned over to swim and snorkel just to my right was a platter size Manta Ray, well it was a ray at least, couldn’t have been 5 feet from the shore. Luckily I hadn’t sat on him, they don’t bother you unless you bother them first.
The margaritas were wonderful, the beer was cold, I bought a new necklace from Juanita and we had a wonderful filette veracruz.
I also think what made this day extra fun was knowing that is was snowing to beat the band back home and we didn’t have to deal with it. It’s now after 9 pm, I’m sipping wine on our balcony listening to and watching the street life as a warm breeze blows. Life is good, signing off KO
Fillette Veracruz at Oliverios on Playa Las Gatas"Mexican Still Life"
The Senor went fishing on the Dos Amigos today and about 14 miles out caught this big one. Of course he didn’t have the camera with him and I had opted not to go so there is no record of the fight and landing this approximately 100 lb fish. He just gave the fish to the captain as a sail fish isn’t what he considers to be good eating, but. Luckily I met up with him and was able to get some good pictures. Obviously he is very proud of his catch. While he fished I prowled around town, did a little bit of shopping, but mostly the looking kind of shopping. Then I took myself out to lunch. I selected one of the waterfront restaurants where you can sit at a table with your feet in the sand. Lunch would have been cheap except for the two mango margaritas. Which I have discovered are the absolutely the yummiest drink ever.
Always my fascination is with what I see different here. Every morning all over town mothers and fathers walk their children to school, girls in their uniform skirts and boys in white pants at the school closest to us. Boys all with short hair neatly combed girls mostly with long pony tails or braids.
Children being walked to school
The “Good Humor” truck has a different look here also and defiantly a different sound. No Calliope type music just the soft tooting of a bicycle horn as he pushes his cart around town. Today this one had 2 flavors in his galvanized tub, coconut and strawberry. I opted for the strawberry today. We were sitting at Zorro’s Bar which is almost right under us, I didn’t even need to get off my bar stool to trade 20 pesos for some great tasting, probably home-made ice cream.
The Ice Cream Man
Zihuatanejo 