Lost in Mexico - January Shenanigans.

 January has now come and gone and for me that's been 3 whole months here and 2 for Dana.  This could be a bit longer but the first 2 weeks were rather uneventful, so I'm doing it all as one instead of splitting it up.

So the first half of the month consisted of a lot of swimming, tanning and drinking with a few adventures thrown in to break up the monotony.   We went to town for lunch one day to meet Dana's friends that live in Chelem at Barloventos.  Her favorite waiters have now adopted me also giving big hugs and free tequila.  I have to order a margarita as I can't bring myself to shoot tequila.  Before we went on this trip (and as always) I taught Dana a new word, that she kept practicing.  She can't get the type of tequila she likes right but she nailed this word no problem and was ready to use it when we went to lunch.  It is the word for "handsome" and I even told her how to use it in a sentence - "Eres guapo", translates to You are handsome.  So armed with her new word off we went to lunch and as soon as she saw and received her hug from her favorite waiter she drops the compliment and he just laughs at her stating "new word?"  Well the word stuck with her and as we walk around she offers all the men a "guapo" now.  We had a great lunch with her friends, then did a little shopping and headed home.

My friends finally made it to their winter house in Chelem.  I met them a few years ago when we all went to Belize before getting our residency in Mexico.  Finding out that not only are we neighbours here but also in BC.  They live in Nanaimo also.  They were delayed on their flight down due to winter weather but I went over for the afternoon to visit with them and see if the dogs got along well, which they did.  Have been trying to head over again but the end of the month has been none stop for us.

Dana and I both went for appointments at Gingers Jungle and Spa.  Dana had never had a facial before and decided that she wanted one.  I thought that I would try something different to help with my ailments and see if it caused any improvement.  It was booked with the chiropractor on staff and he did do a slight adjustment but also gave me stem cell therapy to my back and hip.  I did notice some improvement but then over did it one day and between that and the weather, I have had more aches and pains again.  When the warmth comes back, we will see if it changes.  Dana talked almost all the way through her service, asking questions, wondering what all the different devices were.  I wanted to get a picture of her with the red light mask on as we were both laughing about her looking like Jason Voorhees.

Those were the highlights for the first half of the month, as for the second half, we have been busy.  To start with, we decided to do a road trip to Playa del Carmen to meet up with Toni and Beth.  We managed to find a cute little condo that was pet friendly so I could bring my canine partner in crime, otherwise I would have been sending Dana on her own via train or bus to find the girls.  So Dana was a bit concerned about the drive due to the one bad checkpoint I went through on my way down, but I kept telling her not to worry.  She had a small panic attack when we had to go through Merida to get on the toll highway to Cancun but we did not have to go through any roundabouts so she was better besides dealing with the Mexican drivers.  Once we got on the toll highway, we came across our first checkpoint just outside of Merida and we breezed through it as we didn't speak Spanish.  Now about an hour or so down the road about the halfway mark we came across the next checkpoint.  This officer decided we needed to pull over to get checked out.  So pull over I did, Dana having a mild panic as she dug out her passport.  For some reason the federal officer went to her window and asked where we were from, so we told him and then he checked Danas passport and asked her if she was single and she said yes.  Then he looked at my resident card and asked me if I was single and I said yes, then he decides to tell me that I'm his wife, and he's going to marry me!  Then he continued flirting while he decided to look in Danas purse (as it was open in front of him) and questioned about her portable ashtray and if it was cigarettes or marijuana while giving it a little sniff.  I asked him if he wanted a soda and went to the trunk to get him one.  He kept flirting and asked for my number.  So figured, what the hell we can talk, doesn't mean it will go anywhere.  He let us go and away we went to the last stop at the state line laughing about this crazy federally and how long it would take before he messaged.  The last checkpoint it was a female officer and she got us to pull in also.  she asked me to step out and open the trunk for her and she looked in the cooler.  Then looked in the back seat but only in the bag with snacks and let us go.  Off to Playa we went to find our condo and the girls.  The navigation system took us on a zig zag route through town and we found the condo and unpacked our stuff, took the dog for a little wander and then proceeded to sit on the balcony and have a few drinks.  While we were sitting on the balcony, people watching, Dana was shouting out "Hola" to everyone walking by(as we were a block from 5th Avenue) as there was lots of foot traffic.  First bunch never responded, then she started getting folks answering her.  We finally made plans for dinner with the girls and set out to meet them.  On our way, my phone went off and sure enough the time I predicted I got a message from the federally saying hi and checking in.  Well the place they picked was great and ended up having a live band with great music.  The other 3 proceeded to get a little tipsy and Toni and Dana were up dancing most of the night.  We ended up meeting a couple from PEI there Pat and Sam and they had a great time dancing togeather while Beth and I sat and talked.  We ended up closing the place down and then walked along 5th Ave to our condos.  

