Saturday 22/03/2025: You may remember that in my last log I mentioned the death of a neighbour and the very quick burial that occurred and to follow on that log I post a notice I came across in a Mexican tourist information brochure on burial custom.
Tuesday 25/03/2025: The Spanish language is rich with idioms that express cultural values and beliefs. Mexicans often use the following expressions. One such idiom is más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo, which translates to "the devil knows more because he's old than because he's the devil". This idiom is often used to convey the idea that experience and wisdom gained through age are more valuable than innate talent or intelligence. For those who wish to know a little about the vernacular used by Mexicans here are some phrases in common use. "Tengo mal del Puerco" (pig) or "Mal de puerco" is the almost comatose feeling that you get after eating a meal. "Dándo el avión," To give the plane!! Basically, this means nodding and smiling while someone's talking. To ignore the speaker! If you're "dándo el avión," then you're not really listening; rather, you're biding your time before you can leave the conversation. Ser pan comido: "eaten", to be a piece of cake. Estar como una cabra: "like a goat", to be a little crazy. Saturday 29/03/2025: This next snippet will probably affect me directly. The first international flights to Puerto Escondido will commence this week. Direct flights from the United States to the laid-back beach town of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, are now available as the sunny surf destination seeks to open up to new tourism markets. The weekly flight, which launched on April 5, is serviced by United Airlines' partner Mesa Airlines and departs from Houston, Texas, every Saturday. "This direct service benefits Houston in many ways," head of aviation for Houston Airports Jim Szczesniak said. "It will boost our hospitality and tourism industries while creating new partnerships and economic exchanges between our city and Mexico." Operating on board an Embraer 175 with a capacity between 70 and 76 seats, the flight departs George Bush International Airport (IAH) at 9:51 a.m. and lands at Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) at 11:35 am. The outbound flight departs Oaxaca at 12:35 p.m. and lands in Texas at 4:17 p.m. Oaxaca Tourism Minister Saymi Adriana Pineda Velasco said that this first international flight is a milestone that marks the beginning of a new era for Puerto Escondido. The flight, she said, results from a major renovation of the airport, which recently received a historic investment of 200 million dollars. This investment includes upgrades to runways, taxiways, commercial aviation platforms, general aviation platforms and access to roads. Maybe I will use this route in future when bound for the UK.
Sunday 03/04/2025: Current and evolving technology affects us all and specifically in the field of electronics. Martin Cooper, born December 26, 1928, was an American engineer and a pioneer in the wireless communications industry, especially in radio spectrum management. On April 3, 1973, Cooper placed the first public call from a handheld portable cell phone while working at Motorola, from a Manhattan sidewalk to his counterpart at Bell Laboratories. He is considered the "father of the handheld cell phone". In the early 1970s, Cooper headed Motorola's communications systems division. Here he conceived of the first portable cellular phone in 1973. Car phones had been in limited use in the U.S. since the 1930s but Cooper championed cellular telephony for more general personal, portable communications. He believed the cellular phone should be a personal telephone – something that would represent an individual so you could assign a call number to a person. The management at Motorola supported Cooper's mobile phone concept, investing $100 million between 1973 and 1993 before any revenues were realized. Cooper managed a team that designed and assembled the product in less than 90 days. That original handset, called the DynaTAC 8000x (DYNamic Adaptive Total Area Coverage) weighed 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), measured 10 inches (25 cm) long and was dubbed "the brick" or "the shoe" phone. A very substantial part of the DynaTAC was the battery, which weighed four to five times more than a modern cell phone. The phone had only 30 minutes of talk time before requiring a 10-hour recharge but according to Cooper, "The battery lifetime wasn't really a problem because you couldn't hold that phone up for that long!" By 1983 and after four versions, the handset was reduced to half its original weight. How heavy is your phone? How long does the battery last and what is the charge time?
Wednesday 09/04/2025: News flash. During the night the neighbour next to us had a water burst. She was not there. I loaded up some bricks into a stair shape and got over her wall and turned it off. I didn't say anything but must have been spotted because she came and said thanks and brought me some apples. Apples are an imported luxury, so a nice gesture.
But on the downside. The house has been burgled again with me in the bedroom. I had just been paid for the bike I serviced-2000 pesos. I had to get new rear bearings, and a chain fitted on my bike so took it to a workshop and walked home. Went for a snooze and when I woke up to call that my bike was ready, I went in the lounge and noticed my two twenty litre water containers were gone. I thought I may have left them by the cistern so went outside and saw the window in the second bedroom had been prised open. They took my wallet with the 2000 and my Mexican residency card, my broken phone, my TV remote and my Sendra motorcycle boots and my battery charger. They hit my dog over the head with something and she is not good so going to vet. They can't go into the lounge without seeing me through the mozzie screen. So scary! Also am missing Cathy. You can't be with someone for 25 years and not feel loss, no matter what. Not too good at the moment. Sorry to moan. Post a repeat pic of my feeling. Having a bad day.
Tuesday 15/04/2025: To end this log, I include a critic of my book which somewhat revived me and relieved my doldrums. I would not normally include such a personal item but very pleased to receive which I feel is an accurate assessment and how I hoped readers would respond to my writing.
“Hello Friends,
There's a new addition to the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library: The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat by Spencer James Conway. This is the second book from Conway in the collection, and remarkably, while it's every bit as good as the first, it's also completely different. Unlike the traditional travel journals I usually devour, this one is a fast-paced collection of strange, hilarious, and jaw-dropping stories from Conway and his partner Cathy's ride around South America on their Yamaha XTZ 660. If you're a fan of Adventure Rider Radio and the Deep Trouble series, this book is right up your alley.
Here are the five things I loved most:
1. Pace. This book moves at a breakneck speed—much like Conway himself. If you've heard his interviews, you'll know what I mean. This isn't a methodical travel log—it's 23 wild, standalone stories packed into one book. No filler, all killer. It opens with a harrowing tale set in the infamous Barrio of No Return and just keeps ramping up. Flip to the Table of Contents and you'll see titles like The Naked Peruvian Customs Officer, Tarantulas, Cane Toads and Hell Town, and Pablo Putin: The Cartel Cocaine Dealer. That alone gives you a taste of the adrenaline inside.
2. Theme. Conway's writing is a masterclass in non-judgmental observation. He meets people from all walks of life, some of them truly bizarre, but he never mocks or condemns. He simply tries to understand. In a time when outrage is the default setting, Conway's human-first philosophy is refreshing. His personal motto says it best: "Do not judge, and always help others wherever possible. Our differences are our strengths, not weaknesses. Try to be the best version of yourself and focus on achieving your own personal goals—not the ones other people want for you." If more of us lived this way, the world would be better for it. I'm going to try. I hope you will too.
3. Writing Style. Conway's style isn't just fast—it's raw and immediate. It feels like he sat by a campfire and spilled these stories in a blur of excitement and memory. It's chaotic in the best way, with vivid detours and tangents that bring the whole journey to life. Yes, it's a bit scrambled at times, but it's also real, alive, and deeply personal. I found it refreshing and fun—and I think you might too.
4. Courage. Yes, I know—what's a Coward doing talking about courage? I've heard it all before. But Spencer and Cathy are two of the bravest people I've never met. After reading this, though, they'll feel like friends. Friends who make wildly questionable decisions about where to ride, sleep, and drink—and thank goodness for that, because it makes for a much better book. One chapter catalogues Spencer's injuries and illnesses—and trust me, any one of them would have sent most of us packing. Not him. He seems to thrive on adversity. Perhaps I really am a Coward.
5. Conway. Spencer James Conway is the story. He's larger than life—equal parts wild man, adventurer, and philosopher. Honestly, he belongs in a graphic novel. (Sorry, comic book sounds too childish for a character like this.) But he's not a superhero—he loses too many battles for that. And he's not a tragic hero either; he has no fatal flaw, no looming downfall. He's just a real-life hero. He's been shot at by terrorists, fought off bandits, and still finds time to express love for his mom and stand up for the downtrodden. Yes, I'm fanboying a little—but read the book, and I think you will be too.
In Summary: This is a high-octane, heartfelt book full of wild tales and deeper lessons. It's written in a bold, raw style by a man with courage and conviction. I wholeheartedly recommend it—and while you're at it, grab The Japanese-Speaking Curtain Maker too. Get to know Spencer James Conway. You'll be better for it.”
That's all for now. Be back soon. Love and scrambled eggs from Mexico. Spencer.
WHAT'S NEW? MAINLY IN MEXICO
Friday 07/03/2025: Egg Smuggling. What? Yes! This is a major news item in the USA directly connected to Mexico. Egg smugglers are scrambling to cash in on poached eggs across the border. The border between Mexico and the US has a long history of bootleggers, drug traffickers and gun runners. Now egg smugglers can be added to that list. Desperate Americans are cleaning out supermarkets, buying their own hens and crossing the border to stock up on super-size eggs! Price of eggs has gone up by 150 %, and recently a heist of 100,000 eggs were seized from a truck valued at $40,000. Trump blames American chickens for not producing sufficient for the home market. < click to watch the Morning America report on youtube >
Sunday 09/03/2025: Africa is the usual home of a long necked long-legged animal with distinctive skin markings but now they can be found in Mexico. They have been seen recently in the northern region of this country. Giraffes! They have been spotted roaming freely in Mexico's northern state of Coahuila, leaving authorities and residents bemused and amazed. The latest sighting occurred in the municipality of Hidalgo. As yet no one has made a video of them, but they have been caught on camera. A post of giraffes romping through a semi-desert area in the municipality of Sabinas has generated thousands of online views. Three other giraffes have also been seen near Coahuila's border with Nuevo León. The sightings have raised questions about the regulation of exotic fauna in the region. Authorities are checking records to determine if anyone has legal permits to keep the giraffes or if they are part of an illegal trafficking operation. Rangers have been deployed to assess the health of the animals and to decide on further actions. Let's hope they don't become a target for animal smugglers.
Monday 10/03/2025: Now this is some info on a place where I live. A hidden gem no longer, Puerto Escondido has been selected as the 14th World Surfing Reserve, a prestigious title that acknowledges the area's world-class waves and ecological significance. Situated in the southern part of Oaxaca state, Puerto Escondido has a coastline that features eight unique waves and some of the best beach breaks in the world, including Playa Zicatela and Punta Colorada. The break at Zicatela, often referred to as the "Mexican Pipeline," includes powerful and consistent waves that are regarded as a treasure in the surfing world. The 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) stretch designated for the honour was selected by the Save The Waves Coalition, a 24-year-old international nonprofit organisation dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the globe. The new status is expected to be officially bestowed in early 2026. Beyond Puerto Escondido's much-loved waves, the coastal ecosystems of Zicatela and Colorada have critically important terrestrial and marine biodiversity that they host. For example, each serves as a nesting habitat for three sea turtle species: olive ridley, black and the critically endangered leatherback. Nearby mangrove forests at Punta Colorada and Laguna de Chacahua National Park provide habitats for iguanas, crocodiles and other wildlife, playing a crucial role in water filtration, flood prevention and carbon storage. As you know I adopted a leatherback turtle which I swam with daily a while back. And the mango swamps became a news item when one of a pair of sisters from England was attacked by a crocodile. Only saved by her twin. Very lucky escape.
Sunday 14/03/2025: On to a beneficial ruling to improve health. Coca-Cola stopped selling several of its products in elementary schools across Mexico as of Thursday, the Mexican Coca-Cola Industry (IMCC) announced in a statement last week. The national strategy aims to ban the sale of ultra-processed and high-calorie food and drink in public and private schools, instead offering healthy alternatives with training being provided to school officials on the menus. It will also promote access to drinking water, raise awareness among parents and pressure the food industry to develop more nutritious products. According to the National Health Survey, around 98% of Mexico's schools sell junk food, while 95% sell sugary drinks. The DOF published the following standards for food and drink in schools: Foods must be of natural origin or minimally processed. Seasonal fruits and vegetables must be offered for foods of animal origin, only poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is allowed and must be prepared without fat and skin These foods should be cooked using minimal sugar and oil Access to drinking water must be guaranteed, free of charge. Caffeinated drinks are prohibited. In October, Education Minister Mario Delgado told reporters at a press conference "We are one of the countries with the world's highest levels of childhood obesity and we can't continue like this anymore." The new rules on unhealthy food and drink will come into effect on March 29. Schools that do not comply with the ban could be fined between 545 and 5,450 pesos (US $27 and $273). The sale of drinks without warning labels will also be prohibited in stores and by street vendors in areas surrounding schools. A government-sponsored health campaign commenced in schools across the country on March 12. The scheme will provide health checks for 35,000 students from 2,094 elementary schools, including measuring students' height and weight, eye and oral health checks, and the creation of digital records. Seems good to me.
Sunday 16/03/2025: Not specially related to Mexico but more of a world-wide interest. The English 1872 FA Cup final was a football match between Wanderers and Royal Engineers on 16 March 1872 at Kennington Oval in London. It was the final of the first staging of the Football Association Challenge Cup (known in the modern era as the FA Cup), which became the primary cup competition in English football and the oldest football competition in the world. Fifteen teams entered the competition in its first season and, due to the rules in place at the time, Wanderers reached the final having won only one match in the four preceding rounds. In the semi-finals, they drew with the Scottish club Queen's Park, but reached the final when the Scots withdrew from the competition as they could not afford to return to London for a replay. The final was decided by a single goal, scored after fifteen minutes by Morton Betts of Wanderers, who was playing under the pseudonym "A.H. Chequer". The Engineers were praised for their innovative use of passing, then referred to as the "Combination Game", at a time when most teams relied almost solely on dribbling tactics. Despite this they could not manage to score a goal. The winning Wanderers team did not receive the trophy until the following month, when it was presented to them at a special reception at the Pall Mall Restaurant. Football is now a global game and much changed since the days when footballers had to pay for everything themselves. Some had to rely upon donations to but their kit.
Wednesday 19/03/2024: I was recently called to my neighbour Arturo's house to move his 31-year-old brother, Marco into the shade after he had collapsed. It was 32 degrees, and he was lying on a squalid mattress next to the wall of their hut. We pulled the whole mattress with him on it, under a corrugated iron awning. He was bleeding from the mouth and had clear liquid pouring out of his nose. It was awful and it looked like he had suffered a stroke. Arturo and I ran up the steep dirt road to my house, where there was cell reception to phone for help. We then ran into my place, grabbed some iced water and my fan and headed back to wait for the ambulance. As we turned the corner his wife was hobbling up the road, crying 'He died, he died'. And indeed he had. I tried everything including clearing his airways and giving him CPR but no result. The ambulance did not arrive! The family dealt with everything.
This occurred at 10am and by six we were gathered at the wake, a coffin and flowers and priest and congregation organised. There then followed a three-hour speech about God, by a priest who looked like Roger Daltry. He was only interrupted by my dog and a Bush hound which decided to make friends under the coffin rack. There were eventually about eight dogs all howling on a nearby hill and none of us could hear the priest who continued nevertheless, highly enthusiastically. His midget, suited, side kick, interjected with a few thousand 'Praise Gods'. After another sixteen hours, I exaggerate slightly there, the congregation just gave up and dispersed. The women started cooking tortillas on an open fire near the coffin. The men cracked beers and jokes, and the priest continued, only pausing briefly to rearrange the flower display. It was an excellent wake. The next day was the funeral and then every evening for 7 evenings we went to the hut at 7 pm to drink coffee and offer more praise to the Lord. When it is said Mexicans 'celebrate death as a normal part of the cycle of life', I thought, that doesn't make sense. But I kind of get it now. That's why 'Day of the Dead' features so prominently in Mexico.
Not a pleasant note to end this log but another experience in my life that I will not forget. I leave you with an image with respect to Marco. Love to all. Spencer.
INTO THE VOID
Thursday 20/02/2025: Into the void as Cathy has left Mexico to join her folks in Ireland as she needs more medical treatment. She will be able to get this without the continued expenses here so will be separated for the first time in three years. I am remaining in Mexico as I have commitments and also have some animals to care for. If all works out will rejoin later in the year. We will make a plan as and when. At present Cathy is in hospital in Dublin for further care and treatment.
Monday 24/02/2025: Just a little about Dr. Simi, Mexico's most famous stuffed toy. He has a bushy grey moustache, big smile, and a white doctor's coat. Anyone who has lived in Mexico for a while will have seen a Dr. Simi mascot dancing outside a branch of Farmacias Similares. But Dr. Simi's popularity is not limited to Mexico. He's also seen in other countries. Dr. Simi is the mascot of Farmacías Similares, the world's second-largest pharmacy chain. It has over 9,000 locations in Mexico and several hundred in Colombia and Chile. The mascot is inspired by Joaquín Pardavé, an actor from the golden age of Mexican cinema. Dolls of Dr. Simi, which are manufactured at a facility that largely employs people with disabilities, are sold throughout the country. A point worth noting is that critics generally claim that generic medicines sold by Farmacias Similares cannot be considered as equivalents to those with recognized brand names. Similarly, Farmacias Similares' slogan "Lo Mismo, Pero Más Barato", "The Same, but Cheaper, has faced criticism and even lawsuits from pharmaceutical companies, but to date none of these lawsuits have come to trial. Your choice whether to use the meds! Wednesday 26/02/2025: The election of Donald Trump is of some concern in Mexico as he is entering into trade wars around the world. Mexico is threatened. The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has recently been flying drones over Mexico to spy on drug cartels and hunt for fentanyl labs. The CIA has covertly flown MQ-9 Reaper drones to spy on cartels since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. The drones used for the missions are not currently armed, but they can be equipped with payloads to carry out precision strikes. The U.S. regularly uses them to target suspected terrorists in Syria, Iraq and Somalia. They are adept at identifying clandestine drug labs. Fentanyl labs emit chemicals that make them easy to find from the air. The United States could employ different operational strategies in Mexican territory to locate and neutralize drug cartel leaders, using similar methods to those employed in other parts of the world such as the Middle East, Afghanistan, Central America and South America. At present no such action is envisaged as Mexico is a sovereign state and would not allow foreign troops to 'invade'. It is possible that the drone activity could help reduce the manufacture and distribution of drugs into America which would be a positive outcome. We shall see.
Thursday 27/02/2025: Now to a topic that may or maybe not of interest. This is National Pokémon Day. On February 27, 1996, the world was introduced to the fictional creatures of Pokémon! And due to Pokémon's monumental success worldwide, it has a special day. Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise consisting of video games, animated series and films, a trading card game, and other related media. The 'game' is played in a shared universe in which humans co-exist with creatures known as Pokémon, a large variety of species endowed with special powers. The franchise originated as a pair of role-playing games developed by Game Freak, from an original concept by its founder, Satoshi Tajiri. Pokémon was followed by a manga series, a trading card game, an anime series and films. From 1998 to 2000, Pokémon was exported to the rest of the world, creating an unprecedented global phenomenon dubbed "Pokémania". However by 2002, the craze had waned, after which Pokémon became a fixture in popular culture, with new products being released to this day. In the summer of 2016, the franchise spawned a second craze with the release of Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game developed by Niantic. Pokémon has since been estimated to be the world's highest-grossing media franchise and one of the best-selling video game franchises. Never interested myself as I prefer to be outside to sitting in front of a screen!
Saturday 01/03/2025: Onto a more active form of 'enjoyment'. In 1955, Emma Gatewood left her home in Ohio, telling her family she was going out for a walk. That "walk" turned into a 2,000-mile journey across mountains, rivers, and rugged wilderness. At 67 years old, she became the first woman to solo hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. With no fancy gear, no sponsors, and no backup, she carried only a homemade denim sack, a shower curtain for shelter, and a pair of simple sneakers on her feet. Why did she do it? To prove that she could. Emma had lived through years of hardship, raising 11 children, surviving an abusive marriage, and enduring the struggles of the Great Depression. She read about the Appalachian Trail in National Geographic and decided she could walk it—just like that. With grit, kindness from strangers, and a deep love for nature, she completed the trail, inspiring generations of hikers. She would hike it again in 1960 and complete it a third time in sections by 1963, becoming the first person to hike it three times. Her courage and determination changed hiking forever, sparking interest in lightweight backpacking and bringing national attention to the Appalachian Trail. Today, her legacy lives on. Hikers still walk the same paths she did, following in the footsteps of Grandma Gatewood—the woman who just went out for a walk... and never looked back. Incidentally Bill Bryson attempted the 'walk' which he recounts in his book 'A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail' in 1998. For much of his journey, Bryson was accompanied by his friend Matt Angerer. After hiking for what seemed to them a large distance, they realized they had barely begun and that the whole endeavour was simply too much for them. They skip a huge section of the trail with desire to seek easier terrain as well as "a powerful urge not to be this far south any longer". They hiked nearly 800 miles,1,300 km, and were much relieved to stop, still alive. Not up to Grandma Gatewood standard. Read the book. It is very funny and makes one realise how difficult the challenge is.
