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Hola and Holiday Greetings.  I know many of you are curious about what is going on in Zihuatanejo, so I thought it is time to bring you up-to-date.

I will be going back to Zihua on February 18 for 11 days.  It will be my final trip with any direct involvement with the schools.  In the future I hope some younger folks might step up and volunteer, but I do feel that my previous 3 school years of involvement have made a difference for some really wonderful but woefully underprivileged young people (and their families).

Here are some topics you may find interesting:

Book Announcement: I will have a book published about “Memo’s Excellent Adventures” in Mexico.  I am actually planning for two editions.  The first edition is tentatively titled Journey to Zihuatanejo: From Visitor to Volunteer.  That could change over the next six weeks, but that’s the way I am leaning.  It will be published early next year.  I will let you know when it is available.

Sponsorship: I currently sponsor ($300/year per child) three children who are in the 7th grade.  As previously noted, not all expenses are covered by the Mexican government beyond 6th grade.  I have been close to Bernabe, Lizbeth, and Jose Angel since they were in the 4th grade and all three would find it difficult to go to school without assistance.   I am committed to helping them through school for as long as they continue their studies (including college if any of the three decide to go to college).  I look forward to seeing them in February and with the help of my LA friends, we will be throwing them a beach “fiesta” during our visit.

Bernabe (l), Lizbeth & Jose Angel

Karen:  Karen is a young lady I am assisting on my own (about half of her tuition).  As those of you have regularly read this blog know, Karen is a business major at the University of Guadalajara.   She has completed two semesters with straight “A’s”.  She is finishing up semester three as I write this.  This semester she is taking Commercial Law, Accounting III, Total Quality Management, Ethics, Public Relations and Advanced English.   No soft classes for this young lady!  She will meet me in Zihua for a long weekend in February and join in our gringo activities and the beach fiesta.  Can’t wait to see her again.

Karen and her mother

Care to help one last time?  I mentioned above about helping the schools on one last occasion.  I am committed to spending $500 (total, not each) on school supplies for four different poor schools.  I could use some help.  Only if you know me and feel like giving an assist to these wonderful kids, please send me a donation.  My address is 3650 Morning Star Drive, Unit 2402, Las Cruces, NM 88011.  I chose not to set up a foundation, so this is “iffy” as a tax deduction.  So only do it if the Spirit moves you.  Thank you for your consideration.

Las Joyas kids don't have much of a classroom; but we can at least help with supplies

Food news: For those of you headed to Zihua shortly for your annual “get-out-of-the-cold retreat” here is the latest restaurant news from Madera-Downtown areas.

As you regulars know, we are still mourning the demise of our favorite morning haunt.  Gone forever is La Casa Café.  Lorna and Pedro have returned to the US.  However, El Perla Negra has not only reopened down the street (on Adelita) but is serving breakfast as well as dinner.  Some familiar faces from La Casa Café will be on hand to cook and serve you.  No word on whether my favorite cook (Magda) is back but Lisa (Pedro and Lorna’s daughter) and Abe will take excellent care of you.  Tell them Memo sent you.

cook Magda and all everything Abe

Also on Adelita, Salvador’s at the little bridge has reopened and Mauricio’s Cyber Café just across from Salvador’s serves a limited but very authentic and tasty menu for breakfast and lunch.

Mauricio at his Cyber Cafe

Probably the biggest news in the restaurant biz is “Papa’s” new place.  If you have ever been to Madera beach, you undoubtedly stopped by MJ & Richie’s.  The place was run for many years by Rafael (Rafa) and his family.  Papa (what I called him … he called me Son and his daughters called me Brother) was invited to leave his location (sounds better than “kicked out”) in the late Spring.  I guess the owners of the property figure they can do better … we’ll see.  Well according to his daughter Renata (my “sister”), he will reopen downtown on December 15.  It will be called MJ & Richie’s House of Jazz and Blues.  The address is Vincente Guerrero #6, right next to the entrance to Coconut’s and it will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening live music.  Papa, if you read this, I am coming, I am coming!!!

Rafa ("Papa") at the old (beach) MJ & Richie

Well, let’s see: book, kids, Karen, donation, restaurants … did I leave anything out?  If so please let me know.  In the meantime, I wish you all the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons and look forward to seeing my many friends in Paradise in less than 3 months.  Hasta pronto, Memo

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