Hola.

My name is Catalina Mercedes Alvarez Zaragoza and you killed my father. Prepare to die.

I started clase de Espanol tambien.

Weekend fun, mostly in the sun

Oh my gosh, it's getting so hot. It is like 79 degrees...my kids complained. In fairness there is more humidity coming in and it has been much colder than usual so we've had ONLY balmy 72-74 days recently. Lord they may die once it gets over 80 degrees and 100% humidity. That may be by the end of the week...we may be coming home sooner? So kids have finished week 1 of Spanish class. May I introduce you to Gabriela Ines Castillo Ortega and Josue Salvador Castillo Ortego. For those that don't know Castillo would represent the father's last name. Ortega the mom's last name. I forgot that once upon a time I was Spanish. Oh wait, this is pretend. They are in a class with three Mexican girls who are learning English. The girls "American" names are Heather, Charlotte and Amanda and they are cute as buttons and know way more English than I do Spanish, even more so than the kids. This last week Gabriela y Josue learned very important words: tos, eruptar, llorar, pestañar, hipo, hechar pido and more. Haha..look them up...you too can learn! They also had to listen to Shakira and learn about shaking their "hips". I wish my HS Spanish Teacher taught me this type of Spanish. They will take Spanish for 5 weeks, so let's see what happens. Josue can at least tell someone to stop w/the erupta.

They also started a little embrodery class in a neighboring town. On Friday nights we drive 15 minutes to go ahead in time. Time really does fly when you are having fun but wait, when IS dinner time? Lo De Marcos, a neighboring town, is an hour ahead of us. Wow that is a trip and takes so much planning! We meet Ale in the plaza around 3:30 and learn with other kids how to embroder sweet little things. I can almost see Etta in her 20's living off of her embrodery skills on some Mexican beach. One can have high hopes.

Our first weekend without papi was spent trying to find and learn about pineapples (pina's). So we packed up and drove to the fields. Guayabitos, where we are, is surrounded by pina fields so my instint was just to find some guys picking pina's and try and buy some off of them. That didn't go exactly as planned. I did drive around. And I did find some guys working but they were planting, not picking. Imagine what they thought when they saw me driving around the farm and then coming up to them? Fun fact: it takes 2 years to get a pina to mature for picking. Wait, what? We should be paying like a $1000 for those things. While I asked where I could find some to buy no-one could quite answer. Boohoo. They told me to find a store. Haha. Right. The crazy American lady w/her two kids should just go to the store. Point taken. I went to a roadside stand.

We also spent Sunday the traditional way. At a beach, eating breakfast and swimming. This time we headed North to Chacala, a place we've been to a couple of times in the past. Josue was 9 months the first time and ate lots of tropical fruit baby food and sand. Thankfully this time he only had crepes con chocolate y fruita. And Etta, hotcakes con canela glasado y fruita. Momma...she had the chiliqulas con huevos. And moka. And filmed the sailboats coming and going to remind her husband that in his midlife crisis years he can sail a boat down. Maybe we are already in our mid-life crisis years, I mean if any year is a crisis, it might very well be this one?

Kids spent the morning swimming while I did the mom thing, kinda watched to make sure they didn't drown while really shopping for earrnings with some Huichol craft people. I got so many lovely things as I try and help support - if you are looking for any kinds of presents let me know I can hook you up. I've got room to bring home jewlery! I say this truthfully!

But now we are back to the grind; full time School, Spanish classes, art classes, Julietta, Girl Scout meeting, School meetings, I may as well be at home. I'm just not under the watchful eye of the Iguana that lives in our roof. 'Till the next time. Mucho amor.

Lorin's last days....

