The success of his first venture started a lifelong career as Plumail opened his 2nd restaurant, which he operated for 3 years in Sait-Paul-de-Vence, France and where he earned his 2nd Michelin Star. Following this success, Plumail opened his 3rd restaurant in Nice and ran it for 25 years, earning yet another Michelin Star. However, the accolades did not end when Plumail also scooped the prestigious Pastry award in 1978.  

Plumail’s star rose quickly from the opening of his first venture, gaining an exclusive A-lister clientele such as Duran Duran, Sir Elton John and King Frederik of Denmark, as well as many wealthy clients worldwide. While at his 3rd restaurant, he caught the eye of none other than the Prince Of Monaco. Impressed with his skills, the Royal Prince enticed him to be the chef at Monaco’s prestigious yacht club. At first, Plumail was reluctant — after all, he had a business and school to run. He only agreed when promised it would be only for 3 days, so he accepted the offer. Little did he know that those 3 days would become a week, which quickly became 5 years.  

After years of struggle and humble beginnings, Plumail says, “Working there was like another world. Unlimited money when before money was always limited. It was a dream job.”

Plumail sold his restaurant and began traveling and cooking all over the world, often for VIPs and celebrities. But he never lost his love for teaching. “Some of my students have become very successful,” he said with pride, “It makes me feel good.”

During one of these assignments in 1984, he ended up in Oaxaca, Mexico and was the first person to teach cooking classes for Alliance Française, a global network of schools promoting the French language through cultural and educational activities. In exchange, the school gave him and his wife, Betty, a one-week free holiday to Zihuatanejo. 

 

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Plumail and his wife were instantly captivated by the allure of Zihuatanejo. Their love for the area was so profound that they decided to make it their permanent home, moving there full-time three years ago. 

But, says Plumail, “I knew I could not just sit here and do nothing — I had to do something.”

That something was the purchase of a small 9-room boutique hotel in July of this year, high on the road to La Ropa beach, called Enseno de Fuga. From the outside, it looked deceivingly small, with a low wooden door which led inside. Once you step over the threshold, you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of Zihuatanejo Bay and the sheer spaciousness of the interior. 

This continued throughout the entire property, from the foyer to the dining area and pool below.  Each of the nine rooms boasting the same spectacular views was individually decorated and named with their door plaques, like La Sirena, La Ropa, and Neptuno. In addition, you can rent the whole villa, which includes a sitting area and kitchen facilities so you can cook for yourselves or enjoy the luxury of Plumail as your private chef.  

 

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Plans for the hotel, which Plumail says should be operational in about a month, include hosting special events for up to 20 people at a time, which Plumail and his wife will cater. “These would be special and with fine attention to every detail. For me, a customer is a friend, and spending a special, personal time with people is important to create an experience for our guests.”

His future plans also include cooking classes for four to eight people in an intimate setting. The class will consist of a trip to the market, during which Plumail will guide you in choosing the freshest ingredients. Then, you will return to the villa and cook together. “I want everyone to be working and active in the class and not just watching me cook,” he says of the small class size.

Starting in December 2024, Plumail is organizing and hosting high-end brunches, including champagne, with reservations only.  

And if Plumail life wasn’t busy enough, I soon learned of his second passion in life – running. “I love to eat,” he said. “But I don’t want to get fat. And so, I must exercise.”

That “exercise” is three Ironman competitions — two in France, one in Germany, and over twenty marathons worldwide. Last year, he climbed Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest mountain, at 5,600 meters. Next year, Plumail plans to climb the Aconcagua in Argentina, which is 6,900 meters. He is in training now. 

Through it all, Plumail confessed his love of passing on his knowledge to others, often for free, such as a class at the nearby Universidad Tecnológica de la Costa Grande de Guerrero. “I love to teach and I know what it’s like to have little money to learn and study. And all the time, you are an apprentice.” Although Plumail hesitated to talk about his philanthropy and charity work teaching budding chefs, often for free, he says, “You have to give back.”

Writer Elizabeth Ashe divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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Patterned after the Greek Acropolis Parthenon in Athens, the Greek capital, it was a majestic Hellenistic structure. Today, the Parthenon of Zihuatanejo is a ruined structure, much like that of its Greek counterpart. 

Over the years, I was lured by friends to visit it several times, sometimes able to enter without a guard in place but usually stopped by military personnel or a caretaker, who, for a “fee,” would allow us to look around. The late Dennis Johnson, a former expat and  Canadian publisher, accompanied me on one of my visits, and the following is a combination of his notes and my research. The history is dark.

A troubled past

Built during the 1980s by Mexico City’s wickedly excessive Chief of Police, Arturo Durazo Moreno (otherwise known as “El Negro” Durazo), the Parthenon is a testament to the corruption of the man. 

It began when Durazo’s boyhood friend, José López Portillo, became the president of Mexico in 1976. As one of Mexico’s most corrupt presidents, López Portillo turned to loyal Durazo for his security and appointed him to be his chief of Police, knowing that he had been under investigation in the US for almost a year for drug trafficking. 

