Deck Furniture

On our walk this morning which we took with Kathy, we saw this wrought iron set which some local people are giving to Kathy for her new home. They need a lot of work but they are going to be worth it. Of course, Mom wants a set just like them. Good thing that we only have our backpacks to take stuff home.

It has been a beautiful day again with warmth and sunshine. We ended up with two walks in the morning followed by time spent in the sea to cool off before a late lunch. We both got new e-mail programs, the latest version of Eudora. Mom lost her address book and all her e-mail because the Incredimail program decided to reinstall itself and thought it was new on the computer. Oh well, now the Incredimail headaches will go away.

We went out late in the afternoon for cervezas and botanas at a local outdoor restaurant with the couple from BC. Then, it was time to head back to the villa for the Senators hockey game. We lost in overtime to Toronto. Sigh, not a good year for hockey.

Sunset over the sea

It's been another very good day here in Mexico. This morning we left home earlier than usual so that we could check out a few possible rentals for next winter in the town of Progreso. And, while Mom was checking out the last place, I went to my Spanish class. When that was done, we had lunch with one of the ladies who lives in our village beach area who was also in town for the afternoon.

We got home at a decent hour and were able to enjoy a swim in the sea before heading out with Kathy to open up the beach house she became owner of today. Of course that meant photos and wine and lots of excited planning talk. While there, the sun was beginning to set which gave an opportunity for this photo, a view we can't get from our beach villa as we are set deeper into a cove of sorts.

Now, with supper done, it is time for relaxing and doing my Internet stuff such as this blog. Hope your day was good as well.

Little Blue Heron

On our walk today, we came across this Little Blue Heron adding to the list of birds we have seen and photographed here in Mexico. As you might notice, I am writing this during the Senators game against the Sharks. So far no one has scored.

Today was a good warm and sunny day with two long walks as well as coffee and lunch on the deck. We got into the water for a few minutes even though it was quite windy and the water was very choppy by the time we finished our morning walk. This afternoon I had Spanish homework to take care of for tomorrow's lesson. I have to admit that I am enjoying these lessons. Other than that, there is nothing new in our life.

Mercado Lucas de Galvez in Mérida

While we were wandering around Merida, we checked out a place called Mercado Lucas de Galvez, a big market area in the old part of the city. The place covered at least two city blocks, some of it open air, some covered and some of it in a multi-level building. It reminded us of the markets in China and India with tiny shops all over the place. It was nothing to see at least a dozen shoe shops all side by side, many of them covered floor to ceiling with flip flops.

Well, Mom had an interesting day yesterday while I read, studied, walked and relaxed here in Chuburna. As I mentioned yesterday, she went to Progreso early in the morning with Kathy with the idea of watching a parade at 10 then going shopping. Well, the parade didn't happen until 1:30 so they had a lot of time to kill. Then when the parade time finally arrived, it was over almost as soon as it started. Mom and Kathy were still laughing about it when they pulled into the yard late in the afternoon.

Well, this morning the wind has gentled to a pleasant breeze and the waves are small. And of course, there is warm sunshine. Breakfast on the deck was a pleasant experience not having to worry about the wind blowing sand into our breakfast goodies and coffee. The long range forecast tells us that we have heat, sun and wind at least for the next five days.

On the agenda for today is a beach walk, relaxing, a bit more study then it will be my turn to go to Progreso for my Spanish lesson. I now go twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A final note, Ottawa Senators are playing decently again and have traded a player and a draft pick for two others players from the Islanders. I imagine that there will be a fair number of other trades to take place during the next week as the trading deadline is March 4th. Until the next time, enjoy!

Following the rules

This picture of Mom was taken in the Museum of Anthropology in Mérida. I have a bit of a story to tell about our visit to this Mayan museum. First, Mom is beside an original Mayan artifact of a jaguar, one of the important figures in the Mayan world. Of course, no one is supposed to touch these items in the museum. But, so much for rules. When she decided to pose beside yet another Mayan carving, the museum security arrived and told her not to touch the artifacts. Soon, beside yet another piece, she again has the security arrive to warn her. Oh well, no problem as we did get at least this one with her.

