Pescadores

I realized the other day as we sat on the patio, listening to the fishermen talk amongst themselves, that I recognize many of their voices. I then realized I probably see and hear them more than their wives do! (Of course I still don't understand much, but from their laughing, I know they're having fun.)

Nexar, not Nexar the bread man, but Nexar the Captain of El Chino boat. His two sons work with him, but this is Christopher, our "chaperone" last year on the shrimp boat, and Father Fishermen's Godson. He is a wonderful young man, ALWAYS around to help, no matter what boat, he is willing to help.

On this day, Junior was decorating his New boat, now he has two. A little help and supervision from Nexars two boys, and Chino and Junior's son Francis also oversee.

Now Junior has two boats, he has double the earning power, but also may have to go out more, whereas Nexar only has to go out if one of his boys can't get a substitute crewman.

Junior, and what might be his grandfather doing nets. This little guy is out here willing to help everyday too. Sometimes just checking things out, but often jumping in and helping.

One of my personal favorites, Raphael. He has a scrap of netting, that he is using along with sand and water to clean the algae off the boat. He is the uncle of our friend Fernando Romero.

Often it's crazy busy out front, then all of a sudden...

Quiet, everybody's gone. It usually means it's lunch time.

Alfred's new paint job.(several months old now) Ramon asked if I could paint on his boat, and I'll certainly give it a try, but do we need two shark boats in the same cove?

We so enjoy the fishermen being right outside, we know they add to our safety. Nobody is going to wade thru them to get to us, it's an added layer of protection. Some say they are simple people with out much drive, but I like what our friend Jorge said the other day when I asked how the catch was..."basante" Enough. If more people would be happy with "enough" the world just may be a better place. 

Low tide, time for a walk. Stay tuned, the adventure continues!

Building relationships

I can honestly say we are well liked by the community, they don't quite understand us, but like us. The earthquake has brought some of us closer, as well as started new friendships. Last evening we went to Marcos for an early dinner, we had never eaten at Marcos old restaurant, but wanted to be supportive. He has made outdoor seating, always our favorite, and of course the food was excellent. We shared a breaded fish plate and a bowl of ceviche, both were very very good. (2large beers, all for $13)

This is what was being finished when the earthquake happened. I'm just glad it wasnt open for business...and after a 7.8 earthquake

The new restaurant sits where this pile used to be, and now that the other building across the street has been demolished I'm sure he will start to rebuild there too. Poor guy, but good news is we are now on waving terms, and speaking terms is next.

I've been busy making signs for people, 

For Edison

Nexar the bread man

Jenny, and for her new granddaughter. (Remember the baby shower I was invited to the day of the earthquake)

We are also enjoying a new relationship with our "urchins"...these pictures are from Facebook, some gringo passing thru San Jacinto on way to San Clemente. 

And yesterday they were out front playing "boats" but kept pulling their pants up because they were heavy now that they'd gotten wet...

So I took out a couple lengths of twine, and made them belts. I can't believe we've known them over a year! This next picture was on a recent memory on Facebook.

We love our little town, and I really enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces when "the gringa" does something unexpected. So, stay tuned, the adventure continues...

CasaMAR

During the aftermath of the earthquake we were informed of a generator for use to charge phones and such at a place called CasaMar. We had walked by the place several times and wondered what it was, as we could see interesting garden area inside the fence. The night we went was well, night, so all we got to see was the seating/entertainment area, so we went back recently during daylight, wow!

Right from the entrance, the place is intriguing. Art installations and fun recycled bottle walkway...

The grounds are quite extensive, there are individual cabanas for rent, and the sign says area for camping.

Plant markers and metal sculptures are tucked in everywhere. Talking with the owner, Fernando, this has been his "project" for the past 25 years. He originally is from Quito, and lived in New Jersey for some time, so speaks very good English.

Outdoor communal kitchen area, several shade structures for lounging, what used to be a small pool and fountain, and reading library.

We wondered around one afternoon by ourselves, and then went back again and toured with Fernando's wife Leonor, she doesn't speak English, but we did pretty well with her. She invited us back for coffee and bolones, and now we are friends on Facebook. She also invited me to come and learn how to make Viche, the yummy peanut based soup so popular here. Mi gusta! Fernando has had to go away for work, so Mike is free to come and fire his clay anytime, maybe the day us ladies make soup.

I found a new way to hang shells, and then what to do when we get too many, what an impressive pile!! And how huge this one is, foot for reference, and my feet aren't tiny.

One of many plants I want to get cuttings from! We have a pale pink Plumaria/Frangipani, so this darker pink is a must. They have a young adult son, Juan who helps with the landscape, but they said I could come garden anytime, no kidding what a huge property to weed! 

We didn't even take pictures everywhere, I realized the bread oven/kiln isn't pictured. Guess it's a good thing y'all stay tuned...because the adventure continues!