Celebrate The Beat

Celebrate The Beat came to the area again this year and Alex was finally old enough to participate.  What is Celebrate The Beat(CTB)?  You can read all about this great not-for-profit program by clicking the link above.  Briefly, in there own words:

Our Mission is to teach inspirational music and dance classes that help children discover their potential by motivating them to believe in themselves, to value artistic expression, and to develop a personal standard of excellence.

There is a lot more to it than this and you really have to see a performance to understand the results.  We were encouraged to attend one of these performances a couple years ago and immediately became one of our favorite events.  The staff from CTB goes to local schools and gathers kids of a certain age who are interested in participating in the program.  It does not matter if the school is a one room classroom or a larger school in a bigger town.  The kids are assembled and during the course of a few weeks they are taught some basic dance moves, choreography and then they join other kids from other schools for a large performance.  The kids perform identifying their school associating by wearing a colored T-shirt.

This is NOT some polished dance recital.  Some kids can really move and dance, some kids really can't but that's not the point of the program.  These kids are out there giving it all they have with only a T-shirt, a smile on their faces, the skills they have and the coaching they have received in the previous weeks.  The smiles and energy are contagious and the kids walk away from the experience for the better and so do those in attendance.

Alex watched from the sidelines the past two years until she was welcome to attend a dance class last spring given by the fantastic "Maestra de Dance", Colleen and her staff.  When CTB came around again this year, Escuela Del Mundo did not have a group of their own so based on Alex' participation last year in Colleen's class she was welcome to join a group called "Grupo de Excellencia" represented in orange.  She was the youngest participant in her group. This is where Ashley and I play the proud(and amazed parents) since Alex has not really had any dance experience.  She does not even turn on music and dance in front of the mirror or see dance on television.  How she understands movement, beat, rhythm, coordination and stay cool on stage performing is beyond us.  Ashley danced when she was young and I've always been active and fairly athletic.  I guess some of those genes have passed down to our daughter in some way because it has been amazing to watch her just go do it and do it well.  She loves it and that's what matters.  You will see in the video Alex' "wardrobe malfunction" when someone stepped on her shoe and she tries like crazy to keep going and pull her shoe back on.  Got to love live performances.  Can't wait until next year.  

There is more to the performance than this but these videos highlight most of the action that Alex' group was in.  If you are not into the Spanish introductions, you can forward past the first two minutes or so of Part 1.  Perhaps videos only grandparents will love but fun to say the least.

Part 1

...and part 2

...and part 3

...and part 4

San Sebastian del Oeste

Last weekend we had yet another five day weekend so I thought it would be fun to get out of town, in Mexico, with my family.  On the pacific side of Mexico the mountains come right to the sea, so even though we live on the beach every time we drive to Puerto Vallarta we see beautiful huge mountains  which always remind me of Utah.  We have been wanting to explore those mountains but we were either lazy, didn't have enough time or we had Dillon to think of.  As much as we miss Dillon and wish he were here we do have a bit more freedom these days.

 I met a Delta pilot in line at customs here in Puerto Vallarta about 2 years ago who owns a casita in San Sebastian that he rents out and after a quick email learned that the casita was available.  Yeah, we are finally going to the mountains!  And it is only a two hour drive from here.

Casita Alicia

San Sebastian used to be a thriving mining town in the 1800's  with a population of 20,000.  Today, there is no more mining and the population is about 600.  The town itself is small, we wondered how 20,000 people actually fit in it.  All of the streets are cobble stone and most are super skinny.  The houses and structures are right on the street.  Very European and actually the town adopted the Spanish style in that its colors are basic white and red with tile roofs.

As in every town, San Sebastian had its plaza and local church.  We picked a great weekend as they were having their annual Racilla and Cafe' celebration in the plaza.  Racilla is tequila's lesser known sibling and is often called "Mexican moonshine".  It is also made from the agave plant as tequila but real "Tequila" has to also be made in the town of Tequilla to take on it's name.  There was also free local food and Mexican entertainment and an orchestra on Saturday night.

The local church

Inside the church.  Alex was a bit frieked out and would only stand at the entrance.

Tourist season had pretty much ended so we found that we were the only Gringos in town.  We also learned the true meaning of "siesta".  Being from the States and Sayulita, both of which do not have time for siestas, we ventured out at around 4:00 to look around and get an early dinner.  HAHA.  It was as if the evacuation horns had gone off but we didn't hear them.   Ah, so this is "siesta".  Virtually all the windows and doors were closed in town so we went home and ventured out later.

 We also learned that theft is a non issue there considering the one key we used to lock our casita.  Unlike Sayulita, almost no homes had bars on the windows.

We figured that if we got mugged we could beat them with our key.

We loved waking up in the morning and sitting on the porch with a beautiful view, crisp air,  listening to the leaves clapp and wearing our fleece.  It was so quiet without the ocean waves in the background.