During Durazo’s six-year tenure (from 1976 to 1982), he turned the police force into a racketeering organization and built his empire of corruption. He extorted money at every turn and lived a lavish lifestyle. He made a fortune from the bribes paid by the rank-and-file police officers under his command, and he used them as his construction labor force to build the Parthenon in Zihuatanejo, one of Guerrero’s most visited beaches. But that was not all. Canadian writer Jessica Devnani wrote, “he used it as his own personal playhouse with extravagant parties fueled with drugs, prostitutes and other sinful activities”. 

Although Durazo was lauded for his work in lowering the crime rate in Mexico City and was even honored with a prestigious award in the Soviet Union for doing so, his methods were discovered to be beyond brutal when the tortured bodies of 12 Colombians suspected of bank robbery turned up in a river. An investigation into his practices began, ultimately revealing his elaborate pyramid scheme of bribes and payoffs.

Durazo’s fortune changed once again, this time not for the better, with the arrival of a new presidential administration, Miguel de la Madrid, whose campaign theme was “Moral Renewal.” 

Durazo fled the country, and an international search ensued. After charging him in absentia with racketeering, Mexican and U.S. authorities tracked him down in Costa Rica in 1984 and brought him back to trial in Mexico. Durazo was charged with a long range of offenses, from corruption to extortion, tax evasion, drug kickbacks and possession of illegal weapons. He was given 25 years in prison; though he was released after less than eight, in 1992 due to ill health and good conduct. He lived out his final days in Acapulco, redeeming himself a bit by working with recovering alcoholics. He died of cancer in 2000.

Before his death, Durazo’s chief bodyguard, José González, wrote a runaway bestseller in 1980 about his evil boss, entitled “Lo Negro Del Durazo”. A movie quickly followed. Never allowing himself to be out-maneuvered, Durazo won a defamation lawsuit against his former aide from behind prison bars.

A return to former glory

 

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The restoration of Mexico’s version has been completely revitalized into a breathtakingly beautiful monument, thanks to the former administration of mayor Jorge Sánchez Alec and the city of Zihuatanejo.

Today, the Parthenon reflects its appearance in all its former glory. The once-chained tigers and the disco used for wild parties are gone, and the swimming pool has been removed. The gates have been refurbished, weeds have been pulled, and gardens have been tended to. Statues and murals have been replaced and repainted, and rooms that were once bedrooms complete with hanging beds will now be used as special events rooms, functions and exhibitions, five halls in all, according to Tourism Director Jesús Gallegos Galván. 

There will be concerts and other cultural events but, says Gallegos, no private events such as weddings and no alcohol will be served. General seating will hold up to 500 people. There will be a small fee — 100 pesos for outside tourists, 50 pesos for locals and free for handicapped and older adults. Students will be charged just 20 pesos. 

There will also be a small café where you can purchase coffee and other beverages and relax. At the same time, you admire a view that is as spectacular as the bay of Zihuatanejo itself.

The inauguration, which happened recently on November 6 to much fanfare, was presided over by Guerrero state Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda and Zihuantanejo’s current mayor, Lizette Tapia. Following this, the first major cultural event of the year, known as Tropifashion, was held on November 29 of this year and is sure to set the stage for an exciting year ahead for other cultural events.

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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It took a bit of research, but I found an online course on hippotherapy. In simple terms, equine or hippotherapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist uses a horse’s characteristic range of movements to address a human patient’s physical or mental disorders.

Armed with some knowledge and a burning desire to build a dream, I was fortunate to be lent land to use for the program’s first two years by the Aguilars, a local family. I gathered a group of people to build from scratch and opened The Seahorse Sanctuary and Equine Therapy Centre in Coacoyul, a small town 15 minutes outside of Zihuatanejo.

Training and courses in equine therapy available are as numerous and varied as patients’ motivation and results therapists seek to achieve, but they include names like EAL Training Centers, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) and the Mexican Association of Therapeutic Riding (AMET). Many centers specialize in working with children with disabilities or special needs, primarily with issues ranging from autism to cerebral palsy, as well as emotional issues such as anxiety and trauma. Others treat professionals who suffer from PTSD due to work in high-stress situations. 

Some organizations, including mine, work with seniors. Horses can serve as emotional support animals or help older people who have mobility issues due to age or medical procedures such as hip replacement surgery. With all patients, young or old, the gentle movement of the horse causes stimulation through the spinal column, which goes to the brain and affects the nerve branches. From there, this movement releases certain chemicals at the brain level, which generates stimulation in the body. The gentle movement of the horse also helps to massage the afflicted areas

There are several highly qualified centers for equine therapy in Mexico spread out across the country. Follow along to learn about four of them.

