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Welcomed back by the children with hugs and chants of "Memo, Memo"

Centenaria de la Revolución is now the official name of Las Joyas. The students welcomed me back with chants of “Memo, Memo” and many, many hugs. It was a joyful reunion. I was excited to see that three honest-to-goodness classrooms are nearly complete. I think folks are hoping for a February occupation. Will be great for the kids. According to current plans three more rooms will be built in time for next year (August) classes. In other words, there will be a real school.

Children can't wait to get into their new classrooms

I continue to teach English to 5th and 6th grade students after school three days a week. Those with good attendance have been invited to participate in the second cooking school conducted by Chef Pepe at his excellent La Gula Restaurante. Classes will be held on the 4 Tuesdays in February. Students learn safety, cleanliness and all facets of the restaurant business … but of course the two favorite parts are preparing the meal … and then eating it. Pictures to come!

Pepe puts on his hat to help the poor children

Clothing – Pre Sale: Word got out fast that I was in town with donated clothes. People representing two other schools have stopped by and bought some of the clothing. It was a difficult decision, holding a pre sale. It means the best clothes never make it to Las Joyas (I’m still using the old name). But there is still plenty and the folks from Los Angeles travel with more than 100 pounds in donations in February and local winter resident Josie has a suitcase waiting for me, so I shan’t feel too guilty. Plus, I have already raised 1,075 Pesos for Las Joyas.

The economy: Worst year in recent history for tourists. There aren’t many. My part of town has been hit particularly hard. I live in a beach area call Madera. I live on Adelita, the main street of Madera. For those of you who have previously visited the area, you may know the street as “Restaurant Row”. Some mighty fine eateries along this street. Well, the city decided that this was the year to put in new sewers. The project looks to be about 6 months in length, right smack in the middle of tourist season. The street is now referred to as “Devastation Row”. Salvador’s is only open nights and is only half filled. The Cyber Café closed at the beginning of construction and will try to open next year. La Gula, the best restaurant in all of Zihua is doing about ½ of normal business

El Perla Negra: If there is any good news out of all of this (besides a nicely paved road next year) is that El Perla Negra is thriving. Long time visitors remember, usually quite fondly, La Casa Café with Lorna at the helm. Her daughter Lisa and husband Abe started their own restaurant 2 or 3 years ago, serving mainly dinners. They were forced out at the end of last tourist season, but have reopened at a great location and are doing breakfasts/lunches in the La Casa Café tradition and after a short break, reopen for great dinners at extremely reasonable prices. Happy to also report that many of the staff from La Casa/El Perla are at the new location (including my secret sweetheart Magda). The place is doing great business. Many of the other local restaurants are wondering what is their secret. I am thinking that great food at reasonable prices with friendly staff might have something to do with it. The less successful restaurants have tried to compensate by raising their prices. Fewer customers … hmmmm.

(For those of you coming in February/March, El Perla Negra is now located at the entrance to Madera, across the street from the canal and the taxi stand.)

Owner Abe and waitress/university student Karen

Niños Adelante Breakfast/Book sales: Niños Adelante is the volunteer organization in Zihua that sponsors poor children with good grades from grade 7 and up including college. Right now they have more than 220 children in the program. The money for support of these children comes from Canadian and American sponsors. I sponsor three children. One great thing about sponsoring the children: 100% of the sponsor’s money goes to the children. Administrative costs are covered by separate fund raisers and donations.

Bernabe (l), Jose Angel and Karen are super book sellers

Each year Niños Adelante hosts two breakfasts to honor the sponsors. Many of the sponsors come to Zihua for at least a week or so each year and the breakfasts are a great way to put the children in contact with their sponsors. I just attended the small January breakfast where “my kids” helped me sell my book. Sales were brisk! I have also had good sales around town. With the large breakfast two weeks away I expect to sell out!!! And before you ask, NO!!! there will be no reprints. This book thing is a lot of work. I am glad I did it, but enough already.

Well I have taken up enough of your valuable time for today. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2012, Memo

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