March 8

Back in Reality
 While we both thoroughly enjoyed our time in Mexico, we both were looking forward to coming home to Vernon. We spent time with some wonderful friends, some that we have known for years like Mimi and Yves, who were so helpful to us and showed us around.  We also met some new friends that we will have for years like Milena, Nick and Doloris, Sarah, Deb and Ray, Eric and Bruce, Jim and Carol (from Green Bay),  Linne, Hector and Mercedes, Hilary and Jim and  Eddie and Roberto . We met some outstanding artists such as Carlos (woodworking), Jose (stone carving), Angelo (jewellry), Maximillian (jewellry), Edgar ( jewellry),  Rolando (weaver), Manuel (drummer) and our Peruvian singer whose name I could never pronounce or remember ( but we have his cd). We also met Margrit Mondavi and her host Thomas Bartlett who have left a great impression on both of us, especially Helene.
Things that I will remember   (in no particular order) are:
- the friendliness of the Mexican people, especilly when you say "hola" to them as you pass on the street.
- the noise at night with the roosters, dogs, cars, announcements (Gas !), and early morning music !
- the ATMs that made withdrawing money like a Vegas slot machine. My bank card was compromised as well as many other visitors' too.
- excellent restaurants like Xaltemba, Pina Loca, Aribe, El Gigio, Pineda, and Juan's Place.
- the Cuban band at El Rodeo
- the cold beer everywhere and the margaritas at Hinde y Jaime.
- fish tacos , coconut shrimp and the baked fish at Pineda
- limonade
- the fresh fish and shrimp that we got from just down the hill in La Penita.
- happy hour around the pool in Guayabitos.
- the power of the surf in San Pancho !
- the incredible beach at Chacala.
- market day in La Penita and Guayabitos.
- the fresh pappya and pineapple .
- the mango groves in the countryside.
- the masked soldiers with their machine guns, who were scary at first, but gave us a feeling of safety the more we saw them.

This little guy was a fixture at our hotel

Musicians at the market. Manuel is in the middle. He reminded me of Michel Chammartin.

On one of our early morning walks on the beach. Surf is pounding and the flying pelican is looking for breakfast.

2 months went by very quickly. We spent 6 weeks at Eric and Bruce's house in La Penita and 2 weeks at Bungalows y Hotel Guayabitos. Helene did a lot of creating at the house. She had a wonderful studio area there. I did some carving and woodburning around the pool. We took over 3400 pictures and videos to sort through as well. No I'm not going to post them all Randy !. We hope to go back next year, but who knows what is planned for us. We love our life in Vernon and are thankful for the friends we have here. Thanks for looking in.