Amigos de Riendas

Amigos de Riendas para la Vida, a civil association based in Guadalajara, was founded 15 years ago by Mercedes Arámbula. Arámbula started her journey with years of horseback riding experience, a love of horses and a desire to combine that love with helping others. She was impacted personally by the birth of a nephew with a severe disability, and she began to investigate how horses could help people like him. Her research showed very little training in Mexico, so she decided to obtain her certification at the High Hopes Therapeutic Riding center in Old Lyme, Connecticut, through PATH International.

In 2010, Amigos de Riendas was established with the new team certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala). Today, the center boasts nine horses, 35 to 40 clients at any given time and volunteers and staff. The organization is almost completely funded by the government of Jalisco through agencies such as the Directorate for the Inclusion of Disabled Persons (DIPD) and the Social Aid System (SAS), as well as local and corporate companies and private benefactors, so that 75 percent of clients do not have to pay the 650-peso fee per class.

What made Arámbula sure this was the path for her?, “Being with horses, seeing kids grow, learn and improve is wonderful,” she says. “Seeing children walk who could not walk before, or who are now talking, is why I do what I do. And working with the children and their families for years is very special and rewarding.”

Crece

Further research took me to Michoacán, where I spoke to founder Carolina Escobedo of Crece, a non-profit in Morelia, Michoacán. Escobedo, a special education teacher who graduated from the University of Puebla, has extensive horse experience and a love of competition, which makes her approach slightly different from most centers, although equally effective: Escobedo believes in incorporating sporting events as part of therapy.

“These kids can learn to ride and there is no reason why they can’t learn to jump too,” she told me. “Especially the kids with autism. And future plans and a possible source of revenue would be hosting competitions for kids with autism. We want them to feel as if they can achieve something. That there is something they can be good at and excel in. And so we do more than just physiotherapy: we do sports.”

Therapy and courses can start for children at three years of age and continue to classes for adolescents aged 12 to 17 and beyond. In operation for eight years, Crece’s 80 students mainly come from Morelia and the many surrounding towns. Courses range in cost and are dependent on income. Some students pay full price, while others pay only 50 per cent or nothing.

“The government does not help much, although the family services agency (DIF)at the state level does give them some money,” Escobsays. “But applying for it is a lot of work. To keep afloat we have other businesses such as buying and selling horses.”

Equinoterapia SMA

Jean Gerber has had a love affair with horses for much of her adult life, and San Miguel de Allende is where she can feed her passion. A friend told her about a relative who had severe neurological issues and how the only thing that helped him was the equine therapy classes he was taking. “It planted a seed,” Gerber said, leading her to investigate everything she could about equine therapy.

Gerber teamed up with fellow horse enthusiast and therapist Lisa Attridge de Gordillo, who also owns Rancho Corazón de Nopal, and started a 6-week pilot program. Today, they have three therapy horses and 14 students at Equinoterapia SMA.

Recently, the organization achieved non-profit status, but further certifications are needed to attain donation status, which will allow them to receive donations. “Only then will the government do much to help financially,” says Gerber, “however, local investors such as Daniel Ortiz of Coldwell Banker Smart in SMA and Vinedos San Lucas and a regional organization, Ninos con Autismo SMA help fill in the funds needed. In addition, the expat community and locals give generously.” 

Fundraising is ongoing and headed by volunteers. “It’s wonderful how our volunteers and therapists become so invested in the project, asking to come two to three times a week to help their kids. They embrace this as if it were their own business.” says Gerber. “It is so rewarding to see the results from the therapy — to see children who were afraid of horses now become accustomed to them. The parents are telling us about the results the children are experiencing in their homes. It fills the heart. Everyone is smiling and happy.”

Equinoterapias Hossana

Founded in 2012 by Evelyn Trejo, Equinaterapias Hossana is a non-profit organization supported by the San José del Cabo-based Los Cabos Children’s Foundation. Trejo fell in love with horses at 15 years old, but as an adult, she became an accountant who worked in a government agency. While there, she learned there were many disabled children and adults in the area and no therapy available for them. She approached friends with horses, obtained some land and started her therapy center.

Their organization developed a very different method, incorporating psychologists and therapy to assess a child’s needs and develop activities to help them reach their goals.

“Some of our programs are free to children of low-income families, while others are very low cost, depending on the socioeconomic situation,” Trejo told me. “Our therapists are certified by the Mexican Association of Therapeutic Riding, and we have a psychologist, a physiotherapist and a wonderful group of teachers on our team. Equinaterapia Hossana’s goals have always been to improve children’s muscular tone and coordination and to help with their psychological attention, understanding, self-esteem and memory ability.”

Over the years, Equinaterapias Hossana has served more than 500 children from the municipality of Los Cabos. They feel strongly they have achieved wonderful results with children and young people. But, says Trejo, “Horses are expensive and so are the professionals we work with, so we look for other ways to make money. We also have a farm, and every Saturday, we offer farm tours and allow families to tour our facilities and interact with the animals. We also offer horseback riding lessons that teach children the sport that it is.” 

