Five years ago last February we picked up our friends Jim and Mindy in front of the Mercado in Coatepec. We had never met prior to that meeting. They had never been to this area. We had been emailing with them for several years by that time having ‘met’ on the Internet from a like interest in alternative building. Prior to our meeting in person in Coatepec they had shown a lot of interest in our lives in Mexico.
About 6 to 8 months before we met them in Coatepec they decided to move to Mexico. They sold their place in Arizona, bought a truck and an Air Stream trailer – packed it up with all their worldly possessions and headed out here.
Jim is disabled so he and Mindy flew to Veracruz and then bused it to Xalapa and a cab to Coatepec. Their truck and the Air Stream stuffed with all their possessions was driven out from Arizona by a couple hired hands.
Jim in Amelco (Photo by Mindy)
Without any further description you might imagine the effort it took to make all that happen. The kicker to all this as I mentioned above is Jim and Mindy had never laid eyes on this area.
Wind forward five years. Jim and Mindy visited us Sunday. We hadn’t seen them for about three years. They lived for a while not far from us in Teocelo, but there the winters were too cold for Jim, so they moved to lower ground closer to the coast – specifically to Chahuapan – a very small town not too far from Cardel. They lived there for three years until a new cement plant was built that creates so much dust they had to leave.
Five months ago they moved to Amelco. A small village perhaps 10 miles as the crow flies from Chahuapan; however it requires about 40 minutes to drive through winding roads to get from their old place to the new one.
We wondered how they were fairing having taken the bull by the horns selling out and moving to a new country and home sight unseen. The report is: very well thank you.
The first thing noticed is they have lost quite a bit of weight. They look much healthier than when they arrived here 5 ½ years ago. A good thing.
When asked how they are doing after five years in a new country, their reply includes how happy they are. “It is not perfect here; but so much better than in the U.S.” Of course we agree. They have not returned to the United States since the move here.
We have watched their story unfold with some trepidation. I mean – two people packed up and moved to a rather obscure part of Mexico mostly based on what they had read in emails with us and this Blog. Had we created a monster situation? Should we feel responsible for actions that were highly discouraged by any foreigner that had moved to Mexico before them – including our insistence that they should come and visit the area BEFORE making a move?
Please understand we remain steadfast in our strong recommendation to NOT just sell out, pack-up and head here without at least a visit. But, in this case it worked out very well.
Mexico is mysterious, an adventure, not to be taken lightly by the casual dreamer. But, for the true adventurer it has a lot to offer.
Mindy Works on the Satellite Internet Dish (Photo by Jim)
Jim and Mindy made the visit yesterday in part to get a part that we had purchased for them for their satellite Internet system. They have been off the Internet other than the occasional visit to an Internet café for about 5 months. We hope the part will resolve their problem; that they will be back on the ‘air’ to tell the rest of their story themselves. Stay Tuned!
Back in early May we reported on the birth of a star of sorts here in Xico, Veracruz (Report Here). We had not seen much of her since that week in May.
Yesterday we had a surprise visit from the little foal. She seems to be growing fast with quite the personality. Mom is tethered across the roadway.
It is a mystery as to how the lot across from us gets occupied by horses, or burros, or goats? We have been told the lot belongs to someone in Mexico City. First come, first serve?
The little one is allowed to roam free assuming she will not stray far.
This assumption may not be totally accurate. Oh we are mere feet from mom, but the little one has been seen in the street around the corner and in other places of some distance.
Like children around here she is quite safe. Neighbors watch for her. We do keep an eye on the little chamacos who love to throw rocks at each other and at the occasional animal. More than once we have run out to halt the pelting of a burro or goat across the way.
The owner showed up across the street. It was obvious the foal knew her owners as she scurried back from our place. The dueño (owner) and his young son were horseback. The little fellow made a valid attempt at feeding his fingers to the little foal.
It is different finding a horse in your yard; albeit a very small one. We are monitoring her growth, and enjoying her visits.
Tomorrow a visit to our local wood fired oven bakery. Stay Tuned!
David Tepo is the man behind the mascaras (masks). Born in Xico 80 years ago Don Tepo says, “As a chamaco I was interested only in art and music. I could not make a living following my passions. So I made my living working in the fields as a campesino (laborer)”. These days his work is in high demand. He makes sculptures, paintings and is famous throughout Mexico for his masks. Placing an order for a wood carved mask will get you on the waiting list.