Papi has left the Country. I'm not sure who is more sad; Hugo or the kids or me? But Papi had to go back to the land of full time work and leave momma and los ninos in Mexico. All by her lonesome. So. Momma hired Julietta to come help out one day a week. She will help the kids with their schoolwork, their Spanish homework, and take them to do things around town. A neighbor offered us full time use of her pool as long as the house is not rented so I imagine there may or may not be pool time in their future as well. We are so fortunate. My Aunt thinks I maaaayyyyy not be coming home. Haha. So what does one do on their last days in Mexico. Well, we drank pina colida's

We went on a jungle hike

We got pollo asado (Lorin's favorite). We played on the beach. We ate lunch on the beach-think chilaquiles. We (I) bought coffee for him to take him and reminisce. And, he got a Covid test. It's negative. But necessary to fly into USA. And now, mid-winter is over and we start a full time schedule. Lots of classes, lots of exploring and trying new things. Wish me luck. If you hear that Julietta has moved in with us, you'll know I've lost it and am drinking pina colidas in the closet with my two kids fighting and a puppy chasing after them.

All about Etta and why I love Mexico and the things I like to do here.

Hi, my name is Etta. I'm 9 years old. I love all animals especially dogs. There is a lot of stray dogs in Mexico. There is a lot a dogs that want to play with Hugo. I really love Mexico. I can play at the beach and bodysurf or run in the sand, read outside or play with my ball on the sidewalk. I saw a man cutting coconuts from an palm tree in our backyard. I got to try fresh coconut water and get coconut out of the coconut!! I have a plan to read a book every week.

I have been going to the beach almost every day!!! I like to look everywhere to make sure that there is no Scorpions around ever since we it was raining Scorpions. I like to look for butterflies. I saw a monarch. ( wonder when they wil fly back to Seattle?) I like petting Hugo who loves when I pet him. I like running into the bushes over the poky fence where I'm sure 15 Scopions live. ( I'm just kidding I hate going into the bushes.) I'm looking forward to seeing Frankie again when we get back to Seattle and Donovan and Mildred and Alexander. My favorite thing I've eaten would have to be a tie between the spiagetti and meat sauce we had and the Tacos we had for Lunch a couple of days ago. My favorite thing I've had to drink would be something I can't decide ;drinks like Coconut water or orange juice or peach water or a liquado or Jugo de Guabanya. Well I'm going to go check my bed for Scorpions and Fire Ants.

Felize dia de amor...o Felize dia de enamorados

Happy Valentine's Day all. In Mexico Valentine's Day is a big holiday. Lots of candy, lots of sweets. You not only celebrate with your loved ones but you also celebrate with your friends and very often gifts are given. Our kiddo's got invited to a little Valentine's day fiesta where they will start a language class. They made Valentine's and ate cake. There were no compliants. In fact, Joshua suddenly thought School was the best thing, ever.

As we drove around town the last couple of days it was very often you saw things like this, a little shrine to Valentine's. I'm not sure the entire meaning, whether someone will sell some items on the table or if they are remembering a love one. I'm inclinded to think the later.

With that, our day was spent w/a big breakfast a walk along an isolated beach and a big Italian dinner. And a secret box of chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes. All in all, a lovely way to spend Valentine's.

Unfortunately though, no alcohol.

Yes, typical days for us in Mexico are a little different!

Some days iguanas fall out of trees. Truly. You hear a loud "bam" and it's an iguana. Some days guys come down the street and want the coconuts out of your tree, so they climb INTO your tree. With bare feet, a rope, an incredible amount of skill. Shirtless. Sweaty if it's hot. To clarify, I'd be dead if that was my job. Well, first off I wouldn't be able to get 2' up it so technically not dead since I'd only fall 2'. The arrangement was he clean the coconut trees and take the coconuts to sell as payment (I DID not make these arrangements, my Spanish would have him taking my car or me selling them for him or some other misconstrued arrangement)

I decide I should probably buy some from him, as I thought the kids may enjoy a coconut. While technically I probably should not be buying them (they are in our yard, so our coco's) I can't help but want to support people. So I gave him a coke. And some pesos. Let's back up, surprised I, Heidi Hamlin, has a coke in her fridge-yeah-me too. Lorin wanted kids to try a coke made in Mexico (they have real sugar and are way better). So I had him use his machette to open up 3 of them and yum. Our kids thought this was the BEST DAY EVER. I've never seen kids so happy about drinking from a real coconut. At one point Etta was jumping up and down.