We were hoping to hook up the next day but for some reason nobody contacted the other.  So Dana, Kahlua and I decided to stroll along 5th Ave and check things out.  Kahlua got a Mexican collar and Dana picked up some shirts as she had not found anything in Progresso and she wanted a keepsake and I got a couple of tanks and a special gift for someone that I can't mention as they may read this.  We went back to the condo to rest a bit before dinner.  We sat on the balcony and Dana was back to her Hola shouts and one couple laughed stating "your still there" thinking we had never left.

We got ready and off we went for dinner at Alux.  An Alux is a small mythical creature like a sprite, that protect the crops, forests and caves.  They often play practical jokes or cause mischief, so it is advised to leave offerings for them so that they protect travelers.  The restaurant is in a cave and I have been before but Dana wanted to experience it.  She was in awe of the place.  She never saw them but there were also bats flying around.  We had an amazing dinner.  I had a grilled octopus appy and pork belly for my main.  While Dana had roasted shrimp and a prime steak that was so tender it melted in your mouth.  Neither of us had room for dessert.  After we paid, we went for a tour of the rest of the cave and found the alter room and left an offering.  I left a cigarette and Dana left a $5 Canadian bill as there was no Canadian money there.

We did not end up meeting withe the girls after dinner as they both weren't feeling well.  Not sure if it was from the night before or if they caught a bug.  So we just headed back to the condo and decided for an early night.  We had a couple of drinks on the balcony and I took puppy for a walk and we went back to the pet store and bought collars for Krystal's pets so she could see them on video chat.  We had a good sleep and then got up and packed for the trip home.  The federally was looking forward to seeing us again on the way back and was messaging me when we were leaving but somehow that checkpoint was not set up when we went through.  So I did not run into him again on the way back but he has continued to message me to this day.

 

We have had a run of bad weather.  Several Nortes have blown in and also the artic front that has come down from up north.  The Yucatecans have not had cold weather like this in 20 years and were all bundled up against the cold.  Dana had a blanket over her when we were sitting outside at night to try and keep warm.  She ended up getting sick and was in bed for a few days.  I took Dana to the doctor so that she could see about getting something for the edema in her legs and ankles.  She called me in after the doctor weighed her to try and calculate her weigh into pounds and she was over the moon happy as she had lost 21 pounds in the 6 weeks she has been here.  I also got on the scale to check my weight and I finally broke 200 and was down to 190lbs.  So we both left the doctors doing the happy dance!

Ismael finally surfaced since Christmas dinner.  He apologized for not being around but he had broken up with his girlfriend.  He also told us that his mom was here from Tabasco.  So we went and picked her up so she could have dinner with us also.  She was so petite and tiny compared to Ismael and very pleasant.  She showed us pictures of her other children as we shared pics of our girls.

This week, we were out several times. On Monday we went to the market in Chelem and bought a bit of stuff.  Then we went to Barloventos to meet up with Danas friends again for lunch.  As we were leaving and saying goodbye to folks we know,  a woman runs up to hug Dana exclaiming "I know that voice anywhere".  It was Pat and Sam from the restaurant in Playa del Carmen.  So the next day we met up with them for lunch and a few drinks.