When asked what drew her to this line of work, she says the same thing that all three of the other women — and myself — say about equine therapy: “It’s my passion.”

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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A third-generation mezcalera, her first foray into the intricate nuances of making mezcal began at the age of three at the knee of her grandfather, Serefin Jiménez. Serefin bottled small batches to sell to family, friends and the town where they lived. Over the years, he taught his granddaughter everything about how to create a quality mezcal. Although her immediate family moved to Zihuatanejo, they returned frequently to visit, and her grandfather continued to educate her.

At the tender age of 17, Jiménez’s path led her to Seattle, Washington, where she lived for the next 12 and a half years. She enrolled at the University of Washington, where she did her thesis on the sustainability and production of mezcal. To support herself, she worked menial jobs from cleaning houses to working in retail until, upon graduating, she worked her way into stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom as a shoe buyer. Jiménez became a U.S. citizen, married and divorced during this time. It was also when her beloved grandfather passed away. Five years later, Jiménez decided it was time to return to Zihuatanejo.

Jiménez began teaching at local public schools in the area. When they realized she was fluent in English, she became the first official English teacher in the system. The pay was bad, however, and she knew she would have to support herself in other ways to survive.

She looked to her experience in fashion. 

Now remarried and with a young son in tow, Jiménez started designing her fashion line, Cultura Tropical, a beach accessories and clothing brand grown from a combination of Mexican tradition, fashion and environmentally responsible pieces. She opened her store in downtown Zihuatanejo, carrying not only her fashions and accessories but also those of other Mexican women. Her three seamstresses are all local.

“CT was created for and by women, encouraging the warrior within us all to come out, embrace our womanhood, and boldly take on our surrounding world,” she says. “As women, we must believe in ourselves and find and pursue our purpose here. To conquer and reach our dreams, we’ve got to unite and support one another. We are warriors. We are chingonas!” 

Jiménez had not forgotten her love for mezcal during this time. After her grandfather’s passing, she felt the one way she could keep his spirit alive was to continue his tradition. She had approached his business associates and asked to join, but they refused. “They gave me many reasons, but the bottom line was that I was a woman, and mezcal making is a traditionally male venture,” she says. “They told me to go find my dreams, which, in hindsight, was the best advice they could have given me.”

Disappointed but undeterred, Jiménez set about creating a quality mezcal of her own. From the beginning, Jiménez’s goal was to make a great mezcal, empower women, and preserve nature and tradition – “a mezcal shared with those you love.”

Luckily, Jiménez found a business partner, Keith Forsay, an Oscar, Golden Globe and two-time Grammy award-winning English record producer. They met at a mezcal tasting event and bonded over their love of mezcal, music and dancing, vowing to create a mezcal that would bring people together to celebrate life. Together, they created Mano y Corazon, an artisanal mezcal crafted by families in Zoquitlan, Oaxaca. 

Mano Y Corazon’s co-founder has made it her mission to establish a female-led team behind her mezcals, from cultivation to distillation, production, and promotion. “Every bottle of mezcal has an author. With Mano y Corazon, that signature is female.”

But Jiménez was not one to rest on her laurels yet. Remarried and with a young son, Jiménez wanted to host fashion shows to promote her designs and showcase other local designers and artisans in Mexico. The first, Tropifashion, was held in 2017 in Ixtapa. Jiménez says she was quite surprised by the response. “We decided to hold the show, and if people came, they came,” she said. “We had no idea how well people would accept it.” The event has had several editions since.

What’s next for this enterprising entrepreneur?

“Next, I want to continue fomenting culture in my village. I am getting certified this year as a yoga teacher and would like to hold yoga and wellness festivals — the same as I do with Tropifashion. I am also starting to study interior design. I have a couple of properties that I would like to fix up and rent for the season. I just want to continue learning and enjoying life with my family.”

Lofty goals? If anyone can do it, this inspirational woman can.

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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In addition to holding onto traditional celebrations, they have expanded and, at times, appear more commercial than I have witnessed over the past 30 years, living at least part-time in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.  What used to be more about honouring the dead while visiting the graves of loved ones has now included three and four day celebrations, which, although originated in tradition, have become elaborate events. Don’t get me wrong, the gravesite gatherings are certainly prevalent and mostly away from foreign visitors’ eyes, but Dia de Muertos has become more full-blown over the years and the lines between Halloween and the traditional Mexican ceremonies of remembrance have become blurred.

I have noticed the prevalence of huge numbers of trick-or-treaters that swarm what was once a small village in Zihuatanejo. Seeing these adorable children dressed as little goblins, ghosts, SpongeBobs, and last year’s most popular character, Wednesday Addams, has become the highlight of the year for my friends and me. We park ourselves outside the Barracuda Bar and hand out goodies and take photos — which everyone happily poses for.  

The festivities begin with the unveiling of a giant Catrina on October 31 at 6:30 pm at a major landmark in Zihuatanejo known as Plaza Kioto, named after one of Zihuantanejo’s sister cities, Kyoto in Japan.