Today is the last day of the pre-lent carnival time in Mexico. Mom and her friend Kathy went into Progreso early in order to watch the Mardi Gras parade there as well as buy some groceries. It is "girls' time out together" for them. They said I could go along, but considering how much fun shopping is and having already watched three carnival parades, I passed to that I could spent some quality time with myself. I expect them back here early this afternoon, so the rest of the day will become rather normal in a good way. Now, back to my Spanish studies.

Back from Mérida

In the photo, Mom is on the balcony of our hostel looking out over the square in Mérida. We stayed in the Zocalo Hostel found on the southern side of the main city square while in the city for part of the Carnaval. I was standing on the corner in order to get close up photos of the Children's Parade (desfile de ninos). About halfway through the parade, I went to join Mom on the balcony as the crowd was getting to much to handle as I stood there.

Well, we made it back home yesterday afternoon in time to have lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet after all the city noise. We had a good time in the city, better than I originally expected for being in a city. That said, it was time to go home and renew our internal batteries. Last night we were over a our neighbour, Kathy's for a glass of wine, some chocolate cake flan mixture that Mom and Kathy cooked up as well as some deviled eggs that Mom had made earlier in the afternoon. Kathy had a few other neighbours over as well, a couple who is leaving to return to the States, and another couple who is going to stay in the first couple's home here across the road from us.

Today it is all about wind, wind and more wind. While Mom and I were out for our morning walk, we ended up getting soaked as the sky became dark and then decided it was time for a downpour, a rare event here. This afternoon, quiet time, time for me to finally get at updating this blog for you. Talk to you again later.

Is it a flying fish

What a surprise this morning when we were sitting having our coffee on the beachfront patio. I saw something moving on the edge of the surf, first on the sand and then in the shallow edges. At first I thought it might be a good sized crab, then I thought it might be a wounded fish. We decided to go closer and this is what we saw. It looked like a fish with fans on each side - perhaps a flying fish. I looked on the Internet trying to find out what kind of fish it was without success. I guess it will stay a mystery.


I was back in Progreso this afternoon for my second one-on-one Spanish lesson. My head was certainly full after the lesson as my teacher is pushing as fast he can trying to see where we have to start slowing down. Of course, vocabulary is slowest to develop for me. The grammar is quickly being absorbed. Next lesson is next week Wednesday.

Bracelet and earrings

Well, Sunday was a day of rest for us. We didn't go for our usual long morning walk, nor did we do a long late afternoon walk either. It was a day for swimming and relaxing in the shade for the most part. That being said, both of us ended up getting too much sun and were a bit extra pink come the evening.

A local couple who often visit with Kathy, came again to her place in order to show Mom their work. He makes shell jewelry, some beautiful work. Of course, we had to buy a bracelet. And of course, he had to throw in a pair of earrings to finish the deal.

After all was done, we sat around and visited, mostly in Spanish, learning about caves worth visiting, the upcoming celebrations for carnival in Progreso, spring festival and a religious celebration in Chuburna, a bit about families. It was an evening well spent.

Happy Valetine's Day

Another picture of Mom at Uxmal in a small structure beside the hill upon which sits the Governor's Palace. Mom is standing in a very small courtyard behind the little building. There is a small art design in the centre of the "V" arched roof of the building that was interesting as well - something that Mom found and pointed out to me.

What did we do so far for Valentine's Day? Sun, sand and sea to start with after a breakfast on the patio. Then, a bit of reading with an attempt at a little siesta time before heading into the village to buy some tortillas maseca which will be used with out supper later. We will likely have Roger and Marianna over for a visit to bring our day to a close. It's a quiet day, a good day.

Love and wishes for a great Valentine's Day to all of you!

Uxmal

We left for our trip to Uxmal a bit later in the morning, once it was decided that the weather would be better for beaching the next day. A drive of about an hour and a half got us to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal. I will be posting about that experience at the travel blog site. Enough to say that it was incredible. It is one of those places that one needs to visit just like the Great Wall or the Palace of Versailles. It boggles the mind. Our hour and a half guided walk through took us closer to three hours as we had a great guide who didn't just recite memorized facts, he talked to us and answered a lot of question. It was an afternoon well spent.

Today, I have a late morning Spanish class in Progreso. Right now, it is relatively calm and the sun is beginning to burn off the morning moisture haze. It's going to be another one of those days of sun, sand and sea.