We had a down day on Wednesday, preparing for my parents to arrive the next day.  And sure enough, I was heading to the airport to pick them up as well as their friends Greg and Michelle.  I brought a couple beers for the boys and mini bottles of wine for the girls and they were super happy about that.  We came back to the house and I had a charcuterie tray ready for them and some wine.  They enjoyed the snack as they were all starving and we sat around and bullshitted for a bit before I took Greg and Michelle to find their condo.

So now the busyness of entertaining starts with my parents and then my brother and family arrive next week.  So that is the excitement for January.  The weather is improving now and we will be cooking again this weekend.

Until next time,

Bromas y deseos 

from Kahlua and I

Lost in Mexico - Nochebuena, Feliz Navidad y Feliz Ano Nuevo!!

 Ok so we will continue with part 2 of December and the holidays and get everything up to date, so I can slack off again for awhile lol.

As I said we were getting ready for the Christmas festivities.  We decided to buy a little tree and decorations to put up and place the Santa Sacks under it.  Dana was adamant that it was her job to decorate the tree so I left it be and finally had to push her to stop tanning and put it up on the 23rd.  Well she got the lights on it, then kept trying to get me to do the rest.  I kept saying no as I have to cook the dinner, except for the things she had to have her way.  So in the end Dana completed the tree and I brought out all the gifts for the kids to put under it.  As you can see tanning and swimming was first priority, so this is the way you decorate a tree in Mexico!  We went out shopping and got the turkey and the last of the items we needed for the dinner, stuffing fixings, some veggies and any last minute beverages as we were unsure if there would be a no sale day due to the holidays.  I started some prep on the 23rd and got all of the bread ready for the stuffing along with the onions and celery and spices.  I chopped up all of the veg and had them ready in a pot with water so I didn't have to worry about that.  Just the potatoes to peel with the help of Dana as they were new potatoes and a thin skin and I don't play well with knives (no peeler) and the turkey to prep and cook the next day.

On the 24th, I cooked the sausage for the stuffing and got it ready for the bird.  Cleaned it, cooked the giblets for the spoiled princessa and got the turkey in the oven.  Everything else was ready to go when it was time, so we sat down to relax and wait for our friends to arrive.  Puppy enjoyed her cooked giblets and they were gone in a heartbeat.  Dana got her brussel sprouts done the way she wanted them and got the potatoes ready.  We were enjoy a drink and a friend I had met in Merida called to say he was on the Malecon with his son and asked to stop by so I invited them over for some Christmas cheer and then of course offered them to stay for dinner as they were not planning on having one at home.  Eventually Ismael and family arrived.  The boys are all very quiet, even when playing and his little girl, Aithanna is the sweetest little thing.  Dana took the boys in the yard and was trying to teach them horseshoes with a plastic set she brought with her.  Eventually I called all of the kids to the tree and got them to find the bag with their name on it.  Nothing was very expensive but they loved the novelty of the Canadian items and enjoyed the small gifts that we got for them as well.  Glow sticks that Lorie send were a hit.  Aithanna was hugging both her stuffed cat that Krystal sent for her and her little pony that we got her.  She sat with Dana and had to open and check all of the items in her bag and then spent some time colouring in her book.  The turkey turned out amazing and everyone crowded around the table and enjoyed the dinner, most of which was new to them.  The stuffing and gravy and the brussels were a hit for my friends son.  He told Dana repeatedly how great they were.  Dana and Jess(Ismael's girlfriend) cleaned up the kitchen after I served a festive cake for dessert.  We sat and talked for a bit and then Ismael et all needed to leave.  I'm not sure if he had to take his children back to Merida or not but he did have to get ready for work that night.  My friend and his son left shortly after that so Dana and I could get ready and prepare for the night ahead.

