Prepa school Artist at Los Sueños

On Wednesday night we had the honor of hosting the art class from the Prepa school here at Casa de los Sueños. Nadia, the teacher, and her students came with beautiful pieces they had painted to show and sell to our group of Yogis.
These are some really talented and inspired artists, you can see that they were so proud to show their work and excited when they sold something.
Nadia is extremely motivated and hardworking, not to mention an absolute sweetheart. I have had the privilege to get to know some of the teachers from the school and they are all hard working, fun and motivated people.
The teachers in this country are up against very difficult odds, coming from government regulations that are un-helpful and un-realistic, circumstances of teaching and living conditions, down to daily issues of all teachers that can be frustrating and demoralizing.
We are so happy to help in any small way that we can and look forward to a continuing relationship of collaboration (we are talking murals, workshops, and much more here at Sueños).
Some people ask me, "why are you interested in the Prepa?"...my reason is simple. I remember being high school aged, I had the luck of going to a school where the teachers made an impact on my life in the best ways, I was allowed to be myself, to be creative, to grow into an adult that feels confident and supported.
I helped start a teen center when I was fresh out of high school, I did this because I knew I was lucky and not everyone had the same support I did in school and at home. I wanted to be there for youth that was lost and in need of someone just to talk to, to see them as a person.
Being a teenager is, I think, the most difficult, delicate, and important passage in life. It is a time to learn who you are, who you wish to be, who your friends are, and what path you would like to take into adulthood. For that reason, I hope to support the people that are supporting these kids, these kids that, with any luck, will go out into the world to learn and grow and come back to their little town with inspiration and hope for the next generations. And most certainly that would be a much less likely possibility if we don't have a high school here in Yelapa. For that, I will continue to support as much as possible. Stay tuned for ways you can help to.

Here are a few more photos.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/jesseroseroberts/36G9e8

What a difference a day makes.

This morning I was here. In the lovely cafe at the Posada del Cafeto. Where, for the last week, I have shared morning chatter, coffee and bread breaking (amazing pan dulce!) with so many wonderful bambuseros (maybe my favorite term learned this week). This group of scientists, cultivators, conservationists, enthusiasts, innovators, legends, and lovers of this crazy pre-historic, resource rich, enchanting plant. (Of which I will wax poetic about in future blogs) who are so warm, welcoming and really just a good time.

I was one if the last guests of the group. It felt a bit rushed and lonely this morning, after such a savoured time with so many great companions.

Then began a long travel day, 4 hour bus, insane rigamaroll around the Mexico City airport (made worse by too heavy and bad luggage choices), and an easy but full 1 hour flight to Puerto Vallarta.

Arriving I felt tired, hungry, and a bit lonely. As post travel blues are wont to do.

But I knew where I was going, what exactly I would do upon arrival, and that felt nice.

I taxi'd to my apartment in PV, dropped my too heavy/bad choice luggage off, and walked over to Joe Jack's Fish Shack for my favorite Niçoise salad and a ginger mojito, greeted and served by friends and familiar faces. 

Satiated and ready for rest I walked home in the balmy breeze of this cobbled seaside town. I remembered that the best thing is traveling and having an amazing experience, and then feeling absolutely wonderful about coming home. 

Tomorrow I return to Yelapa, to the real start of the busy season, to even more friends and familiar faces, armed with a motivation and inspiration that, at this moment, makes me feel like I will achieve my highest dreams for myself and my community. 

Movies, hurricanes and bamboo.

Its been a long week, one of those weeks that feels like a month.

A week ago I went to pick up my dear friends Jessica and Dave of Wooden Lens productions. They arrived to film a promotional video for Los Sueños. 

We got right to work, filming, cleaning, sweating. It was hotter than I ever remember it being at this time of year. Still and sweltering.

Weds night the power went out, no fan, no sleep.

Thurs morning we learned about a hurricane named Patricia. At that point it was strong and headed our way, but they always head our way then pass us by. Everything was pretty much business as usual.

That evening a small group of people who practice karate arrived from Guadalajara. I spoke with the boat captain and he said all the ports were closed, we'd get big winds and a lot of rain, pretty normal for us.

All the boats were being put into the lagoon, also not totally abnormal...although a sure sign of a doozy of a storm.

Since there had been no power, phones were short on charge and there was no wifi. So no news or warnings reached us that night.

In the morning I took down the mirrors and breakable things at the more open casa arboles and we went over to Los Sueños, which is lower on the mountain and more protected.

At that point we got the message that they were evacuating. However, it was too late, at that moment I heard the whistle from the Sarape (the large tourist ferry they had sent to evacuate people) indicating it was leaving...a sound I have always equated with happy time as a child, it indicated it was time to go home from wherever we were out playing. That day however, it indicated doom, bad choices meaning I had put my friends and guests in potential peril by not making sure they were evacuated.

Time for plan B, the secondary school was the designated place of safety, we turned on the generator, charged phones, packed go-bags, and filled water jugs. My wonderful employees helped until I told them to go home to their families. They deserve a hurricane bonus!