Ceviche Caracoles

This is Mom's latest addition to her shell collection. The shell still had it's owner in residence when we picked it up on our walk yesterday morning. Needless to say, we ended up cooking him up (and out). Typically, this little guy is used in a dish called "ceviche caracoles", something we always get as "las botanas" when we order a beer at a local sit-down establishment.

Today, we are off to tour another Mayan site called Uxmal. I will report back in with another photo tomorrow.

Bathing suit beauty and ...

I guess these photos say it all. We are getting darker and are enjoying swimming in the ocean. Mom found another 'live' shell that is turning out to be as interesting as the last one, smaller but worth the effort to clean it up. We have to cook these 'live' shells before they can be cleaned up.

Temperature today got up to +32C. We went swimming twice today because of the heat and because the waves stayed small until later in the afternoon. Tomorrow? Who can tell?

All's quiet on the southern front

It is really getting to be a good life. Today was just another very warm and sunny day with it's typical morning walk of ten kilometres followed by a nice ocean swim. Lunch, time for working on Spanish, reading and some time writing blog entries filled the afternoon with a raking of the drying seaweed on the edges of the beach as a bonus extra - an excuse for just a little more time out in the sun. Mom got in some time with her collection of shells while I blogged. Then we took another walk of only six kilometres just before supper so that we would have a good appetite.

Before supper tonight, we sat out on the beach patio and watched the sun set while drinking a glass of red wine. And then in to supper which was chicken à la Yucatan (made by yours truly) and a great rice dish with veggies made by Mom. And so, another day was spent quietly on the southern front here in Chuburna.

Beachcombing

Sunny and warm! Of course that means we were on the beach for the whole morning. By the time we got back to the villa, it was after noon. On our walk we met a number of Mexicans out for walks as well. Since it was Sunday they were out for a day at the beach for picnics and for beachcombing and just plain relaxation. Many come from Mérida as this is where they have their summer homes.

While we were walking along the beach, Mom found this huge shell. At first we thought it might be a coconut but on closer inspection it turned out to be a shell covered in a green-brown coating that was like bark. As I picked it out of the water for Mom, a Mexican lady remarked on its size and told us that many use this size for lamps. She also told us that in Progreso and Mérida, a shell that size would sell for sixty pesos. She told us all of that in Spanish. I guess we have studied enough that we were able to actually understand her.

Once back home, we had lunch before returning to our Spanish studies. While Mom was listening to her lessons on her MP3 player she worked on cleaning up the new shell. I guess that pretty well sums up our day, yesterday. Walking, studying, reading, walking and relaxing in the sun.

More about learning Spanish

I took this photo yesterday late afternoon in order to catch the sun's rays on the leaves and on the cement of our back wall. As you can tell by looking at the palm tree, it was still windy. This morning, there is almost no wind. and there isn't a cloud in the sky. Here's hoping that it stays calm all morning.

Well, our other neighbours, Brian and Tracy, gave us their Pimsleur series to use. Within minutes of putting them on our computers we were both practising Spanish. I have to say that I am super impressed at how seriously Mom is working on learning.

In case you haven't heard, the Senators won last night. It is kind of nice to see the team playing a bit better. While they were busy winning, we went out for supper with Kathy, Brian, Tracy and two others - a Saturday night out. Today, I think we will have a quiet relaxing day in the sunshine. Of course, we will study some more Spanish as part of our day.

Warm and Windy

It's warmer today. I thought I would pick a picture from our road trip with Roger and Suzanne for today's blog entry. This picture was taken underground using a flash at 'las Grutas Tzabnah' just on the edges of the little pueblo of Tecoh. The name translates from Mayan to "the King's palace".

With warmer weather we enjoyed a long walk on the beach after breakfast sitting on the patio. Mom is heading to Progreso with Kathy in order to get just a few more supplies, especially some fresh fruit. Last night we played cards with Kathy and two other villa owners who are only about five villas away - Brian and Tracy. It was a good way to spend Friday evening.

Today, I hope to put a Spanish language program, called Pimsleur, on the computers. Brian owns three levels of the program and is kind enough to let us use them while we are here. As well, I will work on updating the blogs while Mom is in the city.

A final note - Happy Birthday, Tasha!

Una casa nueva

In case you are wondering, Mom thought that this might be salvageable. I am sure we could get this waterfront casa for next to nothing. It only needs a bit of work. Not!

