Volume 4 - Issue 27

April 2003

HELLO from Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo!

For those of you who don’t know:

Another Day in Paradise is a magazine that comes out once a month during high season (that would be Nov-April); we celebrate all things Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and all things Mexico (cause we like it here). You can find us in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and the surrounding areas, as well as Uruapan, Patzcuaro and Morelia (cause we like it up there too!)

This is the last issue of our 4th season, so we will be turning off the machine for a few months, but do check in with our website - not only does it have all 4 years of archives, but will be having summer updates as well (as time and enthusiasm permit!)

And for those of you who do know: Another Day in Paradise lost it’s most enthusiastic patron, most vocal supporter and one and only every single issue subscriber last month, and with great love we dedicate this 27th edition to her. A quick wit, a feisty temperament, a 93yr old 80lb force to be reckoned with. Ann Krantz, aka Patron Saint of Another Day in Paradise, aka grandma, was a lifelong environmentalist, patron of the arts and sciences and champion of causes, who is remembered for her kind generous spirit. (and her stories, and her sharp shooting abilities, and her fishing prowess, and her occasional shocking humor, and…and...and...!!)

Have a great summer, See you in November!

Catherine

Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are everywhere in Mexico – more than 100 varieties. And, far from being alike in taste or spiciness, they are nearly endless in variety, depending on the specific climate in which they were grown, the chemical composition of the soil and even the characteristics of the neighboring plantings.

by Barbara Rosenberg

Tequila

Like Jerez, Curacao, Champagne and a handful of other places, Tequila, Mexico has achieved a reputation far out of proportion to its size. Millions of drinkers who might not even dream of going to this small town wax rhapsodic about its name, and the popular drink it is so famous for. Less than an hour’s drive northwest of Guadalajara on Highway 15, Tequila lies almost under the shadow of an extinct 2,950-meter (9,700-ft.) volcano. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of spear-like cultivated agave plants.

by John Wilcock

Meet the Captains - Pablo Gonzalez Gonzalez

It is 6:15 in the morning. Your taxi has just dropped you off at the Municipal Pier. You have fished here before and you know your boat and the captain. You are fairly well dialed in. You head directly to the tables in front of Arturo’s corner store to get a cup of coffee and a donut while Arturo’s wife, Eliva, makes you a couple of sandwiches for your lunch. The fresh warm bolillo with the egg and shredded beef you ordered is only 1 of 8 different fillings she makes. Each time you go fishing, her lunches are one of the things you really look forward to.

by Ed Kunze

Beach Reading - "Captiva", by Randy Wayne White

Less wacky and irreverent than Carl Hiaasen but as deeply entrenched in the environmental struggles of tropical paradises and just as enjoyable. If not more so for his obvious love of big strong women!

by Catherine Krantz

Z-Scene - April 2003

MAN FOR ALL SEASONS - EMIL MESINGER of Houston, Tx., husband of the late and “muy famosa” Houston Chronicle gossip and social columnist MAXINE MESINGER, father of Jetsales magnate and Z-Best Friend JAY MESINGER, and all around fab human being was in town to celebrate his eightieth birthday...

by Judy Brown

The Table Cloth...

The year was 1944, and just three years prior, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor thrust America into World War II. Throughout America, everyone was forced to make sacrifices to help the massive War effort and items were scarce. Many modern luxuries such as ladies’ stockings, household items and even diapers were in short supply and most folks simply learned to do without, or substituted home made items to replace what they could no longer buy in stores. Rationing of most items was the norm, but somehow everyone was able to survive.

by Gordon Krantz

The Other Oscars

Having been a high school English teacher in Zihuatanejo for 11 years, I often get asked about the state of education in what is, after all, a small resort town. I’m pleased to be able to say that, certainly in the school where I work, the education is good AND we have some extremely talented kids, most of whom go on to college and are interested and active in the community.

by Shirley Bethune

Notes from the Consulate - Customs & Your Car

This is a recap of information discussed at the meeting with the Aduana (Customs) officials who came to Ixtapa.

by Elizabeth Williams

Business in Paradise

You don’t need to arrive here by private jet to be able to enjoy paradise just as much as Carlos Slim, one of the distinguished wealthy Mexican businessmen who chose to entertain important visitors at home in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. Israel’s most venerable living politician and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres and Spanish ex-Prime Minister Felipe González, who is an important consultant to governments not only in Mexico, but all over Latin America, were recent guests (January 11th). The Mexican President, Vicente Fox, spent last New Year in Ixtapa and the tourism Minister, Leticia Navarro, has her holiday condo here as well. Not to mention the many celebrities from Hollywood and around the world who vacation at Villa del Sol and La Casa que Canta.

by Lee Kraft

Patzcuaro - Gem of Michoacan

The highway leading from the hot mountains into the Lake Patzcuaro region begins to change about 40 minutes before the turnoff to this wondrous place nestled mid-center in the neighboring state of Michoacan. Tall pines and graceful eucalyptus trees begin to appear along the roadway; broad green meadows edged with ancient stone fences spread toward verdant mountains; and the temperature drops from searing high nineties into cool mid 70’s. Roll down the car window and take in the aroma. Ahh, Patzcuaro! Green, pine-scented oasis against a lovely backdrop of lakes and mountains.

by Lisa B. Martin

On the cover: "Chiles" by Catherine Krantz

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