At that point one of the karate group came down from their casa and asked for rope...curious I went to see what they were up to, rope in tow. They were in the process of turning casa Buena Vista into a hurricane shelter. Tying mattresses to the windows, setting up the back bodega area with food, water, candles and of course wine!

So everyone began to carry all the mattresses (luckily we have plenty!), heavy furniture and supplies up there. It felt good to be busy, schlepping things through the rain, finding all the rope we could, setting up house. The karate crew was diligent, very well organized, and in good humor, we followed suit. Soon there was a safe spot, we all felt good about it, if not exhausted.

Then we waited. Watched the rain. Watched the trajectory of the eye of the storm. And waited some more.

Late in the evening we got the news that Patricia had hit land south of us and was moving into the mountains. We were out of serious danger, but knew we could still get a lot of wind and rain depending on where it went.

In the end we went to bed around 2am, to the sound of a light cooling rain and a few gusts of wind.

Woke up to a sunny day, with not a fallen branch or a flooded patio. Employees filed in, and exhausted but relieved we got back to filming, cleaning, sweating.

It is a truly strange thing, to know that destruction is hurtling toward you, to imagine this destruction, to hope it will only be material things destroyed, and to wake up to nothing changed, to return all the mattresses, supplies, and people to their usual place. Strange and wonderful.

The towns to the south and in the sierras were not spared destruction, and we must help them to rebuild...but by some miracle of nature (or whatever you want to name it) no lives were reported lost due to the storm. Incredible.

We finished filming (the video is going to be amazing!), headed into PV, Jess and Dave back to San Francisco. 

And I to Xalapa, Veracruz. Now I am sitting in a beautiful mountain city on the other side of the country. Falling in love with it's misty multi-leveled streets, it's sweet friendly people, and it's artsy university style.

Ready to learn all about the amazing bamboo plant and connect with people who love and study it.

As my godmother Peggy (who I believe shooed away Patricia, saying "not my house!") always said onward and upward! 

I am left with an overwhelming feeling of relief, love for my community, appreciation for what I have, and the knowledge that I live a charmed life.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

Guadalajara adventures.

Just back from a very successful, fun and exhausting trip to Guadalajara. With shopping for artesenal crafts in Tonala, incredibly delicious gourmet dinner with our friend Alex, trip to the centro, stumbling upon a stone carving exhibition, triumph of finding a store I went to once 3 years ago, buying stones at said store, more shopping in Tonala, and finally a very cramped 5 hour ride back home in a friends truck, and a night ride back to Yelapa!

If you are ever visiting Puerto Vallarta and you have time, take the bus to Guadalajara, it is a wonderful city!

Happy World Tourism Day!

So today is World Tourism Day. Who knew?!

I found this out while searching "trending hashtags" (something I never thought I'd do, but marketing a business these days and you know...the internet)

So I came upon #diamundialdeturismo, then #worldtourismday, and instead of just randomly using it, I decided to read up on it.

Partly cause I'm trying to figure this whole hashtag-situation out. But mostly because tourism is what I'm doing right now, it's not just a job...it seems to be a way of life. When I'm working it's tourism, but when it's my own time, it's travel. Because we all know, no one wants to be a tourist! How many times do I hear (myself say also) "I don't want to go anywhere too touristy" which we know usually means big chain businesses, or just really crowded places.

But it's ok to be a tourist! I want you to tourist in my town and stay at Casa de los Sueños! 

When traveling we tour and therefore we become tourists, it's just gotten a bad rap. 

I may be trying to give to much meaning to my job, but I feel it's important. I think global travel is important and should be done as much as possible, and done in a way that positively impacts the destination. I want to promote, provide, and participate in responsible tourism.

So below is a quote about this that really sums it up nicely:

"Tourism is more than just about reaching a destination – tourism has a global reach. Every time we travel, we become part of a global movement that has the power to drive positive change for our planet and all people.

This 27 September, let us celebrate the value of the 'One Billion Tourists' and work together in making tourism a true instrument of opportunity and inclusion. Let us all turn the power of one billion into a genuine force for good." 

UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai on World Tourism Day 

The Night Of The Iguana 1964 / Making Of The Film Featurette

"Benevolent Tourists Save Town!"

Beware, this blog is a little ranty. Read on at the risk of also feeling the contagious need to rant...

You may wonder at the headline of this blog. It is subject that is touchy for me in various ways. All my life I have lived in beautiful places, which because of that beauty are tourist destinations.
First here in Yelapa, then we moved to Sonoma county California (wine country that used to be apple country and before that some other crop country). Then 10 years in San Francisco California (international tourist destination, as well as many many many other things). And now the last 5 years back in Yelapa.

Basically, each of these places have special draws to visitors, which is great. I truly love sharing my beloved spots, best hikes, favorite restaurants, etc. with all who wish to share. Hopefully visitors love and respect these places as much as I do.
Obviously since I run a business that relies on tourism, I want tourism to continue and grow in Yelapa. However, it needs to be done in a responsible way, responsible to the ecosystem, to the laws of the country, and to the sustainability of the community we are part of.