Don Tepo lives on the north side of mid-town. He and his family own most of the block; a large chunk of real estate that has been chopped up into 5 meter wide casitas – all family members. His place is easy to find. Because David Tepo is an institution in Xico the city has seen fit to place a street sign in front of his house depicting the location of an artisan.
We had a one PM appointment to take some photos and interview him.
When we arrived he was at the front door of his dirt floor casita shop. Next to his house one of a couple of his sons that are carrying on the trade made good use of his 5 meters to let anyone driving by that masks were available.
We noticed some heads actually built into the foundation stem wall of his son’s casita
Carved wooden masks depicting clowns, men and women, animals, devils, demons and various mythical beasts are a tradition in our pueblo of Xico. They are commonly referred to as dance masks.
Don Tepos masks appear at celebrations throughout our area. Each one of these hand carved and hand painted wood masks is unique. Each papier-mâché mask is uniquely painted as well. The wood masks are carved from a very light fibrous wood with a long unpronounceable name.
Mascara tradicional de Xico tallada por David Tepo
Entering the little shop front room sales area the walls are covered with newpaper articles, posters and examples of Don Tepo’s work. Behind a glass counter were some masks and carvings as well as a painting done by Don Tepo. A colorful curtain covered the entry to his workshop. He invited us in.
Vintage masks that have been used in dances and ceremonies are collectable, expensive and hard to acquire, but many newer masks are beautifully done and relatively inexpensive. The papier-mâché masks run from 65 pesos to 150 pesos while the wood carved masks start at 450 pesos and go up depending on the complexity of construction. Quite the bargain for the artistry and construction time.
We came home with two papier-mâché masks and we are on the waiting list for a wood carved model. They are quite irresistible as is Don Tepo a father of ten children; eight boys and two girls. He is a gentle spirit who explained his wife passed away seven years ago; but surrounded by his boys he is well cared for.
I asked Don Tepo if he has advice for the younger folks on how to get to 80 as happy and content as he appears to be. Never smoked, little drink and do everything you can to be happy. Good advice. He told Anita we should return often, not just to visit for an interview or to buy masks. We said we would and left feeling good about making a new friend. Stay Tuned!
The Celebration is winding down. The weather did not cooperate during the entire event. Yesterday it rained all day putting a damper on the biggest day which included the annual Bull Run on Hildalgo Street as well as Bull fights in the ring later in the afternoon.
The band Mariachi International of Guadalajara performed Wednesday night.
The Calypsos met up with Jürgen & Lulú at Rosy’s Zapateria to watch La Pamplonada or the running of the bulls down Main Street.
The bulls wandered rather aimlessly along the plywood and steel girded route. This year’s herd of 16 bulls seemed particularly large and intimidating. There were 10 hombres reported injured, apparently none seriously. Also reported that 25,000 people attended this event.
The Calypso couple enjoyed the celebrating with new and old friends; however La Pamplonada was less entertaining. We thought the throwing of 32 ounce Sol Beer cups (these probably had been refilled with water we are guessing) and other debris at the bulls, as well as kicking at the 16 animals as they lingered close to the fences was unnecessary and cruel. We are going to have to think seriously about returning to this event next year.
After the many hours of the bull run Jürgen & Lulú, our new friends met earlier in the week, and we walked down to El Campenario Restaurant for lunch. Later the rain continued as Anita and I walked all of Hildalgo towards home; no scooting around on Cruz Azul on this day. We bought an additional umbrella along the walk making it home with little more than wet feet.
The day before there was a massive collection of equestrians, more horses in one place than we have ever seen; more still than the Capitan Rodeo we attended on July 4th. Looking up the street dotted along the entire route were white cowboy hats. The horse people paraded around Xico. The remnants of that parade were being washed away on Thursday – thankfully.
Wednesday night we were entertained in the park by the band Mariachi International of Guadalajara. This very polished group of hombres was professional and highly talented. They have been performing for more than ten years. This concert, one of the highlights of the week long celebration, was provided free by the city of Xico.
All in all in spite of the rainy weather the celebration was well attended and a fun time for the Calypsos.
Some photos from the Wednesday and Thursday:
El vaqueroito gets ready to load ‘em up and move ‘em out.
An Uppity Horse is not happy amongst all his brethren.
Vaqueras were represented as well as the Vaqueros.
No Surprise to see our landlord on his tall Stallion.
Another mujer beautifies the predominant caballeros.
Nothing but good guys – everyone wore their white hat.