So was I later when I put that coconut to real use....

Now, while all this is going on. I've gone to a store and while unpacking groceries, maybe even some Cuban rum, I have a peekaboo view of a black dog running down our street. We live out in the residential area, across from an Ecological zone so very quiet, not many people. And not many black dogs. Black is not a common dog color in Mexico. Yep. It was ours. The neighbor has a black puppy too so she let Hugo out to play. "Si, esta bien." Finally I bring Hugo in, I mean it's taken me already an hour to unpack my groceries already... when I hear a big truck which typically means someone is delivering something. Sure enough, "buenos dias, necisita gas?". "Buenos dias". Buenos Dias". I did mention before, the door bell in Mexico is someone yelling through your gate. I go out there and don't know who to answer first. The gas guy? Did someone call you? Do we not have gas? Yikes. I dunno. Oh and you over here have water, yes, I need water. Those are my jugs over there. I need to pay you? Yes, let me get money. "O, cuanto cuesta por 2 garrafon's"? Y Senora, what do you need? Do I need tattoo's? No, I do not need tattoos. Meanwhile, kids yelling, "THIS IS THE BEST COCONUT". Wow. Not a dull day. We ended with a second meal "para llevar", or to-go from a small hidden pizza place, next to the Highway with a cute patio and a wood buring oven. Oh and banana pina colida's. And the kids gleefully talking in between bites of pork, avocado pizza or magherita pizza about what a great day it was. And "yes momma, let's stay an extra month!" Today brings School in the morning and a Valentine fiesta in the afternoon. They will start a small language class next week with 2 Mexican girls who speak no English, 1 gringa that is 11 years old who speaks no Spanish and our two kids. They were invited to come to their "dia de los enamorados" party today to meet the others. We have snacks from Estados Unidos to share. I'm pretty sure when Joshua gets some of the Mexican sweets he will be ready to move here.

Mexico and Covid

I thought I'd update you all on Mexico and what is happening with Covid. Like anywhere else in the World, Covid is rampant, although the numbers on paper show much less than our Country, some believe much is not reported. Definitely the tests are not as easy and viable as in the States and they cost a lot more money. And some people are dying at home as opposed to being in a Hospital. The State we are in, Nayarit, is in a "Red Light" stage which means that we have curfews (8pm), there is limits on who can shop (only non-pregnant woman between 12-60 yo and men), inside dining is very limited or maybe not at all. Some Cities/Towns get put on a 2-day ALL BUSINESS CLOSED restriction. And, masks are required with 2 meter (6') distances. What is the compliance...uuuhhh...sometimes you will see 100% compliance sometimes not. Most Restuarants are masked and may have sanitizer (we have only eaten "para llevar or take away once) and most stores shopkeepers have mask on their necks, if not on their faces. All taxi drivers have them on. All hotels or anyone that caters 100% to tourism has them on. All toll booth operators (if you don't know there are many tolls to drive down on the "cuota-paid" highway, there is also a libre highway which is free annnndddd very slow) have them on. Most of the guys working on the roads have them on. So, seemingly it is somewhat the same as the US. The other thing Mexico has, is force. If they want to shut you down, they will. Puerto Vallarta (about 1.25 minutes from us) was a well known hot spot of the virus, which came, in part, from Tourists unmasked and continuing life as normal. Many nightclubs were running and when the Government finds out...the men with big guns come and shuts them down. If you don't know, guns are illegal in Mexico. But all Federal, Municipal, State government police carry HUGE guns. And are always out and about. And if they say, "Cerrado" you are closed! Or "clausurado" - these are a few places that were shut down for illegally having "parties".