Wednesday 05/03/2025: As many of you will know, I am not the five star restaurant type, more the side of the roadside burnt chicken and burnt onions eater. However, the last few days have been a culinary revelation for me. I went to the city of Oaxaca which is known for its food, I mentioned this incidentally, and I was not disappointed. I rode my Tenere from Puerto Escondido on the south coast to Oaxaca City situated at a height of 1880 metres. My route was over 160 miles. It was a magical ride. My mission? To test ride the new BMW 1300, 2025. It is a beast of a machine and seriously ugly. Looks like a washing machine on wheels. I was testing it for the owner of seven Hotels, the super interesting Fabrizio who escorted me in his limo. He speaks five languages, plays guitar like a hero, donates to many charities, runs hotels and can bench press two of me. (Almost). He also collects figurines and has a comprehensive display in his bedroom. I have been teaching him how to ride from total beginner and now he is buying a motorcycle. I feel proud. Back to the food. Here is a pic of my starter and have more photos to follow. We also went to a Sushi restaurant where you must book weeks in advance as it only seats six. It was like watching a piece of art being produced. He explained the spices, the ingredients, the fish, the tradition, the 3000-dollar Sushi knives- The highest quality yanagiba knives can cost $500 to $1,000, the "world's most expensive sushi knife" is made by Yoshihiro Cutlery and features a Hamon — a visible effect created on the blade by the hardening process — in the shape of Mount Fuji under a full moon. It is "forged of the highest quality white steel according to the traditional methods used in ancient Japanese sword making" according to the company, will set you back $6,000. Loved it. Did I mention that Fabrizio is two metres tall and 180 kilos. Difficult for us two not to be noticed. PS. If you want to eat in a top Oaxacan restaurant, you need a salary on a par with Elon Musk. By the way the motorcycle with all luggage, accessories, helmet and bike suit and boots $40 000 minimum, about the same as the bill at the Sushi restaurant! Respect to all of you who have been following the log for 16 years! I haven't posted many pics on my log for a while so, here you go... < photo archive > enjoy! Spencer.
REMAINING IN MEXICO
Tuesday 11/02/2025: To open this log yet another on one of the many carnivals that are held in Mexico. The Tenosique Carnival centers on the dance of El Pochó, which symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil. It involves several characters, floats, dances, live performances and rituals rooted in Maya traditions dating back to pre-Columbian times. Cojóes are men born from corn pulp. According to legend, they offended the god Pochó, who turned them into wooden figures. Their costumes feature a skirt made of chestnut leaves, boots made from dried banana leaves and a henequen sack covering the torso. They also wear a wooden mask, a hat covered in foliage and flowers and a white cloak and carry a rain stick called a shiquish. They are the central characters of the carnival. Pochoveras, are the flower maidens and priestesses of the god Pochó. Jaguars also feature who were sent to maintain equilibrium on earth in an alliance between the groups to defeat Pochó, who symbolizes death. It begins with the Pochovera priestesses, who keep watch over the Cojóes on behalf of the god. The Wooden Men challenge Pochó's power and in conflict the Cojóes become allies in the fight to overcome Pochó. The Cojóes burn Pochó in effigy, symbolizing the final triumph of good over evil. Click the link to see the carnival, a little long but worth a look.
Friday 14/02/2025: have been conducting some research recently into my ancestors purely to learn of my heritage. Do I have any interesting ancestors? No! However I discovered that I have Irish and English roots. One great-grandfather was from Irish stock born in 1884 William O'Neil Conway. He had the distinction of being a giant of a man!! 5ft 2in and 54 kls. He served in the British Army in WW1 and was awarded two bravery medals aged 22. After the Army he was employed as a servant. My other was from the Eastend of London, a proper Cockney, Harry George Neeve, DOB 1893, maybe. He was a railway worker. Both had little education, and both married, on the Irish side five children, one being my father's father, Walter O'Neil Conway. He left school at 14 and worked for the Brooke Bond Tea Company for the whole of his life. On the other, two girls. One being my father's wife, Doris Love Neeve who had polio and spent a good part of her childhood in hospital. She worked as a milliner and shirt maker in the Eastend until she married Walter. One can say that both ancestral families were very poor but survived the hard times. I provide a photo of the type of houses in London at the time and one of a shirt factory where Doris worked. Incidentally Michael O'Neil Conway, not my father, but with the same name, was murdered. « CLICK HERE FOR A PEAK » at the world's strangest carnival: Tenosique and the dance of the Pochó.
Saturday 15/02/2025: A little info on some fellow who died on this day some time ago. Maybe you have some knowledge of him. Socrates. Not the footballer. Socrates, the influential philosopher, active in ancient Athens in the 5th Century B.C. He is famous for his 'Socratic method' a dialectic way of inquiry whereby a series of questions is asked to establish a person's beliefs or knowledge. Socrates is also remembered for the manner of his death. In 399 B.C. he was convicted in Athens of corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens. His pupils and associates Plato and Xenophon recorded his end in a series of written dialogues. Sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning, Socrates refused to accept the offer to escape and choosing to respect the wishes of the state willingly drank hemlock. Controversial in his own time, Socrates had a profound effect on philosophy in the ancient world and beyond and is regarded to today as the Father of Western Philosophy. Socrates is known for proclaiming his total ignorance; he used to say that the only thing he was aware of was his ignorance, seeking to imply that the realization of one's ignorance is the first step in philosophizing. Trump take note.
Tuesday 18/02/2025: Just for a change and to cause a smile, perhaps, for different reasons I leave you with two contrasting images! One of my padre in his winter clothing and the other in summer outfit. Not my father. Which is the more attractive? Not a difficult choice for a certain gender. Let me know.
MORE FROM MEXICO
Saturday 25/01/2025: Most of this log is plagiarised from other sources and is mostly referenced to two famous authors who are in the news so apologies for unoriginality.
To open I include information on Jane Austen since it is 250 years since the birth of one of England's most beloved authors. Her novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, are renowned for their wit, social observation and insights into the lives of early 19th Century women. Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in the village of Steventon in Hampshire. She was one of eight children, having six brothers and one sister. Jane loved reading and writing from a young age, and often put on plays for the family with her older sister Cassandra. Jane completed six novels, two of which were published after her death. Her novels were published anonymously saying they were penned by 'A Lady'. After Jane's death aged 41, her sister Cassandra and brother Henry published two more of her books together - Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. In her novels she made fun at how people expected women to behave at the time. Her books are usually focused on one or two heroines who use their wit and intelligence to overcome challenges thrown their way. It was quite rare for women to be published authors, as women did not have many rights. One of the only ways a woman could secure her future at the time was by marrying someone who was wealthy or powerful. Women could not vote until 1918, or even have control over their own money until 1870. Jane herself never married - but she was very close to her family, including her sister, her brothers and her many nieces and nephews. Her sister Cassandra burnt all her extensive correspondence after she died. Why is not known. Her novels have often been made into films and TV programmes and currently the BBC is screening a series on her sister Cassandra. No doubt will not be the last.
Monday 27/01/2025: Now more downmarket! I continue to make a living !!! with several jobs. A struggle, but happy to be in Mexico despite the political situation as I'm in a generally relaxed area in Escondido. Would rather be back on my bike and continuing circumnavigations of the continents but distinctly on the back burner now. Pity. Most important at present is to get Cathy back to the UK as she is still suffering from the debilitating effects of meningitis. Have booked a flight for her at the end of February to join her family in Ireland and continue treatment. I remain here and carry on training bike riding, maintenance, teaching English and Spanish. Weird combination but pleased to do so. Here with a photo of one of my bike trainees and an Ad for my 'business.'
Saturday 01/02/2024: On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, while criticizing the Mexican government's alleged ties to drug cartels. He also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, allowing the U.S. Department of Defence to deploy armed forces to the region. Ioan Grillo, a Mexico-based journalist who focuses on crime and drugs, lauded the notion of hitting cartels hard in a social media post, but expressed wariness about the absolutist language.
Mexico began deploying the 10,000 troops it promised to send to its border with the United States on Wednesday, its two largest deployment sites reported to be near Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana. National Guardsmen and soldiers have been reported arriving near Ciudad Juárez, across the border from El Paso, Texas. Roughly 1,600 troops are expected to patrol that area, according to The Associated Press news agency. "Total elimination of cartels sounds like an impossible task," he wrote, explaining that "campaigns to totally eliminate drugs... or terrorism often fall short."
Friday 07/02/2025: Now follows another entry on a writer of no small repute. Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on this date in 1812, the English novelist, journalist, short story writer and social critic. He created some of literature's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school at age 12 to work in a boot-blacking factory when his father John was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. After three years, he returned to school before beginning his literary career as a journalist. Dickens edited a weekly journal for 20 years; wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and nonfiction articles; lectured and performed readings extensively in England and America, was a tireless letter writer; and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education and other social reforms. He died on 9 June 1870. How many of you can name any of his characters and at least one of his books?
Sunday 09/02/2025: There is a new craze in Mexico. Not for all. Could be dangerous if spectators get too close to check out the technique involved. Winner achieved a spectacular 48 metres, narrowly missing a passing cyclist!! Presented with a golden trophy. No prizes for guessing what it was.
Lastly, I also post a photo that I have used before simply because it makes me happy. Trust is not something that prevails today so another reason to leave you with. Love spencer.
STILL IN MEXICO
Wednesday 15/01/2025: As we are still in Mexico have to say that Trump has caused reaction to his migrant policy from politicians and the President. "We don't agree with Trump's deportation plan, but in case it happens, deportees will receive access to the Mexican government welfare programs, access to health services for them and their family, transport to their places of origin and telephone communication," she said. Returning Mexicans will have opportunities to work in government employment programs. Sheinbaum reiterated last week that Mexico was ready to receive large numbers of Mexicans if the Trump administration follows through on its mass deportation plan. The president has stated that the deportation of large numbers of Mexicans from the United States will have a significant and negative impact on the U.S. economy given that they work in a range of important sectors. There are estimated to be around 5 million undocumented Mexicans living in the United States. Hopefully down in Escondido such action by Trump will not have a significant effect. Thursday 16/01/2024: This is butterflying migrant season and not so threatening as the human one. As mentioned before monarch butterflies have depleted in numbers in the last few years so Mexican scientists are undertaking an ambitious project to transplant monarch butterfly habitats by planting new fir forests at higher altitudes on the Nevado de Toluca volcano, responding to climate change threats that could eliminate suitable habitats in the existing Monarch Reserve. Working with Indigenous communities, the team has planted nearly 1,000 trees at various altitudes over the past seven years, aiming to establish healthy forests by 2060 that can provide the specific temperature conditions monarchs need for hibernation. The urgency of this work is highlighted by recent reports showing monarch butterfly populations in traditional hibernation locations dropped nearly 60% during the winter of 2023-2024, though there are promising signs as monarchs have been spotted exploring new areas near the transplanted habitats. We have experienced forests of monarchs and pray that they survive for future generations.
Friday 17/01/2024: More on the controversial film mentioned in the previous log and now being nominated for many Oscars. By the time you read this the results will be known. French filmmaker Jacques Audiard defended and apologized for his film "Emilia Pérez" at its Mexican premiere addressing criticism surrounding its portrayal of drug trafficking and the nation's crisis of missing persons. "The drama of the missing is something that shocks me deeply," Audiard said. "It's a tragedy that's largely invisible outside of Mexico, and my goal was to generate dialogue, not offense. If you think I approached it too lightly, I apologize," he said, adding, "Cinema's purpose isn't to provide answers but to provoke questions. "Audiard maintained that "Emilia Pérez" reflects an "interpreted reality" of Mexico, likening its operatic style to storytelling that resonates emotionally rather than literally. Gascón, a Spanish trans actress who plays dual roles as Emilia Pérez and her former identity, a male cartel leader named Manitas del Monte, defended her connection to the story. "I feel more Mexican than a cactus," she said, highlighting the complexity of her character's transformation from a ruthless criminal to a remorseful figure. The controversy extends beyond the screen, with Gascón revealing she has received death threats on social media. Audiard, who avoids social media, expressed dismay at the personal attacks. No comment as I haven't seen the film.
Monday 20/01/2024: Recent comments by a famous author are relevant to current issues. A couple of days ago Margaret Atwood received the San Miguel Writers' Conference Award for Literary Excellence and said that to write 'The Handmaid's Tale', she realised that she knew she needed to fill in a gap in her knowledge of American history by studying Puritanism in the New England colonies. "So I studied that quite thoroughly, and I'm here to tell you that America did not begin as a democracy. It began as a theocracy - and if you have something like that in your background, it's quite likely to recur." She added that the current Christian nationalist movement in the United States is frighteningly influential. "There's a recurring tendency in human history," noted Atwood, "to believe in a Golden Age and that there's some way of returning to it. That goes all the way back to the Greeks, and it's the same with Make America Great Again. The inauguration of Trump will reveal in three months, what movie we're in - is it Game of Thrones? Macbeth with Mrs. Vance playing Lady Macbeth? Or Julius Caesar? Will Mr. Trump have an unfortunate fall down a flight of stairs? All of these are intensely possible. We're watching a pitched battle for power amongst the billionaire courtiers, too, with Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and others who hate each other. I think we're in the Machiavellian Renaissance". Attwood was asked about the American drugs problem and responded by stating, "It's a vicious spiral. The real solution I suppose is to remove the appetite for drugs, but you can't do that without making life more attractive for those who consume them. America right now is a deeply unhappy nation - and the more drugs, the more unhappy."
Thursday 23/01/2024: On a more local note, two Argentinian girls have added to the murals in Escondido all of which show artistic talent and beautify the town. This one is another that adds colour and joy to our surroundings. Lastly, Cathy still very poorly and waiting for her to be well enough to return to the UK for further treatment. Love and squeegee mops to all.
NEW YEAR 2025
Wednesday 01/01/2025: Have a good and beneficial 2025 everyone. Another year gone and where did it go? For Cathy and I in Mexico it ended in turmoil. Not a peaceful nor pleasant closure to the year as you know Cathy was a very sick person for several weeks and had a stressful time in hospital. She is now a lot better but nowhere near totally recovered and we are hoping that she will be well enough to travel home in February. Fingers crossed.
Thursday 02/01/2025: It is now the season for film awards and one such has caused some upset in Mexico. "Emilia Pérez" received 10 nominations, including for best musical/comedy film, best non-English film and best screenplay. French filmmaker Jacques Audiard was nominated for best director. The film depicts the journey of women in Mexico, each in search of their own happiness. Lola is friend to the lead character, the former cartel leader Emilia, after she transitions to a woman. Emilia hires a lawyer to help carry out her plan to fake her death and undergo gender-changing procedures. The film is a musical odyssey set primarily in a vibrant, pulsating Mexico City. Because the film mixes the musical genre with gender identity and forced disappearances in Mexico, it has been criticized by some for its lack of sensitivity in addressing such delicate issues. This is the gist of the film and many in Mexico are unhappy with the theme of the movie. One such is Maria Meléndez.
Sunday 16/03/2024: Some of you may not take kindly to eating insects but on my travels, I have had a variety thrust upon me in some awkward situations. Some forced, some by choice. In Africa during the rainy season thousands of flying ants take to the air, are caught, and fried for a meal. More extreme is the capture of tarantulas for a snack. Now scientific research has highlighted the fact that ants are both tasty and nutritious! In fact in Mexico it has been confirmed that the chicatana ant, native to this country, has a 'nutty roasty, woody flavour' and can be used to make a smoky salsa to serve with tortillas. It is popular in Oaxaca, my nearest large city, along with other more common ants that can be dried and crushed into a powder for flavouring. Some are used as a lemon juice substitute when mixed with water. But be careful to collect the right type of ant for your next batch as some are poisonous and the bullet ant has the worst sting in the world. Ant revenge!! Also as an added comment, the local Mexicans have named my bike Chicatana! Sounds like an angry ant.
The main characters of the movie "Emilia Pérez," presents drug traffickers as heroes. It is important to recognize that films and television shows have a powerful influence on how we perceive the world. I was so disappointed to see French director Jaques Audiard's musical comedy "Emilia Pérez" win best film in the comedy and musical category at the Golden Globes. The problem isn't that "Emilia Pérez" is a comedy. This isn't the first time a comedy about drug trafficking has been made. "El Infierno," is one of the most popular films in Mexico. The character of El Cochiloco, known for his outrageous lines, has become unforgettable to a generation. This issue isn't that I think only Mexicans can discuss Mexican issues. "La Civil," one of the most powerful films to address cases of forced disappearance was directed by Romanian filmmaker Teodora Mihai. "Emilia Pérez" celebrates narco culture, which has sparked controversy among the Mexican viewership. Personally, and I think many in Mexico feel the same way, it bothers me deeply when drug traffickers are presented as heroes, as happens in films. Turning the country's biggest security crisis into a musical where the protagonist is one of the perpetrators of that crisis shows a profound lack of respect. For me, that is "Emilia Pérez," and watching this trivialization was deeply painful. « CLICK TO WATCH THE TRAILER »
Monday 06/01/2025: Top Hats!! Why? Because in January 1797 John Hetherington, a haberdasher, appeared in court after he had stepped out onto the streets of London wearing the 'outrageous' headgear. It caused a sensation. So much so that a crowd formed, and Hetherington was eventually arrested and given a summons for disturbing the public peace. In court, found guilty of wearing a hat "calculated to frighten timid people", he was bound over to keep the peace in consideration of a sum of 50 pounds. The arresting officer told the court that nobody had seen anything like it before: "He had such a tall and shiny construction on his head that it must have terrified nervous people. The sight of this construction was so overstated that various women fainted, children began to cry, and dogs started to bark. One child broke his arm among all the jostling." The next day, The Times newspaper reported: "Hetherington's hat points to a significant advance in the transformation of dress. Sooner or later, everyone will accept this headwear. We believe that both the court and the police made a mistake here." The newspaper was right. The top hat, which went by several names including Toppers, Chimney Pots, and Stove Pipes, grew in popularity, finally achieving the ultimate stamp of respectability in 1850 when Prince Albert, no less, began to wear one, giving the headgear the royal seal of approval. There was no going back after that...
To finish this log another snippet of useless information to add to your knowledge but with a connection to Mexico.
Pelham Puppets were simple wooden marionette puppets made in England by Bob Pelham (1919–1980), starting in 1947. While mainly known for making marionettes, his company also manufactured glove puppets, rod puppets and ventriloquist puppets. The company ceased to trade in 1993 and some of its products became collectable. Why mention this? Well simply because one of the most popular Pelham puppets was the Mexican Mariachi/ Cowboy. If you have one of the original, with box, it will sell for over a couple of hundred UK pound..
Thursday 09/01/2025: And finally, finally had a surprise visit by Ashley Bond and his wife recently. Ashley has been associated with the film world as an actor and camera man for many years and has interesting tales to tell. He was involved in the latest 'Nosferatu' film and has a long list of top films in his portfolio. It was great to talk to him and his wife so thanks Ashley. Hope to meet up again sometime.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Saturday 30/11/2024: In the light of Cathy Nel's recent serious illness, from which she is slowly recovering, many thanks to whomever made donations to her medical bills and the many, many who sent get well messages, I turn to my personal issues, slight in comparison to Cathy's, which cause me problems that are mentioned in the books of my circumnavigations.
"I have never felt so happy and really 'at one with my machine', to use a clichéd term. I felt like I had found my true life. I had also found a way to 'not' have panic attacks, which in my eyes is more helpful than trying to find the reasons behind them. If I could make Adventure Motorcycling a career maybe panic attacks could become a thing of the past. For those of you who are keyboard doctors, panic attacks do not arise out of fear or dangerous situations and are also not predictable. I have faced a bandit attack in Kenya, a kidnapping in Panama and various other out of control situations. Did I have a panic attack? - no! When I was mowing my lawn in a quaint little village in Kent, UK did I have a panic attack? - yes! That is one small example of the unpredictability of such occurrences."
"On top of panic attacks, I am also the most accident prone and unluckiest person I have ever met, although I don't crash motorcycles. Most of my problems are when I am walking or in sports activities. Those of you who have read my books will know that anything that moves, attacks me. I have had malaria five times, dengue fever twice and have broken many bones. (More than 15) I have been bitten by snakes, spiders, dogs, bullet ants and the tax man. I am highly allergic to stinging fellows, so much so I can die within forty minutes as I swell up like Pavarotti and my throat closes. I carry an EpiPen with which I have injected myself in the South of France. The last 800 kilometres of my circumnavigation of Africa and back to Kent was spent with a fluorescent green and pink flip flop on my left foot too swollen to wear a boot! Cathy has also injected me in Mexico when a wasp stung my throat, and to her credit pretended not to enjoy it."