Bull Run morning. The crowd waited patiently.
Cowgirls in high heels selling mora and torito libations - wahoo!
The guapa Señora Calypso arrives at Rosy’s Zapateria. Let the party begin!
Our hostess Rosy surveys her three stories of guests from the calle.
Across the street this señorita spies my camera – nice pose. We are almost ready now!
Released bulls appear to be more interested in bashing each other than the humans.
Our amiga Rosy demonstrates the proper use of the bota bag! Viva Mexico!
Some of Rosy’s bota bag students – quick learners and lots of fun too!
Heels over head for bulls!
Crowd on their feet as someone gets pummeled down the way – Bulls 16 Humans 0
Stay within the yellow lines and you will qualify for Handicapped Parking.
Meanwhile from Rosy’s secure Zapateria the party continued.
Moments after the last bull was corralled the calle filled into the early morning hours!
We enjoyed the celebration which ends today – now for some rest from two weeks of celebrations. Life is never dull here in Mexico. Stay Tuned
We went to our favorite haunt the Acamalin Restaurant on Sunday afternoon. The town of Xico was/is full of visitors here to join in on the ongoing Fiestas Patronales de en Honor a Santa Maria Magdalena; Xico’s Patron Saint Celebration.
Bull fights were going on up at the southwest corner of town at the Plaza de Toros. Last week there were demonstrations in protest by an animal rights group relating to the event.
Tables were at a premium at the Acamalin. Often an occurrence on Sunday afternoons but amplified by the increase in population. The Calypso couple occupied a table for four as did a couple at a table very near us. We all agreed to join forces and make a table available for others. Our host Senor Gómez was most appreciative.
Jürgen is a fellow tails-man (he sports a guapo pony tail), as well as a fellow talisman (“to initiate into the mysteries”) Jürgen writes a Blog about his life here in Mexico in the German language). His Blog will be linked here with his permission.
Jürgen introduced us to his wife Lourdes. We learned they were transplants from Mexico City, living in Xalapa for the past year. To our surprise Jürgen spoke excellent English as well as Spanish and German his native language. He translates books. A PHD translator and author. Lulú is a Mexicana, an attorney of 11 years, and completing studies in Xalapa to add psychotherapist to her resume. Quite a left brain – right brain combination I remarked.
They turned out to be a fascinating couple as you can well imagine. They will join us on Thursday for the main event; the grand day of the Fiesta that will include the running of the bulls.
Later in the evening we received a call from Zanie and David. They had arrived from Oaxaca the day before on this leg of a vacation tour of Mexico. We had been emailing with them from their home base in San Francisco for some months now regarding this visit. They were in Xico staying at Hotel Coyopolan over on the south side of town (Prolongacion de Venustiano Carranza).
We agreed to meet in front of the big church on Hildalgo at 9:15 PM. David stands at about 6’4” and Zannie sports a lovely head of red hair. They were not hard to spot.
We had some libations at El Mesón Xiqueño restaurant in the middle of Hidalgo (Avenida Hidalgo # 148). We talked much until we heard horns and a big marching band drum blowing and banging in the street. The four of us rushed out to a street full, wall to wall, with people escorting Santa Maria Magdalena up towards her Church. We joined the procession.
Sunday’s Fashion Statement for Maria Magdalena
The crowd climbed the stairs to the large deck in front of the entrance to the church. More musicians and many people gathered near the entrance. Volleys of fireworks were lifting off very near where we were standing. Sitting off to one side were a couple of hombres. One reached in a bag and pulled out some new plastic cups and out came a liter of tequila. Generous doses of the liquid gold were poured for the four of us as we introduced ourselves to our host Jose Efren.
While it was after midnight Senor Efren invited us to join him and his friends at 5 AM for the installation of the alfrombra, a rug of colored sawdust, pine needles, flowers, grain, pine cones, etc. This will be laid out from the start of Hildalgo all the way up to the iglesia (church) at the west end nearly a mile in length.
We all appreciated the invitation, but we explained were pretty sure we would be sleeping at 5 AM. Soon after Zannie and David headed to their hotel and we scooted home.
A few hours later we did hear a lot of fireworks from the comfort of our bed. We will head down to get some photos of the latest alfombra carpeting effort. It is a lovely morning. This display may last more than a few hours if the rain stays away; since we have been back home it has rained at least part of every day.
You must be particularly blessed to have a real live mariachi band in your cocina (kitchen).