Brrrr! Yes, it is cold, and windy. Mom is wearing her wind suit trying to keep warm this evening. When the sun goes down and the wind stays up coming off the water, it really does feel cold. Okay, so I am still wearing shorts. But, it is quite cool. And no, I won't trade places with you as it isn't that cold!

Today I had my second lesson and confirmed that I will take classes one-on-one beginning next week. My classmates were still struggling with the last class' set of ten vocabulary words. So far, I have been faithfully studying my one Spanish text and pocket dictionary. This is going to happen.

Spanish Lessons

As it is still windy and quite cool for the area, local fishermen are having to wear more clothing when out in the morning to check their nets. These two guys were just in front of our villa not too far out from shore. The water at that point is about four or five feet deep at the most.

As long as we stay out of the wind, it is warm. Yesterday I did go for my first lesson at the beginner level. It didn't take too long for the instructor to realise that I was out of place and that I knew more than the others in that class. I will go back for a second class with that group on Friday before the instructor comes up with a plan for private lessons which will maximize my language contact time. One hour alone is equivalent to about five hours or more in group lessons. I am looking forward to the one on one lessons as the instructor is a real teacher who likes what he is doing.

Super Hero Piñatas

On our walk to Chelem the other day we got to see a shop that was filled with piñatas. When we saw them we thought of our boys and how they would enjoy beating them with a stick in order to free the treasures hidden in side. The superhero piñatas would be especially interesting for Cameron, Griffin and Talan.

Today promises to be relatively quiet for the most part, a day of sunshine on the beach. I will travel to Progreso for my first Spanish lesson. We will see how that goes in terms of learning levels and interest factors. I have been using my own Spanish book to do some learning and trying to speak to some local people for practice. Here's hoping.

Whitecaps on the sea

Another day is almost done. All that remains is listening to tonight's Ottawa Senators game under their new coach. Here's hoping that it measn Ottawa winds tonight. That said, I won't be holding my breath.

Yesterday we walked to Chelem, about eight kilometres away from our villa. Once there we explored a bit of the small town before walking home. Needless to say, we didn't need a second walk in the late afternoon before supper. I got some photos which will likely end up one day on the other site when it is Chelem's turn for a post. By the evening, the wind picked up until it was blowing at least 50 mph / 80 kph. This was the roughest sea we have seen here.

Today, we began the day with no Internet service and very windy weather, a perfect day to travel into Progreson for an afternoon of playing bridge with the other senior citizens. An afternoon spent there is great for us as we are the youngest ones to show up making us feel even younger. Other than that, there is nothing new to report.

On the rocks

A lighly overcast morning with just a gentle breeze makes sitting outside for our morning coffee very enjoyable, but a cloudless sky like yesterday would make it even better. It is supposed to clear up for most of the afternoon with temperatures going up to about 28C. Right now, it is 21C, as I said, just right for a good morning cup of coffee on the patio watching the brown pelicans take nose dives into the gentle surf in search of breakfast.

The photo for today was taken yesterday at the lighthouse rocks which is about seven or eight kilometres from our villa, a good walk. Mom decided that every once in a while I should have my photo taken, especially when it involves a bit of climbing.

What's on the agenda for today? Well, I will spend more time on studying Spanish in preparation for my first official lesson on Wednesday late afternoon. Though I am starting at the beginner level, I think that it won't be too long before I change levels. It will be nice to be able to talk more with local people rather than just the Canadians and Americans who have moved here for the winter. Learning about the Mexican culture from the Mexicans themselves is my objective, that as well as perhaps making a few friends. Have a good day at home.

A Lazy Saturday in Progreso

It is sunny, getting warm and there is only a gentle breeze blowing, a huge contrast from yesterday. Well it was sunny and warm, but the wind was quite wild, especially coming straigth off the sea. Since we had planned on wandering around Progreso for a part of the day, the wind wasn't able to get on our nerves as much.

We walked to town, to Chuburna, in order to catch our minibus to Progreso. Since it was Saturday morning, we saw a few ladies selling things in the town plaza including this lady wearing traditional Mayan dress selling her vegetables and flowers. She had quite a few customers while we waited for our combi to fill up and leave.

In Progreso we walked down a number of streets occasionally bumping into people we knew from playing bridge as well as checking out some of the rentals in the small city. There is definitely much more room in our villa, more light and more open space in the beach countryside. After a late lunch with some of our bridge friends, we decided it was time to head home.