Sylvie's Travels Home

February 18 and 19, 2024

It was a lazy morning but we finally left around 10:30ish to go for a drive. We wanted to see if the rain had affected the level of the Ameca river. Did it ever!

We did our usual stops, first at Proyeco Darwin for a little breakfast. Pogo was not too hungry as he had had cereals already but we both had a delicious cinnamon roll and I had a toast with hummus, avocado and grilled tomato. The coffee is always hot and good there.

We continued on our drive, I took plenty of pictures of caballeros, churches, flowers, stores, cute kids, fairs, etc. When we arrived at the drivable water dam at El Coatante that crosses the Ameca river, the water was flowing over like a waterfall. We had never seen it so strong. People were enjoying driving through it and splashing everywhere. Some side by sides, were having a blast. The people were drenched and kept going back and fort. We watched a fisherman throwing his net for a while until his kids decided to jump in the water. We continued on the road and ran into a caballero. Pogo asked him if he could take his picture. His name was Raoul. It turned out that he was the brother and co-owner of the place that we like to take pictures of the amazing tree overlooking the river. In all of our years driving there, the gate of their property has been opened only twice. This year, it happened to be opened and we talked to his brother who was just as friendly. We found out that they used to live in Salt Lake City for 20 years with their other three brothers but the two of them came back and bought that beautiful ranch. The buildings need work but the property is breathtaking. Their brothers are still in the States. Raoul said to stop by again for a coffee or a beer next time we drive by.

We found another little river crossing the road where people were splashing kids while crossing with their side by sides, to the kids delights. Pogo did a ton of droning all day so was very happy.

We made our way to Pogo’s favorite out of the way restaurant, the Ameca River Restaurant. It was pretty full with locals being a Sunday. Loud Mexican music was playing on the jukebox. A couple arrived, set up their computer and speakers and started singing Mexican folkloric songs. We had pico de gallo, a shrimp ceviche tostada, a steak quesadilla, French fries and 2 sodas for only 190 pesos ($11 usd). By the time we left at 3:45pm, the place was full! What a fun experience!

We came home around 5pm, tired but so happy with our day of new discoveries. We had a drink watching the sunset then watched a few episodes of The Tourist.

Monday morning, Martha came to clean the condo as usual. We went to Paradise Village to have breakfast as Pogo wanted to bring clothes to the drycleaner. We went to La Sazon de Ama for the first time. We both had fried eggs over thin flour tortillas stuffed with ham and cheese. The salsa that came with it was so good (I can’t remember the name of it) and that dish isn’t showing on their online menu. I guess we will have to go back. We had a few errands to do. Dee called Pogo and he offered to pick up some groceries for her but she asked if she could come with us instead. We picked her up and she said that she just wanted our company. We went to La Comer, dropped Dee off back at her condo then got ready for our 4pm pickleball lessons.

My reactions at the net or kitchen lines are really improving as well as my drop shots. I was having a hard time with my serves, which used to be easy for me. Tomas made me try a new serve and I’m not sure I like it. Time will tell. Unfortunately I twisted my right knee because I have the wrong kind of sneakers and my elbow is starting to hurt a little. 😦 Pogo is loving his lessons. He is at a totally different level and it was fun to watch.

On our return, we went to the pool to watch the sunset and we caught up with Mario and Josée. The waves were still really big and crashing hard just like they had been the last two days.

Pogo was finally able to talk to Delta, after trying multiple times over the day. We decided to get a credit from them for our return flights since we are going to visit Max in Oaxaca for a week after we leave Nuevo on March 21st. Delta’s flights from Oaxaca were really expensive. I found much cheaper flights with AeroMexico. The plan is to leave Oaxaca at 8pm on March 28th through Mexico City and arriving in Montreal at 7:20am on March 29th. We will probably rent a car to come home.

Maxime’s travels update:

Her and Luna finally made it to the ferry on their way to the island of Bohol. Luna sent me a picture of Max sleeping in the taxi on the way to the ferry. She said that they made it out of the Clown House but that Max’s sanity will never return! Haha! She said she wore her out on this trip and that Max now sleeps like a baby in cars. The hotel they ended up in was their worse so far. The last night they were there, they had a humongous spider on their wall and it went inside the air conditioner before the front desk could catch it. They didn’t have another room available. Luna had a mosquito net so they tied it up with their phone wires and they both slept in the same bed, feeling a little bit protected.

They did a full day excursion in Bohol which included:

 – Tarsier Sanctuary: A conservation center for the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. Visitors can observe these unique creatures in a natural habitat

– Chocolate Hills: Over 1,200 hills spread across Bohol’s interior, the Chocolate Hills are a natural wonder. They transform in color with the seasons – lush green during the wet season (June to November) and turn brown in the dry season (December to May), resembling chocolate kisses. The Chocolate Hills Complex offers the best views, and ATV tours provide an up-close experience.

– Loboc River: Known for its picturesque river cruises, the Loboc River winds through lush greenery, wildlife habitats, and traditional Filipino villages. The 1.5 hour cruise (essentially a floating restaurant) is a unique dining experience, serving local Filipino cuisine while cruising along the river listening to live local music and seeing some cultural performances.

They experienced rain for the first time. They also stopped at the Bilar Man Made Forest, a two kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees known for their beautiful and uniform green canopy. The manmade forest was created in the early 1950 as part of a larger reforestation project initiated to combat the extensive deforestation resulting from slash and burn farming practices in Bohol.

After a month together, Luna left to go to Vietnam. She will reunite with Max in Oaxaca in May when she will lead one of Max’s tour. She might also join us in Vermont for the 4th of July! Even though I feel like I know her, we have never met in person so I would love it if she could make it happen.

Max moved to a different hotel and said it was nice to have WiFi, electricity, AC and a flushing toilet. Haha! She barely left the hotel as she has been sleeping and working. She even has a new furry roommate.