A Pleasure at Every Turn

Ken and Deb have flown back to the U.S., where they left their truck and camper. We are feeling like a vital part of our crew is missing! They were a great addition to our group, Deb was so excitable and enthusiastic whatever was suggested. Ken is more the quiet and thoughtful kind of man. He hasn't change a lot from 20 plus years ago when he was Regional Manager for the Ministry of Forests and I was a lowly clerk in personnel.
We are trying not to have much food on hand as we will be going to Oaxaca for the next week. I will be a new and lovely adventure, I'm sure.
So, we will pretend that due to a food shortage (hardly!!) we decided to walk up town to Pizza Time and enjoy their super pizza.
The sun had not quite set as we walked up the long slope to the highway but the pink hues warmed the last of the daytime sky.
At the highway crosswalk we met a group of devout catholics. Several men, dressed in white clothing, were carrying a huge cross, a truck in front of them carried loud speakers and several nuns who were singing. Behind was a large group, mostly women and children, some who were also singing and many who were carrying beautiful flowers, mostly white lilies.
We were sure that the procession had something to do with Lent or Easter but were not quite sure what the date would mean. It was a lovely sight to behold.
We made our way up the gradual sloping street, walking about 3 blocks and then we heard more music. This time it was in a zocolo (park). It turned out that probably 8 or more dance troupes were putting on a lovely performance. Perhaps a competition? We stopped and were thrilled with music and dance steps and the costumes were very beautiful. Such variety, from cowgirl and boy costumes to the beautifully classic Chiapis gathered skirts in rich colours.
We were expecting to stay for some time....forget pizza, this was a gorgeous bit of Mexican life and we loved it.
Well, about halfway into the program first one source of lighting quit and then the second power pole light fizzled and they were in the dark of night. So disappointing! At least we saw a few groups and quite a few dances and that was great fun. Really admire how classy and elegant they are. No one was 'thrown' by the lack of lighting, the dancers continued until they were through.
After that we walked a couple of blocks more and really enjoyed the pizza.
We decided to walk home the long(er) way and so saw a few more bits of evening life in P.E.

Valentine love and fireworks

The town of Chila is 10 km northwest of here. Each Valentine's Day there is a great festival and awesome fireworks and we had been encouraged by many to go see it. that was the plan for the 8 of us. By the time evening rolled around only Jim and I were keen to go.
Around 9:30 p.m., we hailed a cab and asked how much it would be for the drive to Chila. 80 pesos, or about six bucks for us. We jumped in and off we went in the dark night to our unknown destination. Our driver did not have much english so it was a quiet ride.
He turned off the main highway and drove about one km and dropped us off at the Catholic Church. Indeed, masses of people were on the far side of the church, municipal police in black uniforms kept an eye out for ??, not sure what!
The church is on the corner of a large square. It was beautifully decorated inside with garlands and bouquets of lovely fresh flowers. Many people, of all ages, walked to the door, crossed themselves three times, kissed their hand, and entered. They usually just sat in a pew and spent time in prayer or contemplation. The would then rise up, repeat the crosses and quietly leave by the side door. I liked watching that. I also made note that if I got too tired walking, standing, etc., I could make my way to a back pew and rest there.
To the left of the church was a wide walkway and then some stadium seats on a steep sidehill. We stood at the top, no access or spaces below, and still we were behind about 4 other heads. We were trying to watch traditional dancing on the stage below. The were lovely to see, so grand in the old Spanish and colonial costumes. I will try to upload a video.
The band that play for the dancers looked like high school students and they were excellent! There is no hesitation in their ardour and the trills of the clarinets, and oompapas of the tubas was great fun!
We got tired of trying to see through the crowds and thought perhaps we would be able to see better from the far side of the arena/stage.
Some vendors dotted our pathway, the crowds were thick. We felt like we were the only North Americans around there - and it was a great feeling!! Families sauntered around us, all gentle and happy to be out on this lovely evening.
We did see a few drunks but they were happy and having fun with buddies.
On this far side from the church we could see big awnings so we walked toward that and saw the most interesting markets. The kiosks sold housewares, cookware, clothing, leatherwork, jewelry, underwear, food, etc. really amazing.
Back to the stage, another group of dancers to watch. We did meet Melinda, the pastor's daughter, and her husband. Nice young couple. he is Mexican and teaches surfing on a local world-famous beach.
Finally! Shortly after 11 p.m., the great fireworks display began. Several structures had been built and loaded with various types of fireworks. The main structure was about 30 metres high and loaded with a variety of designs. Near the top were the words Sr. Isidro Labrador (their venerated saint) and above that was a likeness of him. Above that was a horizontal ring with the words Chila 2013 around it. And beyond that was the finalize setup of fireworks.
All these went off in amazing order, all of us shockingly close. In fact toward the end bits and pieces were falling on us from high above. During this whole display we had a musical band right near us and their music accompanied every part of the fireworks. It tickled us, horns, clarinets, and a tuba just racing through their creative music. Very well done!
Just when we thought everything was finished we turned toward the church wall and there was a rain of waterfall fireworks. Then, after that, a big finale on the church roof.
Nobody went home from that event disappointed!!
So now, at midnight, to find a taxi home to P.E. we looked for a taxi at the corner where we had been dropped off but it was far too busy with local traffic.
We decided to walk along with the throngs back through the kiosks. It was as long as a city block, and then, all of a sudden, we were in a carnival area! The rides were definitely geared for children. It was pleasant to still feel their gentle family attitude.
We kept walking, found a street with other people walking and finally saw a P.E. taxi, he was free to pick us up and again, had a quiet trip back to town.
We quietly unlocked our gate, kept the flashlight on and quickly went to bed. Some of our crew didn't even hear us come in. They had probably been in bed for more than 2 hours!
As we went to sleep Jim said, "I like those people". I knew who he was talking about and agreed that our time in the midsts of thousands of Chila locals had been a lovely, memorable experience.
I will upload a video or two if I can....
Fairgrounds

