El Fin de Ano...Family, Friends, Food, Fiestas and Fun.

 

 

Christmas 2013, one of our lucky ones.  First came Eric and Elena; Eric who loves to use his Xmas work shut down time as a recreational retreat here in sunny and warm Zihuatanejo and his Russian born girlfriend who has never travelled to Mexico before.

Elena is a tiny package of full on energy and vitality who is capable of drinking and eating with the rest of the pack.  She's enjoyed every moment so far during her stay here.  They arrived just in time to see the Posada in Colonia La Madera, an annual evening of celebrations as the local children perform the "pastorela" and the colonia celebrates on Calle Adelita. 

 

Then came Amy and Patrick, our hardworking farmers from Sideroad Natural Farm, in frozen winter Ontario.   Due to the massive ice storm that struck Toronto on the day before their flight, and the unfortunate choice of Sunwing Airlines (never to be repeated in the future), their already short Xmas vacation was further reduced by a 6 hour delayed arrival. 

Waiting for Amy and Patrick's arrival with us, are our longtime family friends Paul McNamara and his daughters who spent last Xmas here in Zihuatanejo.  This year Kate's new friend Leif, a "average Canadian guy", with no experience in Mexico is here to unwind after a stint in Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces and before he returns to his Army job in Victoria.   We think Zihua offers just the right mix of relaxation and beauty to move on from life in one of the world's disaster zones.  (Plus there are third world similarities he can relate to).

 

 

 

One thing I've learned about Xmas in Zihuatanejo is that there is absolutely no point in spending all day in the kitchen, so when our condo complex decided to have Juanito Zihua and I planned a potluck Xmas dinner for 26...I knew that Monica would be my "go to gal" for the best Mole in town...and as always Monica of Patio Mexica Cooking School did not disappoint.   The best mole and the best dish at the potluck if I do say so.... Even more yummy than Juanito who was a star again. 

 

 
 
 

 One of my best moments was watching Eric and Elena dancing under the stars at Casa Ceiba....go Eric, you might just get the salsa moves yet!

 

 

 Xmas Day was a fun time with Secret Santas, Mimosa's and a lively group.  Since then each day has involved the beach, sand, sun, water and watching athletic people pack away enormous quantities of food and drink.  In the best spirit of Mexicans at the beachside at Xmas...it has been huge fun. 

 

 

 Playa Larga gave Patrick an exciting fishing experience and Gene came to the rescue to remove the young manta ray hooked on the wing. 

 A long and demanding walk to Playa Manzanillo rewarded us with a great snorkel and even better, a pick up by Gene with his legendary "car beers" for those of us who were smart enough to get in the car rather than walk the whole distance back. 



But sadly, and with mixed emotions, today we said goodbye to Amy and Patrick, but first we all enjoyed an amazing seaside dinner at Il Bacco.  I love my family, this would've only been more complete if Kristen could've joined us...we missed you and hope you had a great time with your friends.  

And tomorrow is the start of a New Year for me...yes one day early, but it my birthday.  I know that I have enjoyed a wonderful 62 years and hope that this next year continues to reward my family with health and happiness.  Each of our children is working hard to achieve their dreams and Gene and I are so proud of who they are and who they are becoming.  

 

 

We've spent the last two months physically, socially and emotionally adjusting to our life in the tropics. But just in the last two days things have started to change.   The air has a slight chill, the water is noticeably cooler and we've begun to use our covers at night...welcome to winter in Zihuatanejo.   Eric and Elena are off to learn how to surf for a couple of days this week, and then we'll soon say adios to them and send them off with a new and renewed sense of the spirit of Mexico.  Xmas here in Zihua is after all a Xmas season of Mexicans enjoying one of their most favorite places and we are caught up in the happy spirit of these days. 

 

 

And my blog wouldn't be a completely honest reflection of this season if I didn't acknowledge the loss of one of our fellow Canadian residents of Zihuatanejo.   Hank Bloy, a neighbour and friend passed away on Xmas Eve after experiencing declining health.  Hank was "a world traveller", and a perfect gentleman of profound faith who lived in Mexico 7 months each year with his wife and best friend Dominique.  He loved Zihuatanejo and was loved by all.   He will be missed.