Yesterday was an on again and off again rainy day. The Calypso couple managed to scoot into Coatepec for supplies and return to Xico dry as a bone. Two blocks and around the corner from our casita the sawdust artists were laying out a beautiful carpet protected by blocks of yellow ribbon supported by standards decorated with flowers.
Within a short time Mother Nature had her say and washed it all away; perhaps she is jealous. The carpets are like a beautiful sunset – you have to catch them while you can – soon they will go as fast as they came in our rainforest climate.
Because we are in a rainforest the people are undaunted by a little rain – or even a lot. Life goes on as does the partying!
On tap yesterday was many confirmation celebrations. The streets were adorned with little girls in clean white dresses and shiny black shoes – most sported ribbons in the hair. They were excited; only remaining calm enough to keep their dresses clean. Colorful flags, balloons and decorated front rooms opened to the street were on every block.
And the Saint Carmen Celebration continued. In the same location as the mole party the night before the street was cornered off. Rain protecting tarps were hung high over tables of food and celebrators. If you had an “E-Ticket” you could sit inside where the fortunate few were entertained by a terrific Mariachi Band.
Now being a Güero (a Caucasian or in this case a “White-Boy”) has few advantages in Mexico – but this day we were invited in. The Canon is a press pass of sorts in our Hood. . We did take photos with promise of a disc full for the majordomos’ (stewards of the Celebration).
The mariachi band was absolutely spectacular! The hardened cement room made for bright and sonorific acoustics. The band played 45 minutes plus (a sets worth as I remember it from my music days). Dancing and celebrating lasted well beyond the band.
The arch was raised in front of Capilla Saint Carmen (Stay Tuned tomorrow for those photos)
Some of the photos that will go on the CD:
The last photo shows another band in the street – sort of undercover – and the bands played on….
This was just from Wednesday. Nine more days left of Xico Celebrations. Plenty of time to get here. Stay Tuned!
Soon we will head back to Capitan. New Mexico – population is about 1700. A smaller city than Xico, Veracruz by nearly a factor of ten.
Capitan has all the romantic trappings of small town America; Smokey the Bear hails from Capitan and a museum and proper burial site and even “Smokey Bear Days” happens there.
The people are right leaning; their children bright faced spend almost as much time with 4H projects as they do computer games. A close knit community where if you haven’t lived here for generations you probably will be an outsider regardless of the amount of years you will settle there.
We have had a small adobe house in the middle of town for about 12 years – so we are new to the party.
There are a disproportionate amount of pickup trucks and if the wind is headed in your direction it will smell a little like a stable regardless of where you are in the town. But, not a problem as horses and associated farm animals are very much the norm.
We wrote about some of the glaring differences between Las Vegas and our part of Mexico. There are fewer when one compares Capitan to Xico as one might expect greater differences in small town versus bright lights, big city. However differences do exist.
Small towns, no matter where, seem to be steeped in novella type situations. The good ol’ boy network is strong and strains to remain pure to that end.
In Xico we lived for a while near a small town newspaper editor whose lot in life was to challenge the authority – this is typically not popular and that was no exception for our neighbor.
Here in Capitan our next door neighbor recently ran for mayor. He lost by 100 votes which to hear him tell it was a landslide loss. Of course this is relative to the total vote which is never big in a town of 1700 or so total souls. Our neighbor is new on the scene with a mere 12 years under his belt – not going to beat out those with generations of local history.
But, in Capitan the living is easy and the people adjust to differences, learning to live with their fellow man, quite simply because you have to. It is easy to run out of opportunities to make new friends in a small fish bowl. Better to learn to live and let live.
This can be said of Xico as well. People have lived there for many generations. The Suarez’s don’t do battle with the Valenzuela’s like the Hatfields and the McCoys, they simply ignore each other and drive on. I suppose that is a good thing?
Capitan has a big small town July Fourth Parade. At least as many towns’ folk participate as watch. High school bands, fire engines, horse trailers, the big truck that digs electric poles for the power company and just about anyone with a Jeep or vintage automobile or a horse is in the parade. Flat bed trailers pull groups of Obama supporters dressed in Uncle Sam attire and other flat beds, not too close, that support The Tea Party. You have seen these parades. Essentially Norman Rockwell-esqe.
Small town America parades are much the same as the many religious and war memorial parades that occur in Xico. Everyone loves a parade. Going back and forth between countries is bound to present many parade ‘opportunities’.