But another difference; Mexico does not have money. Mexicans do not have insurance for health or at least not many. Tourism is a huge part of the revenue for the Coasts, like a majority of the income. And the Government does not have money. So people still want and need to work. It's a hard position to watch because while I want people to be safe and stay home I also understand the dilemna. I see this at home too. The difference is at home, if you really needed masks or have an health emergency need, you can find it free to you. We continue to do our part of masking up and keeping our 2 m from people. But we also try to help by spending and tipping well. We brought down a couple hundred KN95 masks, face shields and snacks which I delivered to a Public Hospital in Puerto Vallarta and one in San Pancho. I got to meet some incredible health care workers that are trying so very hard (just like all the people I know in the States) and I sympathize for them knowing that the risk of death is higher than other Countries as PPE supplies are harder to come by.

The humanity and selflessness that shows itself from this Pandemic can be heartwarming. I hope we all come back soon, including Mexico. With that, I'd like to share these Heartfelt words from the Governor of Nayarit when pleading about masking and social distancing: "COVID-19 seems like a distant disease until it strikes a friend, family member, or yourself. This virus causes pain, but it is not limited to bodily discomfort. The pain transcends to the family, who experience the fear and anguish of never seeing their loved one again. Therefore, observing the absurd irresponsibility of some makes us wonder: how can there be so much insensitivity towards the mourning of thousands? In the absence of an answer, I only hope with all my heart that conscience comes before the disease."

Cocos y Agua y...Scorpio

Yesterday was a fun, typical Mexican day. Not an uncommon thing, We ran out of water in the early morning. A water truck was called and a few hours later we heard "buenos dias" and let the guy in. (Most places in Mexico are fully secure with gates and locks, so the typical "door bell" is one that you yell out.) Once there, the poor guy had an audience. The kids set up chairs to watch the process. Joshua in particular loved it - we forget how easy it is to assume that every time we turn a faucet on there is water - especially from a kids perspective. After about 20-30 minutes tanks were filled and the water guy left so we turned back on the pumps and viola...no water. Ha. Again. Problem solving lesson 782. We reset the pump and viola. Still no water. Please keep in mind wiring and burying of wiring happen so differently in Mexico. We did our best to troubleshoot, but nope, the Hamlin Jovag clan could not solve the problem! So I sent a note to the Women renting us the house and she called a plumber. "He will be there at 2pm." No worries I tell her, I will be there with kids in School. Why oh why do I not remember my life previously in Mexico? At 2pm I promptly had mask on waiting. 2:15 I had mask on and waiting. 2:30 I had mask on and waiting...you are seeing the pattern? Anyhow he eventually came. He turned on garden hose. Turned on power to pump, which oddly is on other side of house, and repeated. It does not work. Finally he hits it with a wrench. It works. what the hell-I forgot about the hit it with a wrench method. So 24 hours later we still have water coming out of the faucets...hitting things do work! Note to self. Later that afternoon I heard something in the trees across the way from us. And there was this guy climbing up the coconut tree. I was so tempted to yell out, "hey throw me a coco". I was even more worried my kiddos really would.

We also caught this guy. Pretty sure Lorin lost a year of his life when he fell off the ceiling into the KiwiCrate box Joshua was working on. Mr. Scorpion now has a new home across the calle in an ecology zone. Is this what one calls, "biology" class? Ancient History class? Survival of the fittest? Whatever class we can link it into we will also now need to go throught the check your shoe for scorpion class.

Ahh yes, life is different around here.

Puppy Dog - Hugo

Many of you have asked, and yes, Hugo is fine. He had a little "run-in" with a car on a snowy road in the middle of nowhere, Nevada. We carried him over a cattle grate to run free in the snow and a woman drove down to go potty. He was running, she was driving...slowly...I think... As I was in slo-mo, but he ran into her car and flew into a snowbank. Thankfully the snow helped cushion his fall and then he was back up again, running and frolicking. Oddly, the Hamlin family has never not had a pet hit by a car. So I guess we can add Hugo to the list. Good news - he is now living his best life. Maybe more conscious of cars, but he still is NOT complaining.

Lunch con vaca's

Lunch is usually roadside. Sometimes we see the sights. Or, the sights see us.

vacas y caballos

Will you plllleeeeasssseee let us in?