"So, I have panic attacks, am accident prone and lastly, I get lost in my own kitchen. Perfect recipe for an Adventure Motorcyclist. Instead of using these things as an excuse not to do things, I decided to embrace them, hence a Chapter in my South America book on my accidents and mishaps. If you can't laugh at them, laugh with them. I quite enjoy malaria now, but not wasp stings on my lip, or hidden barbed wire fences, or tarantulas in my shorts or...."
Wednesday 04/12/2024: This day is important to remember a wild cat! A cheetah protection society has since 2010, been dedicating December 04 as International Cheetah Day. Each year, this special day serves as a reminder of the incredible beauty and uniqueness of this big cat, as well as the urgent need for conservation efforts. With only 7,500 cheetahs remaining in the wild, this is the most endangered big cat species. The society states that, "This year, we wanted to make the celebration even more meaningful. We invited our volunteers, followers, and supporters to share how important cheetahs are to them. From stunning photos and heartfelt poems to inspiring drawings and stories, the response was overwhelming. It was a powerful reminder of how people worldwide are united in their admiration for this magnificent species and their commitment to spreading awareness about its plight". So here are some facts about cheetahs.
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat and the fastest land animal. It was first described in the late 18th century and there are four subspecies native to Africa and central Iran and was introduced to India in 2022. It is now distributed mainly in small, fragmented populations in northwestern, eastern and southern Africa and central Iran. It lives in a variety of habitats such as savannahs in the Serengeti, arid mountain ranges in the Sahara, and hilly desert terrain. The cheetah is threatened by habitat loss, conflict with humans, poaching and high susceptibility to diseases. The global cheetah population was estimated in 2021 at 6,517. It has been widely depicted in art, literature, advertising, and animation. The cheetah was tamed in ancient Egypt and trained for hunting in the Arabian Peninsula and India. The vernacular name "cheetah" is derived from Hindustani Urdu and Hindi. This in turn comes from Sanskrit (Chitra-ya) meaning 'variegated', 'adorned' or 'painted'. In was often called "hunting leopard" because they could be tamed and used for coursing. In my youth in Africa, I was privileged to see a lone cheetah in Serengeti game reserve. Let's hope they survive.
Thursday 12/12/2024: Mexican immigration authorities broke up two small migrant caravans headed for the U.S. border. However, on Monday a new caravan of roughly 2,000 migrants left the southern border city of Tapachula, intent on reaching the United States. Undocumented migrants have been detected in record numbers so far this year. Mexican authorities reported finding 925,085 migrants from January through August of this year, an increase of 132% over the 398,991 during the first eight months of 2023. The AP reported that immigration authorities and the Army had dismantled the two caravans — comprising approximately 4,000 migrants — by bussing them to cities across central and southern Mexico while also offering 20-day transit documents. This has a knock on effect in the surrounding area where we are. Not all good.
Tuesday 17/12/2024: On this day Ludwig van Beethoven was baptised in 1770. He was a German composer and pianist and one of the most revered figures in the history of Western music. His works rank among the most performed of the classical music repertoire and span the transition from the Classical period to the Romantic era. His early period, during which he forged his craft, lasted until 1802. From 1802 to around 1812, his middle period showed an individual development from the styles of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and is sometimes characterised as heroic. During this time, Beethoven began to grow increasingly deaf. In his late period, from 1812 to 1827, he extended his innovations in musical form and expression. Beethoven died on 26 March 1827 at the age of 56; only his friend Anselm Hüttenbrenner and Frau van Beethoven attended his funeral. < youtube link to Beethoven's Missa Solemnis >
Saturday 24/12/2024: We are living, as you know, in Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca which is home to a third of Mexico's total indigenous population, over a third of Oaxaquenos speak an indigenous language such as Zapoteco, Mixteco, Chatino, Trique, and Mixe. My neighbours are indigenous Zapotecs. Oaxaca is home to five language families, 15 language groups, and 176 linguistic variants. Mexico's most authentic Indigenous traditions are manifest by traditional dress, cuisine, festivities, religious beliefs, and social protocols. By the time the Spaniards arrived in the 1520s, the valley's inhabitants had split into hundreds of independent village-states that still dot its hillsides and valleys. Some villages trace their ancestry to 8,000 B.C., giving Oaxaca one of the world's longest, uninterrupted cultural patrimonies. This fact and the state's varied topography established a tradition of community fragmentation that survives today. A truly varied and lively area of Mexico. Escondido still retains authentic historic culture, but the new highway is threatening to bring about change. Not to my liking.
Sunday 25/12/2024: Christmas day and many here celebrating in traditional manner but Cathy and I had a quiet day as she remains poorly and not up to any 'wild' festivities. Anyway, tidings to all from Spencer and Cathy. Leave you with a local mural.
SO BE IT!
Tuesday 18/11/2024: There are fears in Mexico that the election of Donald Trump would have a disastrous effect on the country as the President-elect confirmed that he plans to use the U.S. military to carry out his proposed mass deportation operation, an initiative that could result in millions of immigrants being sent to Mexico. Military funds would be used to build holding facilities that would function as staging centres for immigrants as they wait to be sent to other countries. There are 5.3 million undocumented Mexicans living in the United States, but the US economy would inevitably suffer from the deportation of many workers. It appears likely that Mexico will receive a significant number of deportees during Trump's second term as president. This would have serious detrimental results in Mexico. We wait to see if the deportations will be implemented. Will undoubtedly effect where we live.
Thursday 20/11/2024: Now to an event in the history of the Olympic games which occurred 120 years ago. Nothing really to do with Mexico but you might find it interesting. In 90-degrees on an afternoon in 1904, 32 men dressed largely in white wearing leather belts gathered at a stadium in St. Louis, US. flanked by men in suits and porkpie hats. Two black runners from South Africa were among the starters. This caused controversy as coloureds could not compete with whites.
They were about to compete in the marathon, not the pork-piers, and access to water was intentionally restricted by the organizers. Only 14 men eventually completed the race: one after hitchhiking, one after taking a nap, and one, the eventual gold medallist, after drinking strychnine mixed with raw egg and brandy. The organiser, James E. Sullivan, designed the 24.85-mile race, 26.2 became the standard in 1921, as an experiment to test his own exercise science theories. Chief among his beliefs was that of "purposeful dehydration." Following the conventional wisdom of the time, Sullivan insisted that drinking, or eating, during exercise would only upset the stomach. Accordingly, there was only one water station on the course, at 12 miles. One runner, Lorz took a ride in a car for 11 miles after cramping. He decided to continue the last miles on foot, into the stadium, and across the finish line to claim victory in under three hours. Just as he was being crowned as the victor, a spectator revealed that Lorz had been driven along the course. The eventual winner, Hicks, held the lead with roughly four miles remaining, but was suffering from dehydration. His supporters, making history, decided to give him something stronger than a damp sponge. In the first recorded instance of performance-enhancing drug use in the Olympics, Hicks was fed a combination of egg whites and 1 milligram of strychnine sulphate. In high doses, this compound is used as rat poison. After the potion, Hicks picked up his pace to finish in 3:28. For a full account of the race watch the ironic video of the event to the end. Worth a view.
Monday 24/11/2024: Many of you know that I was whisked away to darkest Africa when I was a 'wee tot', Scottish vernacular, when my father decided to take up a teaching post in Machakos, Kenya, a small town 150 kilometres from Nairobi. At that time the road was murram, red earth, dust in the dry season and a mud trap in the wet. I was 15 months old, my brother two years older and my mother young and beautiful. When we arrived at Nairobi airport the customs officials took my father aside and introduced him to a policeman. He was politely informed that he could not enter the country unless he had a haircut. It was the time of hippie long hair and flower power. He was then ensconced in a small room where he had his locks shorn with some vicious shears. My mother was also informed that her skirt was too short and needed to dress more modestly. Luckily, she had an approved dress in her suitcase so all good.
We were allowed to enter with thanks from the officials to my father for coming to teach in Kenya. Of course, at the time I did not understand what was going on and remember I was a little upset by father's strange appearance. We remained in Kenya for four years out in the 'bundu' and enjoyed the experience. We lived in a small African round hut for the first six months until a bungalow was built for us. My brother and I were allowed to wander out of the confines of the boarding school, and I leave you with a picture of Albert leaving home, as we did...
Thursday 28/11/2024: From insult to injury - burglar in our house!
You may have noticed that I have not been very active on social media in the last few months. As you know Cathy has been very ill, but I am pleased to tell you she is home and improving every day. The last thing in the world Cathy needed was what happened. The night before last when we came home after the daily appointment at the hospital there was a strange smell in our house. We couldn't fathom why, but I had an ominous feeling that someone had been inside the house, but there was no sign of any break in or of anything missing. Last night at 12.38 am we were lying in bed nodding off when our dog started barking which is unusual for Porky, who spends most of the time 'resting', so I went outside to see what was going on.
Lots of dogs barking on a distant hill so I assumed that had triggered her off. I went back, closed the sliding door and into bed. Within, what seemed like minutes, I was woken by an extremely panicked Cathy screaming ' Spencer, there is somebody in our house'. A man was standing in our bedroom door, backlit by our bathroom light. He was about 25 wearing a yellow T Shirt and shorts and was barefoot. He wasn't holding any weapon, so I jumped up, grabbed a knife by my bed and screamed in a totally demented fashion 'Motherf....' which is odd because I have never said that word in my life. I chased him down the road screaming obscenities that could apparently be heard in the next state. He darted off the dirt road and disappeared into the jungle, so I gave up the chase. Today was spent fixing the gate, buying a padlock and putting barbed wire around the top of the fence that surrounds the entire property. I know Cathy is shaken although she won't say it. In summary, having someone in your house in the middle of the night is a horrible feeling. Cathy says the image of him in the doorway will live with her forever. For me it was the animal smell that remains. I am sure the burglar works with chickens or goats or cows. The worst thing is that you wonder about everyone who walks past who looks similar. Horrible feeling.
As I have said, life in Mexico is never quiet. One of my students just texted me to postpone her motorcycle lesson saying her boyfriend had tried to commit suicide and was now missing from hospital. Hope he is OK.
Thank you to all who have sent kind words to me and Cathy. My local village came up with a fund me page that my dad set up because they wanted to help. Thank you to all who have kindly donated. Really appreciated. Spencer.
WHAT'S THE LATEST?
Saturday 09/11/2024: Hello everyone. My previous logs have been rather gloomy as Cathy as you know has been seriously ill but recently has been slightly better, although she remains in hospital, so I thought I would open this log with a more light-hearted entry. As many of you know my book 'The Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker' is about my circumnavigation of Africa in which there are many accounts of encounters both dangerous and amusing. One such occurred in Egypt when I was befriended by Ashraf, a really nice guy who took me on a felucca down the Nile.
He introduced me to the 'pleasures' of smoking a hookah pipe.
Ashraf apologised, "Sorry Mr Spencer, they do not see white people as they are very young and have only left the village once.
"I understand Ashraf, I must look pretty ugly to them,'' I quipped. He laughed spontaneously, then thought he shouldn't have and spluttered, "No, no, not that, not true.'' Then as if in apology, he busied himself with preparing a hookah pipe. He spent ten minutes diligently washing out all the component parts.
The pipe was a work of art, a single glass instrument with brass edging and a brightly coloured tube leading through a water basin. Once it was cleaned out, he packed it with flavoured tobacco, dropped a pre-prepared hot coal on the bed of tobacco and proceeded to inhale furiously until his cheeks puffed out like balloons. As soon as it was burning smoothly, he handed me the wooden nozzle. I inhaled deeply and then spluttered and coughed my way around the entire compound. I apologized and decided to stick with the slightly less harsh Cleopatra cigarettes, one a day! I suspect Ashraf enjoyed the whole spectacle, judging from the tears of laughter running down his face. I think he came off better as my tears were also flowing down my cheeks.
A few days later after the pipe smoking, I had to save Ashraf by taking him to hospital after an accident that endangered his life, a self-inflicted incident. What this was caused by is recounted in my book.
Wednesday 13/11/2024: Onto some info bout someone most of you will have knowledge of. On this day in 1850 the author Robert Louis Stevenson was born. H was an essayist, poet and travel writer, best known for 'Treasure Island', 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', and 'Kidnapped'. Born and educated in Edinburgh, my university town, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble for much of his life but continued to write prolifically and travel widely in defiance of his poor health. As a young man, he mixed in London literary circles. W. E. Henley, one of his friends, may have been the model for Long John Silver in 'Treasure Island'. In 1890, he settled in Samoa, for health reasons, and became alarmed at increasing European and American influence in the South Sea islands. His writing turned from romance and adventure fiction toward a darker realism. He died of a stroke in his island home in 1894 at age 44. 'Treasure Island' (1883) was his first major success. A tale of piracy buried treasure and adventure, which has been filmed frequently. 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', (1886) about a dual personality. It became influential in the growth of understanding of the subconscious mind. It depicts a kind and intelligent physician who turns into a psychopathic monster, after imbibing a drug intended to separate good from evil. 'Kidnapped' (1886) is a historical novel that tells of the boy David Balfour's pursuit of his inheritance and his alliance with Alan Breck Stewart in the intrigues of Jacobite troubles in Scotland. adventure story. Personally, I like 'Travels with a Donkey' but remember being scared when I saw a film of 'Dr Jekyll' aged five. Frightening!
Thursday 14/11/2024: To continue this log, I provide you with an insight into motorcycle riding in Mexico. You will meet the most welcoming, warm, helpful, lively people ever. It makes you feel more comfortable to venture onto the smaller, less explored tracks. Want river crossings, big or small, they are everywhere. Want windy hard packed dirt roads they are endless. Want to ride through a valley of white butterflies. You can. Want it tough, you got it. Mexico has some of the steepest, gnarliest rides ever.
Asphalt your thing. Mexico tar roads meander through timeless mountain routes and it is you, the bike and the views. Yes, there are the usual hazards: rockslides, landslides, torrential rain followed by flash floods, potholes that swallow adventure riders, collapsed bridges, dead ends, speed bumps on every corner, ropes across the road, broken down trucks and cars, dogs sleeping on the road, cows setting up roadblocks, etc etc. It all adds to the adrenaline and the need to ride like a God - fully alert, smiling, slowly and with your ego left at home. In Mexico you have that space, especially in the Baja, to wild camp and cook your own food whilst communing with nature and being all Hippie if you so desire.
Please don't venture on to fenced private land. When you have a fire for cooking keep it small, sweep it clear around the fire so you don't burn down Mexico and leave it neater than when you arrived. Other adventure riders will follow in your footsteps, well, tyre tracks. If you are in a tent keep it always zipped closed. If you are in a hammock, you will need a mozzie net. If camping is not your thing Mexico has Hotels for every income bracket from 2 dollar to 150 dollars. Similarly with food, Mexico is a banquet of street food from 50 cents upwards. If fine dining is your thing Mexico City and Oaxaca City have a reputation for international cuisine. That's the wonder of Mexico. Enjoy your 'adventures' in Mexico.
Sunday 17/11/2024: Finally, more personal incidents close to me. Mexico certainly keeps you on your toes and boring is not a word you could link to this country. My landlady' daughter is a lawyer, and her father is ex-army, and everyone calls him El Cap, short for captain. He has a disarming habit of bringing out his gun when he has had a beer or two. Last week he was stopped for drink driving and out came his gun. That didn't go down very well. He was locked up, so his lawyer daughter had to negotiate his release, which she did rapidly. Don't ask me how!
Also last week I was teaching a hotel owner how to ride a motorcycle, and we were practicing slow speed manoeuvres in his large carpark when a waiter came rushing out. On the other side of the Hotel, one of the decorators had fallen three storeys and died. Pretty grim and common in Mexico. Health and safety procedures on building sites are zero.
Just a final word. It is a relief to report that Cathy is improving in health but still undergoing treatment. This will be for some time yet and if allowed to leave hospital in the future will need care at home. Love Spencer.
NEXT CHAPTER
Wednesday 30/10/2024: What can I say if only to give my deepest and sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Fund-Raising page that my father organised for Cathy (details below). I was loathed to agree to this but was persuaded by friends to go for it. Medical bills were mounting daily, and my own finances were unable to cover the costs of treatment and medication. My insurance insufficient. Your donations are literally a lifesaver. At present Cathy is still very unwell but holding on. She is unaware of her situation as the drugs she is on stupefy her. She is a poorly woman once very healthy and strong physically and mentally. I hope for better news next time. I still must work and carry on so will continue the log in order to keep positive. I post a photo of Cathy before her illness.
Friday 01/11/2024: Mexico keeps throwing up things from the past. Recently a team of archaeologists has unearthed the existence of a previously unknown ancient Maya city hidden deep within the Yucatán Peninsula jungle. The ancient city's discoveries include pyramids, sports fields and causeways connecting districts and amphitheatres in the southeastern state of Campeche, now named Valeriana, after a nearby lagoon.
It was discovered by the use of lidar pulsed lasers to examine the earth's surface. It can map structures buried under dense vegetation and generate precise 3-D information about the earth's surface from a plane flying over an area. The technology has unearthed other archaeological findings in Mexico, including ancient ceremonial centres and new data about the size of pre-Hispanic settlements. Archaeologists have known since the 1940s that the ancient Maya made significant changes to the landscape around Xpujil, mainly in the form of minor settlements and hillside terraces for farming. However, the new research shows Valeriana to have the hallmarks of a Maya political capital, with a density of buildings second only to Calakmul, one of the largest and most powerful Maya cities ever uncovered. Valeriana may have been home to 30,000–50,000 people. Photo of Mayan pyramid is of the type identified. Modern scientific techniques will probably reveal more ancient habitations in Mexico and around the world.
Saturday 02/11/2024: It is that time of the year again when The Day of The Dead is celebrated in Mexico and various events mark it across the country. A gigantic Day of the Dead altar, known in Mexico as an ofrenda, will be erected at the Zócalo esplanade in Mexico City. The altar will stand 17 meters tall and feature a pool covering over 200 square meters. There will also be 21 cardboard figures, ranging between 6 to 10 meters tall; two monumental trajineras, traditional decorated boats, and a chinampa, a pond covered with soil. It will also feature a garden of 10,000 cempasúchil, or Mexican marigold flowers. The Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, follows the pre-Columbian Indigenous belief that the dead temporarily return to earth between Nov. 1 and 2. Preparations for this holiday begin in October with the placement of an altar to dead loved ones in people's homes. The altar is decorated with flowers, fruit, the seasonal pan de muerto bread, salt, cempasúchil flowers, colourful confetti and the deceased's favourite treats and dishes. Of course, there will be many scary masked figures and sculptures in streets everywhere. Quite a sight as recorded in previous logs.
Monday 04/11/2024: On to a previously mentioned 'frightening' figure in Mexico. La Llorona is a ghostly apparition that walks through the streets at night weeping inconsolably, grieving and looking for her children. She screams, "Oh, my children, where are my children?" and is described as an attractive woman wearing a long white dress that either hides her feet or she has no feet, she has a veil covering her face, if she sounds close, she is far away, if she sounds far away, she is very, very close and you should escape quickly! It is said that no one has seen her "close up" because to do so means certain death. Seeing La Llorona is known to be an omen of misfortune and death for you, your family, or your community. The most famous and best-known version of the legend is the story of María an indigenous woman of incomparable beauty who caught the eye of a rich and handsome Spanish nobleman. She fell madly in love with him and together they had three children. She was devoted to the man and her children and many times he said one day they would marry, but he avoided her in public afraid of what people might say about their relationship. One day he abruptly left her to marry a prestigious Spanish lady of the upper class. María completely lost her mind, engulfed in rage and despair at being betrayed she exacted her revenge in an unimaginable way. She gathered her children and took them to Lake Texcoco, hugged them tightly saying she loved them, and then drowned them in the lake. She almost immediately realized what she had done and was so distraught she took her own life. It is said that the woman's soul is not at rest, and she was cursed, condemned to wander the streets eternally in search of her children. She walks the streets every night wearing a long white dress – presumably the dress she prepared for her wedding – in deep remorse and despair lamenting what she had done. She appears frequently at this time of the year, particularly near lakes. Beware and don't get too close.
Thursday 07/11/2024: I have often mentioned the fruits that are abundant in Mexico and one such is the chicozapote which is native to Mexico and Central America, where it has been cultivated for centuries by Mesoamerican cultures. This fruit grows on a highly useful tree, which not only produces the fruit but also yields a gummy resin. In Nahuatl, this resin is called "tzictli," meaning gum. The Maya and the Aztecs used this gum to freshen their breath and clean their teeth. Sapodilla trees can live up to one hundred years and can grow to more than 30 m (98 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). The fruit has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavour. The unripe fruit is hard to the touch and contains high amounts of saponin, which has astringent properties similar to tannin. Best to wait until the fruit is ripe.
