Here are a couple of links that will tell you a bit of what SailFest is all about:
We had been invited over to Paul and Linda's condo to visit with mutual friends Steve and Nancy who had just arrived. Gillian came by car and Art by taxi from centro where he had been out begging. We had a great time as always, catching up and chatting and were hugely entertained by our friend Julia' story about going to see a Vet (yes as in Veterinarian) in Ixtapa about her various ailments which had been giving her more than usual discomfort—Fibromyalgia, arthritis etc.
According to the story, the vet had his own medical problems and was not getting relief from his doctor or pharmacist and began to explore alternative medicine including herbal remedies and acupuncture. He was so impressed with the results that he began to really look into the subject and finally took a leave from his veterinary practice to study in China and returned to qualify as an holistic practitioner. He now continues to practice both professions, his veterinary clinic on one side, his human patients are seen next door!
Art is considering consulting him about his frozen shoulder. We'll let you know how that comes out!
All this week we were busy going from business to business, having to frequently return several times as the boss was not in the shop.
On the 22nd we attended a Rotary Benefit for sick or handicapped children at the Catalina Hotel. Jimi Mammu played for a while before leaving for his usual Friday night gig at Daniels. Our friend and neigbour Colin played and sang and kept everyone entertained and dancing. Well almost everyone. Art decided that he has spent enough time on his feet already, especially considering the 100 or so stairs down to the lounge from the main entrance!
Art took the mic at one point while waiting for the raffle to start and spoke about his year in hospital as a child recovering from polio, reminding people that kids are amazingly resilient and to not to forget the parents, who often suffer more than the child.
Returning home we were offered a ride by golf cart up the road where we caught a taxi home.
As we pulled up the the now locked gates at the RV Park we realised that neither of us had brought the key! We keep it in the car but of course the car was behind the gate. Art wishes he had remembered the camera—Gillian rolling under the gate in her long dress would have made an interesting post on the blog!
We spent most of the 25th to 29th canvasing centro for donations. We found it interesting and challenging as well as fun and rewarding but were glad when we were finished!
On Wednesday Gillian had to interrupt her canvasing for another trip to the dentist for the permanent crown—total cost 4200 pesos. ($350.00 Canadian)
She returned to her rounds in centro later in the day and when done she called Art on his cell to come and meet her for dinner at Paccolo's restaurant and to bring her a clean shirt.
Sporting a clean blouse, the SailFest T shirt draped over her bag, we sat down to eat at a table overlooking sidewalk. Across the street Art spotted Kenny at La Playa Bar, which is downstairs from La Hija de la Capitan, and owned by them. We exchanged waves as our drinks arrived.
Dinner was fine, though the glass of wine Gillian ordered to accompany her pizza was, not to put to fine a point on it, crap. Art told the waiter he made better wine in his basement! The wine was exchanged for beer without argument or cost.
When we arrived home, Gillian's SailFest T shirt was nowhere to be seen! Next day our first stop was at Paccolo's where she recovered her shirt.
Thursday arrived on schedule but unfortunately not up to standard—overcast! Art as he frequently does in the morning wandered down to the restaurant camera in hand and managed a few pics. Today a couple of cruise ships were in the bay, offering a contrast to the usual vessels. The cruise ship shown is the Arcaia, of P&O
In the evening after we had done our canvasing we met John and Angela for drinks at Porto di Mare, where we knew the bartender. Art greeted him with “Hola Tocayo! (a Mexican expression for two people with the same name.) and we passed a very pleasant half hour or so before heading over the bridge to Lety's Restaurant, of which we had heard great things but never proved.
Over the bridge, stairs up then down and a short distance up the road to the restaurant. Art was heard quoting from an old Dave Allen skit: “More bleedin'g stairs!” The climb was worth it; the food supurb. We have since heard from a friend that there is another restaurant in the area that is at least as good and much cheaper. It's on the list.
As we walked back to the car where Trekker and Tia awaited we realised that the tracker had only two seats. (John and Angela had come by taxi.) John and Gillian rode in the back with Tia and Trekker!
Don't remember what else we did on Sunday but Art took several photos at or around El Manglar: The one year old in the picture is Esmeralda, the waiter's daughter. She is quite shy with us, but has no fear of the dogs.
These are high resolution photos. Click for more detail.
The last day of the month we decided to try another well known restaurant, Capricho's. We had been before in previous years, but had had to sit in the outer part near the street. This time, after having a drink while we waited for a table in the courtyard, we were seated next to the guitarist, Ruben Reyes, who was playing Al Hambra as we entered—one of our favourites.
Again, another wonderful meal, great music at a very reasonable price.
Iguana and heron in the mangrove trees alongside the restaurant. Memo and Steve relaxing.
A great end for another wonderful month in Zihuatanejo. One more to go before we head inland and north.
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