Happy Sunday ....
June 1st has come and gone, and although I have not ventured far from the house, I haven't heard of any crisis that occurred, at least nothing serious, like loss of life or limb !
Boats in the procession were beautiful, no guitars or loudspeakers this year.
And no BBQ. Big disappointment for me, especially since I only got the courage to savour
it a few years ago.
I heard people talk about Dia de Marina for quite a few years before I ever had the chance to participate, and the BBQ was always raved about by BBQ lovers ... BBQ Mexican Style...
Descriptions of pig parts, or cow parts, big and small, recognizable and not, poking over the cauldren, the grisstle , the fat, the smoke, etc. It all sounded absolutely horrorrfing to me, which only encouraged the the tellers of tales !!
After approximately 7 or 8 years of this, I saw the scene with my own eyes.
The Giant Family Size, ( tin ? ) clothes/wash/ bath tub, positioned on flaming rocks;
4 or 5 wood planks shoved under and around, sticking out 2 meters, like fireguards.
keeping it steady and burning with a fury; flames licking up the grease boiling over the sides, just enough to get that Special Mexican Gritt.
A large ring of fire, spread out on the playita, under Martita's house.
Pipala looming on the paddle, stirring and smiling and licking his lips.
A large crowd of people, standing close but not to close, ( it's 32 celsius in the shade )
doing the smoke shuffle, backwards forwards turn around, repeat...
smoke pouring over them like fog banks.
I never ventured too close, or looked too hard for 5 years, until i did.
Not look, just eat, and I never turned back after that.
It's not the same party without it.
Like a Newfouldland homecoming without the Jiggs Dinner !!
Perhaps I will now become the vocal BBQ advocate.
How things change !!
There was no shortage of people, ( a little less this year being Wednesday ) , fun , music, beer, ( temporary ) dancing. Fun to watch the men fall off the Mechanical Bull, for a few minutes. I only was there 6 hours out of 12, missed the pole climb, ( it fell down ), and
the tug of war and bag races, if there were any.
Last year the Glass Liquor bottles hanging from the pole !?, were replaced with plastic ones, holding your chit to claim your prize. One too many concussions over the years !
I had to leave when the horn section set up. Two too any Tubas for me !!
But I loved it all.
It's a special day with a special meaning for everyone in this town.
It's a marker for end of season, beginning of summer, intense sun, prayers for rain.
I'm looking forward with excitiement ..
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
Happy Mothers Day ..and more
!! I can't believe I forgot to have Children !!
.. written on a t shirt I saw years ago in Chelsea Quebec.
Everyday should be Mother's Day, the women, around here, and around the World,
keep the wheels turning, no doubt about that.
Life here is begining the slow dance into summer. Still a lot of construction around town,
get your new roof up now !! and spray for bugs up, down, and all around.
Now is a good time to see a Scorpion or two.
The hills are hard and dry, the sun in the afternoon is not forgiving, humidity high.
I need at least 3 large umbrellas in the yard, and I have a pre made sail cloth to put up,
at some point. in the very near future. when I find my dream handy man !!
Sad news from the Lorenzo family..
They lost another brother last week, our friend Piri, who lives in my neighbourhood
and opened our little general store.
So sweet. Such a warm smile and gentle way about him. He will be deeply deeply
missed. I must remember to ask his full name, I heard for the first time at his funeral,
most unusual and enchanting ....
Another and another, passed on to the other world ..
Roberto ( Tencia ) and Elana's ( Yacht Club) Grandmother, at 101 years, approx,!
So many wide eyed stories told about what life was like here years ago.
Memories and myths and imagination .... Yelapa Fairy Tales ...
An Elder in Chacala, also said goodbye.
The Police from the Ministerio de Publico came to Yelapa to gather out written reports
of our experiences with home invaion . Break and Enter.
The thing is, it's not necessary to break anything to enter into any of our homes,
just a leg on the way out, I hope ... haha ...
Five Police in total, 3 in uniform, ( 2 men , 1 woman,) and 2 in plain clothes,
one of them from the Guadalajara office !!
Good work Deligado's Office!!
I feel I missed an opportunity though, to ask some basic questions, like,
the status of the murder investigation, for example ! ?
and what are my rights and responsibilities when I witness a crime.
Those kinds of things...
I'll take my written questions down to Dalia, and see what she can come up with .
In the meantime, The Fire !!
I watched some u tube videos Saturday. Apocolypse, the guy said.
Fort Mc McMurray has a legacy as Halifax, and Gastown and Chicago and ...
Tragic and devestating. Massive Trauma.
What to do ?