A short while later, everyone moves to the Cancha Municipal, the location of all of Zihuantanejo’s most memorable activities, located downtown on the shores of Zihuatanejo Bay. Here, they can enjoy an exhibition and taste traditional pan de muerto and other tasty treats from local bakeries and Restaurante Carnivac. Following is a lighted parade of boats in the bay of Zihuatanejo known as the Desfile de la Lanchas Illuminadas.

On November 1, starting at 7:00 pm, there will be a host of activities and celebrations in Zihuatanejo and nearby Ixtapa. In Colonia la Madera, a popular area not far from Centro Zihuatanejo and famous for its many restaurants and boutique hotels, you can dine and dance in the streets a mere few steps from Playa Madera. 

In Ixtapa, 5 kilometers away, the fun continues with the “Pasarela de Textile — Catrinas de mi tierra” fashion show, which is held in the Commercial Zone of the resort area. There is also an Exhibition de Ofrendos (El Lugar de los Muertos, which means the place of the dead) at several restaurants. The traditional Day of the Dead altars can also be viewed and admired by visiting the many hotels along the main strip.  

The Parade of the Catrinas on November 2 is an event not to be missed as the costumes are elaborate and breathtaking. It starts at Plaza Kioto at 7:30 pm and winds through the town streets, including the length of Cinco de Mayo to the Cancha Municipal. People line the streets for glimpses of the magical parade and can often take photos with their favourite Catrinas at the end of the line.

On November 3, everything wraps up with the Concurso de Catrinas de Zihuatanejo, another spectacular event as the participants are judged and crowned. Sadly, it’s all over after that, at least for another year, when I have no doubt that plans are already in place to top this year’s festivities.

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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The Romains lived for many years in British Columbia, Canada. Carol owned The Ladybug Playcare, an integrated special needs center that offered children before- and after-school care. At the same time, her husband Doug worked in the marketing division for MacMillan Bloedel, a well-known lumber company. In 1997 Doug was sent to Durango, Mexico, to oversee sales. Carol joined him for Christmas and said she nearly froze to death. The locals gave her tequila, her first taste, to warm her up. It was also in Durango where they experienced their first taste of what life would be like in Mexico as an expat.

But better than that, it was also here that Doug learned how easy it was to help people in his position; he came across a benefit for the company’s employees, which allowed them to upgrade their education for free. Says Carol, “The problem was that no one knew about it until Doug came along, probably because of the language barrier, as the manager spoke only English.” However, the position only lasted three months when the parent company, Weyerhaeuser, sold the Mexico division.

It was during a casual conversation with one of Doug’s clients that the Romains first heard about the beachside paradise of Zihuatanejo. The client, who owned a vacation home in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, spoke so passionately about the area that the Romains were intrigued. When they retired in 2006, they decided to explore Zihuatanejo as a potential new home. They purchased a motor home and set off on a journey that would lead them to this charming coastal town.

Carol says, “We checked out everything from San Carlos to Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Barra de Navidad and Manzanillo before finally landing in Zihuatanejo on January 3, 2007.”

“Zihuatanejo checked all the boxes. A small town feel, everything we needed and nothing we didn’t. Friendly people, plenty to do and a great mix of expats and locals. It was like having an instant family when we arrived.”

With Zihuatanejo as the backdrop for their next life chapter, the Romains were motivated by a desire to give back. Inspired by Doug’s impactful experiences and Carol’s childcare background, they sought a way to contribute to children’s education. Fate intervened again, leading them to a conversation with a local expat about a promising new organization, Por Los Niños, dedicated to supporting local education from elementary school to university.

After several attempts to contact someone in the organization, they finally attended a meeting. Almost immediately, the director at the time, the late Lawrence Marbut, bestowed the title of “Donations Chairman” during a fly-by the encounter “in a grocery store no less,” Carol said. She became the Sailfest Chairperson a year later.

Carol’s dedication to her community did not go unnoticed. In 2013, she was awarded the prestigious Immigrant of the Year status for Guerrero state, a testament to her commitment and the impact of her work.

In 2017, Carol took on a new role as the administrator of Por Los Niños, a position she held until a few years ago when she became the organization’s president. Her leadership was instrumental in overseeing important fundraisers, such as Sailfest, which significantly increased the organization’s annual funds. Her dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, raising from approximately 70,000 pesos a year in its inception to an unprecedented six million in 2023.

Carol’s philanthropic efforts, combined with the support of the local mayor, Jorge Sanchez, had a transformative effect on the community. The mayor’s donation of 50% of the construction cost needed to build schools was a significant boost to their fundraising efforts.

During this time, fully entrenched in the lifestyle and culture, Carol felt it was important to change her immigration status from permanent resident to full-on citizen, which she did five years ago.

Last year, Carol’s remarkable contributions were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Woman Of The Year title for the city of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. This accolade is a testament to the positive impact she has made in her community.