Our beautiful view

Ozzy enjoying the peace and quiet in the sun with his morning coffee

Everybody's day is better when Trace wakes up on the right side of the bed

We took a couple hours and drove down the road, through and old gate and found Hacienda Jalisco.  The structure was originally built by the Spanish 200+ years ago as a secure place for ore transfers but is now a B&B of sorts.  The remains of the ore smelters, stables and grounds can be toured as well.  We had a private tour with the son of the caretaker who was on a school holiday.  Worth the 40 pesos.

Hacienda Jalisco

On Sunday we drove 40 minutes up to La Bufa, a local mountain peak, and hiked to the summit which sits at about 7000 feet above sea level.  It felt like hiking in our neighborhood in Park City with the coolness, air and smell of evergreens until you came upon a huge agave plant and we were reminded that we were not in Utah anymore.  I couldn't help but think how much Dillon would have loved it up there. 

Giant agave

The view from La Bufa.  San Sebastian is in the lower right corner.

San Sebastian from above

I am so happy to be back in the mountains but I wonder if there are any waves back home.

This trip marks our first real Mexico adventure that was not surf or friends related.  It was close and easy to get to.  For a short weekend it was totally worth the effort to explore a very, very small part of this area of Mexico's history.  Hopefully, this is just the beginning of our trips here in Mexico.

Anthony Bourdain says...

A brief article from Anthony Bourdain about Mexico.  For some reason Anthony Bourdain, in some small part, helped light the fire that pushed me towards considering this adventure...and eat of course.  

http://anthonybourdain.tumblr.com/post/84641290831/under-the-volcano

The Crazy and Wonderful Trucks of Sayulita

A great, short and colorful article written by Stephanie Yoder from Twenty-Something Travel.  Great photos too.  Click on the link below.

http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2014/04/crazy-wonderful-trucks-sayulita/

Capoeira

What is "Capoeira"?  I found a very simple definition describing Capoeira as "a Brazian martial that combines elements of fight, acrobatics, music, dance and ritual".  This is a very generic definition and I mean no disrespect by breaking it down to this simple form.  Alex and Trace have been involved in a local program of Capoeira since last fall.  I honestly couldn't tell you what it REALLY was until this past weekend.  I would usually watch the last 10 minutes or so of their 2x a week class and be very happy they went eagerly to each class, were meeting new kids and were dedicated to the program.  Most importantly for me was that they were getting "coaching".  I was always a coached kid and learned so much about dedication, discipline, respect and hard work from the coaches I had growing up.  I wanted that same type of experience for our children beginning at a young age and I hope this program could provide that.  This past weekend a "Batizado" was held for the kids in the San Pancho program.  A "Batizado", again in a simple definition, is an annual gathering to learn and practice with more experienced students from other schools and to acknowledge the accomplishments of it's local members. This kind of event strengthens the bonds of the larger, overall Capoeira community.  Instructors came from other programs to support the gathering and during the "Troca de Cordas" ceremony each youth was given a new belt and a few moments to showcase their new skills to the community and with more accomplished instructors and members.  You can see Alex and Trace's moment in the YouTube link.  The level of energy that the group brought to the event to support the kids was amazing as the music and voices were bouncing off the walls and ceiling.  It was a very proud moment (watery eyes included) for Dad as the kids were the only ones in their age group moving up from their current level so their portion of the event was together.



It's during this ceremony I saw Capoeira at a very high level as some of the adult members/instructors took the floor.  Unbelievably impressive how fast, powerful, fluid and skilled many of these people were.  I really liked the fact that there were many women involved.  Alex has remarked that she is now the only girl in her class and for her to see older teens and even some of the moms of her friends at school participate was important.  One exceptionally skilled young woman even had a red bow in her hair which I thought was interesting.  Hair in a pretty bow and a bad ass as well.

I had never heard of Capoeira before we came to Mexico.  Other martial arts programs in the States were much more visible.  Now, the kids have entered into an amazing community and have been included in such an amazing experience due to our decision to relocate here.  I really hope they have the desire to continue and pursue higher levels of skill, discipline and grow in such a positive environment.  They really have no idea what they have accomplished in the short 2 1/2 years they have been here and their involvement in this program just adds to what kind of people they are becoming.  If you ever are here and a "Batizado" is being held, please make an effort to attend.

Semana Santa 2014

Semana Santa has arrived again.  Two weeks each year Mexico heads to the coast.  Beaches are packed everywhere and Sayulita is a popular destination. Lodging is in demand, beer flows, camping is found in most every place that a tent can be set up.  Most leave before dawn and arrive by tour bus and wheel their coolers, umbrellas, shade shelters, food, inflatable rafts and sometimes grandma to the beach for the day.