Thursday 07/11/2024: Latest news on Cathy. Many of you won't realise that she has been in hospital for nearly three weeks. Thankfully at last the meningitis has cleared so she is out of danger but still very poorly. She will have complications for months to come and after care, but I don't want to go into details for Cathy's dignity. Of course, I am faced with thousands of pounds worth of bills, much of which I have managed to cover. My medical insurance only covers a fraction of the costs so will leave the go fund open for a week or so if anyone would like to contribute. Stay well and thanks to those who have sent messages and to those who have donated. Spencer.
P.S.
Many have asked how to access the fund raising page. Here's how. Type on Google 'Go Fund Me' crowd funding platform. Then click on Fundraisers and then Search at top of page. In the box, type Michael Conway and click picture of Cathy and Spencer. You are in! Alternatively, try this link: https://gofund.me/1330b0fb and make sure it is the Go Fund Me site not any other. Hope all clear. Thank you.
STRUGGLING ON!
Friday 18/10/2024: Firstly, something beneficial that would be good for other countries. The Mexican government will ban the sale of junk food in schools across the country beginning in March 2025. This decision, which is part of a reform to the General Education Law, seeks to eradicate childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits among students. According to the National Health Survey, 98% of schools sell junk food; 95% sell sugary drinks; 79% offer soda; 77% offer junk food for sale in the vicinity of the school and 25% allow junk food advertising. The foods offered at schools must comply with the following requirements: Foods must be of natural origin or minimally processed. Seasonal fruits and vegetables must be offered. For foods of animal origin, only poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is allowed and must be prepared without fat and skin. These foods should be cooked using minimal sugar and oil. Access to drinking water must be guaranteed, free of charge and caffeinated drinks are prohibited. The new rules will become effective on March 29, 2025, and will be mandatory throughout the National Education System. Schools that do not comply will be subject to fines of between 545 and 5,450 pesos. Hooray many times. Some countries have similar measures in operation, but it is difficult when large companies have wealth and 'influence' to stop such rules being introduces.
Sunday 20/10/2024: Cultural information of today. Many of you know the existence of cowboys from American films popular in the 50s and 60s and still being produced today. They are often romanticised heroes, the good fighting for justice!! But the origin of 'real' cowboys is a little different. That vaqueros were the first cowboys is not a controversial assertion. Its truth should be evident from the fact that the language of cowboys was taken wholesale from Spanish via what are called loanwords. Vaquero stems from vaca, the Spanish word for cow; hence, cowboy. The cowboy's lasso, one of the primary tools of his trade, gets its name from lazo, a Spanish word for rope. Lariat, a synonym for lasso, is derived from the Spanish reata. Rodeo comes from rodear, the Spanish verb meaning "to encircle." Chaps comes from chaparreras, the Spanish term for the leg-protecting leather worn by vaqueros. Even buckaroo has a Spanish origin: it's a mispronunciation of vaquero. The development of vaquero culture in Mexico has its origins with the Spanish conquest of Mexico. When Hernán Cortés and the Spanish Conquistadors landed at Veracruz in 1519, they brought horses. Two years later, Gregorio de Villalobos arrived from the Dominican Republic with the first cattle. He didn't have many: one bull and six cows. But it was enough to start breeding. The first big cattle drive occurred in the late 16th century when Don Juan de Oñate led an expedition that drove over 7,000 cattle from Northern Mexico into present-day New Mexico. The cowboy's techniques, his tools, parts of his attire, and his language for describing them are a legacy of the Mexican vaquero. It is likely that the erasure of the vaquero from popular U.S. history, to be replaced by the American cowboy, began in the wake of the Mexican Revolution, when anti-Mexican racism was widespread in Texas and throughout the Southwest. The vaqueros morphed into John Waynes.!! Just learnt that a book on North American cowboys, Central American vaqueros and South American gauchos is to be published on November 1st 'Cowboys of the Americas' by Images Publishing, with many photographs by Anouk Masson Krantz. Should be engaging.
Tuesday 22/10/2024: I must record here news of a personal very worrying episode. Cathy is now in Hospital with meningitis which is very serious. She is seriously dehydrated, seriously underweight (47 kilos) and very ill. So worried about Cathy. Been on a drip for seven hours. Going to Hospital at 6am. She has severe meningitis and has been moved to an intensive care centre at Hospital de Lourdes. She is very, very bad. Just got call. It has gone to her brain. Need to call her family. Having second lumbar puncture standard for meningitis. And brain scan. Lost vision so not good. They were talking 10 days on drips so looking at other options. Another hospital or Ireland but don't think she can fly.
Wednesday 23/10/2024: 5.42am here. Cathy stable overnight. Going there as soon as light.
Friday 25/10/2024: The good news is that Cathy has been stabilised and the swelling on the brain has subsided. She even woke up briefly to give the thumbs up. The next step is she must see a Maxillofacial Surgeon because when she is a bit stronger in a few days they have to perform dental surgery because all around her jaw is infected and extremely painful. They need to drill into upper and lower teeth to drain and cut the gum to release liquid. She has a minimum of 8 days in the Hospital. They solved the dehydration problem quickly and she is also being fed a solution intravenously for 'food'-vitamins, minerals etc.
Saturday 26/10/2024: Difficult to know how she is as she woke briefly for the photo. She is so drugged up she doesn't feel any pain, thank God. Specialists say it is a long road especially because she previously had septicaemia and is seriously underweight and not super fit. She has also had steroids and antiviral drugs a lumber puncture and some procedure on her neck. They seem confident they caught it early so hopefully no mental problems, hearing problems etc on the future.
Sunday 27/10/2024: The doctors are taking blood cultures, results take three days, to see if blood infection. She is sleeping and does not need a ventilator, so they said that is a good sign. Pretty sure it is bacterial meningitis. She woke up for half an hour but was not with it at all.
Monday 28/10/2024: I am going to hospital now and not able to continue this log at the moment. Will let you know asap on social media any more news. Spencer
»»» UPDATE «««
Cathy is vastly improved and is out of danger. We would both like to say a big thank you to the hundreds of people who wrote on social media and on private messenger, wishing Cathy the best. It is hugely appreciated. I get stung or bitten by something once a week whereas when Cathy has problems she does it wholeheartedly. Not to be outdone, I stood on a nail with my flip flops which impaled me excellently. At least I can hobble to hospital in sympathy. Mexican doctors have been excellent, but be warned people, it is not cheap. Health insurance is remarkably difficult to find. Peace, Love and Meningitis Free Days for All.
BOUND BY CYCLONES
Friday 04/10/2024: Last log I mentioned how golf carts are being used in Tulum in Mexico but in other parts of the world they are becoming a nuisance as tourists are hiring them to visit popular cities. Hundreds of carts loaded with visitors in Rome are zipping around the streets and causing major traffic upsets. They block bus lanes and taxi ranks and annoy traffic police who can do little to prevent them from also taking narrow side streets that endanger pedestrians. They assemble in packs around the Piazza del Populo and around the famous fountains and statues. They are not good news for the Romans. Send for the gladiators..
Sunday 06/10/2024: Now to a recurring theme in my logs as it is tarantula mating season, when male spiders scurry out of their burrows in search of a mate. Mature males wander in search of a female's burrow which is marked with silk webbing by females. Male tarantulas take around seven years to reach reproductive readiness. They typically live for about a year after reaching sexual maturity, while females can live for 20 years or more. The males grow to be about 5in long and develop a pair of appendages on their heads that they use to drum outside a female's burrow. She will crawl to the surface if she is a willing mate, and the male will hook its legs onto her fangs. Their coupling is quick, as the male tries to get away before he is eaten by the female, who tends to be slightly larger and needs extra nutrients to sustain her pregnancy. I frequently find tarantulas and at this time more than ever. Friendly fellows! Red knees are my favourites.
Wednesday 09/10/2024: Recently, in Mexico, the artist Frida Kahlo has been in the news as there has been an exhibition of her paintings so a little about her tragic life. Kahlo is regarded as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, and in 2021, one of her paintings sold for US $34000, a record at the time for any Latin American artist. Her experience of illness and suffering is a theme in her often-autobiographical works of art. When Kahlo (1907–1954) was six years old, she was diagnosed with polio, which left her with permanent damage, her right leg was shorter and weaker than her left. When she was 18, she survived a severe bus accident that left her disabled, a long metal rod tore through her midsection when her bus slammed into a trolley car. She suffered multiple fractures in her pelvis, ribs, shoulders and spine. Kahlo's medical documents show she suffered severe back pain, fatigue and genital discomfort. Between 1946 and 1950, she underwent eight surgeries, but her chronic pain persisted. She was also unable to bear children, which was a recurring theme in her paintings. I am not that attracted to her paintings, but she cannot be ignored in the world of art. To learn more about this artist click on link for an informative discussion on her work touching on historical and social events in Mexico.
Sunday 13/10/2024: You may know that this is the cyclone and hurricane season in this part of the world and that several have hit Mexico and across the gulf to Florida. In relationship to this I now include information on such events historically. The Great Hurricane of 1780 is one of the deadliest in the past in the Western Hemisphere. An estimated 22,000 people died throughout the Lesser Antilles when the storm passed through the islands from October 10 to October 16. The hurricane struck Barbados as a Category 5 hurricane, with at least one estimate of wind gusts as high as 200 mph (320 km/h), before moving past Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Sint Eustatius, and causing thousands of deaths on those islands. Coming during the American Revolution, the storm caused heavy losses to the British fleet contesting for control of the area, significantly weakening British control over the Atlantic. The hurricane later passed near Puerto Rico and over the eastern portion of Hispaniola, causing heavy damage near the coastlines. It ultimately turned to the northeast and was last observed on October 20 southeast of Atlantic Canada.
The storm was named the San Calixto hurricane in Puerto Rico because the eye of the cyclone made landfall there on October 14, the Christian feast day of Pope Callixtus I, venerated by the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Callixtus. Since European arrival in the Americas in 1492, all storms and hurricanes were named after saints. For example, the 1867 San Narciso hurricane, the 1899 San Ciriaco hurricane, the 1928 San Felipe hurricane, and the 1932 San Ciprian hurricane. It was not until 1953 that the United States Weather Bureau started naming hurricanes by human names. to see a promotional video of a few years ago.
Monday 14/10/2024: Now what you may not know is that birds are often swept up into the eye of a hurricane which is usually an oasis of gentle winds and clear skies surrounded by a ring of the storm's most savage winds and brutal rain squalls. In the recent storms thousands of birds were trapped and travelled within the eyes. When the storms weakened the birds escaped. Some birds have been recorded as travelling as far as 1,600 Ks. So, if you are into adventure travel give it a go. Take a packed lunch with you. Raining cats and dogs is a fact!!
Just thought I would let you know that I have invited a couple of friends to a Mexican meal next week. Expecting a reply any day so preparing for a warm welcome. Should be a laugh a minute. They have already sent a happy photo for my album. See you next week, with luck. Preparing Dan Dan noodles and Shashlik for the guests...
KEEP IT COOL?
Sunday 15/09/2024: To open this log things Mexican. There is a method of how to get around in Tulum by transport that is usually used for pleasure activities. Golf Carts. Carts seating two to six people are operated by a company driver, but others are available for the public to rent. The carts can't be older than five years and must be "environmentally friendly," be they gasoline-powered, electric or hybrid models. A reason for the introduction of golf carts is that Tulum has had a huge increase in population because of development. Luxury condos, boutique hotels, eco-friendly resorts and residential dwellings have been constructed at a rapid pace. Tulum's population has risen from 18,000 people in 2010 to 46,000 and so more traffic on the roads. Golf carts are ideal for short journeys and thus their introduction. I used to have a Mini-Moke in The Seychelles and they were super, super good to travel around the island.
Monday 16/09/2024: This day, in 1810, marks the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain. It is commemorated every year by various celebrations. The Mexican War of Independence was led by Mexican-born Spaniards, called "criollos", to end the rule of Spain and the political and social dominance in Mexico of a small number of Spanish-born people living in Mexico, called "peninsulares" or derisively "gachupines." The war began in 1810, led by a small group of criollos in the Bajio region who were supported by many mixed-blood mestizos and indigenous people. The war (1810–1821), was fought between the royalists, supporting the continued adherence of Mexico to Spain, versus the insurgents advocating Mexican independence. After a struggle of more than 10 years the insurgents prevailed. Throughout the country colourful parades and celebrations are held in a party atmosphere. « Check out the video link » for the historical timeline of the freedom movement.
Sunday 22/09/2024: Now to an event nearer to my home nation with an echo of my name. The late 16th century was a precarious time to be in the theatre as an actor, writer or manager. It wasn't the money, or the ever-present threat of closure, so much as the men you worked with. They seemed to enjoy killing people. In June 1587, for instance, William Knell was stabbed in the neck with a five-shilling sword in Thame by fellow actor John Towne after an argument. Henry Porter died the day after an assault by fellow playwright John Day. In 1589, poet and playwright Thomas Watson killed a man named William Bradley on what is now Curtain Road in Shoreditch after Bradley had attacked Watson's friend Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare's rival playwright. Marlowe himself died after being stabbed in the eye. In 1596 actor Gabriel Spencer, known as Spencer, maybe a relation of mine, drove a rapier into a man's eye – a popular vulnerability, it seems – and killed him. That was in Shoreditch, too. Two years later, on 22 September 1598, Spencer fought a duel with playwright Ben Jonson. The two had been imprisoned the year before. 'The Isle of Dogs', a now-lost play that Jonson co-wrote, had so incensed the Privy Council that they closed all the theatres. The two fought a duel and Jonson claimed that Spencer's sword was ten inches longer than his own and that he had been wounded in the arm before he fought back.
The indictment, however, reports that it was Jonson who 'feloniously and wilfully struck and beat' Spencer with a rapier, before striking him 'a mortal wound, of the depth of six inches and of the breadth of one inch'. Spencer died instantly. At the Old Bailey, Jonson pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He would have hanged were it not for a quirk in English law, a holdover from the medieval battle for legal jurisdiction between church and secular courts. If you were literate, you could claim 'benefit of clergy' – proved in court by reading out Psalm 51, the Miserere – and escape with a branded 'M' on the thumb. The psalm was known, darkly but not inaccurately, as 'the neck verse'. Jonson read it and walked free. Rather fortunate. Not so good for Spencer! (Adapted from History Today)
Tuesday 24/09/2024: We have been suffering from seriously life-threatening weather for the last few days from hurricanes, bringing wind speeds of up to 165mph (270km/h). Authorities have warned of disastrous storm surges and the possibility of landslides as heavy rain lashes a 350km-long stretch of coastline. Waves of up to 10 metres high (32ft) are pounding the coast of Guerrero and in western Oaxaca state. Scientists said the speed with which hurricane John intensified from a tropical storm into a category five hurricane, the highest level of storm, was rare. 3,000 people have been evacuated into 80 shelters. Businesses in Puerto Escondido, our town, have closed and we have been isolated as roads have washed away and there is extensive flooding. Crocodiles are now on the beach and a dog was taken in the sea. We are without power and cannot get to supermarkets. Really need a boat for transport. My swimming is improving but not on the beach.
Friday 27/09/2024: On to a more peaceful and inspiring subject. An outstanding and colourful architectural feature. The church of the Lord of Tila is a Catholic building in Tabasco. In fairly recent times a small community of just over 200 people lacked a church in their area so they organized themselves to raise funds and began the construction of their own church in 1996 but it was only completed in 2012. It now receives thousands of visitors a year, from nearby communities, but also through national and international tourism. It is in the heart of Ejido Leona Vicario and is an architectural jewel that is not only a spiritual centre but also a testimony of devotion and community effort. The Church is a spectacle of colour on its exterior walls with each shade a symbolism of faith. These colours represent the many miracles attributed to the Lord of Tila, the patron saint of Balancan, whose cult has become a source of hope and devotion for the inhabitants of the village and its surroundings. Just in front of the church, a small lagoon reflects the colours of the temple, creating a dreamlike landscape ideal for moments of serenity and for photography enthusiasts. Something much needed in the world today.
Sunday 29/09/2024: Still raining and unable to move far. A tree came down on our mud road and just missed our neighbour and his wife who were struggling to get to town on their motorcycle. The noise when it cracked gave them a fright so luckily they fell off just before the tree fell. We were all in hysterics because they were totally covered in mud. Monsters from the deep!
Tuesday 01/10/2024: Yes, another month and just received an email from a trainee, Dale Ploung, which reads as follows 'Huge enduro ride in Silver Cliff Wisconsin today that I pushed the town to get together because of your inspiration! Will never forget our conversations or what you taught me on the motorcycle. Ride safe.' Nice to know that my training is appreciated but I'm afraid that since the hurricanes have hit, I have not been able to conduct my motorcycle training classes which is a serious problem. If things don't pick up here Cathy and I will have to leave Mexico, huge, huge pity as simply cannot afford to remain. Means leaving a place we have come to love, our cats and dogs and my famous Yamaha. Watch this space. Love to all. Spencer.
HARD TIMES
Tuesday 03/09/2024: In my previous log I recorded that life was becoming a little difficult in Puerto Escondido, so we moved to a location out of town, now I add some more information on the migrant situation in Mexico.
In Puerto Vallarta the migrant 'invasion' has become so bad that the President had to call out the army to control a caravan of thousands of migrants as it continued its days long march through Mexico toward the southern U.S. border. About 7,500 people from 24 countries are part of a massive group making its way north through the Mexican state of Chiapas on the border of Guatemala. A group of women, children and sick people was farther ahead and had reached Mapastepec. Most of the migrants are from Central America, Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti, but some come from as far away as Turkey, Iran, Syria and Cameroon. Not all the migrants are seeking to enter the U.S. Some are hoping to be able to stay in Mexico and find work and humanitarian relief. The caravan's journey comes as Mexican and U.S. representatives meet to discuss the unprecedented irregular migration to identify ways to heighten border security. Of course, this influx is having an effect on Escondido and the local population is not too happy.
Thursday 05/09/2024: Something more heartening in my locality. I post a photo of boys who are our landlady's brother's children. They are traditional Zapotec Indians. I have never seen them in shoes in the three months since we moved. They have cell phones though, like everyone over the age of seven. Their father Arturo clears our land of scorpions, spiders and toxic plants. The children have taken to sitting in our lounge while their dad works. Although they are extremely poor and live in a small, corrugated iron house, their land is amazing. They have chickens, parrots, cats and dogs. There are fifteen lime trees, seven avocado trees, a mango tree, four papaya trees, calabash squash and pumpkins. Not only can pumpkins be eaten but the flowers and leaves are also used in soup. They also have a separate field of over two hundred maize plants, that are eaten roasted with butter and chilli or ground down to make tortillas and tacos. Arturo's wife, Maria, has brought us chicken in Chicatana. Large flying ant stew, nopales, cactus fried with local melted cheese, empanadas stuffed with chorizo spinach and cheese. They only eat traditional food and have never had a McDonald, Burger King, Kentucky, pizza or any of that junk. The Zapotec are an indigenous people of Mexico. The population is concentrated in the southern state of Oaxaca, but Zapotec communities also exist in neighbouring states. The present-day population is estimated at 400,000 to 650,000, many of whom are monolingual in one of the native Zapotec languages and dialects. In pre-Columbian times, the Zapotec civilization was one of the highly developed cultures of Mesoamerica and had a system of writing. They are lovely people and a pleasure to be with.
Saturday 07/09/2024: If you are feeling down google Juliane Koepcke. She was the sole survivor of the LANSA Flight 508 crash on December 24, 1971. The plane was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm and broke apart in mid-air. Juliane, then 17 years old, fell approximately two miles to the ground while still strapped to her seat and miraculously survived. After the crash, she endured eleven days in the Amazon jungle with severe injuries, including a broken collarbone, a deep gash to her leg, and an eye injury. She eventually found a boat and used its fuel to clean her wounds and remove maggots from her arm. Her survival story is remarkable and has been widely documented. Her memoir, "When I Fell from the Sky," reveals her incredible courage, instinct and ingenuity, she crawled and walked alone for eleven days in the green hell of the Amazon. She survived using the skills she'd learned in assisting her parents on their research trips into the jungle before coming across a logger's hut, and, with it, safety. The book is available on Amazon and if you need some inspiration to survive a difficult time buy it.
Tuesday 10/09/2024: This is probably a cultural 'happening' not that well known outside Mexico. Charrería is the national 'sport' of Mexico. It is a rodeo-like event where charros compete on horseback in events to show their skills. Charrería has its roots in the countryside of Mexico. Charros compete and practice charrería as a homage to their heritage and is male dominated. But Mexican women are just as skilled 'horsemen' and have their traditional sport of escaramuza, which is a collection of eight side saddling women completing difficult synchronizes patterns. The competition consists of twelve moves judged on speed and exact execution. Similarly to the male charros, escaramuzas show their horsemanship and riding prowess in complex tricks. Riding dress is an important part of the culture and is also judged in competitions. The costumes find their roots in history. The Adelita dresses are based on those worn during independence celebrations, intricately styled for each team. They are always in traditional colours and embroidery is hand sewn. The sombreros worn by every escaramuza are equally flamboyant and each is unique to the dress. < Click on this link > to see a promotional video of a few years ago.