Finding a taxi home

A simple Monday in P.E.

Each couple, in their own apartment makes a plan for their activity of the day.
Dave P is often up very early and off for a 5 k walk, he does this daily in Nanaimo too. He has seen more of P.E. than I ever expect to.
Ken and Deb, Marg and I, walk the long uphill roadway to our destination of the Blue Gym. The gals will do an hour of fitness and Ken will spend his hour on torture machines!
Jim has picked up his new little fishing rod and is off to the rocky outcropping below our place where he will try his luck fishing.
Dave L, also known as Lou, will spend an hour or two at his computer as he works on his investing program.
The workout is thorough, leaving no muscle unused but well stretched by the finish. She has great music to move to. We probably have a dozen ladies in the class...once in a while a guy or two will try it.
After our fitness we walk across the street and have a cold coffee with friends. Rick and Sandy are full of information as they have been here a lot of winters. We sit at a little plastic table on the sidewalk and only when we decide to leave do we go in and pay our bill.
Marg and I are of to the Super Che to restock our fridge. It means that we can get a taxi for the ride home as the sun is now high in the sky and we cannot carry all the groceries. The fruits and vegies are fresh and very tasty, and the prices are much better than home.p
By the time we get home it is a debate whether to put groceries away first or jump into the bathing suit and get into the refreshing pool.
Common sense always wins!
Trud arrives home today! So exciting to have our little ball of fun and excitement back. She had a fabulous time in Cancun with all her family at a nephew's wedding.
To celebrate her 'homecoming', we all walk to Hotel Barlovento again, and have a very nice dinner and lots of fun visiting.
One more swim in the pool before bedtime nicely completes our day.
Jim did have a nibble but brought home no fish.

Playa Manzanillo day

On Thursday we walked four block and down a long flight of stairs for our first beach day with Marg and Dave (trying to call him Lou so we don't get him mixed with other Dave Parsons).
Arriving at the bottom of the stairs we are quietly met by managers? Of the first 4 little cafes. They all have tables and chairs and at the front side there are chaises under umbrellas. We selected #4 this week. our waiter, Henry, quickly made us comfortable and we ordered a first drink. The drink ensures we don't have to pay rental for the chaise.
There is a 20 metre walk to e beach, across fine white sand. We are soon lured into the waters. Utterly gorgeous, perfect temperature and very clean. There is just enough swell in the bay to have some fun too.
We take turns with someone staying with all the gear...to precious to lose anymore.
By lunch time we order some good seafood. Shrimp cocktail, baked whole fish, guacamole, etc.
Dave Parsons joined us for the afternoon. He loves the water - and the sun. The rest of us enjoy the water but hover in the shade.
It was fun to see it again through a newcomer's eyes. Marg and Lou both commented of how this was so like paradise!
the playa is very active. There are boats available to go watch dolphins etc but we wee happy to just stay on land.
On one outcropping of rocks a local brought in a great load of oysters and proceeded to shuck them there, I think he then sold most of them to the nearby cafes.
We did snorkel and saw a nice assortment of colourful fish. Our waiter spotted Jim's binoculars so would often ask to look through them. He was impressed with what he could see on the horizon. We teased him about watching for chicas (young gals)....he did not deny it!
So many Mexican families use the beach too and it is so nice to watch their gentle interaction with each other and the kids.
We finally pulled ourselves together around 4 p.m. It was a big climb back up the cemented stairway but then a nice walk back to our casa. By that time of the day there is often a gentle breeze so there is some relief from the relentless sun.