moving forward

The last couple of weeks have proved to be a bit different at times, but always entertaining and full of surprise.

After leaving Playa Azul, we headed on down to Acapulco. Or so we thought. Joe had thought it would be funny to finally get to see the land of Acapulco. Like the rest of us, he had the notion that Acapulco would be somewhere where either honeymooners went or the old style Las Vegas type of 60's players. But as we entered we realized gone are those days. Instead it is filled with traffic, congestion, traffic, congestion and did I mention traffic? Not to mention discotecs, American institutes of food (McDonald's, Burger Kings and so on). So after navigating our way along the boulevard we headed straight out of town and up over the hill. Stopping along the way to let the dogs out for a bit of romp on the beach. Little did we know that a small tsunami was washing in and all of us were deludged with water, pushing us back up to the walkway. I swear the water gods are angry or it is true the earth is a-changing. But at least it gave us a bit of a laugh, and on our way we went.

The final destination, which was not known until we actually landed there in all honesty, was Playa Parasio. Or Paradise Beach. Many times along the way we asked where we could camp near the water and finally after sometime we came across people that suggested such a place. Little did we know that it entailed taking a boat across the lagoon. But when arriving there and looking at all the launchas and the fact that there was absolutely no access to the peninsula we could see on the horizon we paid our pesos and got the dogs on the boat and off we went. And after looking at the upstairs rooms with views to die for, including hammocks on the deck we agreed. Little did I know that such an uncomfortable bed had ever been manufactured. So wtih the sun rising so did we all ... to leave that godforsaken room.

Many more days were spent as such, stumbling upon small gems of places to stay, all with the luck of Joe...I am certain. Many places we ventured into seemed as if the white man did not enter. At least not very often. The stares were incredible, the small kids pointing in amazement at the bike on top of the car, and the dog with her head out the window. But, it also allowed us to pass quite easily through the numerous military checkpoints...me smiling from the passenger side...with a slight wave. Flirting some would call it. I call it getting through the military checkpoint without wasting too much time!

One of my favorite towns we entered was Tepotzlan, an hour or so out of Curenvaca. We were trying to find the National Forest, but instead found this cute little place that had small little cafes, plenty of vendors, and unfortunately a forest fire. We had had high hopes of climbing the massive hill to the pyramids on the cliff walls, but due to the fire we could only watch as the helicopters battled the blaze, while we ate our meal and drank our beers.

Now we are in yet another town, San Miguel de Allende. Home of artists galore. The town has a bit of old town Spanish feel to it with narrow streets, small sidewalks, and plenty of eateries. We have found, yet again, another beautiful place to stay and in all honesty I feel quite spoiled with a refrigerator, 6 gas burner, and showers. But Klaudia, the owner who lives here too, is a gem and has shown us a bit of the sites...more to see later, and do later.

In the meantime, we must go meet some friends for dinner...or hopefully!

Part two of our trip

So the days of the festival are long past, but I was able to see Jesus, and see Jesus and see more Jesus...sweet Jesus.Semana Santa, also know as Easter, lasts for at least a week in Mexico and is complete with fan fare and traditions.

We spent a week in Patzcuro and saw all the sites that were to be seen. Including Aztecan ruins, which Maddie seemed to ruin a couple of when she tried climbing up on one of the walls and some of the rocks came tumbling down. 600 years they were in place and one jump up on to the wall and they fell to the ground. Thankfully this is Mexico and no-one seemed to be around to notice the destruction. Notice I don't say which ruins in case any of you were to tell on me...

The town should have asked us to map it, for I think we walked most of the main roads in and out. But, along the way we also were able to see the cemetary, which like typical Mexican affair is very well adorned and honored. As for cemetaries, it was one of the better ones I have seen and proved to be quite the photo op for camerman Joe. We also saw all of the other main sites, including the Basilica, the Bibloteca, the Bars...oh, I was just in the B's so I thought I would add bars...but yes, drinking is part of the Semana Santa holiday, so when in Rome...

One day was spent taking a boat out to the island of Janitzio which is the biggest island in Lake Patzcuro. And after you pay your pesos, you step into one of the many (and I do mean many) boats that traverse the lake. The island proved to be well worth a day spent, albeit it is all uphill, I am sure we must have climbed the equivalent to 1000 stairs.

But finally our time was over, and after I purchased my new friend, Tia Katrina (whom you shall see as soon as I am smart enough to figure out how to upload pictures) we were on our way.