We are somewhere in the U.S. enjoying their July Fourth holiday and parades. We plan on getting home to Mexico before the BIG July Celebration where Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala, our patron saint, will be revered and celebrated. The best of both worlds is a retirement luxury I suppose. Maybe we will see you in Xico. Stay Tuned!
When visiting the U.S. we often miss the Mexican food that we eat most of the year. We get great tortillas in Mexico. The tortillas that happen in Las Vegas can stay in Las Vegas.
A couple miles east of my sister and brother in-law’s casa is Viva Zapatas Mexican Restaurant. Here Emilio is prominently displayed and of course Mexican food is the attraction. Behind glass a woman flips tortillas on a flat grill. Other than looking more sanitary than most handmade tortilla cookeries in our Mexican neighborhood the preparation and product looks the same.
The proof however is in the eating. No one was shouting Viva Zapata’s tortillas. I am guessing their masa is from an industrial powder of some sort. The restaurant seems to get overwhelming approval for its authentic Mexican food. I suggest those advocates have not actually eaten any authentic Mexican food.
Some years ago my father-in-law and I use to go to a tortilleria somewhere on the east side of Las Vegas, but just where escapes me. My memory is that those tortillas were the real deal. However, I am a lot more versed in the fine art of flat bread than I was in those days. The search continues.
Never let it be said that one cannot get good food in America’s true entertainment capital. You will not starve in Las Vegas.
Last week when our son Julian was here, we dined out with my cousins Steve and Bart and their lovely Tania’s (both their wives are named Tania). We all met at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas.
The company was grand and the food excellent. I hadn’t seen my two cousins for about 30 years. We recalled stories of our impetuous youths and generally caught up on our lives.
Their dad, my Uncle, who has passed away was an Indianapolis 500 race car driver; one of a select group of men and women that have completed an Indy 500 race. Racing is in our blood and these guys continue along those lines manufacturing patented laminated racing helmet ‘tearoffs’. Every driver (33 in all) racing in last month’s Indy race wore their helmet tearoffs.
My nephew Seth continues the racing legacy as a champion USAC sprint car driver. Readers who are surprised that Anita and I tool around Mexican streets on a motor scooter will have a better understanding of our daring now
Last night my cousin Steve and his lovely wife and me and mi guapa esposa met in the Summerlin area again; this time to dine across the street from P.F. Changs at the Kona Grill. Serving Asian Fusion food. Wow!
From their web site I learned they have locations in 16 States. The one and only one in Nevada is not to be missed. We showed up for Happy Hour (“Drinks and Eats from $3”) at five and lingered past its completion at seven. The misters on the outside patio tamed the 100 plus degree temperature.
Recent California Transplants – My Cousin Steve & Wife Tania
I am pretty sure we ate our way through their entire ‘California Roll’ menu save the eel cucumber roll. Totally awesome!
We had more “classic kona margaritas” than I could count at the finish and the entire menu of rolls made from various fresh fish flown in daily – all for quite the bargain price I thought.
We are once again in the United States; crossing the border on Tuesday around noon. In the last two years the borderline line has kept us waiting for more than an hour each time.
Things have changed since a few years ago when we were able to rush through in 15 minutes or less.
Exactly what is causing the extended time is unclear, undercover and perhaps underhanded? In the last five years we have made it a point to be at the borderline on Tuesday through Thursday ONLY. The logic is less people traveling across the border during those days. While this still remains valid the Tuesday through Thursday slot has become crowded by I suppose greater inspections and more questioning.
Physically there are a lot of new cameras; driving through the narrow array of ridged pipes just before the border official’s booth one sees cameras that appear to examine the vehicle from all sides and angles. They still occasionally bring out the mirror attached to a rod in such a fashion that they can take a look at the under belly of vehicles. And there is usually a drug sniffing dog in close proximity.
If a lot of stuff is being hauled across or there are nervous travelers, these situations will get the vehicle directed to a secondary inspection area where a more thorough investigation takes place.
This trip we were asked to open the trunk and explain what the contents were of one bag in particular. Here I made a Cardinal crossing sin –
“I don’t know what is in that bag – it is my wife’s stuff.”
Bad dog!
Of course when you deny knowing the contents of a bag in your vehicle this automatically raises a red flag.
“I think it might be coffee making stuff and kitchen things?”
Fortunately I had guessed correctly; little more than a half pulled open zippered entry was closed back up and off we went in to the city of Brownsville.