In Mexico they celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve and they call it Nochebuena.  It is the main celebration which is marked by a family feast, midnight mass and gift giving as well as FIRECRACKERS!!  This is what we were getting prepared for now as we knew it would not be a good night for the Princess.  There had been some small ones going off over the course of the preceding week but tonight would be one of the worse.  We had the music up loud and were trying to drown out the noise to no avail.  Sure enough, puppy became anxious and was pacing, panting and circling worse then I have ever seen her.  I decided to go to bed and get her in my room with the tv cranked up in the hopes of settling her down.  Nothing was working as she climbed on my head, pulling my hair, standing on my arm and the nightstand.  She tried to hide in the closet until a really loud one (like a bomb explosion)

went off and she came flying out of the closet.  I finally gave up and found the gravol and fought her to get one in her.  It took a while but eventually it kicked in and I had to make sure she was still breathing cause she turned into a dead dog laying beside me, but I would finally be able to get some sleep at 4am.  She ended up hiding by my pillows behind my head and falling asleep as in the picture before she finally moved and was flat out beside me.  I knew that fireworks are expected in Mexico and it would be a challenge for puppy but this week was going to be the worse for her as the firecrackers will be every night for a week.  Thankfully, they weren't too bad in our neighbourhood leading up to New Years.  I went to the vet and asked for something to help her get thru New Years as again it would be mayhem at midnight.  The vet gave me 2 pills and said to give them about 10pm so that they would take effect and she would be calmer at midnight.  Well I was contemplating a bit earlier and just I was thinking of it a few started.  So it was now pill time.  I managed to get one into her and then the fight was on for the second one.  Eventually Dana who couldn't believe how hard such a little dog could fight, went to the kitchen and mashed up the pill, mixed it with some chip chip and put it on a cracker and she ate it!!!  Thank goodness.  I was trying to wait until midnight with Dana but they were starting to be more frequent so I took puppy to bed with a loud tv and hid away.  She actually did pretty good considering the people across the street were letting them off in the street and there were a few doozys.  She paced a bit but laid on the floor for the most part and eventually when all was quiet she did come to bed and settle around 2 am.  I have one more dose from the vet in case I need them and may go back and ask for more for the drive home to help her out.  I'm not sure if the same happens at Easter which is a 2 week party here called Semana Santa but if it is then I will definitely need more to get thru that holiday before heading home.

Christmas day Dana and I opened our sacks and decided to have Mimosas.  We went thru 2 bottles of Prosecco while talking to our families at home.  New Years morning we just had coffee with tequila crema and another quiet relaxing day.  On the 2nd, I woke up at 3am with a crippling pain in my sternum.  I did not feel nauseous but tried to throw up, nor did I need a movement.  I took a gaviscon to try and calm it, thinking it was heartburn but nothing was calming it down.  I could not get comfortable and was near tears. Around 8 Dana came in and she got me the gravol that was downstairs and |I took that as I was sending messages and cancelling appointments that were booked that day.  Thankfully and I don't know why but the gravol worked and it knocked me out.  When I woke the pain was gone.  I stayed in bed until the next day but still had sore ribs (like if you have had a huge coughing fit or dry heaved for hours, yet I had neither)  It was really quite strange but I am back to normal for me.  We have been pretty lazy since the holidays but are about to get back at it.  We are heading out today for laundry, some groceries and lunch.  Tomorrow we are getting our nails done and then we will see what the rest of the week/end brings.  I would like to make a plan and go off exploring somewhere so we will see what happens.

So to all of you back home that are freezing, we are thinking of you and are not envious of your fabulous weather.  Merry Xmas and Happy New Years from Mexico.

Bromas y Deseos from Kahlua and I

Yep, I'm Lost In Mexico #4

 So it would seem, I have most definitely got lost in time down here.  Or maybe Dana and I are just too occupied in our daily activities.  It has been a month since I last posted so I will divide it into 2 posts so that  it is not too long.