When asked if there were any challenges or anything she didn’t like about living in her adopted country, she replied, “No. I came here and embraced the culture and even learned to accept their tardiness. I love everything about living in Mexico.”

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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It was a love story that unfolded under the Mexican stars. I vividly remember watching Nick and Nancy’s romance blossom from the beginning. Now, 25 years and eight months later, they still celebrate their anniversary on the 23rd of every month, a testament to their enduring love.

Seeley, a seasoned runner with 47 marathons, planned to run the prestigious 1999 42.2 km marathon in Athens, Greece. Dubeski decided to train and enter alongside her for the very first time. 

The pair moved to Mazatlan in 2012, and their love for running continued. Over the years, Dubeski has completed 40 marathons while Nancy, who completed 50, retired from competitive running due to knee issues. 

Despite the challenges of age and speed, Nick’s love for running never waned. At 55, he made a bold decision to switch to half marathons, a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. 

To date, Dubeski has run 40 full marathons and 40 half marathons. “Most of my runs have been in Mexico, Canada and the USA, while 32 out of 40 of my half marathons are in Mexico. One of my favourite places to run is in Ixtapa, and one of my favourite places to compete is in Guadalajara, where most of the events take place. My fastest time was three hours and twenty minutes in Leon, Guanajuato,” Dubeski explains.

When COVID-19 hit worldwide in 2020, Dubeski had to find an alternative way to keep up his momentum. Interestingly, from the beginning of his running career, he meticulously logged every time and distance he had ever run. His record-keeping would work to his advantage because it was then that he learned about the virtual marathon movement. Despite COVID restrictions, he could run much as he always had, and it was during this time that he decided to set a goal for himself.

“I already knew that I had run 35,000 km and so I began to research what landmark I could run to. I realized that running to the sun would be impossible, but I saw that I only had 5,075 km left to go to completely run around the equator.”

A lofty goal, but running around the equator takes stamina and perseverance and is not for the faint-hearted. “I used to run six days a week, but now, at 69 years old, I only run two,” he said.

Despite this sheer toll on his body and the dedication and discipline it would take to accomplish such a feat, on July 1, 2024 — which was, appropriately, Canada Day, — Dubeski completed what he set out to do four years ago and ran around the equator. To the cheers of family, friends, and supporters at Deborah’s restaurant in Ixtapa, Dubeski crossed the finish line.

When asked how it felt to run around the middle of the world, albeit virtually, he said, “It feels wonderful to complete what I set out to do.” So what’s next?

“Well I figure that I have only 10,190 kms left to run to the moon,” Nick says.  “All things considered, and if my health continues, I anticipate I’ll be 77 or 78 years old by that time. So that’s my next goal.”

Elisabeth Ashe is a Canadian who has lived and worked in Mexico for many years.

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At the same time, his health was suffering, and his weight stood at over 300 pounds. Goloni knew it was time to concentrate on his health issues and decided to move to Mexico. He chose the beautiful beach towns of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in the state of Guererro.

“The change in my life’s circumstances caused me to reevaluate everything about my life in Canada. Weighing all the pros and cons was a no-brainer for me. I felt there was a much richer life and more beautiful people in Mexico. I love everything about Mexico. I feel free here,” he says. 

With a background in research and a sincere desire to change, Goloni stumbled across a YouTube video extolling the benefits of adding avocado seeds to one’s diet. Although avocados are well known as a superfood for their fat content, Goloni’s interest was piqued when he learned that the fruit’s seed packs its biggest health punch. He decided to try it and started by going to several pozole restaurants in the area, gathering leftover pits, and grinding them into a powder. When he started taking the product, Goloni began experiencing benefits such as improved digestion, a boosted immune system and reduced inflammation.

“The changes were incredible,” he says, “and I experienced remarkable health benefits: My back pain and numbness in my right leg disappeared. My energy levels soared, and my tiredness vanished. All my blood markers improved significantly, and I even avoided taking prescribed statins and metformin. My overall health improved naturally. My blood markers were better than ever during my last visit to the doctor in Canada. I’ve lost over 70 pounds since I got here.”

Goloni’s journey led him to a profound realization: “While avocados are recognized for their nutritional value, the seed is a hidden gem, packed with health benefits that are yet to be fully explored.”

Goloni knew that finding avocado seeds would not be an issue. Avocados are essential in Mexico’s culinary culture, a key ingredient in dishes like the iconic guacamole, often stuffed with seafood or served sliced as a flavorful accompaniment to a meal. Several cities in the state of Michoacán have declared themselves the ‘avocado capital of the world’.” Mexico is the world’s largest producer of avocados, with an annual production of 2.5 million metric tonnes, representing around 30% of world production. With Michoacán growers a few hours away from Zihuatanejo, the proximity of supply was also a bonus to Golloni’s plans.

