Leaving Mexico to the Mexicans......time to head home

I drove to Uruapan this weekend with my friend Evelyn and her niece Leanne who is visiting from Vancouver. The reason for our trip, which is a 4 hour drive north to the state of Michoacan's avocado growing center, is the annual artisan's fair, a 2 week event that coincides with Semana Santa. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the fair where the residents from the small pueblas of the state gather to show and sell their products. There is also a juried competition for prizes in each art form, a parade, a women's textile fair and a food court where each village sells their regional foods prepared by women using traditional cooking implements.

The weekend felt like a huge sensory feast for the eyes, ears, palate and mind as we wound our way through the tents of the tianguis in the zocalo, the trails of the national park, and the streets towards the San Pedro textile factory. The colors of Mexico were all shining in the clothing, crafts and flowers along the streets and homes of Uruapan.... how lucky we were to see this special event. And how lucky we were to arrive back home safely each with carefully chosen purchases for our homes, ourselves or our friends. Each item will carry the memory of the hands, the eyes and the hearts that made them because surely that beauty wouldn't be possible without love being added to the mix of skill and art. This truly is the Grand Finale of our 5 months here in a country where people have a natural artistic style seen in everything that is made or done.

And now I am back in Zihua where Gene and I have 3 days to pack up our two apartments and organize the end of our "year". The town has changed in the 3 days I was away. Semana Santa brings the crowds from the interior out to the coast and this year looks to be as busy as ever. The beaches, the streets, boats, shops and restaurants are full of families who come for the sun, sand and water. The garbage trucks and street sweepers are working overtime to keep up with the volume of debris left beside the overflowing garbage cans. The ratio of Canadian/Americans to Mexican tourists has changed..it's the Mexican's turn to take back this little coastal resort and our time to head back to Canada where family and friends and home are waiting.

I love you Mexico, I love your people, your colors, your sounds, your tastes and your spirit. If we are lucky, we will be back next year and do this all over again! I wouldn't miss any of it. Please don't change anything.....we love you just the way you are.... Oh, maybe you could work on that hole in front along the sidewalk, and the funky water in the canal at the end of the season....