George and Deborah's Great Adventures: 02/28/14

When we started this journey two months ago we were not sure when we would return. We didn’t have a return date or ticket. We felt that when it was time to go home, we would know. That time is now. We are not looking forward to the cold, wet weather but we are looking forward to seeing our family and friends. As well, our non-travelling life does have its own demands and there are things that simply need doing at home.

It is a good time to leave Puerto Escondido. These days there are more folks leaving than arriving. The first vestiges of the hotter, more humid weather have arrived and without air conditioning, we would be very uncomfortable at night.

We have managed to find some “good deals” on flights home. While no means “cheap”, the return trip is less expensive than the cost of getting here. We fly from PE to Mexico City and then wait for an hour and a half before going on to Huston, Texas. We arrive at 9 at pm. and overnight before leaving for Vancouver at 9 am. Spencer will pick us up at the airport at noon and we will be home by 1:30pm.

Our last week has been spent much like the others except for being a little more careful to check off things on our “to do" list and to ensure we visit our favourite restaurants before we leave. We have enjoyed a few last meals at the Paris, Turtle Bay, Jimmy's at Carrizalillo, and Espadin, as well as a return trip to Flors in Zicatela.

At Jimmy's Carrizalillo

Red Snapper For Lunch

Last Saturday was the last of the four concerts in the Puerto Music Festival series. It was held at the same outdoor venue but with a much-improved sound system over the previous. After some local cultural dancers, the Rebel Cats opened the concert. The Cats are a Rockabilly Band from Mexico City. While not everyone appreciated the old rock tunes from the middle fifties to the early sixties, no one could find fault in the showmanship of the band. The high-energy lead singer (and drummer) lead the parade and managed to play the whole set while standing on his feet. He even managed a solo on the lead guitar and on the base, using only his drum sticks to play.

Poor Pic But You Get the Idea

The Rebel Cats

The Los Mighty Calacas Blues Band followed the Rebel Cats. The band was comprised of four Mexican guys that played a fusion of Latin, surf, jazz, hip-hop, reggaet and soul, over a solid base of blues. I am still surprised when I listen to a Mexican guy sing the soulful sound of the blues.

Deborah and I spent one beach day on Zicatela. Zicatela is a five-kilometer long surf beach and known in the international surfing community as the Mexican Pipeline. The day we chose had some pretty big waves and it was fascinating watching the challenges and rides the surfers experienced. Of course this was done under the shade of our own beach palapa on the waters edge. Our hostess had a 400-meter walk across the hot sand to ensure we kept up with our fluids.

Our Zicatela Lunch Spot

Chicken Enchiladas for Lunch

Beginner Waves at Carrizalillo

Not Zicatela - Carrizalillo Is The Place To Start

Last Sunday we experienced an earthquake. We were at a gathering next door and well into our cups when it struck at around 9 pm. There were great booming sounds like thunder and the building shook. No one seemed surprised, nor expressed great concern, as we rocked and rolled. What was surprising was that my sister Rita had announced to the dinner crowd that there was going to be an earthquake, about two hours before it occurred! While she is not claiming any kind of supernatural powers, I may listen to my sister more carefully in the future.

We have also attended many social events and met more people here than I’ll ever be able to remember. We have hosted a few dinners and enjoyed more than a few post dinner drinks on Rita and Mike’s palapa rooftop. Maybe it is because there are so many Canadians in PE but everyone seems very friendly and invitations arrive continuously from all quarters to share in sunset drinks and dinners.

Rita and Mike's Rooftop Kitchen Palapa

Don't Ask

Dinner at Rita & Mike's, with Bruce, Jan, Deborah and I

Deborah and Rita Off to Afternoon Tea.

We had one last chore to complete before we left. Unlike our usual travel planning, we have actually looked ahead to next year and rented our same condo for February, 2015. We don't usually like to commit ourselves so early but as mentioned in earlier posts, it is just "easy" being here. There is little not to like.