Turning avocado seeds into powder is a process in itself. After cleaning the seeds, they must be dried in the sun at up to 45 F for four hours. Although his method is primitive now, Goloni plans on installing solar beds and using solar dehydrators in the future, which will be faster and more efficient. The third step is to peel the husk and split the seed before placing it in the sun or dehydrator for eight to 12 hours.

“The husk in itself is very nutritious,” Goloni says. Researchers at the University of California are testing it now as a cancer-fighting agent.”

The final step before shipping out through a logistics company he is currently in talks with is to pulverize the seeds, sift and clean them and package them.

“I am selling out at the local eco-tianguis market and a small cafe in another local market,” says Goloni, who does all the processing in his kitchen. “Building a facility in Michoacán to handle the expansion will create jobs, and it will take time to fix the bugs, but it is definitely in the plans. But this will take time. For now, I’m a one-man show.”

Elisabeth Ashe is a Canadian who has lived and worked in Mexico for many years.

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Established in 2008 by Pablo Mendizabal and Laurel Patrick to promote the conservation of and education about local native species, El Refugio de Potosí is a nonprofit 7-hectare ecological park located in a tropical dry forest in the town of Barra de Potosí, on the Guerrero coast.

When I met up with Patrick, she was with several of her volunteers near one of the educational pavilions, where she was discussing the scientific experiments they’d be presenting to a school group later that week. Her volunteers are university students studying biology, ecology and environmental education and working toward their practicums at the reserve. 

Charming garden paths meander in and out of an array of botanical displays here, which include an iguana habitat, macaw roosts, a wildlife pond and an 18-meter high observation tower from which you can watch native birds over the vast landscape.

Patrick and I began our tour with the newly built ConCeniencia education center, which houses the skull of an American crocodile and the encasement of eggs from local birds. Next to the display is a wall chart to help you match which egg belonged to which species.

Outside, we took a path past the wildlife pond to the hummingbird station to sit and watch as a constant stream of the birds nourished themselves at the numerous feeding stations. There’s even a hummingbird chair. 

It was a moment of zen; if not for the blisteringly hot day, I could have sat there forever. 

As we trailed down a pathway to education stations that served as teaching opportunities for guides giving tours, I asked Patrick whether local guides gave tours at El Refugio. 

“Only some people are allowed to bring their tours here,” she replied. “We are looking for tour companies that understand the park and are willing to educate visitors on what we are achieving here. We are not interested in tour guides who spend most of their time on their phones or tourists only here to picnic.”

“People think we are a zoo,” she added. “We are not … although we do have some animals and birds that we have rescued.” 

As we walked, I felt that Patrick was indeed the kind of guide she hoped to attract: she knew an amazing amount about every single insect, bird and creature in the area.

Although the goal of El Refugio de Potosí is always to return animals they rehabilitate to the wild, some inhabitants stay in the sanctuary forever because they can’t or don’t know how to feed themselves or survive independently. Two of these permanent residents included a Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine and a deer.  

A little farther along, we entered the Guacamaya Aviary, where El Refugio keeps the military macaws. It’s large enough for the birds to fly freely. Patrick told me that she hopes to train the birds to leave their enclosure during the day and return each evening for safety’s sake.

And finally she took me to the exhibit I was anxious to see, touted as one of the world’s largest assembled sperm whale skeleton. The story of how it came to be at the refuge is detailed in a thrilling narrative on their website. 

Even after the whale skeleton, there was still an endless array of flora and fauna to see — horned owls, iguanas and much more. Numerous signs along the paths explained everything I was seeing.

Given the heat of the day, I opted out of the 18-meter climb to the tower. I promised myself that next time I’m at El Refugio — and there definitely will be a next time — I’d be better prepared with a hat, sunscreen and an earlier start to the day.

• To find out more and to book a tour, contact El Refugio de Potosí by phone at 755-557-2840 or via email at el.refugio.potosi@outlook.com. They are located in the Playa Blanca neighborhood of Zihuatanejo on Lot 7.

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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According to the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), the world governing body of the sport, it has been the fastest-growing sport globally, with growth of 360% since 2019.

Founded by three friends — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum — in Washington state in 1965, its name came from crew races and the thrown-together leftover nonstarters found in the “pickle boat.”

But what exactly is pickleball, and how is it played?  The Pickleball USA association defines it as a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It’s played on a badminton-sized or slightly modified basketball or racquetball court, using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It can be played as singles or doubles and is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Early countries in the IFP included the U.S., Canada, Spain and India, which came on board in 2012. Since then, it has expanded its footprint to over 70 countries. The IFP’s goal is to reach 75 member countries, the requirement for pickleball to be recognized as an Olympic sport.

Although pickleball is played in Mexico by Mexicans, it has become an especially visible  phenomenon here among expats. Ask about playing pickleball on online forums in expat enclaves and you’ll be sure to find someone who can guide you to people playing it.

Why is it so popular with this demographic?

