93 - HAPPY EASTER!

An almost blank calendar for this past week filled up rather quickly and there is only one week left – I leave Manzanillo on Sunday for Puerto Vallarta by car and fly to Toronto on Monday.  I’m already experiencing some butterflies at the thought of the airports.   I know everything will be fine and I’ll feel back to normal by the time I reach Creemore about midnight on the 28th. 

It had been very quiet at the beginning of Holy Week last weekend and traffic around town was quite normal.  Thursday was a different matter!  

The main road through Club Santiago is the only way from the Highway to La Boquita, the Mexican beach at the far end.  Jose, my usual driver, explained that the crowds that arrive at the beaches from Thursday until Sunday are locals, including from nearby towns.  This is the major long weekend of the year - the vehicle traffic anywhere near the beaches is brutal. 

I had a Friday dinner planned with a friend who was going to pick me up! We sensibly cancelled and will do it on Tuesday. 

Marylu, the manager of the cleaning staff here at Eureka, saw me on Friday and said that I was the lone survivor!  “Of what?” I asked.  She smiled and said, “You are the only Canadian (or American)  left In Villas Eureka. – everyone is gone!”  70% of the villas are now occupied by Mexican families who treat me with respect, smiles and “Buenos dias” when they see me.  I certainly don’t feel alone – maybe I'm more like the matriarch.  What a lovely experience!

A number of episodes ago, I described Marcus, the driver that picked me up last November to bring me to Club Santiago from Puerto Vallarta.  He told me his mom, Ann, was renting a house close to me for a year beginning in March.  She's planning to become a permanent resident of Mexico. 

It was a pleasure to meet Ann this week at her casa.  She is a delightful woman of slight build.  I mention her physique because it's unbelievable when you look at her, as she described her many physical labours as the owner of a horse farm for many years until she moved here.  I am impressed.  

Another delight this week, was visiting my new friends, Wayne (the photographer/artist) and Jose, at Jose’s beautiful casa in La Punta, close to Las Hadas.   The view from his home is breathtaking but, once again, I forgot to take pictures to post here.  

So, as many of my friends said Adios for another season, my group of friends in Mexico continues to grow and the dates in my social calendar too!    There are not many open dates left as I begin to think of packing up for the trip to Collingwood in one week!  

Today four of my friends are coming for Easter Dinner.  My contribution to the meal is dessert which I'm baking this afternoon.  I have no idea what the main course will be, but I know it will be delicious - my friends are great cooks!

Happy Easter everyone!   Hope the Easter bunny is good to you....