Thursday, January 31, 2013

A correction and apology!


I am reposting this photo with an apology and correction!


They attended Lord Byng High School...not that dastardly Magee!!!
Having been entertained with stories about their years at High School
for the past 35 years, I should not have made that mistake!!!

Monday, January 28, 2013

geckos and bats


Nearly peed my pants when a gecko scurried out of the dishwasher! Apparently I hadn't secured the door and he slipped inside. That solved the riddle of why the cat had been sitting in front of the dishwasher, refusing to move.

Only half an hour later I went downstairs to close the doors and found a bat circling the room!!

Franny (Francisco)



This photo of Franny was taken over a year ago when he was a kitten. Having survived the poisoning death of his mother, he and his brother were given homes at the Quinta. His brother disappeared after a couple of months, leaving Franny to be the sole recipient of unlimited adoration!

This week we are looking after him while his "parents" travel to Mexico City. We are usually ignored when they are around, probably deemed unnecessary to his every day existence.

The first day that they were gone, he still considered us to be "drop-ins", tolerated but certainly not special. That changed this morning when he rushed into our bedroom, flattened himself against my chest and proceeded to clean my neck while purring madly. His gratitude in finding himself not abandoned was overwhelming. When he had completed his show of appreciation, he waited impatiently for me to drag myself downstairs and fill his food bowl!

During the day Franny disappears. He wanders, searching for geckos and lizards. According to the neighbours he found a new playmate yesterday, a foot long lizard that he poked, prodded, goaded and generally terrorized for at least an hour before the clever lizard made a lightning quick escape!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Lunch with friends


Midday fun with friends at the Quinta!
Anyone from Salmon Arm recognize a couple of faces?

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Juans



Sharing a laugh at the Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Today we visited the Botanical Gardens for lunch and a tour through part of the large gardens.
The state of Jalisco is home to the largest variety of orchids in Mexico.


This lovely mosaic bench welcomed us.


On the level below the restaurant there were several beds
for relaxation and appreciation of the natural surroundings.


A madonna was guarding a rare variety of orchid.


Flowers bloomed all around us....


...including these tiny orchids


....and these polka dotted orchids!

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Ferryman



The ferryman will transport you
from the wharf to your anchored boat!

Mexico or Greece?



Am I in Mexico or Greece?

Colour



A blast of colour
around every corner!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Las siete hermanas de las tres madres



The seven sisters of the three mothers

Thursday, January 17, 2013

A wedding

During a fumigation of the residence, we decided to leave the premises and have breakfast 
at Loma Linda, up the road from the Quinta. 
A wedding was taking place on the beach below the terraced restaurant. 


There was one uninvited guest trailing along behind the bride and groom.

Casa de las Flores


We attended a fund raiser yesterday to support families of special needs children. It was held at Casa de las Flores in Amapas, a house that has always caught my eye with its vivid orange walls and majestic 40 year old vine covering of Copa de Oro.


Apparently people stop to collect blossoms for their medicinal properties. An infusion of tea is said to help fight against bronchitis and coughs. The blossoms are huge...at least 10 inches in length!




These creative chairs were on one of the balconies.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Our hosts



Our hosts at Mama Rosa's

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Hotel Catedral



In this land of colour it was a surprise to discover the hand drawn, 
black and white facade of this boutique hotel.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Laundry



Not everyone has modern conveniences here.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Another amazing sunset



Delayed return




Following a request by our hosts, we decided to delay our flight to Canada. While they are touring Mexico City we will be "cat-sitting" for them, feeding and tending to Frannie until they return.

Rebooking our flight was complicated by the fact that the Insurance company hadn't receive a billing yet from the hospital in PV where John was admitted on December 7th for two nights. The underwriters were reluctant to grant us a travel medical extension until the claim was closed. The hospital said that the billing was sent on December 13th. After three days of phone calls we finally got approval ($$$), made the necessary changes and arrive at YVR in the early hours of February 5th.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Turtles


During the rainy season, sea turtles visit the sandy beaches of Banderas Bay to lay their eggs. Many are dug up and reburied in protected areas, away from predators. When they hatch, they are gathered up and released under supervision by visitors to the area.


On my walk this morning, I passed by one of the protected areas as they were gathering the little creatures. About 50 baby turtles were jostling for space in the bottom of a bucket, soon to be taken to a beach outside of town for release to the sea.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Cuale Island


I took John on a different walk this morning, a bit more challenging with uneven pathways and roadways. He enjoyed the diverse scenery and his new knees didn't complain. I forgot the pedometer but would guess that it was a 4-5km trek. We took the new stairs from Gringo Gulch down to Cuale Island to check out the Cultural Centre.


This island is very quiet, away from the touristed stalls, and dedicated to children, families and culture.


The trees are ancient, framing windows into life across the river.

Kings' Day



On Kings Day, January 6th, it is customary to eat Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a wreath, with candied fruit on top, and a figurine of a baby Jesus baked inside. The person who finds the figurine is expected to host a party on February 2nd, when tamales are served.
Jo and I share pieces of the Rosca de Reyes...
...while Itsa and Juan savour another flavour!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Skeletons and flying cows



DO NOT TOUCH!...
...and...


...TRY TO MILK ME!!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Mexican "minis"












Street colours


hidden graffiti

banners in the sky

garbage forbidden


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

After the rain



Looking back toward town after the rain finally stopped!

Happy New Year



At some point in the night, early on New Year's day, a transformer blew, the bedroom filled with light and all of the electricals had to recalibrate. We have been without internet access since the transformer blew and the pool level has gone up dramatically. It rained non-stop all day.

How do people pass their time when their favourite toys are not available for use. We couldn't play poker or scrabble online, couldn't google for recipes and answers, couldn't email friends and family with New Year's wishes. Fortunately I could knit, paint and finish reading a good book. 

This morning we woke to sun shining through a few clouds. The rain had washed miles of mud from the river into the bay leaving a swath of murky brown. More rain this afternoon caused flooded streets…apparently no drainage. Enroute to get groceries we saw pedestrians inventing curious methods to get across ankle deep water. The solution would be to always carry a pair of flip-flops in your back pocket!

As we are finally reconnected, I will wish everyone a slightly belated happy and healthy New Year!!