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)
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
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!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
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!
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
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Escaping Paradise
In just 2 weeks I'll be heading north to California for a couple months. I am so happy to see my friends and family and do some fun stuff while I'm there.
I will, however, miss my little village. There are many reasons (as I'm sure in a different mood I can think of many reason to not miss it) that make it a bit sad to go. These reasons aren't all quite what you'd think they would be. For instance I, of course, will miss warmth, swimming in the ocean, and my boyfriend. Those are the obvious ones.
I will miss the slow pace and in some ways the lackadaisical way of doing things here.
For instance, after thinking I finally had all the paper work I needed for registering my business under my name, it was done wrong. Who's fault that was I can't say exactly, but no matter really.
So, yesterday I took a beautiful walk up river to the house of the Delegate for this area. When I arrived no one was at the "desk" (a computer sitting on their patio) so I called out. I then saw a group of women sitting at a table under a tree around the side of the house. It looked like they were crafting. One of the young ladies came over and I explained that I needed some changes on the paperwork. She said no problem with no questions asked. However, would it be possible to come get it tomorrow as they were using the only extension cord, the one for the computer, for a hot glue gun for crafting cloth flowers.
Now, maybe because of my deep appreciation for crafting myself, or just because...what else could I do. I said, of course I'll come back when the only extension cord in your "office" is not otherwise engaged.
We'll see if it's ready when I go in today, hopefully they finished all their flowers. Or maybe I should bring my own extension cord. Either way, I'll be stopping on the way home to pick up some passion fruit, so whatever happens it wont' be a total loss.
I have to go to the DMV when I get to California, I have a feeling there will be no crafting being done.
And the following photo has nothing to do with anything, it's just a cute frog hanging out in my doorway. Another thing to miss.
I will, however, miss my little village. There are many reasons (as I'm sure in a different mood I can think of many reason to not miss it) that make it a bit sad to go. These reasons aren't all quite what you'd think they would be. For instance I, of course, will miss warmth, swimming in the ocean, and my boyfriend. Those are the obvious ones.
I will miss the slow pace and in some ways the lackadaisical way of doing things here.
For instance, after thinking I finally had all the paper work I needed for registering my business under my name, it was done wrong. Who's fault that was I can't say exactly, but no matter really.
So, yesterday I took a beautiful walk up river to the house of the Delegate for this area. When I arrived no one was at the "desk" (a computer sitting on their patio) so I called out. I then saw a group of women sitting at a table under a tree around the side of the house. It looked like they were crafting. One of the young ladies came over and I explained that I needed some changes on the paperwork. She said no problem with no questions asked. However, would it be possible to come get it tomorrow as they were using the only extension cord, the one for the computer, for a hot glue gun for crafting cloth flowers.
Now, maybe because of my deep appreciation for crafting myself, or just because...what else could I do. I said, of course I'll come back when the only extension cord in your "office" is not otherwise engaged.
We'll see if it's ready when I go in today, hopefully they finished all their flowers. Or maybe I should bring my own extension cord. Either way, I'll be stopping on the way home to pick up some passion fruit, so whatever happens it wont' be a total loss.
I have to go to the DMV when I get to California, I have a feeling there will be no crafting being done.
And the following photo has nothing to do with anything, it's just a cute frog hanging out in my doorway. Another thing to miss.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Floods, frogs and crocodiles, oh my!
It turns out I didn't win the "when will the rains come" pool. I found out the hard way, by waking up to a flooding house. About 2 inches in my room. All is well, no damage and now we have fixed the issues that caused the flooding. I forgot what real tropical storm rain was like. When you are in it it's like someone is following you around with a hose that has very good water pressure.
We've had a very productive few days since then. Nothing like the aftermath of a flood to get you to do a good deep clean of the house.
I also forgot the intensity of the crabs and bugs just after a storm, the crabs I don't love but at least they are a bit comical. The bugs, now they are not comical. Sometime ones reaction to them flying into their face is comical. But generally, ick!
Another fun thing is all the frogs they really love the rain! They also really love making love in my room on the floor next to my bed. Shown in the video below.
Now the conversation has changed, no more, "when do you think it will rain?". Now the conversation includes things like, "there is a guy selling pineapples for only 20 pesos and they are big, sweet, and juicy!" and "did you here about the crocodile in the lagoon?", "yes actually, I heard there were two".
Yes, actually I did hear there were two. In the rainy season the crocodiles from way way up in the jungle sometimes wash down into the river here. I think they are pretty small, but in the mean time we are going to keep my brother's dog out of the river...just in case.
Apparently the government wants a photo of it before they send someone out to get it...get out your cameras everyone! And keep your limbs inside the boat at all times.
We've had a very productive few days since then. Nothing like the aftermath of a flood to get you to do a good deep clean of the house.
I also forgot the intensity of the crabs and bugs just after a storm, the crabs I don't love but at least they are a bit comical. The bugs, now they are not comical. Sometime ones reaction to them flying into their face is comical. But generally, ick!
Another fun thing is all the frogs they really love the rain! They also really love making love in my room on the floor next to my bed. Shown in the video below.
Now the conversation has changed, no more, "when do you think it will rain?". Now the conversation includes things like, "there is a guy selling pineapples for only 20 pesos and they are big, sweet, and juicy!" and "did you here about the crocodile in the lagoon?", "yes actually, I heard there were two".
