León, Authentic Mexican City

Aloha Everyone,

Our first impression of León is that this is not a tourist destination. To confirm that point, our boutique hotel evening and daytime staffs barely communicate in English. Thank goodness for the WiFi and our ability to translate required sentences from English to Spanish.  

Our breakfast, included in the hotel room charge, was served on the 3rd floor, with skyline views of the surrounding cathedral, churches and historical government buildings. Chef Corason took our individual orders and prepared a large Mexican breakfast for us. We were the sole diners.

Trying to find our way around the city, the two of us looked for the tourist office. When we asked, “¿Donde está la oficina de tourismo?” People tried to help, but it was obvious that they had no clue. After 3 inquiries and with many willing but unknowing citizens, we finally found the place. It occupies a small corner of a government office where people were in long lines to make payments. J.J. surmised that they were paying their taxes.

The two persons assisting visitors at the tourist office don’t speak English!

Tomorrow, J.J. and I hope to take a bus tour of León to get a better orientation of the city, history and places of interest. It should help us organize blogs about this charming Mexican city.

Aloha -- Cathi

León, Mexico

Aloha Everyone,

In the last 4 years, the two of us have been to several Mexican coastal cities as our cruise ships made their ports of calls. But this is our first time to really explore Mexico. Our focus is the Colonial Highlands as the weather is pleasant and the places have no specific security alert by the US State Department.

J.J. made hotel reservations to four destinations: León, Guanajuato, San Miguel Allende, Guadalajara and back to León. We hope by the conclusion of our 37 days adventure through The highlands, the two of us would have a good feel for this Southern neighbor. We are curious to learn why so many Americans choose to spend 2 to 6 months a year. Is it the climate, laid back life style or the lower cost of living?

León as our entry and exit point is convenient. Aeromexico has direct flights from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and the flying time is 3 hours. Smaller older plane, but ample room as seating was 2-2 in the economy section. Snack of croissant sandwich, apple sauce, dark chocolate and beverage was not expected for fare less than US$300 per person.

I admit that two of us felt tension as our plane touched down. Uniformed security and police were waiting for us with their shotguns and rifles. I was tempted to take a photo of J.J. walking down the old fashion ladder ramp, but my common sense stopped my blogger instinct.

Othelo Boutique Hotel, León is located in Centro, a 40 minutes taxi ride from the airport. 

After getting settled in our room and resting, we walked to a nearby restaurant for a quick meal. J.J.’s food looked delicious but too much pepper was not to his liking.

Photos with my Mother were taken before we left for the airport. I am very grateful that she is well and continues to enjoy independent living.

Aloha -- Cathi

Movie - The Post

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I had a wonderful 2 fun-filled days visiting Len and Vita. The four of us had back-to-back activities that took us to the Windmill Tours, try date shakes at Windmill Market and explore Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. Our final activity was watching a movie, The Post.

Based on real events, it is about Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper -- The Washington Post. 

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, music score by John Williams, leading roles played by Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, it was an easy movie to choose for the 4 of us.

The storyline has the Washington Post and New York Times exposing government secrets. It is riveting and captivating. The cover-up spans three decades and four U.S. presidents. It came to an end just before the Watergate scandal. Was the release of this film coincidental or carefully timed? There are similarities to current events. At any rate, the film was entertaining and enjoyable. 

Aloha -- Cathi

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Aloha Everyone,

Cabot Yerxa was a traveler and visionary who lived an incredible life. Cabot pursued his dream by going to Alaska, Cuba and Desert Hot Spring in California. The Cabot homestead is 160 acres.

In his late 50’s Cabot began his Hopi-inspired pueblo against a hillside. Using discarded materials scattered in the desert, he gave them new purpose, new life. One can imagine his dedication, countless hours, days, and years of hard work. Life in the desert can be very harsh and lonely. I can’t help but wonder what went in his mind especially during the early years of this massive undertaking.

His Pueblo is loosely connected from one room to the next. Each room, each doors and windows are in different sizes and shapes dictated by the materials found. For example, the length of a salvaged telephone poles gave measurements to a room Cabot built.

The end result is a 5,000 square feet Pueblo with 35 rooms, 159 windows and 65 doors. The structure has character and while no serious architect would agree, it has a unified look. I found the pueblo charming and beautiful.

Cabot wanted to be remembered as an adventurer, artist and humanitarian. I would add “sentimentalist” to the list.

David and Cindy were also visiting the museum. The outgoing couple are originally from Iowa but they retired in Vancouver, WA.  http://www.cabotsmuseum.org/

Aloha -- Cathi

Windmill Market - Date Shakes

Aloha Everyone,

One of the unexpected treats of our windmill tour was a stop at Windmill Market to try a complimentary date shake. Ah so delicious and, if you trust their spiel, tastier and healthier than gelato or chocolate cake. If you are near the Desert Hot Spring, Windmill Market Date Shake is a “must not miss” treat.

Date or date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a flowering plant species in the palm family. It has been cultivated in Indio but believed to have originated from Iraq.  

Dates, along with figs, are my favorite snack items. Both trace their origin to ancient civilization. 

We brought back a box of Barhi Dates. Never been a fan of these edible dried fruits, but after I persuaded him to try one, J.J. is a convert!

Aloha -- Cathi