Friday13/09/2024: I had a very strange day yesterday. One happening was good and one was terrible. Is the day relevant for one event?.
Many of you know that I lost my Mum a few years ago and to be honest I think about her every single day of my life. Yesterday I glanced up at the signature on a mural in my house in Mexico and it was painted on the 5th of January, my Mum's birthday. Ten minutes later I went to the local bakers and the woman serving was called Wendy. It is a very rare name. Wendy and Peter Pan, you may know! In 57 years I have never met another Wendy. It is nice to be reminded of my Mum. I want to keep her memory alive, and I want to think about her every day, even though it still hurts. She was an incredible person and that is an understatement. That's a good reminder of her in my mind.
The next event is not something one wants too often. I have lived in Mexico for more than three years now and I still love it here. Having said that, I do not shy away from telling the reality, even if grim. I live in a small town on the southern mainland coast called Puerto Escondido. There have been three murders this year within two blocks of my former house, so God knows how many in total throughout the town.
Yesterday I carried my first dead body. It was a fifty plus year old man wearing only a pair of shorts. He had no visible physical injuries, so I am guessing the cause of death was a drug overdose. The shopkeeper, Adriano, found him slumped against the sliding door of his business, which is down a quiet alley. Adriano asked me if I could help move him to the main road so he would be located by the police. Adriano, like many Mexicans did not want to get involved with the police or militia. He lifted him under the arms, and I held on to the feet. He was clammy and cold and grey. We carried him to a major road and put him gently on a mattress that was on the street. Adriano removed his own T-Shirt and covered the man's face. He went back to his shop to call the police anonymously and I got on my motorcycle and went for a ride into the hills to clear my head. Not a pleasant experience. Someone has lost a dad or a son. I wish I did not understand now what people mean when they say, 'a dead weight'. Pleased Cathy was not with me.
It was disturbing and to add to it I picked up an injured dog whimpering in the bush that had badly damaged back legs. Took him home to try to patch him up. My dog, Eyebrows, came to comfort me. Thank God for animals. They understand. Thanks to all who have posted good will messages on Facebook. Appreciated. Avocado ant stew to all. Spencer.
ONWARDS
Tuesday 20/08/24: Pleasant subject to open this log. As you know we have many species of spider in Mexico and common are the larger species that inhabit all sorts of unexpected places. Remember the tarantula that took up home in my shorts when they were on the washing line. Also, very recently one in my toolbox that proved difficult to persuade to vacate.
My father has just informed me that near where he lives in Kent in the UK large spiders are making a return. Raft spiders are semi-aquatic, and adults inhabit freshwater wetlands, specifically wet heaths and acid swamps although juveniles are predominantly found in terrestrial vegetation surrounding wetland areas. Adults are dark brown with a conspicuous white, cream or yellow stripe along both sides of their abdomen and thorax. Juveniles are similar in appearance but often have green translucent legs. As is common in other spiders, female raft spiders, body length: 9–22mm, are usually larger than males (9-15mm). The females are not that friendly and often eat the male after mating. It is a wonder that the species manages to survive this kind of cannibalism.
Thursday 22/08/2024: Still on 'wildlife', but this time in Mexico, for the past five years, a young elephant seal has been making the long trek north from south American waters and spending his summers on Mexican beaches. Having travelled some 8,000 km from his home, he rests on a beach not far from my location. To protect him surveillance brigades are formed and take guard 24/7, with the local community playing a crucial role. Elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), found from California to Alaska, and south, typically breed and give birth on offshore islands or remote mainland beaches, often in Baja California. Hope he survives to become a super seal.
Monday 26/8/2024: On to another Mexico cultural feature. The country is full of sorcerers, witches and magic. A "brujo" or "witch" can be both feminine and masculine, and to fend off the evil eye, known as "mal de ojo" you may use an amulet for protection. Witchcraft in Latin America, known in Spanish as brujería and in Portuguese as bruxaria , is a complex blend of indigenous, African, and European influences. Indigenous cultures had spiritual practices centered around nature and healing, while the arrival of Africans brought a mix of religions like Santería and Candomblé with many superstitions. European witchcraft beliefs merged with local traditions during colonization. When Franciscan friars from Spain arrived in the Americas in 1524, they introduced Diabolism, belief in the Christian Devil, to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Bartolomé de las Casas believed that human sacrifice was not diabolic and was a natural result of religious expression. Mexican Indians gladly took to the belief of Diabolism. Witchcraft was an important part of the social and cultural history of late-Colonial Mexico. Today. Witchcraft is still a central belief for some Mexicans. There are markets in many towns where one can buy Witchcraft paraphernalia to enter the occult. Beware!!
Friday 30/08/2024: Now to follow on from the previous entry a 's'witch to Mary Shelley. Why? Simples! She was born on this day in 1797 and her connection is 'Frankenstein'. "I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life. ... He sleeps; but he is awakened; he opens his eyes; behold, the horrid thing stands at his bedside, opening his curtains, and looking on him with yellow, watery, but speculative eyes." Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin's teenage years were eventful. She eloped at age 16 with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and quickly gave birth to two children. In 1816, the couple travelled to Switzerland and visited Lord Byron at Villa Diodati. Extreme weather forced the group to remain in the villa, so they read ghost stories from the book 'Fantasmagoriana'. It was then that Lord Byron proposed that they have a competition to see who could write the best ghost story: Byron, Mary, Percy, or Byron's physician, John Polidori. Neither Byron nor Percy finished a story, although Polidori later wrote 'The Vampyre', which influences vampire stories to this day. Mary had a nightmare and on waking realized she'd found her story. "What terrified me will terrify others," she thought. 18-year-old Mary started Frankenstein immediately and it was published in 1818, when she was 20. "IT LIVES"
Sunday 01/09/2024: Another month and still in Mexico. Seems as if permanent. No chance of moving on at the moment. The Mexican pesos has weakened considerably and for the first time I hear Mexicans complaining about the prices of imported goods, and it is a lot. The knock-on effect is that everyone is hitting an economic panic and prices are going up every day, whether it is a street vendor, a mechanic or at a supermarket. A classic vicious circle.
On top of this, and touched on in a previous log, is the migrant crisis. A staggering five million people have left Venezuela, a country in the grip of a dictator, Nicolas Maduro, who was recently 're-elected' into office, despite the fact he couldn't run a one table restaurant. The five million are filtering through Central America and into Mexico in huge caravans, most of them aiming for the land of Donald 'Trumpet'.
The inevitable rise in crime that follows desperate people has hit Puerto Escondido. There are muggers, bag snatchers, pickpockets and motorcycle thieves. Three years ago, this was not the case. Added to this at every convenience shop there are groups of migrants, demanding money for opening the door for you. The famous Mexican corner shops, Oxxo, have become magnets for migrants because they have car parks where the migrants can set up camp. At every traffic light there are crack cocaine addicts juggling machetes, fire eating and tightrope walking while others fight to clean car windscreens with filthy river water. It is so sad as we still love Mexico and this little town, but we were forced to move fifteen minutes out to the mountains onto a large plot of land. It is peaceful and pleasant with the landlady and husband living about fifty metres away. I will follow on in the next log with more on the migrant crisis. Until then prickly pear sauce and avocado. Spencer.
P.S. Omitted photo from previous log of the handsome creature found in my toolbox suitable to go with a Frankenstein story. Happy dreams.
BUENOS DIAS
Tuesday 06/08/2024: I start today with a short intro on greetings in Spanish, which I use daily in Mexico. There are many ways to greet each other so first 'Buenas!' which is the informal greeting of "Buenos días" and then 'Buen día!' meaning "Good day!" and can be used any time. Australians have adopted this as 'G'day. If you want to wake somebody who is sleeping or tardy you could use Speedy Gonzales expression 'Arriba! Arriba!' and then run. 'Buenos días a todos' is "Good morning to all" and is the most common way to greet a group. A polite greeting is 'Buenos días, un placer conocerte' meaning "Good morning, a pleasure to meet you." Additionally, 'Buenos días, mi amor' is used for affection "Good morning, my love." And there are other suffixes that are common. Senora, Senorita, Senor and Jovencita (young lady). So 'Buenos días a todos'. < click onto this link for a quick tutorial >
Friday 09/08/2024: Now some information on a fruit that is eaten in Mexico the prickly pear or tuna. It is a native round fruit that grows on top of the nopal cactus. There are six types of prickly pears, and you can differentiate them by colour: red, yellow, white, green, orange, and purple. It has a sweet, tangy, watermelon taste and resembles kiwi fruit or a pear with seeds. During pre-Hispanic times, it was a predominant and valued fruit, especially for people living in arid areas since it provided them with the nutrients and water they needed to survive. For this reason, it was also a symbol of fertility. Tuna is the Spanish-derived word of the Nahuatl word "Tonalli". It was a symbol to indicate the close relationship between the environment and the well-being of a person in the cycles of nature. Be sure to remove all the prickles before eating the fruit.
Sunday 11/08/2024: As everyone knows The Olympics is up and running!! One of the main athletic events is the marathon so named after the legend of Pheidippides who, while fighting in the Battle of Marathon, in Greece in 490 BC, witnessed a Persian vessel sailing towards Athens. He assumed that this was an attempt by the Persians to falsely announce they had won the battle and so take the city. It was said that he ran the entire distance, about 42ks, to Athens without stopping, and burst into the Athenian assembly, exclaiming "we have won!", thus assuring there was no need of fear of attack, before collapsing and dying. This is perhaps a legend but the Greek historian Herodotus, states Philippides, different name, was a messenger who ran from Athens to Sparta asking for help, against the Persians, and then ran back, over 240 kilometres (150 mi) each way. Herodotus makes no mention of a messenger sent from Marathon to Athens. The marathon race was first introduced in the modern Olympics in Greece in 1896 in Athens, consisting of seventeen male athletes, thirteen of them representing Greece. The race, over dusty dirt roads, along which throngs of Greeks had gathered, was won by Spyridon Louis, a Greek watercarrier, in 2 hours 58 minutes and 50 seconds. He became a national hero.
The first official female marathon runner was an American, Kathrine Switzer, who made history in 1967 to run the Boston Marathon. During the race, an organiser named Jock Semple tried to physically remove her from the course because women were not allowed to compete at that time. Despite this, Switzer managed to finish the marathon in 4 hours 20 minutes 12 seconds.
The women's marathon was introduced at the 1984 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles) and was won by Joan Benoit of the United States with a time of 2 hours 24 minutes and 52 seconds. Many women now compete in this long-distance race and this year it will be the final event of the games previously concluded by the man's race. The official distance of the marathon is 42.195 ks or 26 miles 385 yds. Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum set a men's world record time of 2:00:35 on October 8, 2023, at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. He died in a car accident early this year. Ethiopian athlete Tigst Assefa broke the women's world record for a mixed-sex race with a time of 2:11:53 on September 24, 2023, at the Berlin Marathon. Sorry to those who have little interest in athletics, but it is in the current news.
Thursday 15/08/2024: Just an aside, again. It may surprise some that one of the most revered films ever made was released on this day in 1979. Yes! As long ago as that and still has mind bending effect. Apocalypse Now. The writer John Milius became interested in adapting Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad set in Congo, but for a Vietnam War setting in the late 1960s. Initially planned to be a five-month shoot in the Philippines starting in March 1976, a series of problems lengthened it to over a year, one being the destruction of expensive sets being destroyed by severe weather. Marlon Brando arrived on set overweight and completely unprepared, and Martin Sheen had a breakdown and suffered a near-fatal heart attack on location. After photography was finally finished in May 1977, the release was postponed several times while Coppola edited over a million feet of film. Once more apologies for including this information but if you haven't seen the film Do So. That's an order. for one such romanticised episode.
Saturday 17/08/2024: Finally, some news on activities here in Mexico. I continue to run motorcycle training classes for riders of various skills levels. The youngest so far was an eleven-year-old, the oldest sixty-eight, tallest six feet six and heaviest eighteen stone. My student Fabrizio Venezia.
Some days have full classes and others no one. So not all hunky-dory. Also, bad weather has made it problematic as dirt roads become unrideable.
I have recently had some requests about videos and DVD's so herewith a link to one on YouTube, several are available. Click on link for South American video. There is a DVD of my Africa circumnavigation on Duke Videos.
Tuesday 22/07/2024: To open this log a subject that may appeal to many. In Mexico rum has been made from sugar cane for many years, but was banned by the Spanish king, Felipe V, around 1700, because it competed with Spain's brandies. Prior to this, at the end of the 15th century, Queen Isabella of Spain had sent missionaries to Mexico to educate the natives in the ways of Christianity who also passed on their knowledge of grape production. Following the Spanish conquest of 1521, seeds and cuttings of the Listán Prieto grape were introduced by Hernán Cortés where they flourished. He ordered Spanish settlers to plant vineyards. Mexicans produced dried fruit from grapes, apricots, apples and pears and an abundance of raisin production. Mexican raisins, called "pasas", are larger than those produced in other countries and are sweeter and have been used in traditional Mexican recipes since the 16th century. If you like both raisins and rum, you can indulge in eating rum and raisin cake or go for Mexican tiramisu. The classic, iconic rum cake made famous by Bacardi, who opened their first rum distillery in Mexico in 1931is on menus world-wide. Heading off now for some rum and raisin indulgence.
Friday 26/07/2024: Onto a subject that has caused some controversy in Mexico, Speedy Gonzales. As you know 'he' is an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. He is portrayed as "The Fastest Mouse in all Mexico" with his major traits being the ability to run extremely fast, being quick-witted and heroic while speaking with an exaggerated Mexican accent. He usually wears a yellow sombrero, white shirt and trousers, which was a common traditional outfit worn by men and boys of rural Mexican villages, and a red kerchief, like that of some traditional Mexican dress. The cartoon features Sylvester the Cat guarding a cheese factory at the international border between the United States and Mexico from starving Mexican mice. The mice call in the plucky, excessively energetic Speedy to save them. Amid cries of "¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Epe! ¡Epe! ¡Epe! Yeehaw!" Spanish for "Go on! Go on! Up! Up!". Sylvester meets his match. Among Mexican communities and in much of Latin America, the character enjoys enduring popularity. Speedy's reception in Mexico itself has been largely positive. He's seen as more of a playful cultural ambassador than an insulting caricature. This difference in perception demonstrates the subjective nature of cultural representation. For many Mexicans Speedy is a plucky, clever underdog hero who consistently outsmarts his adversaries — a theme that resonates deeply in Mexican culture. He is a superhero. We all need a superhero to admire.« Click on this link to see Speedy in action »
Mayan
Tuesday 30/07/2024: From Speedy to a more soporific subject. This does not induce hyperactivity at all, at least not in most. Chocolate. The history of chocolate begins in present day Ecuador, where cacao was first domesticated around 3,600 years ago. But it was probably the Olmec civilization, which flourished in today's Mexican states of Tabasco and Veracruz from 2500 BC to AD 200, that fully domesticated cacao and discovered how to transform it into chocolate. Maya people discovered the technique of fermenting cocoa beans into several types of chocolate beverages. The Spanish bishop Diego de Landa, one of the most notable chroniclers of Yucatán during the early years of Spanish colonization, said the Maya used chocolate as an anointment on children during what he perceived as baptisms and as a beverage in engagement and marriage ceremonies. They cultivated sacred groves of cacao trees and assigned divine properties to chocolate, extensively writing about it in their codices and in the Popol Vuh, the sacred narrative of the K?iche? Maya people. In the Mexica capital of Tenochtitlán only royalty, warriors and traders had access to the beverage. Spanish conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo reported that Emperor Moctezuma's guards drank 2,000 cups of chocolate "with foam" daily. The Mexica also thought of chocolate as an aphrodisiac. Moctezuma is said to have drunk several cups of chocolate before visiting his many wives. Chocolate drinks actually put me to sleep!! Perhaps that's why Moctezuma indulged.
Thursday 01/08/2024: Another month slips by marked by the sports festival of the year. This month the Olympic Games is being held in Paris with some exciting athletic events and world record times, but it is not widely known that women were banned from competing in races longer than 1500 metres until relatively recently. Longer races were a NO! No! Kathrine Virginia Switzer (born January 5, 1947) was an American marathon runner, author, and television commentator who in 1967, became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor. During her run, the race manager Jock Semple assaulted Switzer, trying to grab her bib number and thereby remove her from official competition. After knocking down Switzer's trainer and fellow runner, Arnie Briggs, when he tried to protect her, Semple was shoved to the ground by Switzer's boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was running with her, and she completed the race.
Later In 1991, Runner's World magazine named the Norwegian Greta Waitz the greatest female long-distance runner of the quarter-century. She twice set the world record at 3,000 meters, and she set world records at distances of 8 k, 10k, and 15 k and 10 miles. But it was in the marathon, the 26.2-mile distance, that Waitz most distinguished herself, setting a world record of 2 hours 32 minutes 30 seconds the first time she ran one, in New York in 1978, and subsequently lowered the world record three more times. In addition to her New York City victories, Waitz won the London Marathon, Stockholm Marathon and the world championship marathon in 1983. The women's marathon was not included in the Olympics until the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Sunday 04/08/2024: Now to what's happening. As many of you know I used to be a teacher and taught in the UK and in Seychelles. I loved teaching but did not like being stuck inside. I have now combined my two careers and I am teaching basic bike maintenance and safety, on and off-road instruction and guided tours around the state of Oaxaca. Sadly, like many countries Mexico has no road safety rules whatsoever. Every week without fail there is an accident in this little town of Porto Escondido. It is a combination of poorly maintained bikes, lack of bike gear and no bike training. I am proud to have trained more than fifty students so far and if I can prevent one accident it is worth it. At the present time I am negotiating with the police and army to train their riders but after numerous meetings and enough red tape to encircle the earth I got... nowhere! I was informed that the government was changing in December so there was no point in starting anything new.
I have been asked why I do not present at Shows any more. I took a break but aim to present in UK next year, launch my third book and do a speaking tour of UK in the summer. Any bike clubs interested, drop me an email. Secondly, am I done with circumnavigating? For the present time, yes but maybe one day the dream will continue. Financial constraints forced the issue. Any sponsors out there!? Have a great week all. P.S. We are in the grip of cyclone season and as I speak, we have a waterfall coming down our stairs and a lake in the lounge. The cats have goggles.
WHAT TO DO?
Monday 24/06/2024: Have been thinking about the prospects here in Mexico as I am not attracting sufficient numbers of trainee bikers to cover essential living costs. Pity because I enjoy taking learners out onto the trails and enabling them to ride in tricky terrain. Also, all are super people who appreciate what I am able to teach them so they become more confident on off-road riding. Hope I can get more recruits soon. The pic was taken whilst riding in The Congo on a fairly muddy track! See video for more info on riding.
Thursday 27/06/2024: I do receive comments on my books, mostly favourable, and on my radio interviews, another to be broadcast shortly which will be uploaded on my website. At times comments are special when I have a memorable impact. Don't often log such but have listed a pleasing one from a parent.
Hello Sir, I hope you and Cathy are well. I write with news of your positive impact on future generations! I was speaking to my Son Ethan (8) about finding something he loves to do when he grows up. We talked about a few things, but the idea he came up with himself was "I could be an adventurer and travel all over the world like that guy who saved the Turtle!" Very cool! Well done and yes I did tell him your name so he knows it next time. Good luck out there!
I sent a reply to Ethan and wished him well in his endeavours.
Sunday 07/07/2024: I include in this log an event in history which changed the destiny of the country monumentally, and elsewhere in the world, when in 1520 Hernan Cortes and the Tlaxcalanas defeated a numerically superior Aztec force in the battle of Otumba effectively ending Aztec rule. Cortes, the Spanish conquistador is best known for leading an expedition that resulted in the downfall of the Aztec Empire and which brought large parts of Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile. This made Spain very rich in wealth and power. Cortes was initially diplomatic in his relationship with Montezuma, but he also cemented pacts with local clans hostile to the Aztecs. The meeting between Cortes and Montezuma is well recorded but has varying accounts. Montezuma was taken prisoner in his own palace after the battle of Otumba, with the result that the Aztecs lost control of the kingdom and the Spanish thenceforth ruled the country with the Mixtec and Spanish cultures fused in the arts, architecture and music and language still prevalent today.
Tuesday 09/07/2024: This month in Oaxaca, my district, there is a festival that has its origins in Zapotec culture called Daninayaaloani or "Hill of the Beautiful View" in honour of Centéotl, the Corn Goddess. During this event, people gather to share offerings, eat food and dance over a period of eight days. After the Spanish conquest, the festival transitioned to a Catholic ritual and is now part of the popular rites of the Virgin of Carmen. Celebrations for La Guelaguetza, a dance depicting four eras in Oaxaca: Pre-Columbian, Colonial, Independent Mexico and the Contemporary Era continue throughout the whole month of July, and includes food fairs, parades, musical concerts, dance performances and visual arts exhibitions. The cultural heritage and traditions of eight Indigenous communities of Oaxaca are highlighted. A great spectacle.