I have family who have family there.
What to do ?
Direct all my energy to bring peace to the area.
An end to the Fire.
Strength to Carry On...
Peace and Love, Sisters and Brothers
.. written on a t shirt I saw years ago in Chelsea Quebec.
Everyday should be Mother's Day, the women, around here, and around the World,
keep the wheels turning, no doubt about that.
Life here is begining the slow dance into summer. Still a lot of construction around town,
get your new roof up now !! and spray for bugs up, down, and all around.
Now is a good time to see a Scorpion or two.
The hills are hard and dry, the sun in the afternoon is not forgiving, humidity high.
I need at least 3 large umbrellas in the yard, and I have a pre made sail cloth to put up,
at some point. in the very near future. when I find my dream handy man !!
Sad news from the Lorenzo family..
They lost another brother last week, our friend Piri, who lives in my neighbourhood
and opened our little general store.
So sweet. Such a warm smile and gentle way about him. He will be deeply deeply
missed. I must remember to ask his full name, I heard for the first time at his funeral,
most unusual and enchanting ....
Another and another, passed on to the other world ..
Roberto ( Tencia ) and Elana's ( Yacht Club) Grandmother, at 101 years, approx,!
So many wide eyed stories told about what life was like here years ago.
Memories and myths and imagination .... Yelapa Fairy Tales ...
An Elder in Chacala, also said goodbye.
The Police from the Ministerio de Publico came to Yelapa to gather out written reports
of our experiences with home invaion . Break and Enter.
The thing is, it's not necessary to break anything to enter into any of our homes,
just a leg on the way out, I hope ... haha ...
Five Police in total, 3 in uniform, ( 2 men , 1 woman,) and 2 in plain clothes,
one of them from the Guadalajara office !!
Good work Deligado's Office!!
I feel I missed an opportunity though, to ask some basic questions, like,
the status of the murder investigation, for example ! ?
and what are my rights and responsibilities when I witness a crime.
Those kinds of things...
I'll take my written questions down to Dalia, and see what she can come up with .
In the meantime, The Fire !!
I watched some u tube videos Saturday. Apocolypse, the guy said.
Fort Mc McMurray has a legacy as Halifax, and Gastown and Chicago and ...
Tragic and devestating. Massive Trauma.
What to do ?
I have family who have family there.
What to do ?
Direct all my energy to bring peace to the area.
An end to the Fire.
Strength to Carry On...
Peace and Love, Sisters and Brothers
Friday, April 29, 2016
Stop the Press
Until further notice, the events of yesterday; the apprehension of 3 criminals,
CANNOT BE CONFIRMED
News spreads like Wildfire, often out of control, so we wait, for something .....
In the meantime, a party was organized at the Yacht Club to mark Dia del Nino,
The Day of the Child, every April 28th.
A big turn out, of course, with a Clown Performance, and food and drink.
I blew up ballons.
There were 4 or 5 Pinatas, but I didn't stay to watch the destruction .
Please send us some rain, just one or two days is all we need to get us through June.
We have had some cool morning, but the sun is blazing hot by the afternoon.
Fishing is so so. Waiting for the temperture change, again....either too hot or too cold..
on the bottom or the top.
I've been eating fresh eggs, yogurht, and panela cheese from the Co oporative up river.
Everything made by hand, with local ingredients, and free delivery.
Most days and evenings, you can walk down the path and buy local moonshine, tamales, corn on the cob or a cup, chickens, ( dead usually ) sweet bread, fresh juice and etc. from vendors who are local or people who come down from near by villages.
Resturants are closing for the season, but the mainstays will continue through the summer,
and we get by just fine. Los Abuelos won't be open this rainy season, and that is a blow.
I'll have to ask him for his Salad Dressing Recipe !
Happy to be connected again.
I'm looking forward to sharing my Yelapa Stories and More with you ... as they unfold.
Happy Spring Gardening !!
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Six Months
We have lived through another High Season. Time passes so quickly but looking back now
Hurricane Patricia feels like an ancient memory.,, unless, dwelling upon it now, the sensation of anxiety and panic are revealed, just under the surface .
So much has happened in this not so little anymore village, since I last wrote.
Most unfortunately most of it not good to tragic.
A lot of my energy these last 3 weeks has been devoted to devicing and concocting a home alarm system, not so easy in a Palapa . This is definetely a job for my Father, Don Hugo !
I try to guess at what he'd have me do, and that takes a lot of imagination !
It will take time and money, and as we all know, walls, windows and doors only keep out
the good people !
