Tonight we are in Nogales, preparing to make the trip to Alamos in the morning. I'm told the border opens at 6am. and there are a number of things we need to have/do prior to going.. Tourist visa, Mexican auto insurance, and after we enter, we must stop at kilometer 21 to get an auto permit. It's an adventure, and a little scary too, as you are told to have several copies.
But then we will be on our way, and we'll have two months of blissful coolness...or cool blissfulness whatever you like!

Our last post

Today will be our last post. We start our journy home tomorrow.

Yesterday we Arrived at the plaza at 8am, to meet everybody at Pronatura. We had been asked to participate in the initial trip to the small Village of Sabinito. Sabinito is a village of about 30 houses, at the end of a very rough road. It is in the middle of a forest reserve, and Pronatura is trying to help facilitate a cultural economic project there. A group of us would travel there and break up into smaller groups and observe and participate in the particular craft or skill of our host. These artisanias are making crafts in the old way and trying to use their skills to augment their living. we were assigned to Don Ramon, who is a woodcarver. He makes many things from fallen trees from the ravines, collecting logs and carving furniture and household items. We were shown how he carves large wooden spoons, and then attempted to try it ourselves. Afterwards we all met up and had lunch at a rancho. Homemade tortillas, a stew of beef, chiles and nopale cactus, cheeses, beans, and a sweet rice and fruit pudding. It was wonderful, and I suggested a cooking class should be added to the curriculum. It was a wonderful day, and a privilege to have heen involved in this project. We hope it proceeds and is a way of helping these tenacious and innovative people to make a better living. We were also happy to have met Elena Carlos and their family.

Then lastnight we went to the Hacienda de Los Santos for the Ballet Folklorico. The show is students from the University in Navajoa, singing and performing dances from the different states of Mexico. It was a wonderful show! I can't wait to go again next year! I'm sad to leave this wonderful place. We have made many great friends, who I don't want to lose track of, and who sincerely hoped we would return. We will! Te amo Alamos!!

mors stuff

Fri...We climed up the "mirador" this morning before it got too hot. Beautiful view. I keep thinking the dogs would like this walking that we do so much of. Cristobal -the gardener here is away at a funeral, and although we really like him, its nice to be alone. We are not used to someone always being "there". You can't just stroll out in your gonch, or leap into the pool in the buff. Not that I would be inclined to but if you wanted to you could...
Sat/Sun. We have been wondering about Daniel..the owner's good friend who lives here. We were supposed to meet him at some point, but never did. So we were sitting in a restaurant, and noticed French being spoken. Bernie asked one of the men if he knew Jacques, and he said yes! I'm Daniel! and so we have met him and Last night we went to Film night at Bachinnos, and we are now being greeted like locals, with hugs etc. We had a great meal and watched "Love in the time of Cholera" it was a nice night and Daniel was there.

It seems like all I do is think of food, but the simplest things are soo good. Walking to the market to get fresh hot tortillas. Coming home and adding beans, tomato, avacado, and tobasco. Mmmm.
Our new favourite breakfast is banana, papaya, honey, limon, and yogurt. mmmm. life is good

I really love the way total strangers wave and say "buenos dias" when you are walking. It is just good manners..the way people used to be at home-an acknowlegement, that you are. We have come so far from that that when someone does that at home, we think them strange.

Thurs. we had an interesting time at the history club today, we didn't really know what to expect, as there can be some shocking attitudes around this topic" Immigrationfrom the US perspective", but the people here seem to be, for the most part, humanists. They are here because they love Mexico and Mexicans, and there were many comments about how much Mexico and this town in particular, have given them so much more than they ever expected.

Monday

This morning was (a) Revolution day parade. We found out what all the practicing was for! All the school kids had a part to play. There was drum and bugle groups, marching in formation, acrobatic teams, sports teams, atvs, and beautiful young girls in formal dress. even the little wee kids were in traditional dress...sooo cute! There was even a float! and the Bomberos (firefighters) here actually were doing an acrobatic pyramid thing on top of the fire truck!! I guess if you´re house burns down, at least you´ll be entertained! It was great. The whole town turned out. I loved it!

the last few days

Friday/Sat. Been waking up to lots of bugle and drum sounds lately. I think the kids are preparing for some celebration.
Went walking today ...saw Carol O'Connors home it has been empty I guess since his death. In the plaza we saw a new friend Vicky and her two babies. She is a beautiful and very sweet Alamos girl that we met the other night. Stopped in to Pro Natura...an NGO working to preserve nature and culture in the area. Elena and her husband Carlos ...very nice people invited us to an outing to a reserve area. They hope to expand into learning trips for kids and visitors in the future. She wants to come visit us in Victoria!! I really like her she's a dynamo! Also met some new friends from near Kamloops.

Sunday. Lots of bells this morning, nice to wake up and have coffee in the garden with the butterflies and hummingbirds, in one's jammies!

I think they need a Botanical Garden here. also some arts/cooking/music classes that would be accessable to the average person. (not just rich folks) and could help the locals share their skills and develop them into businesses. The risk is losing the uniqueness of this place...like San Miguel has. It is a matter of balance. I feel very lucky to have come here to experience this place while it's still small and quaint. It has been a privilege.

stuff

We looked at a casa across the street from where we are staying, that's for sale. Just outa curiosity. It had too many issues, and was next door to an elementary school where they play bugles and drums at 7am...and, there was no room to set up marimbas! Went to a talk on migratory birds and preserving their habitat. met some folks from North Okanagan, and a lady from Salt Spring. lot's of nice people here.
This morning we went to the history club. Saw a terrible film on the issue of immigration. it was a silly movie but I am interested in hearing what the people here have to say on the topic.
I get the feeling that most people who are living here do so because of the people as well as the beautiful town. The people here are really nice and I think, one of the biggest assets of Alamos for sure.