Yes, actually I did hear there were two. In the rainy season the crocodiles from way way up in the jungle sometimes wash down into the river here. I think they are pretty small, but in the mean time we are going to keep my brother's dog out of the river...just in case.
Apparently the government wants a photo of it before they send someone out to get it...get out your cameras everyone! And keep your limbs inside the boat at all times.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Summer in Paradise
Well, after dusting the cobwebs off of everything in my house I will now do the same for my blog. There has been a lot of action since I last wrote.
I have moved into Casas de los Sueños, have had some guests, done some traveling, and as of late a whole lot of sweeping up dead bugs every morning. Not to mention dodging toads and land crabs.
Summer in the tropics is a constant battle against nature, and it always wins. Think of it as one of those time lapse nature videos, that...but in real time. You can spray on bug spray, sit in front of the fan, sweep out cobwebs, but all of these measures are purely temporary. When the spray sweats off, the power goes out, and the cobwebs are back in 20 minutes, you are just where you started...hot and bug bitten.
I know this sounds bad. And to some it would be. To me it is a test of my endurance and I am thoroughly enjoying it. (Not the bug bites, those just itch). The heat lends to my natural laziness and allows me to sleep during the day without feeling guilty. The ocean is calm, clear, and warm. I have been swimming a lot and it is one of most simultaneously invigorating and relaxing things in the whole world.
The jungle around me is alive and full of interesting beautiful wildlife. At dusk the sound of the night creatures are deafening. It is a mystery as to what is making each noise to add to the symphony of sound. I equally want and don't want to know what is making every individual noise.
The rains have not come. There was a storm a couple weeks ago when I was not here and was sad to miss it. But the real everyday rainy season rains have not come. We are working towards shutting down the houses for this. That means, cleaning, wrapping in plastic, checking roofs, and generally putting stuff away.
The talk on the trail usually includes a comment on how hot it is "Que calor, no?" and when the rains will come "Parece que quiere llover" "No, no va a llover hasta el 25 de Junio". I am always amazed at the exact dates people give...are they taking bets? If not, maybe we should start a pool in town.
Personally I think it's going to start raining on the 19th of June.
I'll let you know who wins the pool.
I have moved into Casas de los Sueños, have had some guests, done some traveling, and as of late a whole lot of sweeping up dead bugs every morning. Not to mention dodging toads and land crabs.
Summer in the tropics is a constant battle against nature, and it always wins. Think of it as one of those time lapse nature videos, that...but in real time. You can spray on bug spray, sit in front of the fan, sweep out cobwebs, but all of these measures are purely temporary. When the spray sweats off, the power goes out, and the cobwebs are back in 20 minutes, you are just where you started...hot and bug bitten.
I know this sounds bad. And to some it would be. To me it is a test of my endurance and I am thoroughly enjoying it. (Not the bug bites, those just itch). The heat lends to my natural laziness and allows me to sleep during the day without feeling guilty. The ocean is calm, clear, and warm. I have been swimming a lot and it is one of most simultaneously invigorating and relaxing things in the whole world.
The jungle around me is alive and full of interesting beautiful wildlife. At dusk the sound of the night creatures are deafening. It is a mystery as to what is making each noise to add to the symphony of sound. I equally want and don't want to know what is making every individual noise.
The rains have not come. There was a storm a couple weeks ago when I was not here and was sad to miss it. But the real everyday rainy season rains have not come. We are working towards shutting down the houses for this. That means, cleaning, wrapping in plastic, checking roofs, and generally putting stuff away.
The talk on the trail usually includes a comment on how hot it is "Que calor, no?" and when the rains will come "Parece que quiere llover" "No, no va a llover hasta el 25 de Junio". I am always amazed at the exact dates people give...are they taking bets? If not, maybe we should start a pool in town.
Personally I think it's going to start raining on the 19th of June.
I'll let you know who wins the pool.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
A sueño come true.
When I was a just a small kid and was asked what I wanted to do when I grew up I would say I wanted to be Garfield. When I got a bit older (8 or 9ish) I would say I wanted to have a restuarant and farm. Apparently I was way before my time with the whole "slow food" thing. Back when folks just called it "food".
It's a strange feeling when you've vaguely dreamed of doing something for most of your life, without knowing what it really looked like, and suddenly it's what you are doing.
No I don't own a farm, or a restaurant, and it turns out I don't really want to. But what has happened is that I am now the proprietor of a bed and breakfast style villa in the tropics of Mexico.
Rather my brother Mateo and I, and really the rest of my immediate family as we tend to do things together.
I, however, have the honor of being the Ava Gardner a la "Night of the Iguana" character in this story (seriously if you haven't seen it, do so), the hostess atop the tropical hill above the sea.
We are proud and excited to say we will now be taking the reins of Casa de los Sueños in Yelapa. Some years ago we met Shannon and David (and family) after they acquired and beautifully restored the historic yet very neglected Shapiro house. The property right next door to our own Los Arboles. We became dear friends and happy neighbors for a good couple of years. Sadly, for us and the community of Yelapa, David and Shannon have decided to end their time as business owners here. There are offers they can't refuse, grandkids, and apparently they like being cold a lot of the time, so they are packing up and heading back up to Canada. There are not words for how much I, and many more, will miss them here (luckily it's actually in the contract that they have to come visit).
The serendipity of this transfer is, to me, the most perfect of things. A real reminder that when we put our minds to something, even when we aren't quite sure what it is, we have the power to make it happen.
There is a lot of hard work, true challenges, really fun times ahead, and we are very excited to get to it!
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