Next destination, Playa Azul.

Again heading back down to the Pacific Coast, we left early Sunday morning and began our long drive Southwest. Joe, being the driver thought taking the "libre" roads would be more scenic. I, being the passenger, thought that was the most "hillacious" drive of my life. Imgaine driving to the top of Rainier, for 7 hours...that was what it was like. For those that don't know, "libre" are the free roads as opposed to the "cuota" which are toll roads. I prefer the toll roads. I'll pay anything to avoid driving 25 mph for 5 hours. But once we got on, we very well couldn't get off to catch the toll roads that I would longingly gaze out. Particularly when we came to the 15 mile stretch that had falling rocks every 100 ft, and the occasional garbage fire (infierno) next to the road. And the fact that NO-ONE else was on the road. But, all being said, we made it to the glorious Playa Azul.

And since the massive people were leaving to head back home we were able to find a spot on the water (more on the that later) that included a big hut and 5 feet to the beach access. It really was a beer commercial once the hammocks were up and the cooler filled. All for $23 USD for two people and two nights. Behind us was marshes filled with birds, (possibly a croc or two, I wasn't really sure) random pigs, asses (I mean donkeys), and of course dogs dogs dogs. The waves were high, and I do mean high, sometimes 50 feet I would guesstimate so swimming wasn't really feasible. But, really that didn't matter since swinging in your hammock is work in itself.

The last night proved that the water gods did not like me as the water came up over the 5' bluff and into our sleeping area. Engulfing all of us with ocean water at 11:40pm, I know, I looked at my watch. I thought it was a Tsunami, or the Michocan police as I was dead asleep. But after running for our lives, or so we foolishly thought, we realized that it was just high tide. Goddamn soaking wet clothes are hard to run in...

More later, as we must continue our drive and daylight is diminishing...

Moving through Michuacan

It it day four on our little road trip and we have made it to the land of artisian's, Patzcuaro. Patzcuaro is located somewhat in the middle of the state of Michuacan, thousands of feet above sea level. Us from the land of beach and sun find it difficult at times to stay warm, and have a slight yearning at times for the 80 degree weather that is a constant in La Manzanilla. But, as mi amigo Joe points out, the tequila helps with that...only kidding mama, only kidding.

Our road trip began heading south out of La Manzanilla, and then heading inland to an active volcano outside of the city of Colima. After navigating our way through Colima, and lets be honest, we were with no directions, no map and no idea of where we were going so "navigating" might be a little misused, but, at last we stumbled our way up to Laguna Carrizalillo. There we found...a pond...not a lake. But, the scenery was beautiful, the campsites empty and the volcano del Fuego right before our eyes. So up went the tent, out came the campstove and we began our two days of camping. The dogs loving the fact that they could roam freely and chase the rocks into the water when thrown. The frisbee being a different story as neither dog seemed to retrieve that so well out of the "lake". Our second day into the trip, as we started tossing the frisbee with beer in other hand, my friend Joe yells out..."stop, I need to get the camera, the volcano is about to blow". I thinking that maybe evacuating may be a better idea than a kodak moment, but I stuck around and let the photographer do his work. Not without thinking, "Sweet Lord, that better be something it does often, I am not ready to relive Mt. St Helens all over again". Thankfully the volcano was just letting off some steam and we were able to drive down at normal speeds when leaving.

After our couple of days there, we left and again headed south east, ending up in Paracho, home of all the guitars in the world, or at least Mexico. The monument at the base of town was a guitar about 40 feet tall, so all can know they are in the right place if they desire a guitar. Which, Joe, the guitarless traveler was eager to purchase. It took the first store, and about 5 minutes for him to emerge with guitar in hand. And the strumming began, and really hasn't stopped much since then.

Now, we are in Patzcuaro starting a week of cabin life while the festivities around us take place for Semana Santa, which besides being Easter, is the BIGGEST MEXICAN HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR. Mucha gente. (Many peòple). And many things to buy, see and do. Mamma...put some more money in my bank account...

As I sit here in yet another internet cafe, my friend Joe passed on to me a website where some of his pictures are displayed, check it out if you so desire, it is fun to see: http://www.banderasnews.com/profiles/joe-lusk.htm


so while he is on vacation, and I, well, I guess I am always on vacation down here, his painting will have to wait.

Again I wish salud, will write again soon. And I promise, I promise, I promise...always carry the mace...as many of you have requested.

xoxo-Heidi, Maddie Moo - Joe and Lulu too.