Full moon...

It was so very nice to be able to walk on the beach under a full moon in November in sandals, shorts and a tank top. The night was so very quiet except for the sound of the surf and somewhere, way off in the distance, Mariachi music was playing. The night was humid so the moon doesn't show in the photo the way it looked in person. But there it is anyway.

The return trip was just as beautiful.

Centennial of the Mexican Revolution

Nov 20, 2010 is the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. On this date, in the year 1910 the revolutionary war to overthrow the dictator Porfirio Díaz, began. And this morning the celebration began in Zihuatanejo. I had no idea how many people lived in and around Zihuat. But the parade that filled the streets and the people who were there to watch showed just a sample of that fact. There were thousands, literally thousands of children in the parade and it lasted for over 4 hours. I also had no idea how many schools there are around here. Primary, Secondary, Normal (their terms) as well as Professional schools of all kinds. It was interesting to me also, just how many people would smile at the camera and how many refused even when asked. It was just like anywhere else I guess. Here are just a few faces and scenes.

Playa Larga

What a beautiful day. I took the bus out toward the airport and then the little shuttle to Playa Larga (Long Beach). The beach has to be at least 10 miles long with only a few working establishments (from what I have seen so far). Most are very weather beaten and it is hard to tell which ones are open. But if you like a long stroll on a mostly deserted beach, this one's for you (and me). I look forward to my next visit when I can walk more of the area.

One week?

Wow. It has been just over one week since I left PDX and yet it seems like much longer, a joyous much longer. In years past my stays here were only a few days at a time and it always seemed like it was over waaaaaay too soon. But now, with no real agenda, no schedule and no urgency, time seems to have slowed down to a crawl. It seems there is more time to visit with new and old friends. More time to discover new places and more time to read. I'm relaxed, happy and just plain content.

Zihuatanejo .... again

I must say that I really enjoyed Guadalajara and Manzanillo, BUT, Zihuatanejo feels more like home than anyplace I have been (so far). Everywhere I turn I meet someone who is nice and helpful. I have met Americans, Canadians, Australians and many Mexicans and this is just my first day here. I want to thank David Rice for his help in making some of the contacts. I have found a place to stay for the week (or so) in the downtown area just a few blocks from the beach. I'm looking forward to a really great visit.

Day 2 Guadalajara and Day 1 Manzanillo

November 8, 2010 - 8 am

I walked south from the hotel looking for a large park called Agua Azul. I found it but unfortunately it doesn't open until 10 am so I just took a couple of photos through the fence. It looks nice but I want to get to the main cathedral in the city center so I head back north.

The whole area around the cathedral is the historical district and there is so much to see. I just missed the October celebration including the Day of the Dead but that is probably best. Now that I have a little familiarity with the area I will probably be okay next visit.

It's time to check out of the hotel and head for Manzanillo Bay so I am off to the bus station.

5:30 pm I arrive at the hotel in Manzanillo and check in just in time to get a sunset photo on the beach. I had a nice dinner in their restaurant and tomorrow I'll be up early for a nice long walk on the beach.

Day one: Guadalajara

Guadalajara airport 9:00 am. I just barely made the flight but was fortunate enough to be seated next to Giovanni The Margarita King who is the founder of the beverage The Margarita King (a ready to drink margarita in a bottle). It was an absolute pleasure to spend a couple of hours with him, sharing stories and beliefs, understanding of the universe and how it works and so much more. His is a wonderful success story that was published in the book Starting From Scratch by Wes Moss. I look forward to keeping in touch with him as I make my way through this next phase in my life.

I arrived in Guadalajara about 2:00 pm and found a descent hotel. I then took a walk down to the Plaza de los Mariachi for a nice dinner of Pozole and a couple of Negra Modelos while being entertained by vocalists and dancers all in traditional dress. I walked several blocks around the area to get my bearings and made it back to the hotel before it got too dark.