Kisses to Cabo

Cabo airport photo from Facebook

Living on the island of Cozumel, we all know what hurricanes are like. The devastation and fear, the worst part being after the storm passes normally. We were lucky with Wilma in one way, there was not a lot of loss of life. Property can be replace and it surely was. Now we need to send kisses to Cabo and the surrounding areas ... the Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and the surrounding towns. These photos are so reminiscent of what we went through here in 2005.

The flooding and downed power lines are always a major problem after a storm. Here the municipio turned off the power to the town before Hurricane Wilma arrived. It made for a lot of inconvenience after the storm as each street had to be turned back on manually. Took tons of CFE employees from all over the country and weeks to accomplish, but it really saves lives.

Our hearts go out to all the people in the Baja Sur area where this took place. We truly do understand and commiserate.

Stay safe, Cabo, and hope your recovery is speedy. I am sure there will be relief efforts set up soon, with websites for donations. When I see them, I will add the links here.

Viva Mexico: Independence Day 2014 Part 2

Palacio Municipal September 2014

Definitely a deja vu experience. I know I had the same subject in a blog post from two years ago. I am not quite sure what they do inside this thing. Coca Cola bottles are stacked up in a circle with a different bottle in the middle. Maybe somebody can explain it to me.

Explain this to me?

Of course there will be rides galore and food to carry around and eat on the run, not to mention all the drinks. Everybody is setting up now and there are limited activities. Things will really gear up tomorrow and then our big day on Tuesday. 

Viva Mexico! Enjoy everybody. This is always a great time of year.

Just love all these colors!!

Viva Mexico: Independence Day 2014 Part 1

Cozumel Palacio Municipal

It is that time of year, our Independence Day is once again here. What I love most about it is all the colors and the excitement in the air. I love that the name Cozumel peeks out from under the banner at the Palacio Municipal, quietly announcing yes it is Independence Day - but Cozumel style.

The bandstand is set up in anticipation, and the event is a lot bigger this year than the last two years. Booths are set up from all over the country in all their glorious colors, both for food and drinks.

Food booth

Drinks booth

There is also a reenactment of the War of Independence showing some Mexican soldiers and on the other side of the main doors to the Palacio, the Spaniards. Who can identify the guy on the horse on the Mexican side?

Mexicans fighting for Independence in front of the Palacio

Spaniards on the other side of the main doors

Quinceañera From a Car Window

Quinceañera photo on the Malecon

There is something amazing about entering the world of a group of young people celebrating a special event, especially here on the island of Cozumel. I took this photo from the window of our car a few nights ago, after our stroll on the Malecon with our Godchild. I have no idea this beautiful young woman's name, but look at her smile and the way her friend hugs her. Look at the proud look of the guy next to them. 

Who is this?

I would love to know their names and their story. It was a special moment I saw from the car and couldn't resist snapping a few photos with my phone. The young woman is beautiful, her dress stunning and I can just feel the hopes, anticipations and dreams. 

Cozumel beauty

I am so thrilled to live in a place where I can take a photo like this. Look at the beautiful sky, the view of the water, the smell of the salt air and the hopes and dreams of this Cozumel beauty. Congrats, young beauty, with the whole world ahead of you. (Don't you just love the dress?)

More information on this event can be found here on Wikipedia.

Playa del Carmen Street Art Part 2

Street art photos courtesy of India Lee

India Lee is a woman I know from Cozumel. She was living here when I arrived in 1999-2000. I think she had already lived in Cozumel a while. She and a friend moved to the Riviera Maya area to sell at one of the hotel resorts being built and we lost track of each other. I was happy to find her again on Facebook. Thanks again, India Lee, for the great photos of the new street art at Playa!

These were my favorites. Enjoy!

Playa del Carmen Street Art Part 1

Street Art Playa del Carmen courtesy of India Lee

Very rarely do I like to double post on both my Gargoyles & Graffiti blog and here on Design in Cozumel, but I think this is such an important phonomenon I wanted to report on both. In the process of cleaning up Playa del Carmen, in anticipation of all the new shops, plazas, hotels, and condos ... the city decided to embrace street art. Instead of trying to cover it up, they are having young people all over the city making fabulous graffiti or street art. I love it. Graffiti is a popular form of expression since Roman times, even before. Look at cave paintings.

more street art at Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Notice that the pieces are signed and adorn many of the blah or ugly concrete block walls around town. Bravo to Playa del Carmen to come up with such a colorful and fun solution.

Courtesy of India Lee

India Lee, thanks for posting on Facebook!

The Cozumel Art of Sarah Williams Pritchett

Sarah Willams Pritchett is a wonderful artist that lives in Cozumel. She also happens to be my neighbor. We always say hi when we meet on the street or at a birthday party. We don't really know each other very well. But I am astounded and delighted at the art she has produced over the last few years. Hers is a rare and wonderful talent.

These are prints we have in our store for sale. They are quite wonderful. Hope you can stop by and see them. If you would like to know about purchasing one of her originals, let us know. We can put you in touch with her, or you can contact Sarah directly at cozumelwatercolors@gmail.com