Friday 12/07/2024: As the 2024 Olympics is just two weeks away thought I would mention an athletic event that nearly caused the death of a marathon runner from England during this month many years ago. Jim Peters was a British marathon runner who set new records for the event but also suffered a most agonizing collapse in an international competition. Peters set four world marathon records during his career including in 1952 the 26-mile time of 2:20:42.2, perhaps slow by today's standards but in an age that knew little about nutrition and hydration. Also running in uncushioned leather shoes. He is best remembered for his collapse at the end of the marathon at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. He entered the stadium 17 minutes ahead of any rival and 10 minutes faster than the existing record. His early fast pace and dehydration on a hot day caused him to stagger, weaving across the track, to fall and crawl in search of the line before eventually collapsing unconscious. After covering just 200 metres in 11 minutes, watched by stunned and silent spectators, he was stretchered off the track for medical attention. "I was lucky not to have died that day", he later said. He was awarded a medal by Queen Elizabeth inscribed, "To a most gallant marathon runner." Peters never fully recovered and never raced again. To witness the 'horror' of his endeavour to finish the race « click on this link »
Monday 15/07/2024: Just to continue the running theme, in the recent Mexico Marathon a competitor suffered a fatal heart attack, so Peters had a fortunate escape. According to media reports, the runner was Juan Stenner, 32, an athlete who competed in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2011 Pan American Games. Stenner, who retired from track and field competitions in 2018, collapsed upon reaching the finish line near the Angel of Independence Monument on Reforma Avenue. Red Cross paramedics at the scene attended to him quickly and rushed him to the nearby Rubén Leñero Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him. It is not uncommon for athletes in various disciplines, cycling for example, to die. Athletes push themselves to the limit and some die through taking performance enhancing drugs. Tom Simpson a British cycling legend was the first Brit to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, and first to win the World Championship. He died in 1967 on the 13th stage of the Tour de France, while climbing the Mont Ventoux. A potent combination of amphetamines and alcohol in his system allowed him to literally ride himself to death.
Tuesday 16/07/2024: Mexico had its rainiest June in more than 80 years after seeing six months of below-average rainfall, and the second-driest May ever recorded. Heavy rains have reduced visibility, caused flooding and landslides and increased river and stream levels. The new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido has suffered severed damage in several places, as mentioned in the previous log.
Wednesday 17/07/2024: For those of you who may be interested, I was recently interviewed, again, on Adventure Rider Radio by Jim Martin on facing danger on travels by motorcycle. His podcast is well known amongst the riding community. He is a skilled, encouraging presenter and interviewer, making for easy, informative listening. Thanks Jim. « Click on this link for the podcast » It is a long programme so best to listen when you have time to spare. It is entitled 'Deep Trouble' Border Crossing. Enjoy.
Saturday 20/07/2024: Many of you will know that my early life was spent in Africa so to end this log I include a photo taken in Zululand. It is of an extended family near a farm that was run by Cobie Bride, mother of Lucinda Bride, wife of my brother Simon. She is the woman to the right who cared for many in the photo. Incidentally one of her relatives, Harold Bride, was the radio operator on the Titanic who sent out the mayday message as it was sinking. My mother, Wendy, is kneeling in the centre and at the back is Walter, my father's father who was on a visit. Brings back memories and some sadness as Cobie, Walter and my mother are no longer surviving. Best to all Spencer
NEW ABODE
Friday 21/06/2024: Have decided to move out of the main area of Escondido as it is becoming too overrun with visitors from Oaxaca since the new highway has been built. The recent heavy rains have washed some sections away so not so well built. May not last as long as expected if parts continue to collapse! Our new 'residence' is a marked improvement as it is in an open area and more spacious. We have land around us, and the owner lives not far away and is friendly and welcoming. Already been invited to meals with the family as mentioned in previous log.
Saturday 22/06/2024: As mentioned in my las log extreme weather has hit Mexico as in other parts of the world. The number of heat-related deaths in Mexico this year has more than doubled in just three weeks. The federal Health Ministry reported Thursday that 155 heat-related deaths had been recorded to June 18, an increase of 154% compared to the 61 fatalities registered to May 28. In the most recent "epidemiological week," an additional 30 people succumbed to heat-related illnesses. Around nine in every 10 deaths since the commencement of this year's "hot season" on March 17 were attributed to heat stroke. All told 138 people have succumbed to that illness in the past three months.
Dengue deaths also on the rise. In a separate report also published on Thursday, the Health Ministry said that dengue had caused 26 deaths in Mexico to June 18. Mexico has recorded a total of 17,106 confirmed dengue cases this year, an increase of 388% compared to the same time last year. Guerrero ranks first for both cases of dengue and deaths caused by the mosquito-borne tropical disease. The southern state has recorded 3,483 confirmed cases of dengue and 8 deaths. Five other states have recorded at least 1,000 dengue cases this year: Tabasco, Veracruz, Michoacán, Chiapas and Colima. The Ministry of Health has sent anti-dengue sprayers into some areas.
Monday 25/06/2024: Glad to report that I continue to receive very favourable comments on my books and sales have increased recently. Need the cash! Have decided to include a short extract from 'The Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker' about an incident when I went to pick up a visa for my travels in Africa. Visa applications and 'events' at passport controls are often frustrating but there is no use becoming annoyed. Smile and keep happy.
Opposite me in the officials' glass booth sat a traditionally built, African woman in a colourful print dress, with the type of bored expression that people in those kinds of positions seem to practice. Also visible was a microphone speaker, the one where it seems like the commentator is holding his nose and has a tennis ball in his mouth, and you can't hear a word that is said.
I sat there for half an hour watching the official pick her nose, check her fingernails every five seconds, and tap her pen on the desktop, until I decided to take the situation into my own hands.
I walked up and said, "Good morning, Madam, my name is Spencer Conway and I had an appointment to pick up a visa, about half an hour ago."
She looked up at me slowly, begrudgingly and, in slow motion, said, "Ate teel yo nunba ees cold," or something along those lines.
Quite understandably, I said, "Pardon?"
She said more loudly, stretching out all the words, "Wait till your number is called!"
I started, "But I am the only person in... "
She cut me off, repeated her request and literally glared me back to my seat, showing me the direction with her eyes. Frustrated, I turned round and went back and sat on my chair. No sooner had I sat down, when she called out officiously, looking around the room as she shouted, "Number sixty-four, number sixty-four." I stayed put. She hesitated for a few seconds to see if anybody was coming up, and then said, "Spencer Conway, Spencer Conway." Excellent theatre.
She handed my visa over with not a single glance at the document or myself.
Wednesday 26/06/2025: To a subject I have previously mentioned and for which Mexico has several reasons to be grateful to a 16th-century Franciscan missionary named Bernardino de Sahagún. Foremost among them is the monumental Codex that his work as a chronicler is invaluable for understanding pre-Columbian Mexican history and culture. Sahagún authored the record of knowledge that might otherwise have been lost forever. The creation and impact of the Florentine Codex, Sahagún's magnum opus, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable sources of information on Mexican culture and the impact of the Spanish conquest. A treasure trove of ethnographic, archaeological and historical knowledge, it consists of 12 volumes and 2,500 illustrations, documenting the life and beliefs of the Mexicas and other Nahua peoples. Actually titled The General History of the Things of New Spain, this work was created by Sahagún in collaboration with Nahua elders, scholars and artists over the course of decades. The codex is written in parallel columns of Nahuatl and Spanish, preserving both knowledge and language. Upon its completion in 1577, the manuscript was sent to Europe, where it became part of the Medici family's library in Florence, hence its name.
Thursday 27/06/2024: As many of you know I was brought up in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, and look upon it as my home in many ways. My very early years were spent in the open in the peaceful kingdom ruled by the venerable King Sobhuza 11. It was a very happy time and I attended St Mark's Primary School and later Waterford secondary. Allister Miller Street was the main road running through Mbabane, the capital, and was the only place in the country that had a robot crossing! Traffic lights. The country only had one stretch of tarmac road, not many kilometres. The rest was travelled on dirt roads that became impassable during the rains. It was there that I first rode a motorcycle and admired my elder brother, Simon, who at the age of 15, participated in motocross events with some distinction. Really no traffic rules or testing so could ride across the country on tracks and in complete freedom. Royalty and other well knowns visited the country and Eric Clapton performed in the football stadium with musicians from South Africa. It was a big event, and my father was involved as a presenter of the groups. See < photo archive > for more pics.
Saturday 29/06/2024: It has been a hectic few weeks with tropical storms knocking out our electricity for close to a week, bridges and roads washing away and the new superhighway closed because of landslides. The rains caused an influx of tarantulas, giant toads, lizards, giant flying ants and mosquitoes. You may remember from the last log that I went for a traditional meal with my Mixtec neighbours, consisting of chicken in flying ant chilli sauce. Delicious. Sadly Tony, the long-haired surfer in the lunch photo had a very bad accident surfing and has lost an eye. Ironically, we were discussing how busy and dangerous the waves were becoming. On a more minor level, the rains also bought mosquitoes and I have ended up testing positive for dengue. Quick drip, few days recovery hopefully. That is five times I have had malaria and dengue twice.
Sunday 30/06/2024: Hope all well with everybody from Dengue Man and as I have mentioned food in this log, I remember that my mother used a recipe book that had colourful photos of meals that she used to provide for my brother and I with hot and spicy food as youngsters. Probably engendered my love of chillies and peppers to add taste to my food still today. Spencer.
MORE FROM MEXICO
Saturday 08/06/2024: As I have dual nationality I thought I might provide some info on comparisons between the UK and Mexico. Interesting? Maybe for some! For starters the U.K economy is almost twice that of Mexico's? And both are among the world's top 10 destinations for international tourists? The population of the U.K. is 67million and 80% live in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the other 20%. That of Mexico is 126 million and is the world's 10th most populous nation just ahead of Ethiopia and behind Brazil, while the U.K ranks 21st. U.K citizens are not only older, on average, than their Mexican counterparts, but live longer as well. Life expectancy at birth in the U.K is 82.6 for females and 78.6 for males. The figures for Mexico are 78.4 for women and 72.6 for men. In area, Mexico is eight times larger than the U.K. Mexico covers 1.96 million square kilometres, making it the 13th largest country in the world, while the area of the U.K. is 243,610 square kilometres, the world's 78th largest. Mexico is the sixth most popular destination for international tourists with 38.3 million arrivals while the United Kingdom was one spot behind in seventh place with 31.2 million.
The above statistics were recorded in 2022 as are the following which maybe more appealing to some who like to drink a beer or two or more. The hops company Barth Haas of Mexico was the world's fourth largest beer producer with a total output of 141 million hectolitres per annum. On a per-capita basis, Mexico was the 19th largest beer consumer with the average person drinking 75.9 litres of cerveza per year. That equates to around four bottles or cans per person per week. The older generation in Mexico imbibe alcohol daily. I had to move a male neighbour from the middle of the road, where I live, to safety as he had collapsed drunk and was sleeping peacefully in danger of being hit by vehicles.
Britons are more temperate in their consumption of lager and ale, drinking 67 litres per person. The U.K ranked as the world's 27th largest beer consumer on a per-capita basis. At the top of the list was the Czech Republic. Ranking second to 10th were Austria, Poland, Ireland, Lithuania, Spain, Germany, Estonia, Romania and Namibia. The U.K. ranked 11th with a total output of 37.4 million hectolitres, or just over a quarter of Mexico's production which is sold in Chile and countries in South America. Personally, I don't add much to the total consumption of beer in Mexico and probably nothing at all unless England win the Euros. Unlikely!
Monday 10/06/2024: Staying with Mexico, south of Mexico City, deep in the mountains of the state of Guerrero, sits a town that was once one of the largest suppliers of silver in the Spanish Empire. Under the Spanish, mining in Taxco began around 1524, making it one of the oldest European mining centres in the Americas. The church of Santa Prisca was built by its 'mayor' as a way of thanking God for his mining fortune. It is famed for two pink stone towers, wide dome and intricate finishes. Santa Prisca, named after the town's patron saint, is one of Mexico's most beautiful churches and an exquisite example of the Mexican baroque style. Standing 94.5 meters in height, it was Mexico's tallest building until 1808.In addition to its magnificent interior and stunning light-pink façade, the church is noteworthy for having been built in just seven years, between 1751 and 1758 — a record speed for the time.
Thursday 13/06/2024: Mexico has a surprising number of exotic foods and one such is found in Oaxaca. In the Oaxaque villages it is known as chindudis and is a variety of ant that produces honey that generates a bag next to its stomach that inflates outwards while being filled with 'honey'. They belong to desert areas and can be found in some communities, especially in the Mixteca area, when there is no rain. They are known by different names: Chindudis, Tiocondudi, Botijas, Tioko Ntudi , variant of Mixteco meaning honey ant, Vinitos, Binguinas, among others, as the name varies in different villages. Dig during the day where you see an ant and you will find this sweet treat, with a wide range of flavours. It is possible to extract the honey and let them go. They will produce more honey overnight. Thanks to Lee Anne Crane Porter for this info. I am going hunting for honey ants with special equipment. Ant Geiger counter.
Friday 14/06/2024: Just thought I would mention a subject which affects many places in the world by highlighting the part one man has had in the ubiquitous drug trade. About this date in 1991 the notorious drug baron, Pablo Escobar, the most powerful drug lord in history gave himself up to the Colombian police. Yes, he did! At the height of his power in the 1980s, he was one of the wealthiest men alive, and his Medellin Cartel controlled the importation of 80% of all cocaine to the United States. This made him extraordinarily rich: he was worth around $30 billion by the early 1990s and earned around $70 million a day. This also made him extraordinarily dangerous. « This links to a documentary about Pablo Escobar » Escobar was responsible for an enormous number of deaths, massacres and narcoterrorist attacks as he maintained his grip on the cartel. In one instance, Escobar ordered the bombing of an aircraft which was supposed to be carrying César Gaviria, a presidential candidate opposed to the cartels. The plane was not carrying Gaviria and all 107 aboard died. He surrendered to the Colombian authorities. But he did so on his own terms: he was allowed to design and build his own prison, La Catedral, which included a football pitch, giant doll house, bar, jacuzzi and waterfall. Escobar lived unrestricted in the luxurious mansion, and when reports emerged that he was still running the cartel business, including having people murdered on the grounds of the jail, the Colombian government attempted to move him to a normal prison facility. He discovered the plan and escaped. He spent the rest of his life on the run until he was shot and killed by police on 2 December 1993 in his hometown. The cartels are active in Mexico and have found many ways of smuggling drugs into America and by mini submarines across oceans into Europe. If you wish to learn more about Escobar, click the link. Rather long video but informative.
Sunday 16/06.2024: Weather in Mexico can cause problems to the country, buildings and people. There are, of course, earthquakes, but also extremes of heat. What feels like an interminable heat wave at present has been three separate ones, scorching large areas of Mexico since early March, with temperatures reaching above 40°C (104°F) and surpassing 50°C (122°F) in a few places in the north. The extreme heat has resulted in 90 deaths. On Thursday, the SMN forecast torrential rains for much of southern Mexico, including Oaxaca, and Escondido, my locality. In Escondido we have experienced very high temperatures and then rain downpours which washed out the weekends motorcycle spectacular run by Motorclub Mexico City... « check this out! » I was due to be a guest rider, but the Police stopped the event as the heavy rains made it too dangerous. Pity. Cannot control or beat the weather.
Tuesday 18/06/2024: To prove I am still riding I provide some info. Seems that recently have had to repair my Tenere frequently which is a pain as spares are difficult to find in Mexico. This morning managed to complete a training session with difficulty as my main steering head bearing seized. In repair now. And I have just replaced the shock absorber and shock bearings, top and bottom. Cannibalised from my old bike. Only solution.
Wednesday 19/06/2024: As a last entry to this log and to take up on food in Mexico I post a pic of eating Chicatana (flying ant) chicken stew with our landlady and family. It is delicious, smokey and spicy. Left of Cathy is Tony, a professional surfer and his girlfriend Maria and our landlady as head of the table. Flying ants to all. Enjoy.
MOVING ON
Tuesday 28/05/2024: Have to say that moving on is not easy. Might have to leave Escondido to find a place to stay in the country. Things getting too hectic in the town.
Wednesday 29/05/2024: In Escondido we have been experiencing temperatures of over 30 degrees, but Central Mexico suffered from rather freakish weather in the last few days. Hailstorms covered streets in up to 50 cm of accumulated hail, nearly burying several cars and strong winds toppled trees and produced flooding in certain areas. Winds of up to 50 km/hr collapsed roofs and brought down trees onto a housing project, blew over billboards and caused a power failure. City and state civil protection agents were out in force to survey the damage and assist the public in digging out from the hail drifts. Police rescued a young girl who was being swept away by floodwaters, but no casualties were reported. We are in a sauna situation, no aircon or fan working..
Thursday 30/05/2024: As I have mentioned before the new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido has swamped the beaches with visitors both locals and tourists. It is a pity that environmental damage is already occurring, and the quiet atmosphere of the town has gone. The influx has led to some unsettling incidents. However, if you wish to experience the variety of culture and traditions in Mexico Oaxaca is a centre worth a visit as shown in the promotional video pictured « in this link » Have a look you might be stimulated to visit if you come to Mexico.
Friday 31/05/2024: Now to a subject not related to Mexico and touching a geo-political area not usually an area I discuss. An historic event that occurred in this month on May 14th in 1948, the independent state of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv by David Ben-Gurion, who became its first prime minister. U.S. President Harry S. Truman immediately recognized the new nation. On May 15th, hours after declaring its independence, the new state of Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Israel is small country on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The nation of Israel, with a population of more than 9 million people, most of them Jewish, has many important archaeological and religious sites considered sacred by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, and a complex history with periods of peace and conflict. Much of what we know about Israel's ancient history comes from the Hebrew Bible. According to the text, Israel's origins can be traced back to Abraham, who is considered the father of Judaism. Much of the conflict in recent years has centred around who is occupying, and controlling, the following areas: The Gaza Strip: A piece of land located between Egypt and Israel. The Golan Heights: A rocky plateau between Syria and Israel and The West Bank: A territory that divides part of Israel and Jordan. Dispute over these territories led to the Six Day War after a surprise attack on Israel in 1967 by Egypt, Jordan and Syria. As a result, Israel took control of the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, and Golan Heights. But, for clarification, the region has suffered conflict since 1948 and the whole area of the Middle East for generations. Additionally, Hamas a Sunni Islamist militant group that assumed Palestinian power in 2006, has been involved in repeated conflict with Israel. As we all know this has erupted in violent war since October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack into Israel, which has responded in an attempt to oust Hamas from Gaza. I include this information in my Log as a stop to the atrocities on both sides must be found. This is unlikely in the present entrenched opposed attitudes.
Monday 03/06/2024: This log is becoming political as I have to mention that Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was elected as Mexico's first female president in a landslide on Sunday, delivering another six-year term of government to the Morena party founded by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Sheinbaum, who campaigned heavily on her commitment to build on the so-called "fourth transformation" of Mexico initiated by the current president, attracted 58-60% of the vote. Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City, noted that it was the first time a woman had been elected president of Mexico since the country became independent more than 200 years ago. Supporters responded with chants of "presidenta, presidenta," as she appeared in Mexico's main square. Need now to see if she becomes a worthy leader.
Tuesday 04/06/2024: Continuing the theme of historic events occurring in the months of May/June, a statue known as The Goddess of Democracy, built by students of Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts during anti-Chinese protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989, has become a symbol for democratic causes. The statue was constructed out of foam and papier-mâché over a steel frame. Installed in the square on the 30th May the figure became a rallying point for the Democracy movement. Comparisons are often drawn to New York's Statue of Liberty. It was destroyed by tanks when the Chinese government ordered Tiananmen square to be forcibly cleared on the 4th of June. Its destruction was captured by cameras and watched worldwide. The statue became one of the world's first viral images and several replicas have been built around the world, including in Hong Kong to mark the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Many of you will remember the student confronting tanks, holding shopping bags, as they trundled towards him. Today any attempt to commemorate the event is banned by the Chinese government. Any mention of the brave student is met with harsh punishment. Very democratic!!