There have recently been some public discussions on social media about some certain large tourism companies that visit Yelapa (and the surrounding areas). My only personal issue with these companies ever, was that they are a monopoly, and I believe (any kind of) monopolies are very bad. They are bad for communities, economy, agriculture, and just culture in general.
But I am not trying to attack or even disparage any individual company. Rather, I would like to address something I saw written in one of the comments about this issue;

"Quieres que Yelapa desaparezca? Porque al no tener turismo no podría existir Yelapa, depende del turismo"
Translation: "Do you want Yelapa to disappear? Because without tourism Yelapa could not exist, it depends on tourism"

Ok, absolutely Yelapa depends on tourism in it's current state of economy. On that point I totally agree. But to say that it "could not exist" without tourism...it's just crazy, not to mention offensive! Of course it could exist! It has and will for very many years. There are more edible plants, seafood, fresh water, and sustainable economy (not tourism) than you can imagine in Yelapa! There are many things that have gone by the wayside due to having a tourist economy. Many skills that have been lost or forgotten. But they are still there, and I have every hope that we will continue to be a self sustainable community.

It is exactly these sentiments that lower a communities self reliance, self esteem, and ability to survive without the need of outside assistance. This is colonialism at it's worst. Insidious colonialism that disguises itself as helpful, caring and benevolent.
It is not for anyone to come into any community and decide what is best for it. Nor should anyone ever assume that because a town is a "tourist town", that that is all it is.
Please, be aware of the places you visit, see that there is a whole world of things going on that you may not realize. Respect that even though it may look different than your life, it is not wrong or in need of help, and also that is is not perfect nor should it be expected to be.
Be aware that every culture has it's own merits, and that when visiting you are absolutely welcome to share in that culture, as well as to share your own. But please, do not force it, do not assume, and learn from the people of the place you are visiting.
Tourism is a huge and amazing part of our global culture, please use it responsibly.

(Side note, I have never heard one person say that Sonoma county or San Francisco bay area could not exist without tourism...just saying)

This morning I took a drive up into the mountains to the county seat of Cabo Corrientes (the municipality that Yelapa is part of) to the town of el Tuito. I had to deal with some renewals of paperwork and some questions. I had put it off for a long time for fear of issues, big payments, and just general bureaucratic annoyances.
But as luck would have it, there was no wait, the paperwork took 10 minutes, the fee was absolutely reasonable, and all my questions were answered with answers I liked!

The offices for all of the permits, licenses and other clerical needs are just off a lovely little plaza. The town itself is small, but very pretty and temperate all year long. It reminds me of the colonial towns you find more in the interior parts of Mexico. Before running a business I really had never been there. But I am so glad to have spent more time there and hope to do so more often. Especially in this hot time of year!

After making short work of my errands I was able to go to (my now favorite) patio restaurant just off the Plaza for breakfast. Where I had cafe de la olla (cinnamon brewed the old fashion way), machaca (scrambled eggs with shredded beef), and one of my favorite things in this world, hand made tortillas.
A real treat that I hope to share with friends and guests soon!

All that and back home by mid-day...success!

Fun with fundraising and building with bamboo.

Well, I abandoned my post posting here for some time. I guess I got distracted running a business, but what a great distraction!
We have had a great few years here at Casa de los Sueños and look forward to many more.

This coming season 2015/2016 we will be focusing on fundraising and community development. Our biggest project will be working towards the funding and facilitation of a building for the preparatory school (10th through 12th grades).
Currently they share the building with the secondary school and there are issues in accommodating both sets of students.
Having a preparatory school is a huge deal for a small community, it means that those kids will have the opportunity to go to university or a Technical school, and hopefully bring their knowledge and training back to the community.
This preparatory school project is very close to home for our team here a Los Sueños, as we have kids who are recently graduated (congratulations Yosuny!), will be graduating next year, and more that will be going there in the coming years. Apart from a general need for the community, we personally have a great desire to provide a wonderful learning environment for the youth of Yelapa.
We will announce fundraising events as the winter/high season begins. There will be dinners, music and dance shows, art auctions, and much more!

Another very exciting project is BAMBOO! We have been working with bamboo here at Los Sueños for some time, as we have a handful of large groves.
BUT we need a lot more education in cultivating, curing and building. Bamboo has major potential to bring a more sustainable way of life (both environmentally and economically) to Yelapa and other communities in Mexico (and the world!).
In October I will be attending the annual meeting of the American Bamboo Society in Xalapa Veracruz, and I could not be more thrilled!
A whole weekend of education, networking and community that is all about all bamboo all the time! Call me crazy, but I cannot wait it's gonna be a blast!

I'll be writing more often and really hope you all keep reading.
Saludos from the team at Los Sueños, and of course, everyones favorite Technical Mexican!

Bamboo planters built by our guys at Los Suenos