We have here a perfect example of " One Bad Apple " , in this case perhaps 2 or 3 or maybe 4, spoiling the whole Orchard, and the Orchard appears to be powerless to eliminate the
the disease.
The " Real World " creeping its way into Yelapa.
It started with electricity, about 13 years ago, and has accelerated ever since.
Bring it on.
We can't stop it, but we can keep our " Vortex Power " alive and thriving.
The magic of Yelapa does not have to disappear, but how do we to keep the peace,
while adapting to the 21st Century ?
Don Hugo where are you ???
CSI Yelapa ?
Murder.
The man across the bay from me.
Shot.
With a gun.
In the late afternoon,
In his house.
My nerves twinge writing this.
Don't bother searching Google, I'm told there is no press at all on the net.
The Proper Authorities are carrying out an investigation, is what we hear in the Village.
People have been questioned. I couldn't tell you by whom.
Am I frightened ?
No.
I can't explain why.
I suppose I do have my radar somewhat extended.
An outer uneasiness and preoccupation, before I go to bed at night.
A hassle mostly.
It is becoming part of my ritual, securing my borders before I can rest.
An unpleasant awareness of vunerability and powerlessness.
NEWS FLASH !!! HOT OFF THE TRAIL !!
A BOAT HAS BEEN DETAINED AT BOCA DE TOMATLAN.
3 MEN AND A LOAD OF STOLEN MERCHANDISE HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED ON BOARD.
CALIFORNIA NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH, TAKEN TO ANOTHER LEVEL .
STAY TUNED FOR MORE BREAKING NEWS NEXT WEEK.
Until then ....
Sleep tight ... don't let the bed bugs bite !!
Hurricane Patricia feels like an ancient memory.,, unless, dwelling upon it now, the sensation of anxiety and panic are revealed, just under the surface .
So much has happened in this not so little anymore village, since I last wrote.
Most unfortunately most of it not good to tragic.
A lot of my energy these last 3 weeks has been devoted to devicing and concocting a home alarm system, not so easy in a Palapa . This is definetely a job for my Father, Don Hugo !
I try to guess at what he'd have me do, and that takes a lot of imagination !
It will take time and money, and as we all know, walls, windows and doors only keep out
the good people !
We have here a perfect example of " One Bad Apple " , in this case perhaps 2 or 3 or maybe 4, spoiling the whole Orchard, and the Orchard appears to be powerless to eliminate the
the disease.
The " Real World " creeping its way into Yelapa.
It started with electricity, about 13 years ago, and has accelerated ever since.
Bring it on.
We can't stop it, but we can keep our " Vortex Power " alive and thriving.
The magic of Yelapa does not have to disappear, but how do we to keep the peace,
while adapting to the 21st Century ?
Don Hugo where are you ???
CSI Yelapa ?
Murder.
The man across the bay from me.
Shot.
With a gun.
In the late afternoon,
In his house.
My nerves twinge writing this.
Don't bother searching Google, I'm told there is no press at all on the net.
The Proper Authorities are carrying out an investigation, is what we hear in the Village.
People have been questioned. I couldn't tell you by whom.
Am I frightened ?
No.
I can't explain why.
I suppose I do have my radar somewhat extended.
An outer uneasiness and preoccupation, before I go to bed at night.
A hassle mostly.
It is becoming part of my ritual, securing my borders before I can rest.
An unpleasant awareness of vunerability and powerlessness.
NEWS FLASH !!! HOT OFF THE TRAIL !!
A BOAT HAS BEEN DETAINED AT BOCA DE TOMATLAN.
3 MEN AND A LOAD OF STOLEN MERCHANDISE HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED ON BOARD.
CALIFORNIA NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH, TAKEN TO ANOTHER LEVEL .
STAY TUNED FOR MORE BREAKING NEWS NEXT WEEK.
Until then ....
Sleep tight ... don't let the bed bugs bite !!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Adios huracan patricia
We survived.
Nothing happened except 3.5 inches of rain, and we are all grateful for that ! and that she
didn't want to come to Yelapa. We were without power from about 7 pm .....
....that's where I got cut off on Monday morning ... don't think i can repeat the whole post but ...we were out of power 24 hours ...but the worst thing was emotional ..for sure...
Thank you everyone for your concern. It was a miracle the storm moved when she did.
The Vallarta Adeventure boat came in and evacuated 4 or 500 people. It was impressive. They never brought anyone back though !! And when they arrived in PV all the stores were shut down. A terrible night I am sure. All the resorts were evacuated to The Convention Center.
My Emergency Training, from the Y.W.C.A and my Mother paid off and i was prepared and learnt a few things along the way for next time, which I hope I will not have to experience !