Jeffery Blake, an ambassador for the IFP, moved to Playa del Carmen from Las Vegas a few years ago and was introduced to the game by friends. What started as a small group of five players has now evolved to over 890 members playing in the state-of-the-art Poliforum Sports Complex, with five courts and seven nets operating seven days a week.

“From what I’ve seen, pickleball is popular because it is an exercise component for people 50-plus who are looking for an activity other than just lying on the beach all day during their vacation,” he says.

“It’s a sport that’s easier to play than other racquet sports. Plus, the community of players brings people together because it is very much a social sport. People are talking and laughing between games and socializing and making friends. You can be as competitive as you like or just come out and hit a few balls around,” he added.

Thomas Dunker, who moved to Mexico from California three years ago after being displaced by wildfires, picked up his first pickleball paddle while traveling through the Baja Peninsula. After that, Dunker played daily in Puerto Vallarta before settling in Mazatlán.

“In all three cities, I have joined clubs and groups and made many friends,” he said.

In addition, Dunker has noticed that the local Mexicans that are playing tend to be younger than people north of the border, which he appreciates since it allows him another opportunity to integrate better into his adopted country.

Paul and Sally Bland at Tres Palapas Baja Pickleball Resort in Los Barriles, Baja California Sur — known as the birthplace of pickleball in Mexico — have a long-established formula for success, and a big part of that is fostering community among players.

“It’s more than just building a few courts and calling yourself a facility,” says Sally. “Our goal has always been to build a community that offers tourism and economic growth for the Mexican people.”

The resort boasts 10 fully automated boutique courts that run seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, they host skills and drills exercises, as well as tournaments that offer international attendees big prize money.

“Here, there is a unique and rare opportunity for Mexico for tourism that does not depend on being on a beach,” she said.

Rafael Filippini — CEO and founder of GearBox, which makes the paddles, nets and balls used in the game — agrees that pickleball started in Mexico as an expats’ game, with people from the U.S and Canada bringing it to Mexican cities where they vacationed. Mexicans have embraced the sport too, he said, as have younger generations.

“Baby boomers are introducing the game to their children and grandchildren. And that is opening opportunities for young athletes to advance in other ways through sports scholarships,” Filippini said.

Pickleball even becomes a career for some expats, like Bill Brick of Ajijic, a U.S. citizen who has taught guests at four major resorts in Antigua, the U.S., Panama and Mexico.

“People can make a good living at pickleball,” Brick says, citing the career of 25-year-old athlete Ben Johns in the U.S., frequently cited as the most impressive pickleball player the sport has ever known.

But the best part of pickleball, Brick says, “is that everyone can play and  everyone can have a good time.”

In addition to its social aspects, another reason for the popularity of pickleball among Mexico expats is how accessible it is as a sport. Mike Brown, 53, formerly from the U.S., who now lives in Cabo San Lucas with his wife Rhonda, played his first pickleball game in Fort Lauderdale over five years ago. As a 20-year beach volleyball veteran, he says pickleball is physically less demanding.

Karen Bradley, a player from Chapala, Jalisco, was first introduced to the game while visiting friends in Arizona. After seven years of pickleball, she is officially rated as an advanced player.

Bradley says that the allure of pickleball is how much fun it is and how social a game it is, unlike, she says, the tennis culture she was a part of for nearly 50 years previously. But she also mentioned its accessibility to people of all fitness levels, unlike tennis.

“Pickleball is easier on the body, and people who are not fit can manage it,” she said.

“This game is very inclusive,” says Matt PaneGlasser, director of International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association certification in Mexico, as well as the owner of Cabo Pickleball Pros. “You can put a 10-year-old, a middle-aged player and a senior citizen all on the court together, and everyone will have a good time.”

After talking to so many people about it for this story, I decided to experience pickleball firsthand.

I contacted Emmanuel Sánchez of Pickleball México Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. He’s the manager of two of four pickleball courts facilities in the area.

“Pickleball came to Mexico almost 20 years ago,” said Sánchez, a former Mexican singles champion who started playing 11 years ago. “Before that, it was mostly expats. So I was the first Mexican player in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and in all of Mexico.”

In my lessons, I first needed to learn where and where not to stand and then how to count the scores — confusing at first. I then learned how to hold my racquet and serve, which also was more challenging than it should have been for me, a former racquetball player. But after about 20 tries, I could get the ball across fairly consistently.

Sánchez was an encouraging coach, and after all that, it seemed a fairly easy game, although, as Sánchez said, it’s harder to master. Proof of that is how, even with Sánchez as my partner, his daughter on the other side of the net beat us 11-6. Entirely my doing!

Despite the defeat, I must say I can easily see why the game is so addicting. It’s good exercise but not excessively taxing. And while waiting for my lesson to start, I noticed the social aspect that nearly everyone had told me about: lots of smiles and camaraderie. Affordability of the sport, of course, depends on where you play it, but there are some places in Mexico where you can play for 80 pesos for a few hours.

Would I play again? Absolutely!

The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

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