Photo by Marina Garcia

As you can see, if you don't enjoy crowds then this is NOT the time to come to the beach in Mexico.  I understand that inland destinations are quite enjoyable during this time of year since everyone is on Spring Break at the beach.  With school out for two weeks, many people we know pack up and become visitors to some of these places and have a great time.  Many nationals look forward to these two weeks all year and get here on an extremely thin budget to enjoy the sun, surf, family and or friends.  There are some, expats and nationals, who live here that don't like these two weeks since the town is totally overrun, garbage is a big problem, parties and drum circles run all night, town systems are taxed and sometimes visitors don't respect the ones who live in or the place they came to visit as they should.  On the other hand, it's only two weeks a year and really only 5 or 6 big days during that time is the climax.  Many have planned this holiday to come to the coast and see what we see and enjoy every day.  It's great people watching for sure.  Our family after all , though residents, are just visitors as well so we just roll with it and understand life will be back to normal in a few more days.  Personally, I lived for many, many years in the home of The Sundance Film Festival and in my opinion this doesn't even come close to the scene that created each year.

Sayulita At Sunset - Sayulita Scenes

Photo by Dorsett Photography

Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic

Once again, this year's competition did not disappoint.  The waves were here all weekend and the weather was pretty much perfect.  G. Love & Special Sauce performed on the beach Saturday night between two great days of men's and women's international surf and race talent.

One difference to this year's event was the addition of a youth SUP surf division and what was called the "Old School" division.  With some peer pressure and the fact that I did not want to listen to a few of my surfing friends talk about great competing was, I decided to join the "Old School" SUP Surf division.  This way, I could participate and go out there with the 40+ year olds and not have to compete agains the "20 somethings" pros.

Well, the idea of not competing against the 20 somethings was short lived as the brackets came out for the weekend's competition.  The "Old School" participants were included into the "Open" division.  In other words, the old guys were in same heats as some athletes who compete on the SUP World Tour.  Bracket fodder I guess.  Now, understand that the Punta Sayulita Classic is basically a fund raiser and an ocean/reef conservation awareness event and there is no prize money.  This does not mean the caliber of participants is less than World Class.  Hell, there are many SUP surf locals who call Sayulita or the surrounding area that have competed successfully internationally so being out in a lineup with guys of this caliber was not exactly new to me.

My heat the first day was before 9am so the crowd was growing but still modest and the waves were good.  As expected, I did not move on in the "winner's" bracket but joined the "Repechage" bracket.  I surfed again later in the afternoon after cooking on the beach waiting for 5 hours.  During that time we cheered on friends and local talent in the SUP Surf and Longboard divisions.  By the time my heat came up later in the afternoon there were thousands on the beach enjoying themselves and watching the competition.  Four lonely competitors out in the break with thousands of eyes watching.  Yes, I made sure my board short were tied up tight.  Though I surfed reasonably well, I did not qualify to continue on in the "Open" division(no surprise) and looked forward to the "Old School" Division Sunday.  A great experience the first day and hell, I got to surf with good waves, no one dropping in or tourists to look out for.  G Love & Special Sauce played on the beach that night to a big crowd with the surf breaking just feet from the stage.  Great day, night and I was more than exhausted.

Mom and Dad at the concert.

The second day of competition was the day to compete against the old guys.  Pretty much the whole bracket were guys who I surf with regularly(when I do go out) and knew I had little chance of doing well with little practice and the talent of the men even in this group.   I gave it my best but did not advance as far as I would have liked to.  Participating in an event like this was fantastic even though I was less than prepared and honestly out-skilled to do very well.  It amazed me how tired a I got during only a 15 minute heat.  The stress of competition and surfing as much as you can in only few minutes totally drained me.  The men and women who do this are in amazing shape and many of them compete in multiple divisions.  Lots of waiting, sun, getting stiff and tired.  Not quite as glamorous as one might think.

Congratulating fellow "Old Guy" Mitch on his heat.

There were lots of family and friends on the beach cheering on the old guys during this whole weekend and it was great to get an exhausted pat on the back when a heat was over or a big cheer after a good wave was ridden all the way to the beach.  Very much appreciated and it was fantastic to have "groupies".

A small part of the crowd

Anxiously waiting for my first heat.

Though I had nothing to compare it to I thought Punta Sayulita put on a great event.  They made it very entertaining for the spectator and the participant.  Many seasoned competitors and media people said the same.  The weekend came to a close at the awards dinner at the Don Pedros palapa which is one of the most spectacular settings in town.  It was a full house and it was lots of fun being part of the scene and rubbing elbows with some big names in the surf world.  No, I am not going out on tour anytime soon but I would not hesitate to be involved again next year.  More practice.

Trace hung out to cheer on his old man.

Oh Dillon

Dillon

February 12, 2004 - March 4, 2014

 

Thank you for being such a wonderful family member, dealing with two young children and letting them crawl all over you, for protecting them and us in the snow and from all of the Moose.  For being patient when we didn't have the time to go hiking. Thank you for dealing with the move to Mexico, all of the skin and tick issues as well as the heat.  Thank you for protecting us in the water and keeping your eye on the children as they swam and surfed, for staying on the beach while mom and dad surfed and for always coming home or trying to get as close to home as you could when there were loud bangs, cannons or fireworks. For your ferocious bark when you felt our house was in danger knowing if someone unwanted entered you would run to them looking for lovies.  Thank you for your companionship and loyalty.  Thank you most of all for your love.  We will miss you terribly.