I also wrote about how much I love Mexico. Nothing can ever repace Canada, or Terrace Bay and Vancouver, but these are my people. Mi Casa y tu Casa isn't made up out of thin air,
that's how the people I meet really live. I have never been afraid on any of my road trips,
ever. Many people who have helped me along the way have refused payment, or rely on your generosity. They are young of heart, Connected to Mother Nature and Celebrate their Dead. I am so happy to call this Country, Home.
I also mentioned the fantastic energy that comes here from all over the world. I met 3 flight attendants on the taxi the other day, here to scatter one of the Mother's ashes, from the Parachute boat !! She took a trip up on her 80th !!
I heard him call out to me as he floated by my house ... you can make the greatest connections, just on the boat ride !!
The Village is in flux and despair over the disappearance of a young female lawyer, originally from here. I think she may have been born in PV, grew up there mostly I believe, but she is Yelapanese. There are weekly marches in the city, bringing attention to this crisis.
What despair the family must be experiencing. Helplessness is the worst.
I will sign off. I am still 2 weeks away from finishing my renovation. Excited but exhausted.
Thats the way those things work !!
I have had a lot of trouble with my email ... checking in on FB..but new mail is
kcyelapa@gmail.com
Look forward to seeing your happy faces in the coming weeks ...
Keep an eye on Canada's new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ...
this could get very exciting !!
I hope you are all living a piece of your dream .... like i am ..
Nothing happened except 3.5 inches of rain, and we are all grateful for that ! and that she
didn't want to come to Yelapa. We were without power from about 7 pm .....
....that's where I got cut off on Monday morning ... don't think i can repeat the whole post but ...we were out of power 24 hours ...but the worst thing was emotional ..for sure...
Thank you everyone for your concern. It was a miracle the storm moved when she did.
The Vallarta Adeventure boat came in and evacuated 4 or 500 people. It was impressive. They never brought anyone back though !! And when they arrived in PV all the stores were shut down. A terrible night I am sure. All the resorts were evacuated to The Convention Center.
My Emergency Training, from the Y.W.C.A and my Mother paid off and i was prepared and learnt a few things along the way for next time, which I hope I will not have to experience !
I also wrote about how much I love Mexico. Nothing can ever repace Canada, or Terrace Bay and Vancouver, but these are my people. Mi Casa y tu Casa isn't made up out of thin air,
that's how the people I meet really live. I have never been afraid on any of my road trips,
ever. Many people who have helped me along the way have refused payment, or rely on your generosity. They are young of heart, Connected to Mother Nature and Celebrate their Dead. I am so happy to call this Country, Home.
I also mentioned the fantastic energy that comes here from all over the world. I met 3 flight attendants on the taxi the other day, here to scatter one of the Mother's ashes, from the Parachute boat !! She took a trip up on her 80th !!
I heard him call out to me as he floated by my house ... you can make the greatest connections, just on the boat ride !!
The Village is in flux and despair over the disappearance of a young female lawyer, originally from here. I think she may have been born in PV, grew up there mostly I believe, but she is Yelapanese. There are weekly marches in the city, bringing attention to this crisis.
What despair the family must be experiencing. Helplessness is the worst.
I will sign off. I am still 2 weeks away from finishing my renovation. Excited but exhausted.
Thats the way those things work !!
I have had a lot of trouble with my email ... checking in on FB..but new mail is
kcyelapa@gmail.com
Look forward to seeing your happy faces in the coming weeks ...
Keep an eye on Canada's new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ...
this could get very exciting !!
I hope you are all living a piece of your dream .... like i am ..
Monday, October 5, 2015
photos
Good Day for Pina, on left..
30 kilo about.. Pargo
after 3 days rain
... A little Sunday ceviche in yelapa
too bad you can't sit down in shorts
too hot...no cigar on this one !
at least so far....
on the road again
All's well ..
heading North with Linda shotgun in the Red Angel ... Saturday.
Reach USA border in Nogales, Monday.
Hope to be home in 10 days !!
Parting is such sweet sorrow...but the fun begins when I return, choseing colours and
curtins and etc. for the house ...
I will post some photos off my phone later this afternoon, but thats it till Halloween..
I'm off to dig out my suitcase ...
heading North with Linda shotgun in the Red Angel ... Saturday.
Reach USA border in Nogales, Monday.
Hope to be home in 10 days !!
Parting is such sweet sorrow...but the fun begins when I return, choseing colours and
curtins and etc. for the house ...
I will post some photos off my phone later this afternoon, but thats it till Halloween..
I'm off to dig out my suitcase ...
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