Travelling Granny Pants: Z Papaya Chronicles: Dos Hermanas do Zihua

Its been a whirling dervish of activities in Zihua since my sister arrived last Saturday. In between shopping for necessities and setting up house in preparation for the arrival of family next week, we managed to fit in some fun activities. Monica's Cooking School at Patio Mexica was on the agenda and the trek there was easy as it was right out our front doors. We did the five different ways of making Chiles Rellenos class. The setting was idyllic as our group gathered under the palms outside to learn how to make this traditional dish. Monica and her assistant made sure we were comfortable and protected from the hot sun.She shared stories of her grandmother who was a chef and her inspiration and also provided some Mexican history. Monica speaks English and has a few different cooking classes and we will definitely do more. I highly recommend one of her classes if you are looking to step outside typicial vacaton mode and are up for a unique Zihua experience.

www.patiomexica.com

The Traditional Chile Releno, Colors of Mexico

Me hermana dipping the Chile into the batter ready to place it in the hot oil

The talented and very patient Monica

Sunday we decided to hop on the Micro bus and head down to Playa La Ropa. I was a little nervous as it was our first attempt at taking Roxy to the playa.Would they let us on the micro? Would the doggie police on Playa La Ropa chase us down, place Roxy in doggie handcuffs and cart her off to doggie jail? All of these fears took a back seat when we encountered killer cat while waiting for the Micro. Now we have encountered several wild beasts during our morning walks but nothing compared to the machismo and aggression of this massive ginger cat. He was determined to get a piece of Roxy and nothing was going to stand in his way. Using bags and whatever else we had as shields we protected her, all the while shaking in our flip-flops. Eventually he realized it was futile and moved on. Sorry no pictures. We were just too busy protecting the litttle beast. We chose to hang out at Rossy's on La Ropa as my research told me it was pet friendly and it certainly was. We spent a lovely couple of hours over some drinks and guac while Roxy relaxed in the sand. Good service, great Guac and friends to the doggies. Couldn't ask for more!

Some friends of my sisters are here to stay for a while, Ken and Sue. They are taking some time to just travel around and go wherever their hearts take them and for the next few weeks Zihua will be where they rest their heads. We've shared drinks, dinners and laughs and Ken is solely responsible for introducing me to Mescal which apparently brings out my naughty side. Apologies to anyone who may have been sitting around us in Serena La Gorda (Fat Mermaid) a few nights ago. Conversation got a tad raunchy.

Serena La Gorda sink in men's washroom

Serena La Gorda Sink in women's washroom

We did the trip to Barra de Potosi via local bus (17 Pesos = $1.40 CAN) and Pasero (12 Pesos = 98 cents CAN). The Pasero is basically a pickup truck with a tarp and bench seating that takes your from the town of Los Achotes to the fishing village of Barra de Potosi. Park yourself at an the enramada, eat, drink, snooze in a hammock, play in the waves, walk the beach...its a perfect day.

Preparing for the family to arrive has involved lots of trips to the mercado to make sure we are well supplied to feed the masses. I am still in awe of not only the abundance of fruits and vegetables but also the cost. One can eat extremely well and healthfully here for very little. Here is a pictue of today's fruit and vege haul. Total costs was a little under $10.00. Not only does it look delicious, the tastes and flavors are a party in your mouth.