2-26-09
We are sitting poolside, 9:15 pm, and just had a cerveza and a conversation (with charades) with our caretaker, Alfredo. He showed us a picture of his one grandchild (on his cell phone!). He’s such a great guy – wish we could have an easier conversation with him. But we all seem to get our points across.
Warren and I went into Zihua Centro this evening for dental appointments! We both had our teeth cleaned and checked. It was an experience, to say the least. It was a very thorough cleaning – about an hour’s worth with the dentist, not a hygienist. Then she did a check and made recommendations on work that needed to be done. We both decided that we would stick with just the cleaning and the check-up, and maybe some whitening. Their equipment was pretty old, although both dentists seemed very competent (twin sisters). They work in one large room, so I was sitting there watching while they worked on Warren and another man, waiting my turn. It was a bit unnerving. The waiting chair is an old dentist chair, so it was very comfortable, however. There was one air conditioner blowing on one chair – the one they used for both Warren and I – but in general it was muy caliente! It was 600 pesos each, or about $40 u.s. Can’t beat that! But I think I’d rather have my root canals at home, thank you.
Warren, Camille and I spent the day at the beach today, for the most part. We hung out at Paty’s and soaked up the ambiance. We visited with friends, read our books, dipped in the water, and enjoyed some guacamole. Just another normal day. We know it will be coming to an end soon, and we don’t take it for granted! Tomorrow Camille wants to do a little shopping, so we’ll head into town fairly early. Then I need to do a little grocery shopping for our Saturday visitors . . . . .
Saturday Eric (the jewelry vendor) and his family are coming over for the day. He is bringing his wife and his 4 children: Perla (7), Erica (5), Ariel (3) and Aaron (7 weeks). The kids will have a little pool time and we’ll all have lunch together. Then we are going into Zihua to buy the girls school uniforms. It should be fun. This will be his wife (Adriana)’s first trip out since the baby was born. We’re eager to see how the kids have grown and to meet Aaron. Eric says the girls are very excited. I don’t think Ariel remembers us, but he’s getting to the age where he might start remembering.
You have probably seen a lot in the news about the drug cartels down here. They are fighting hard against them down here, but the police really need some help with both manpower and weapons from the U.S. There were 4 policemen ambushed and killed this week in a nearby town. The reason for the drug cartel targeting the police is because they are refusing to take bribes or to ignore what is going on. But now the police have staged a walkout, because their wages are very low and they have no health or life insurance. Why would anyone want to join the police force and face down the drug cartels, who are heavily armed??? Luckily they are not the least bit interested in tourists, so we don’t feel threatened or unsafe. We just hear a lot about what’s going on. I think it’s much worse in the border towns. I read in a local paper today (English translated paper) that 90% of the weapons that the drug cartel has an ample and updated supply of were purchased from the U. S. Not a good thing. We understand there is legislation afoot that would halt this – hopefully that’s true. I think we get a little different slant on the news down here than you do at home on the national media. If the tourists stay away because of these types of activities, then the terrorists win.
Time for bed. Camille headed down to bed about 8pm tonight – she’s getting her rest this week! Things are very quiet here tonight in our neighborhood, as usual. Guess we’ll close up and head down, too. We miss all of you – will be home in another 10 days. I think I’m ready!
- Judy
It is a slow day for pictures, besides I don't have pictures of the Police and the drug cartels shooting at one another. I thought you might like to see some transportation pictures. Some of the buses have pieced together sound systems that the drivers put in. It's great to have some music while you ride to town, all for 5 pesos.
The bus waiting for the workers coming off of the hill. This is one of many buses that passes in front of our house.

Some of the workers catch a ride down the hill in the back of a dump truck. OSHA would have kittens over this practice. You do what you need to do to get home. They work long and hard for their money.

Construction workers heading down the hill from their job sites on the hill above us.