>MEXICO, HERE WE ARE. OR, ARE WE? WILL YOU LET US IN? Well, did I mention we drove 4 days in snow, the dog was hit by a car, AND I forgot important paperwork needed to get over the Border? Did I also mention we made the decision the night before to leave? Well, with that I forgot things...to be expected, but I also forgot my car registration. Why is this important, well, it comes to the Banjercito of Mexico. In order to drive your car into Mexico you have to apply for a permit for it. If you don't have that permit and get caught...scares me to think but most likely jail. And did I mention I have my husband, 2 kids and a puppy, none of which speak a whole lot of Spanish or know the important ways to navigate themselves in Mexico. Yet. So I rang up some family and friends and begged someone to get the info from my house and email me. Fast forward, next day we drive over Border but, guess what, the Mexican Government did not like my email and wanted an original. I begged. I pleaded. I promised my first born (OK, I didn't do that). Mind you I was already 21 km into Mexico. But nope, I needed to go back to Washington and get it. I JUST DROVE 4 DAYS DOWN IN THE SNOW. Finally, they told me to go back to the third building on the left that I passed, find someone important and if they stamp it and sign it they will allow it. Hell if I knew really which was the third government building back along my 21 km route, but some how I found it. And found some guy who told me he was in charge (?) and, "nope, I needed to go home and get it". I again pleaded in barely audible Spanish or maybe I was pretending I could speak to him in Spanish and so he says, "OK, come with me. OK, stop here. OK, stay here" And then he never came back. I finally found him 20 minutes later and was like, "hey, remember me". So he grabbed a gal that had searched my car earlier. She spoke English and had liked me. I told her my story and let her know that I also have "180 kn95 masks and face shields I'm taking to the Hospitals near my final destination. Please. You must let me". And. for god's sake. She did. She stamped it. Signed it. And sent me along the way. As I walked back to the car and my family saw me emerge they thought I was denied. But nope, I got to go back to the Banjercito and get my permit, get my tourist visa and get along. After. 2 hours. Thank god it was only 69 degrees and windy out. That lady is my hero. And she took a chance. Our first Mexican stop...San Carlos, Mexico.

As you can see, no-one is on the beach. Very, very few tourists here or in Mexico. I think by the time we left this beach there were maybe 5 people on it, at noon. I'll update later on Covid in Mexico and how the government is dealing with it. But let it be known, we take this all very seriously and are 100% masked and mostly staying at home. We stay about 10' away from people, which saddens me on many levels as I wish to help support many of these people. Let's see how I can do that.... Tomorrow we drive 6.5 hours to final destination, La Penita. Whew.

Mexico? Seattle? Mexico? Seattle?

So the year of the Pandemic has pushed us all to the edge, or wall, as I've repeatedly said. We've had to re-think how life is and come up with the best game plan for our own individual families. While our family is so incredibly lucky; we've had our health, we've been lucky to online/homeschool with another amazing family and we are still employed. In this global reckoning we know this is not always the case. And want to recognize not only the luck but the priveledge of it. As a momma of smaller kids I also know my duty is to filter for them, teach them, and hope that they realize the little things are to be cherished and humbled. With that, I decided in October to move the family down South for a few months and expose them to other cultures in a completely Covid-safe way. We oscillated back and forth for months on whether we really should go, how safe will we be, how safe will we be for others, is it worth it, will we be welcome and so on and so on. And then cases of Coronovirus jumped radically. We've mostly stayed to ourselves in the last few months, minus a weekly Grocery run or our one family we online School with. We double masked (well, we still do) and practically bathe in soap and hand sanitizer. And then, the night before we left, we made the final...yes...no...yes...no...yes...no...OK, yes. Let's start driving. Let's stop if we feel uncomfortable. And South we headed. We drove 4 days in the snow...I mean come on, it even snowed in ARIZONA. We had changed our route at the last minute to go a less populated route, which included through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona. We then stayed a week in Arizone to test and isolate. And then...it began, the true test of can I remember any Spanish or hear a damn thing anyone is saying with their masks on....