Many of us have shared the holiday season here in La Manzanilla. After Christmas day people from many parts of Mexico started streaming into town and onto the beach. Our campsite with it’s 9 vans, 15 people and 3 dogs was almost as full as the crowded beach. The crowds and festivities reached their pinnacle on new years eve with fires, music, parties and fireworks. Our group gathered around the fire and waited to bring in the new year together. We resisted the temptation to celebrate on Quebec time and stayed up through the local midnight hour. As we all hugged and wished each other the best in this new year I was not alone in appreciating the success that we have all shared in our travels together. The beautiful setting with it’s bright stars and rolling waves was enough to make us feel fortunate but the sincere and genuine friendships that we have formed were the real wealth to be celebrated.

The new year has brought for me a new routine the main change being an increased focus on the computer work that I need to get completed. From the old 2007 routine many important elements will persist including daily chemical attacks on the bugs, morning study of Spanish, late afternoon exercise and pre-sunset donning of anti bug-bite gear (socks, shoes and long pants). Transportation in 2008 will include my bike thanks to the local welder that fixed my derailleur hanger.

Most of the vacationers have gone home and a few of our group have left as well. We are now down to 5 vans, 8 people and 1 dog. Richard and Terry departed for nearby Melaque where they hope to repair their van’s intermittent clutch problem. Jean has headed south, Jerry and Sofie leave early tomorrow for home and Ben and Sylvia have gone to visit their friend Jason at La Ticla. A few of us at least plan to reside here in La Manzanilla until late January and maybe into February. For now our group consists of Ernst, Paul, Linda, Frank, Rita, Cory and Ted.

I hope that you enjoyed the holidays and that you have a great 2008

Jonathan Poole
La Manzanilla, Mexico

A few videos (large):

And Photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on January 4th, 2008 by Poolio
Filed under: Jonathan Poole