Dana is settling in well except for the dogs out back that continuously bark at night and keep her awake.  Yes this is Mexico, she will have to get use to it.  She just doesn't understand that the owners can't hear them or do anything about it, like we would at home.  She says the rooster doesn't bother her but the non stop barking is really getting to her.  She wants to buy some earplugs and an eye mask so she can sleep.  I told her that she needs to work on changing her sleep schedule anyways because everything is done first thing in the morning here, markets, shopping, etc before it gets too hot.  Then can relax in the afternoon or do whatever.  We are slowly getting around to this and she is trying to get up earlier.  Her ankles and legs are quite swollen and she is having a heck of a time dealing with them.  She has been trying to keep them raised and also icing them on the regular to try and get them to come down.  She continues to ruminate about what she has done and in her mind "being homeless".  I remind her that she is not, this is her home for now and she will have another when she returns.  It is just a temporary rental and a much more pleasant one at that, considering the temperatures are dropping quickly in Merritt.

I found a new nail tech and she did an amazing job.  She ended up almost removing the ones the other girl did and starting fresh as 2 of my nails were cracked very short from the work the other had done.  In all my time with my most fantastically skilled tech in Canada I have broken 1 nail in about 5 years.  The new girl, Gaby, removed the old ones and redid them with fantastic art and still was done in 2.5 hours!  Much better then the first place I went to.  I have rebooked with her for the new year.

I also went and got my hair done.  I had the colour refreshed from what Toni did in the early fall and decided to get it cut a little more and add bangs.  The lady is a Canadian and has quite a few little

businesses on the go.  She did a great job matching the colour and I loved the cut.  I will be going back to see her when I need another refresh.  Dana has also decided to book in for a facial and I am thinking about some of the other services that they are offering in the wellness spa.  They have a doctor that comes in for chiropractic services and he also does some work in regards to stem cells.  Im thinking about a consult with him, 1) to get an adjustment on my back and hips to help with my mobility and 2) to get more information on the stem cells and see if they would help at all with these symptoms of mine, especially my legs.  If anyone reading this knows anything about stem cell therapy, please send me a message, I would appreciate any and all info on the subject.  Anyways, we stopped at home quickly and I threw on some makeup, then we went to town.  I felt great with the new hair and while we were walking thru a little artisan market I sent a quick pic to Krystal and she called me the next second.  She couldn't believe how great it looked and said that I looked younger!  Thanks baby girl but how the hell can I be younger when she is turning 32!  Even her boyfriend said I looked great but maybe that was just sucking up to the MIL.  We did some virtual shopping while she was on the video call and said goodbye.

Later on in the week, I talked to Fabian again and he told me to come over and he would do another Catarina tattoo for me.  We had found a design that we both liked so I made plans to come over to the

shop.  When I got there, there was 2 other ladies there, one was getting her eyeliner done and the other got a finger tattoo done.  Well wouldn't you know but they are both from Courtenay and worked in health care there.  Small world for sure.  The lady getting her eyes done looked familiar but neither of us could place each other.  It turns out that the finger tattoo lady - Shiloh also drove down and is a bit skittish about so wants to keep in touch and possibly convoy back with me.  That could make for an interesting trip having another along for the journey.  So we exchanged info and added each other on socials and we will see what happens.  I should contact her anyways as it seems the 2 of them are all over the place exploring different things and we have really yet to get out of the area but we have big plans of doing so.  Or even have them over for dinner and drinks, Dana loves talking and meeting people!  Anyways they left and Fabian got to work on my arm.  I laid on the table and read for awhile then had a little nap while he worked away.  When he was done he was amazed that I didn't move at all, he thinks I'm made of stone or something as I don't flinch or shift or jump around, I'm just immune to the pain.  My wrist and forearm were a bit swollen when he was done but it looked great.  Then to my surprise he didn't charge me for it!  That was amazing and made me feel great considering all the business I have brought him over the years.  I gave him a good tip as I didn't feel right giving him nothing and we are making plans for some other things.  I may even do my eyes and brows again as I have next to no brows and it is getting harder to see to do my eyes!  LOL the joys of aging!!  Dana is also thinking about getting more done and when her daughter comes down, she is going to get one.  I have to laugh as I have created 2 monsters with Ang and Dana who have gone from zero to tattoo hero!