We slept roadside in our Jetta. With the backseat pushed down, the two of us could sort of stretch out with our legs extended into the trunk area. The night before we had stayed on the Mexico side at Soto La Marina’s Hotel Rey. Here the frugal travelers were being that.
We arrived in Capitan, New Mexico mid afternoon Wednesday having gained an hour from a time zone crossing.
Socialization ensued moments after we pulled into our little casa. The sleepy little town of Capitan came alive with visitors to greet the strange couple that lives in Mexico.
We got a few people caught up; people that simply don’t keep up via this Blog. I spoke more English than I have in the last nine months in just a few hours – aside from conversation with mi esposa.
It is Saturday. We are rested now and perhaps a little ‘socialized out’. Tomorrow we will continue our journey to Las Vegas. Bright lights, big city – get ready! Stay Tuned for some comparisons between borders and some photos I took during the 80 minutes waiting at the borderline.
A commenter on this Blog recently wrote in part; “Just returned from a trip to Xalapa/Coatepec/Xico and noticed that people who appeared to be North Americans or possibly Europeans, avoided making eye contact with us when we encountered them on the street or in restaurants. I wondered at the time if they were maybe trying to avoid these kinds of situations where something goes wrong between friends in a small community of expats.”
I replied: “I must confess that we are not aggressive about opening conversation with foreigners. In part because we are pretty sure they aren’t down here to deal (meet) more of their own kind – that may be an over simplification – it might also add us to the list of people you saw in Coatepec that did not ‘engage.’
In an area where there are few gringos – it is a good idea to prearrange a meeting….”
After thinking that over I realize visitors here may very well have questions they would like answered by those that have come before them. And that perhaps the Calypso’s have not been as friendly as we should be. As foreign ambassadors of our adopted land we may be mediocre representatives. We do continually encourage folks to visit the Viva Veracruz Forum where they will be treated to myriad opinions and information about our area and Mexico as a whole.
You may have read about the ‘smiths’ we lost as friends recently due to a totally wrong assumption on their part? Not our fault makes it no less disheartening.
We don’t make friends easily. But, we do value the friends we have.
We seem to have some trouble keeping friends as well. Why? That question is too deep for me. I read somewhere that a good friend is cheaper than therapy – so there it is.
We made some new friends last week.
Vivian and Jeff made their second trip to the Xalapa area to scout things out for a possible retirement location. Their retirement is in the long term planning stage – something I am not good at – long term planning.
Seldom do the Calypso’s greet and meet; or is it the other way around? I suppose this is part shyness and part selfishness. We just met Bob Cox after ‘knowing’ him on the Forum for two years. Ignaucio my right hand man and chief moderator on the Forum since 2006, I have yet to meet face to face; even though I think of him as a friend.
We have many Internet friends whom we have never met face to face.
“There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound.” Diana Cortes
Vivian is a 50’s something beauty who resembles the actress Annette Bening; only better looking. She is a former dancer for the San Francisco Ballet Company, currently co-owner of a dance studio. Jeff, well I liken him to Shaggy of the animated adventures of Scooby Doo. He exudes gobs of energy and is a smart dude; a think tank, futuristic, mechanical engineering designer for Boeing. They currently live in Seattle.
Vivian and Jeff – New Friends From Another Country
Along with another expat couple from Xico we met up with Vivian and Jeff in Coatepec for drinks in the afternoon one day recently. The conversations were fast and furious with six people bantering about questions and answers in rapid fire. Anita and I invited Jeff and Vivian to meet with us again before they ended their ten day visit to our area.
“Friends are relatives you make yourself.” Eustache Deshamps
Our second meeting happened the next day. A barbeque at our casa; a better venue. The weather was wonderful. The grilled salmon steaks tasty. Cold wine and beer refreshing. And the conversations stimulating. We always feel a bit more secure socially in our own environment.
Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer.
We had some long meaningful dialogue about our lives. At some point the hombres (guys) and the mujeres (gals) separated so conversation took on a one-on-one quality.
“A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart.” Attributed to Heather Pryor
Vivian and Jeff are back in Seattle. We are emailing. They are considering joining us in Puerto Escondido next year. We believe we have new friends – a good thing.
“Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.” Francesco Guicciardini
We have several friends that are foreigners in Mexico; still more that are natives of Mexico. If you are ever in the neighborhood give us a shout. I promise we will do better. Life is good.
. We did take photos with promise of a disc full for the majordomos’ (stewards of the Celebration).
