After Bill and Colene flew off to the big snow (in Seattle)
we found ourselves longing to get back on the hook. Moved to La Cruz, just a
few miles up the bay where 5 or 6 dozen cruisers find safe, convenient
anchorage. From here you can bus to towns from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta for
less than a dollar, eat cheap, and take in a series of weekly markets. Diane
and I visited Bucerias during their holy week prior to the blessing of the
fleet. The Church was decked out in real flowers on every pillar inside and
festooning the entrance. We got a kick out of the outdoor Sunday school class,
boys in the back row, girls in front, under a shady tree.
At night we had noticed loud bangs going off at odd
intervals. Finally we discovered that the church was receiving pilgrims from
all over the state during this week. To celebrate the arrival of each pilgrim a
shot was fired. We salute them too, but encourage rolling up in their hair
shirts or whatever at night.
All through this part of Mexico we’ve admired Huichol art. In Bucerias many Huichol were gathered around the plaza doing their handiwork and selling art. We enjoyed talking with some of them as well as several kid vendors, who seem to be learning a lot of English in school, in touristland, a valuable skill.
The La Cruz Sunday market was the most high end we’ve seen. Real French bread and pastries, unusually good and original jewelry, home ground peanut butter, organic farm veggies. We ate a second breakfast on the hoof and bought quiche for dinner. Expats abound in this part of Mexico. In addition to hanging out at beaches, many take up social causes. They were out to explain local charities at a number of market tables. Some sold articles made by poor folks, including dump residents, whose industry is an attempt to set them up with skills and a source of income.
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