We waited for the Grand Opening of the new Walmart in Progreso, especially Dana as she wanted no part of going back to the first one we went to in Merida with the crazy roundabouts.  It was an absolute gong show....everyone and their dog decided to go for the big opening.  They had a truck driving thru town with announcements blaring, all kinds of displays and samples out front of the store, music at top volume and parking was insane.  The lot was basically full and there were cars all lined along the side of the street.  Thank goodness for my handicap card as we were able to get a spot right in front of the store.  Inside wasn't really that bad, a bit of chaos with the number of people but most were on missions for certain items for Christmas.  That is what we were doing also, getting the last things for the Santa sacks for Ismael and family and also the things we wanted to put in each others Santa Sacks and some general shopping.  I was absolutely ecstatic when we strolled into the liquor department and spotted those glorious turquoise and pink bottles of 1921 tequila crema!  It was liked the skies opened up and cast rays of sunshine down upon the bottles beckoning me to them.  Needless to say 2 ended up in my cart and I'm sure I will be going back for more.  This is the first time that I have seen it here in the Yucatan in all the years I have been coming.  I generally get a bottle or 2 at the duty free in the airport on my way home, so this made the end of the year for me.  It is definitely a nice change to have the Walmart here and not have to go into one of the dozen in Merida and I have to say that the produce so far is fabulous, better then the other stores in town.

Our evenings consist of dinner and sitting outside relaxing.  One evening our resident security

PawPatrol was out doing her rounds of the pool and yard.  She started into a crazy barking fit and was bouncing all around in the back corner.  I grabbed my camera and went to see what had her all in a tizzy, figuring it might be her first experience with an iguana.  Well low and behold she found the possum and had it cornered.  It was just trying to hide from her and was not hissing or trying to attack her.  She just kept bouncing forward at it and barking, then getting closer and trying to sniff at it, but not too close.  Dana came out to see what all the excitement was about and thought that it was adorable.  I thought she was going to try and pet it for a moment but she stayed back not sure on how it would react.  Well getting the guard dog away from her conquest was a bit of a challenge, but treats and food always work, so off to the kitchen we went to occupy her for a bit so the little guy could wander off to where he wanted to go.  Of course when treats were over, she had to go back out and investigate again to make sure we were all safe from any more invaders.  Besides the colony of cats, she hasn't found anymore critters to guard us from.  Her biggest thrill is barking and chasing the cats or running out front and barking at people passing by, sometimes even just at nothing.  She hasn't found anymore lizards to chase.

Dana is loving all the meals so far and is more then happy to be eating lighter and healthier.  She keeps saying that she could do this when she goes home.  We have had all kinds of seafood meals as well as salads and even did some steaks one night.  She looked forward to having the tuna steaks again and said this time she wanted it on the rare side as it should be instead of overcooked.  I also got her to eat it raw but marinated in a poke bowl and also made a tuna ceviche as part of a charcuterie board we had one night.  She was dumbfounded that she was eating raw fish and enjoying it and wanted more.  When I brought out the leftover ceviche the next day, she dug right into making sure that she got her share of it and that I didn't eat it all on her.  So for now we are just relaxing and prepping for Christmas.  It will be the first time that I will cook a turkey in years, as Len always made it his way.  Not to mention cooking it with gas, which is new to me but here's hoping it all goes well.

Well until the festive edition (which I will write immediately) that is all of the excitement for the first couple of weeks of December and Danas stay.

Bromas y Deseos from Kahlua and I