Entreamigos 10th Anniversary

One of the unexpected benefits of the kids going to school at Escuela del Mundo is that we became part of a second community in San Pancho.  The center of the community in San Pancho is Entreamigos.  The complex of rehabbed buildings/bodegas that house all kinds of activities like art programs, recycling, libraries, a community center, artisan workspaces, sports, dance and circus programs is the heart of the town and provides the community something unique and special that Sayulita does not have.  Virtually all of the kids after school activities are offered right here in the complex.  Most of the staff who run the community center are or have been school parents so there is always a familiar face close by to say "hola" to or keep and eye out for the kids.

Entreamigos turns 10 years old this weekend and there will be a parade and a celebration in the Plaza del Sol in San Pancho.  Our family is ridiculously attached to all the activities in the bodega complex and appreciate all of the fantastic programs offered.  I couldn't imagine San Pancho or our lives here in Mexico without it.  I really do feel like we live in Sayulita, most of our friends are in Sayulita but our "community" is in San Pancho.  Does that make any sense?

Anyway, "Felicidades" Entreamigos!  We will see you at the celebration!

Going To The Movies - "The Circle Is Now Complete"

It is 1978 in small town Vermont and my dad takes a very unwilling 8 year old to go see some movie called "Star Wars".  It is not a cartoon, Pippi Longstocking or a Disney movie so the idea of going to this movie is less than a popular one with me.  That I remember clearly.  Well, after returning to see the movie at least two or three more times the rest is history as they say.  It became part of my growing up and now Star Wars is part of my kid's life experience as well.

Over the Christmas break I took the kids to go see the the reboot of the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  The kids have seen the previous 6 movies in the series so they knew the basic story line and many of the characters.  Like dad, they were eager to see something new as well.  As I sat in the theater in Mexico, far from where I was at age 8, I thought about the interesting significance of this moment.  It was my turn to take our kids to their first Star Wars movie who are now the same age as I was back in the 70s.  I realized things had now come full circle in a way and we will all eagerly await the next film in the series.  Ashley has not even seen one movie in the franchise so I fear the Force does not run deep in her part of the family.

Going to the theater here is very enjoyable.  The English language showings of films are few so they may be during off times and the seating is reserved at the time of your ticket purchase.  No reason to hurry or stress to get choice seats in the modern stadium seating available at the theater we can go to about a half hour away.  It has never been crowded and the damage for three people to go for a show like Star Wars....100 pesos.  Yep, about $5.50 USD for three tickets and popcorn.  Got to love that.  The kids have only been to a handful of movies so it is always a fun experience for them.

Darth Mexico

Dangerous Rip Tides In Sayulita

In light of the recent string of water saves made on the North End and the sad stories of a few who may not have known any better please review this image to be sure you know where and where not to swim if you are in Sayulita.  The ocean does not care who you are, how strong you are or give second chances.  Know before you go and know what to do if you find yourself caught in a rip current.