Tuesday 06/06/2024: And to finish this log an event that changed the course of history. On this day 80 years ago saw the start of the allied invasion of Normandy in 1944 and to commemorate the landings remembrance events are being held in England and France. The Normandy landings started on Tuesday, 6 June and are known as Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began the liberation of France, shortly after midnight on the morning of June the 6th with extensive aerial and naval bombardment as well as an assault by 24,000 American, British, and Canadian airborne troops. This was followed by Allied amphibious landings on the coast of France at 06:30 AM. The target was a 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Strong winds blew the landing craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha, where heavy casualties were suffered. The invasion eventually brought the war to an end with the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Thursday 06/06/2024: In England and France, the few surviving war veterans, several over 100 years old, assembled near the landing beaches in Normandy for a commemorative ceremony. World leaders attended and King Charles. Representatives of the Allied Forces from several countries were on parade from the Army, Navy and Airforce. It is likely that such a ceremony will not be so again as 80 years after the invasion is a landmark and it is probable that in 10 years there will not be any surviving veterans.
Friday 07/06/2024: Today is a celebration. Apart from my solo circumnavigation of Africa, today Cathy and I clocked 250 000 kilometres stuck to each other on this beautiful Tenere Motorcycle through South and Central America and Mexico. And stuck to a lot of you on social media. Thank you so much.
The black and white photo is my favourite during the 15 years of travel because to me it sums up pure happiness for Cathy Nel and I and the effect motorcycling has on your soul. Others seem to agree. It has been the most used photo in magazines, social media, at bike shows and in TV interviews. Travel and motorcycles are highly addictive, and you can never return to normal life the same.
The other photo is when we ran out of sardines. Here is to the next 15 years and hope you will all join us on our adventures. It is so much fun interacting with you all.
Peace, love and Iguana stew for all. The star is Cathy. I love her.
THE NEED TO REVIEW OPTIONS
Friday 10/05/2024: To open this log just a few thoughts on future plans. Have been in Mexico now for almost three years, originally caused by the covid virus which stopped any progress through Central America and continuing circumnavigation. Pity as video filming was intended and possible TV production. Having halted, had to remain in Escondido for much longer than anticipated and then suffered health problems further preventing travel. Contemplated returning to the UK but this would lead to paralysis and lack of opportunity for any hope of continuing riding through North America. Now in limbo and reviewing options. Love the riding and experiencing the adventure of finding off-road routes through countries and touching different cultures first hand. Also sharing with you the ups and downs of life on the road. As you know my logs have become more introspective and through circumstances cover a wider range of topics. As a result, I am ambivalent now as to what to do so delaying making definitive choices. That's my future NON-PLANS! Good Eh?
Sunday 12/05/2024: In the past many of you have made comments on the photos attached to my log in the archive section and since I have not included many for some time have a few in the text and others in the archive section. Building regulations in Mexico are somewhat relaxed and I often go past some unusual constructions. If you can't expand at ground level why not go for height. The house in the photo began as a single story and then grew gradually. There may be further development in the next few months. It is well maintained and appears to be safe.
I have had the opportunity of having fish on an almost daily basis since I got to know the local fishermen. Also have rescued turtles which have been caught in nets. Both have been mentioned before and recently Cathy and I saved some stranded turtles inland and carried them back to sea. Sadly, we also found several dead after they had laid their eggs someway up the beach. It has been suggested that I should get a boat so I could go out to fish alone. Have recently been inspecting a traditional 'craft' as it is about the only craft I could afford. May have to do some work on it.
Wednesday 15/05/2024: As all of you who have read my past logs may remember that two young women had a nasty experience with a crocodile here in Escondido and they are in the news again. One of them who saved her twin sister from a crocodile attack by punching it will receive a King's Gallantry Medal. Georgia Laurie, 31, from Sandhurst, UK, repeatedly hit the reptile in the face after it attacked Melissa while they were swimming in Mexico in June 2021.
The twins were treated in hospital where Melissa developed sepsis and was put into a medically induced coma. After finding out she had been included on the King's first Civilian Gallantry List, she said: "It's an honour, I was so shocked when I received the letter because I didn't expect it." The twins, from Berkshire, were out swimming during a guided tour in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido to view the water glowing with bioluminescence which is the light that some living creatures, such as plankton, emit from their cells. They had been in Mexico to volunteer to work in animal sanctuaries. Where they were swimming is a lagoon not far from my daily walk. Never been tempted to swim there as it is known for crocodile territory. Bad choice to swim in that locality.
Sunday 19/05/2024: Next to a 'healthier' pursuit. Drinking Pulque which is the oldest fermented beverage in the Americas. For hundreds of years of documented history of the pulque, its method of extraction and fermentation has not changed, so this "maguey juice" or "fermented aquamiel" has kept its ancient production processes and methods unchanged, where industrialization has not been able to touch this elixir of the gods. Pulque, occasionally known as octli or agave wine, is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey (agave) plant. It is traditional in central Mexico, where it has been produced for millennia. It has the colour of milk, a rather viscous consistency, and a sour yeast-like taste. The drink's history extends far back into the Mesoamerican period, when it was considered sacred, and its use was limited to certain classes of people. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the drink became secular, and its consumption rose reaching its peak in the late 19th century but then fell into decline, mostly because of competition from beer, which became more prevalent with the arrival of European immigrants, but pulque remains popular in many parts of Central Mexico. Not really my taste.
Tuesday 21/05/2024: To continue the drinking theme and to a beverage which is universal. Beer. The Scottish painter, and photographer Robert Adamson (1843-47) pioneered many aspects of photography and created what is the first known photograph of men drinking beer (1844). In the photo, David Octavius Hill (right) his collaborator, Born May 20, 1802, d. 1870, is sharing some Edinburgh Ale with James Ballantine (left) and Dr George Bell. Edinburgh Ale has been described as "a potent fluid, which almost glued the lips of the drinker together, and of which few, therefore, could dispatch more than a bottle". Brewing in Scotland goes back 5,000 years; ale could have been made from barley at Skara Brae and at other sites dated to the Neolithic period. The ale would have been flavoured with meadowsweet in the manner of a kvass or gruit made by various North European tribes including the Celts and the Picts. More potent than pulque and probably the cause of heavy drinking in Scotland.
Thursday 23/05/2024: From beer to art that may have been inspired by some kind of brew or drug. Recently Sotheby's sold a work by Leonora Carrington 'Les Distractions de Dagobert' that made her the most expensive British-born female artist at auction. Carrington was born in Chorley on 6 April 1917 and later lived in Mexico, alongside female surrealists including Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo. The painting was bought for £22. 48m.She lived in Mexico, alongside female surrealists including Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo. Painted two years after Carrington's arrival in Mexico in 1945, the psychedelic scenes are inspired by the life of Frankish ruler Dagobert, who lived in the seventh century. It shows extinct volcanoes, a lake of fire engulfing an inverted idol, and a watery world where a giant with a double animal head holds a human-faced puffer fish. Carrington died in 2011 at the age of 94. A painting which is difficult to decipher!
Saturday 25/05/2024: Lastly back to photos. Mexico has a unique method of rubbish disposal. DIY incinerators. All you need is some discarded oil drums, must be careful they are empty of oil, and presto, your own outside waste disposal unit. No need to pay the authorities for collection...check it out here > in the Photo Archive! Also useful to keep warm in winter. Not very often. OK. Love to all, off to the pulque store as Edinburgh Ale not available.
STATUS QUO
Friday 26/04/2024: The situation in Escondido is much the same as reported in the last log. The influx of immigrants was expected to arrive, but the caravan was diverted by the police and directed onto a route by passing the town. The quest of migrants is to cross the northern border into the USA. However, there is still disquiet here as more are on the road south of Mexico. Also, the rise in theft is increasing with the arrival of people using the new highway. Motorcycles, bikes, and goods from shops being targeted. My helmet was stolen from my bike within 30 seconds of me parking and taking shopping into my house. Two weeks ago, as reported, my panniers were broken open whilst visiting the local supermarket. Valuable tools gone in a 'jiffy'.
Sunday 28/04/2023: Now onto a subject that has little to do with Mexico or motorcycle riding but maybe of interest to some at least. Hashing. No. not the drug kind but about an international group of non-competitive running social clubs. Hash House Harriers that were in existence long before the ubiquitous Park Runs so popular today in many parts of the world. An event organized by a club is known as a Hash Run. Male members are referred to as Harriers and females are known as Harriettes. The Hash is humorously known as A Drinking Club with A Running Problem, with the preferred beverage of consumption being beer at the end of the run. Hashing is not that popular in Mexico, but there is a club in Mexico City. On my travels I have participated in the Runs in quite a few countries. Not for the social at the end of the run but to keep fit. Although in The Seychelles a cold beer on completing the run was very welcome. Hashing originated in December 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
A group of British immigrants began meeting on Friday evenings, to a run modelled after the traditional British game of hare and hounds, in which one or two "hare" runners scatter a trail of cut paper for the "hounds" to track. Apart from the excitement of chasing the hare and finding the trail, Harriers reaching the end of the trail down a beer. The objectives of the Hash House Harriers as recorded on a club's registration card are: To promote physical fitness among members. To get rid of weekend hangovers. To acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it with a beer. To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel. On the run, which can be over difficult terrain where walking is necessary, now usually marked by chalk, Hashers shout 'On, On' when the trail is found. On some Runs special dress is stated. It has been known for some runners to be lost overnight so missing the social. The photo is of the Red Dress Run in Lima.
Wednesday 01/05/2024: Yes. Another month and into May. Many of you will probably have attended a May Day celebration but what is the origination of such an event? May Day is a European festival that dates viback nearly a thousand years. It marks the beginning of summer and is usually celebrated in early May, halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. The origins of May Day are thought to be inspired by three older festivals: Beltane fires, Walpurgisnacht, and Floralia.
May Day in Mexico, also known as Día del Trabajo (Labour Day), is celebrated on May 1st. It is a national public holiday that holds both political and labour-related significance and serves as a day of worker solidarity and protest. Labour unions, activists, and workers come together to advocate for labour rights, fair wages, and better working conditions. There are marches, official meetings, and speeches across the country to highlight workers' rights and social justice. While May Day is significant for labour-related reasons, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is another important date in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and provides an opportunity for people to celebrate Mexican culture, eat traditional food, make music, and dance. Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day to enjoy tacos and margaritas—it's a historical moment that symbolizes resilience and pride. Many events are organised on this day with communities celebrating en masse.
Friday 03/05/2024: When on travels one has the chance to see spectacular natural sights and also many man-made wonders. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Church of our Lady of Remedies) in Central Mexico, with the active volcano Popocatepetl in the background is one. The beautiful church in the city of Cholula was built by the Spanish in 1574-1575. This wonderful area of Mexico is very scenic and rich in history. The church is 16th-century Mexican Catholic built atop the Tlachihualtepetl pyramid in the municipality of Cholula located in the central Mexican state of Puebla. It was built with carved stone and embellished with 24-carat gilded panels and has an altar in the neoclassical style. The defeat suffered by Hernán Cortés in the battle of the Noche Triste led to a hurried escape of the survivors up to Naucalpan. Along the way they suffered the loss of many soldiers and native allies as well as notable hostages, such as some children of Moctezuma. The Spanish sheltered and recovered in the Indian temples until they could turn to fight the Aztecs at the Battle of Otumba. One of Cortés's soldiers, Gonzalo Rodriguez de Villafuerte, had with him a religious image, castrenses. He hid it among aloe plants and then prayed and legend says that during the battle, a young girl threw dirt in the eyes of the attacking natives as a result of the prayes helping to seal the Spanish victory. Whatever! But the church is spectacularly positioned and the altar an example of high decoration.
Monday 06/05/2024: If any of you would like to have a run in with dinosaurs as in Jurassic Park, you can blame Mexico for the lost opportunity. Why? Read on. The Chicxulub crater (cheek-shoo-LOOB) is an impact crater buried underneath the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Its centre is offshore, but the crater is named after the onshore community of Chicxulub Pueblo. It was formed over 66 million years ago when a large meteorite, about six miles across, struck Earth. The crater is estimated to be 120 miles in diameter and 12 miles in depth. It is the only impact crater whose peak ring is intact and directly accessible for scientific research. It was discovered by Antonio Camargo and Glen Penfield, geophysicists who had been looking for petroleum in the Yucatán Peninsula during the late 1970s. It is now widely accepted that the devastation and climate disruption resulting from the impact was the primary cause of the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction, a destruction of 75% of plant and animal species on Earth, including all non-avian dinosaurs. Walking dinosaurs no more. Gone forever but who knows?! Call for Attenborough.
Wednesday 08/05/2024: Finally for this log May the eighth is a significant day in history. The end of World War II, which for many Germans had trouble grasping what May 8, 1945, meant for them. That was the day of Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies, ending the war Adolf Hitler had started in 1939. Millions died in the six years of conflict, large parts of Europe were in ruins, and the unfathomable extent of the genocide of European Jews had come to light. Not until 1985 was this day admitted as to being a day of liberation not of defeat. "It liberated all of us from the inhumanity and tyranny of the National Socialist regime," stated the then German President. In view of the fact that unjust wars are still being waged today let us hope that they do not lead to WW 111and that solutions can be found leading to peaceful outcomes, but of course this is wishful thinking. Anyway, peace and love to all. May the sun never set forever. Spencer.
CHANGING TIMES TWO
Tuesday 16/04/2024: This log is mainly of gloom and doom for the first entries as with everywhere in the world life is changing in Mexico. Many countries have migrant problems and Mexico is no exception. As the country borders the US it is a route for escapees from South America to attempt to find a better living in America. Where I am in Escondido it has become one of the through routes for Venezuelans and other nationals to cross the border into the States. This includes the dangerous and very challenging 'path' through The Darien Gap where kidnapping for ransom and threat of physical violence, particularly to women and girls, is a constant danger. It is also a route for drug smugglers and army personnel regularly arrest them, but many get through and the drugs reach the USA.
This is a disaster. What? Puerto is literally being swamped by caravans of migrants and the latest is expected to get here soon. There are over a thousand trekkers, with more caravans staggered behind them. The police and militia are out in force and Mexicans are collecting on corners in protest. It is not looking good. < Click onto this link > and watch first section to see migrants on the road. They have travelled hundreds of miles crossing borders through many countries. Look at the map to see the relative location of Venezuela to Mexico. The latest is that the migrants have blocked the main highway and there is a stand-off with the Police. What next, I wonder?
Wednesday 17/04/2024: Another area that has a huge migrant problem is Haiti where anarchy reigns! It is probably the poorest country in the world and lawless. It is controlled by rival gangs who have a total disregard for life. As a result, desperate people cross the border into the Dominican Republic to get food and medical supplies. Pregnant women and girls seek help in hospitals and clinics for childbirth needs and for care for malnourished and sick children and babies. Few succeed and are shipped back to Haiti. Many also attempt to make a boat crossing to the States. This is an occurrence that is to be found in many other parts of the world. The UK has been experiencing migrants crossing the English Channel for several years, 23000 so far this year, into a small country already overpopulated. The problem globally is changing the world.
Saturday 20/04/2024: There is also another problem to mention as the increase in traffic on our roads is not only causing pollution but deaths and serious injury. Travelling on the highways in Oaxaca is becoming more dangerous daily, partly because vehicles are poorly maintained and through dangerous driving. As mentioned in last log the new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido continues to be the location for high-speed crashes. Beware! Saturday 20/04/2024: There is also another problem to mention as the increase in traffic on our roads is not only causing pollution but deaths and serious injury. Travelling on the highways in Oaxaca is becoming more dangerous daily, partly because vehicles are poorly maintained and through dangerous driving. As mentioned in last log the new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido continues to be the location for high-speed crashes. Beware! ...rather long but informative. Bland commentary!
Monday 22/04/2024: For several days during the week the influx of tourists means that fishermen have difficulty launching and beaching their boats and what was a litter free area is now not the case. Fishermen friends are somewhat disgruntled as their routines are interrupted and livelihood threatened. Not good for them.
Wednesday 24/04/2024: Now to a more favourable item. Did you know that Mexico ranks among the oldest civilizations in the world as it was home to the Olmecs, dating back to 1200 B.C.? The Olmecs influenced various Mesoamerican cultures in modern-day Mexico and Central America, defining everything from religious practices to urban settlement patterns, architectural styles, and trade routes. The Olmec culture, known as the "Mother Culture," laid the early foundations that influenced the subsequent cultures of Mesoamerica. It emerged during the Preclassical Mesoamerican period (2500 BC to 200 AD) in what is today the southeast of Veracruz and western Tabasco in the Gulf of Mexico. Because it is unknown how this civilization referred to themselves, the name "Olmec" was given by archaeologists based on the presence of rubber in the areas where this civilization thrived. It is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word "Olmecatl," which means "inhabitant of the rubber country." In later centuries the Olmec civilization suffered from invasion and decimation, but remnants still remain as can be found in artefacts of their lifestyle.
Sunday 28/04/2024: Before leaving the month of April just thought I would mention an event that happened on April 17, 1860. The first "world championship" boxing match took place on this day in an open field in southern England. The contenders were 25-year-old John Carmel Heenan, the all-American champion, and England's "Titch" Sayers, 34, who was described on posters as "the small, clever little ring general". Weighing 149lb, Sayers was just 5ft 8in tall, while 6ft 2in Heenan tipped the scales at 195lb. Some difference and betting was firmly on the American to win. This was a bare-knuckle fight, which was illegal. But that didn't stop a huge crowd gathering at the field just outside the village of Farnborough in Hampshire, many of the spectators having arrived by special trains from London. They were said to include the writers Charles Dickens and William Thackeray as well as the Prime Minister, Henry John Temple, and even the 18-year-old Prince of Wales, destined to become King Edward VII. As the contenders stripped to the waist, Heenan is reported to have commented: "We have a fine morning for our business." Sayers replied: "If a man can't fight and win on such a crisp morning, then he can't fight at all."
The contest began at precisely 7.29am and the two men fought on for an astonishing and brutal two hours and 27 minutes. Battered and bloodied, they were preparing to come out for the 43rd round when police stormed the ring and brought proceedings to an end, with the crowd – and the pugilists – fleeing to escape arrest. A reporter from Bell's Life, Britain's leading sporting newspaper, wrote: "The final round was merely a wild scramble, both men ordered to desist from fighting. Heenan had rushed away from the ring and ran some distance with the activity of a deer, and although he was as fit as ever, he was obviously totally blind. Sayers, although tired, was also strong on his pins and could have fought some time longer." The fight was declared a draw, and the men were each paid £200 for their pains. That is £30,476.05 in today's currency. Neither fought again and both died while still in their thirties. Pugilism doesn't pay! Or does it?
On that I'm off to the gym. Keep smiling and bananas and cheese to all. Spencer.
ECLIPSED
Monday 08/04/2024: Parts of Mexico were eclipsed recently but in Escondido we missed the event so will just have to wait till the next one. Could be a long time from now. Not to worry will just have to make sure I don't miss it next time! Actually 24,270 days from now to Saturday, 09/23/2090. For an informative review of the eclipse « click on the link to the NASA report! » its quite long but you can skip through.
Tuesday 09/04/2024: Just taken delivery of my new vehicle which I got for a very good price. Needs a bit of work but have interest from a couple of museums already. Sure it would be a great attraction but need to ship it to Germany. Note the flag.
Wednesday 10/04/2024: Staying with vehicles I reported that the new highway serving Escondido from Oaxaca has already been the scene of many accidents and spotted on the road last week was a convoy of Tuk-tuks which are motorbikes fitted with a cab to carry three to four passengers. Obviously not a vehicle for a high-speed motorway. They were stopped by the police and transported back to site of origin. Motorised tuk tuks originated from the design of rickshaws, which were prevalent on the streets of Bangkok during World War II. A small engine was fitted inside a traditional rickshaw, and the tuk tuk was born. They got their name from the sound that the earliest models make. The engine makes a 'tuk tuk tuk tuk tuk' sound. Have actually driven one in Bangkok in dense traffic with a seated owner high on pot. Laughable experience.
Thursday 11/04/2024: Just to keep you up to date with the latest motorbike on the market. Not that expensive, streamlined, fuel efficient and top speed amazing. As in the photograph you must have a moustache to ride it. Helps with the aerodynamics. Using an engine that had been produced in August 1943, a 98-cc single-cylinder two-stroke with a two-stage gear box, and spare parts obtained from the black market to bypass shortages. The prototype was exhibited to the press in late October 1945 at a dealership on Via Piatti in Milan. It had a steel tube rigid frame, a girder fork, 19-inch wheels, and a gas tank marked with a large M and V and was initially called "Vespa 98" before being renamed to "MV 98" to avoid confusion with the Vespa motor scooter produced by Piaggio. The abbreviation MV stands for Meccanica Verghera, the hamlet where the first MVs were made. MV Agusta retired from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 1976 season, having won 270 Grand Prix motorcycle races, 38 World Riders' Championships and 37 World Constructors' Championships with legendary riders such as Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, Carlo Ubbiali, Gary Hocking and John Surtees. The best riders at the time.
Sunday 14/04/2024: Maintaining the bike theme just to say that my promotion of my training programme for riders is attracting clients from many nationalities and receiving favourable comments. Very enjoyable and sociable experience. Interesting characters with a variety of backgrounds and riding skills. I include a pic of happy Townsley family after a ride. Simon, dad, Evelyn and Oscar, son and daughter and Greta Oscar's Albanian girlfriend. And Cathy!
MOTORCYCLE TRAINING, MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE, SAFETY AND ON/OFF ROAD INSTRUCTION AND RIDEOUT - BECOME A CONFIDENT, EXPERT MOTORCYCLIST
Motorcycle maintenance, safety and professional training course for all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) followed by a three hour guided ride in the beautiful mountains outside Puerto Escondido.- 750 pesos per person with own bike.
Brand new Italika 250s and 150s available for rent.
One/two day longer guided rides on request. Alone or groups. We do Chacahua and the mountainous coffee region.
I include some early comments from two satisfied customers to prove I actually do train real people...
Monday 15/04/2024: On this day in 1452 Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born. As you all know he was a renaissance polymath, painter, sculptor, architect, musician, engineer and inventor, but chiefly remembered as one of the greatest painters of all time. His inventions and designs include flying machines, a tank, concentrated solar power, an adding machine, the double hull and also a theory of plate tectonics. He died on May 2, 1519, aged 67. Some 20 years after Leonardo's death, Francis 1st of France, his patron in later life, was reported by the goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini as saying: "There had never been another man born in the world who knew as much as Leonardo, not so much about painting, sculpture and architecture, as that he was a very great philosopher." Leonardo did not invent the motorbike but there are hints that he could have done to be found in his notebooks. For in depth analysis of his life and works « click on the link »
To conclude I have been informed that Facebook has recognised me as a top rising creator this week! Whatever that means, it must be good. Love to you all and get your friends to follow me please, whatever that means too. Love the interaction to be honest. Spaghetti and chips. Love Spencer.
CHANGING SCENE
Thursday 28/03/2024: Unfortunately, in quiet Escondido life is changing, as mentioned in the last log, the new highway from Oaxaca to the coast has brought an influx of people and a reaction from some locals who are not too happy. This does not apply to all as tourist businesses benefit. Also, there are more 'gringos' which has generated racist action. In fact, it is becoming very, very racist here against 'gringos'. Among Latin Americans, gringo is a term for a "foreigner," often a white person from the United States. It can also refer to a person who doesn't speak Spanish or is out of touch with Latin culture, including people of Hispanic descent. The term gringo appeared in the 1787 Castilian Dictionary, whose author, Esteban de Terreros y Pando, defined it as a term used in the southern Spanish port city of Málaga to describe foreign, heavily accented speakers of Spanish. In Spain's capital Madrid, Esteban noted similar use, though typically it was aimed at Irish foreigners. Years after the publication of the 1787 Castilian Dictionary, gringo sprang up again, though this time on the other side of the Atlantic. When United States forces invaded Mexico in 1846, in the Mexican American War, many Mexicans began referring to the newly arrived English-speakers as gringos. Anti gringo pamphlets and signs are being published in Escondido which is a great pity as most Mexicans here are non-racist. Today the term is used in the 2018 film 'Gringo', which centres around an American businessman who gets kidnapped in Mexico. Not a good film I suggest. « Check out the trailer! »
From 2018 a term began circulating on social media to refer to a particular demographic in Mexico: "whitexicans." It addresses Mexico's white population. But beyond the colour of the skin, the whitexican tag specifically refers to upper-class Mexicans who lead a privileged lifestyle: They attend private schools, travel abroad, speak English, and have access to opportunities many Mexicans only dream of. It reveals what has been apparent in Mexico since the Spanish colonization, but until a few years ago, it was very little acknowledged that most of Mexico's high-class population is white. Does this strike a chord with anyone?
Sunday 31/03/2024: Just an aside which is worth mentioning that on this day in 1912, the English explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott, was storm-bound in a tent near the South Pole, and made his last entry in his diary, stating, "the end cannot be far." Setting out 110 years ago, the team of British explorers had hoped to be the first men to reach the South Pole. But when they arrived on January 17, they found that a party led by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had beaten them to it. They headed home disheartened but still hopeful they would survive. By the end of March 1912, all five were dead. Petty Officer Edgar Evans died from a probable brain injury from a fall into a crevasse on February 17. Next was Captain Lawrence Oates, who suffered from frostbite as he crossed the Ross Ice Shelf. Scared of holding up the party, he walked out into the snow on March 17 with the now famous line, "I'm just going outside and may be some time". The three remaining men struggled on. On March 21, they camped for the last time, but froze to death. The bodies were found by a search party in November 1912. Actually, Scott had made several mistakes in preparation for the expedition which led to their frozen deaths. What is worse? Dying of heat and thirst in a desert or freezing to death in snow and ice! Debateable.
Monday 01/4/2024: Another month and not a good start in my area as it has been a tragic Holy week. Thirteen people have drowned in the past twenty-four hours, 17 people in Oaxaca. Eight of the victims were Asian migrants sailing on a boat in the lagoon area. Residents and fishermen said that strong wind gusts caused the boat to capsize. Some of the other 17 drowned were tourists and others elderly residents. One man died after saving a woman in a fast-flowing river. The heroic act cost him his life as he was swept away by the current. An Argentinian, age 24, was pulled out to sea, and lost. There is an ongoing search for his body. The water is always rough here and the lifeguards raise red flags indicating no swimming, but people ignore them and most are weak swimmers. I have to be careful, as I am half fish.
Tuesday 02/04/2024: Carnage down this way! This morning when I was preparing for my bike lesson, I heard a bang outside. A young Venezuelan guy of about 23 who was renting a room next door to us rode his motorbike into a parked one and knocked it over. I watched from the window as he picked up the bike and then rode off. Five minutes later I left, rode four hundred metres up the road, and he was dead, hit by a taxi. He was not wearing a helmet. Fatal! Terrible. The photo is from a Puerto site. Now we have many accidents on the new highway on the Oaxaca Road. Many caused by fast driving and unsafe vehicles. Taxis are often overloaded and unstable. One accident occurred when a lorry loaded with large building blocks careered off the road spewing the load on the highway. Some drivers could not avoid the debris. Result. Damaged vehicles.
Wednesday 03/04/2024: Just past the Spring Equinox but what is it? Equinox means "equal night" in Latin? In the Northern Hemisphere it is the time of moving into autumn and in the South, emerging from winter into spring. The celestial event that marks this transition is called an "equinox," and it happens twice every year around March 21 and Sept. 21. You can attend this phenomenon at one of the most famous Mayan Ruins, "Chichen Itza" when during the spring and fall equinoxes this pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl serves as a visual symbol of the day and night. On every equinox, the sun in the late afternoon creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase. Symbolically, the feathered serpent joins the heavens, earth, and the underworld. Thousands of people travel from around the world and gather to Chichen Itza each year, to admire the spectacle. The whole day has a carnival type atmosphere, rock bands competing with traditional music and folk-dance troupes, and groups of New Agers in robes come to see the equinox. Visitors usually wear white clothes to exorcise "bad vibes" and attract positive energy from the new sun.
Saturday 06/04/2024: I continue to search for new routes for my bike riding trainees so herewith a very short video of an easy ride. The advanced routes take one into the interior and rough and difficult terrain. Have to be a more advanced rider for a three-hour adventure. Must be expert to do the desert ride. Danger lurks and you might come across a rather daunting creature on some routes. A wolf spider. The Wolf Spider (Lycosa tarantula) is a segmented insect known for its varied habitat choices. It's distinguished by its agile hunting skills, often seen prowling at night. It is an adaptable creature, prevalent worldwide, making it one of the most common of the spider world. Beware they have a nasty bite. Have tarantula on toast on the menu. Best wishes. Spencer.
TIME AND TIDE
Tuesday 12/03/2024: I suppose that I must admit that my goal of attempting to circumnavigate all continents is receding as circumstances have prevented this endeavour and passage of time moves on. The exact origin of 'Time and Tide' is uncertain, but Chaucer may have known it. The earliest record is from St. Marher in 1225: "And te tide and te time þat tu iboren were, schal beon iblescet." It evolved into the present-day version: "The tide abides for, tarrieth for no man, stays no man; tide nor time tarrieth no man." The word "tide" in this context originally referred to a period of time, not the rising and falling of the sea. Over time, the literal interpretation shifted to the contemporary meaning of "tide" as the ebb and flow of the sea. We are all circumscribed by what is written in our lives, which we cannot control, but we do have the freedom to shape our destiny as far as possible, but we cannot stop the passage of time. Sorry for the philosophical musings. My father will know as it is his birthday today. Happy greetings, Padre.
Thursday 14/03/2023: Many of you might remember the Mexican Brown tarantula that was in my board shorts, nestling up to my meat and two vegetables. I totally flipped out and tore my shorts totally in half. « Click this link for the video proof that I wasn't exaggerating the size! » He was a bit stunned at this point after being jettisoned across the room. Cathy Nel was in hysterics. I am not scared of spiders but don't want one on my landing gear. In northern Mexico we encountered more than a thousand crossing the road. We had to stop the bike. It was amazing, even though the tarantulas were doing wheelies and attacking our front tyre.
Sunday 16/03/2024: Some of you may not take kindly to eating insects but on my travels, I have had a variety thrust upon me in some awkward situations. Some forced, some by choice. In Africa during the rainy season thousands of flying ants take to the air, are caught, and fried for a meal. More extreme is the capture of tarantulas for a snack. Now scientific research has highlighted the fact that ants are both tasty and nutritious! In fact in Mexico it has been confirmed that the chicatana ant, native to this country, has a 'nutty roasty, woody flavour' and can be used to make a smoky salsa to serve with tortillas. It is popular in Oaxaca, my nearest large city, along with other more common ants that can be dried and crushed into a powder for flavouring. Some are used as a lemon juice substitute when mixed with water. But be careful to collect the right type of ant for your next batch as some are poisonous and the bullet ant has the worst sting in the world. Ant revenge!! Also as an added comment, the local Mexicans have named my bike Chicatana! Sounds like an angry ant.
Tuesday 19/03/2024: Have received more book reviews recently, some of which I have published on social media, but just to show that 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' and 'The Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker' are known in far flung places I post a photo from Chibalala in Mozambique. They are popular in America, Australia, and all points N/S/E/W and on the Moon. This is a recent review of 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat'. Apologies if you have read it elsewhere: "What a rollercoaster of a ride. What Spencer has done here is capture the essence of Overland motorcycle travel in the whole spectrum of experiences and emotions. I've laughed, been shocked, enthralled, engaged and actually brought to tears. Cathy has also massively gone up in my estimation - from superwoman 1,0000 percent. What a woman! This book is sometimes tangential but never directionless. Perhaps a bit like the man himself? A must read..."
Saturday 23/03/2024: Just had my bike pannier broken into in a 'secure' supermarket'. Wrenched it open and took all my tools, tarpaulin, generator and more. The guard said there are no cameras, and he did not see anything suspicious. Problem to replace some things and expensive. Spoke to my Police buddies and said they were probably Venezuelans, not Mexicans. They said they would keep a look out for the items. I don't hold out much hope. These are the happy chappies.
Sunday 24/03/2024: On this day in 1874 the escapologist Harry Houdini was born. Many think of him as an American but he was the son of a rabbi who emigrated from Hungary to the United States and settled in Appleton, Wisconsin. He became a trapeze performer in circuses at an early age, and, after settling in New York City in 1882, he performed in vaudeville shows there without much success. In 1894 he was married to Wilhelmina Rahner, who thereafter as Beatrice Houdini served as his stage assistant. From about 1900 Houdini began to earn an international reputation for his daring feats of extrication from shackles, ropes, and handcuffs and from various locked containers ranging from milk cans to coffins to prison cells. In a typical act he was shackled with chains and placed in a box that was locked, roped, and weighted. The box was submerged from a boat, to which he returned after freeing himself underwater. In another outdoor exhibition he allowed himself to be suspended, head down, about 75 feet (23 metres) above ground and then freed himself from a straitjacket. These demonstrations were watched by many thousands of people. Houdini's uncanny escape abilities depended partly on his great physical strength and agility and partly on his extraordinary skill at manipulating locks. Houdini died on October 31, 1926, at the age of 52 from peritonitis (swelling of the abdomen), possibly related to appendicitis and possibly related to punches to his stomach he had received about a week and a half earlier. I am about to attempt to escape from my duvet cover suspended from the veranda. « CLICK FOR VINTAGE HOUDINI ARCHIVE FOOTAGE »
Wednesday 27/03/2024: Two of my kittens have lost their bedroom now as the tarp has gone. They are pretty ratty about it.
Peace, love and sweet dreams tonight for all those with spider phobias. Just had a run in with unknown opponent. Zapped on my hand. Have to avoid insects!
THE YEAR MOVES ON
Thursday 29/02/2024: This day, February 29, known as a leap day in the Gregorian calendar, is a date that occurs in most years that are evenly divisible by 4, such as 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Years that are evenly divisible by 100 do not contain a leap day, except for years that are evenly divisible by 400, which do contain a leap day; is that clear? Thus 1900 did not contain a leap day while 2000 did. Years containing a leap day are called leap years. Although most years of the modern calendar have 365 days, a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours. Therefor every four years, during which an extra 24 hours have accumulated, one extra day is added to keep the count coordinated with the sun's position. In England a person born on February 29 legally reaches the age of 18 or 21 on February 28 of the relevant year. Pisces is the zodiac sign of a person born on this day. Amethyst is the modern birthstone for this month and Bloodstone is the mystical birthstone from Tibetan origin that dates back over a thousand years. So, if you missed a birthday today try tomorrow.
Friday 01/03/2023: Another month and time for a health warning. I am not trying to lecture and inform you of what you may already know but in places like Mexico, where most of the country has year-round sun exposure, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential – especially if you have a fair complexion and are used to less sunny days. Fair skin tones are more susceptible to sun damage and irritation and tend to be thinner and more reactive, resulting in easy burning and redness. Mexico gets a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, even in places that experience rainfall often. Mexico City, where it rains frequently, receives 2,551 hours of sunlight every year, with March being the sunniest month, 264 hours of sunshine and September being the least sunny, 150 hours. Exposure to excessive UV radiation either from the sun or sunbeds, can damage the DNA in our skin cells, eventually leading to skin cancer. Chronic sun exposure increases the risk of developing lentigo maligna, a subtype of melanoma that appears in areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over time. This type of skin cancer is common in elderly people, usually on the face and neck. UV rays are particularly harmful from 10 am to 4 pm, during which time sun exposure should be avoided. I realise that this is about sunshine in Mexico far from where many readers live but it applies to anywhere in sunny areas. It is important to use a good sunscreen ointment. Happy sunbathing sun worshippers.
Sunday 03/03/2024: Most readers will have visited a street market sometime but in Mexico they are a special treat for most. Modern-day tianguis, which is derived from the Nahuatl "tianguitztli," evolved from Mesoamerican markets, one of which was the Tlatelolco founded in 1337, located just north of Tenochtitlán, in what is now Mexico City. The tianguis of Tlatelolco is considered the best example of this kind of market in Mesoamerica and its remains can be seen in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas. Today handmade crafts straw hats and baskets, blankets and bedspreads, rugs and wall hangings, colourful placemats and pottery are for sale. There is also mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables, prepared foods and homemade pantry items like jams, salsas and honey. The grand market in Tlatelolco was visited by Hernan Cortés, who estimated that approximately 60,000 people went to the plaza daily to exchange products and stated that it was "twice as large as the city of Salamanca." Merchants and tamemes (porters) delivered their products through a vast network of land routes and countless canoe trips, many coming from the Gulf of Mexico and other distant locations. Arcades surrounded the market, which was highly organized into sections well-defined by aisles, and each had a designated type of product for sale. Merchants had a seat and space on the floor to display their products. For those who like to browse markets, in Mexico, they are a haven. Diego Rivera imagined the ancient Tlatelolco market on one of his huge murals.
Wednesday 06/03/2024: On this day in 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Italian Renaissance artist, was born in the small village of Caprese. The son of a government administrator, he grew up in Florence, a centre of the early Renaissance movement, and became an artist's apprentice at age 13. Demonstrating obvious talent, he was taken under the wing of Lorenzo de' Medici, the ruler of the Florentine republic and a great patron of the arts. He became a master of painting, sculpture and architecture. One of his best-known sculptures is his David and his ceiling frescoes at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel are renowned as a monumental work. Before his masterpieces, beginning in 1490, he lived in the Medici palace, where he was a student of the sculptor Bertoldo di Giovanni and studied the Medici art collection, which included ancient Roman statuary. He was also an accomplished poet, and some 300 of his poems are preserved. Michelangelo worked until his death in 1564 at the age of 88. An outstanding master of his craft. Open this link for interesting fact about Michelangelo.
I continue to train motorbike riders here in Escondido and have several courses available. I offer safety lessons on roads and the more challenging off-road rides inland from Escondido. These are for the more experienced rider and there are varying degrees of difficulty through some rough country on dirt roads. Obstacles include rivers and muddy sections and steep inclines. Usually incorporates a swim in one of the pools in the wild. One of my trainees was a funky, expert tattoo artist who proved to be an excellent rider. I include a pic of her at work and one of the commendations received from a trainee.
"Interesting, knowledgeable and a talented rider, Spencer is a great guide and fantastic company to boot. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking to improve their riding and have some memorable adventures. We are looking forward to doing more trips with him in the near future."
Saturday 09/03/2024: In the last month a new highway has opened linking Oaxaca to Escondido which reduced a hazardous bus or car ride from six hours to two hours of easy driving. This has brought an influx of holiday makers to the formerly quiet village.
This is the beach I used to swim ALONE, with Broken Shell the turtle. Very sad. The cost of living has tripled, the supermarkets can't cope and the litter and effect on the wildlife will be catastrophic. This is the effect that one motorway can have on the environment.
Sunday 10/03/2024: It is not all bad news as Mexico has a well organised protection policy for one of natures big cats: the Jaguar. Mexico conducted its first population census in 2008, studying jaguars across 15 conservation sites. The review took three years to complete and established Mexico as a leader in conservation strategies for preserving wild jaguar populations.
According to that first census, an estimated 4,000 jaguars lived in the country, mostly in the Yucatán peninsula. By 2018, when the second census was carried out, this figure had increased to approximately 4,800. A healthy jaguar population requires extensive habitats. A single jaguar requires between 2,500 and 10,000 hectares, along with a network of connected territories. During the administration of President Andrés Manul López Obrador, the protection of priority jaguar habitats has been increased by 1.6 million hectares. Super, super, super.
Lastly, but not so wild or quite so beautiful I have to tell you that my Kitten has commandeered my bike when not in use. Has made it his home and keeps other riders away. Likes to ride with me for an outing. Beware, can kill.
Incredibly sad news... Luc Falcon, a motorbike friend, has died while riding in Namibia in a head-on collision with a truck. Very sad and thinking of his family.
Farewell friend. Spencer.
WHAT NEXT?
Friday 16/02/2024: This LOG is a mix of things Mexican and from wider afield which I hope are interesting. Many readers will have watched a popular film genre which has lasted for nearly a century based on the often-romanticised Wild West of America. But the real situation was not so attractive. The reality has recently been captured by a display of authentic photographs of the West's past which reveals the hard life that early settlers experienced. In most Westerns the saloon features where gun fights are frequent and 'good time girls' parade in revealing costumes. Not far from the truth. Also, in the early development of the west, and elsewhere, the Dance Hall was a patronised form of 'entertainment'. The Klondyke Dance Hall and Saloon was infamous in its time. The photo was taken in 1909 (Photographer: Frank H. Nowell). Women were the main attraction. Doesn't look too inviting! This dance hall, came under fire for so-called "indecent acts." In its heyday it made huge profits, like others down in the west. More early photos can be found by googling Photos of Old Western Saloons.
Saturday 17/02/2024: I recently included some information on the prevalence of Monarch butterflies in Mexico but sadly the number at their wintering areas in Mexico has dropped by 59% this year to the second lowest level since record keeping began. Mainly because of the use of pesticide, and climate change. The annual butterfly count doesn't calculate the individual number of butterflies, but rather the number of hectares they cover when they clump together on tree branches in the mountain pine and fir forests west of Mexico City. The butterflies' migration from Canada and the US to Mexico and back again is considered a marvel of nature. This year the butterflies covered an area equivalent to 0.9 hectares, down from 2.21 hectares from last year. Humberto Peña, the head of Mexico's protected areas, proposed creating a "safe corridor" for migrating butterflies with reduced herbicide and pesticide use and stricter measures against deforestation. The use of herbicides in the US and Canada has reduced the amount of milkweed, the butterflies' preferred food, thus starving the Monarch of essential nutrition. Let's hope measures are taken to resolve the problem.
Sunday 18/02/2024: On this day in 1519 Herman Cortés sailed for the coast of Yucatán with 11 ships, 508 soldiers, about 100 sailors, and, most important, 16 horses. He landed at Tabasco, where he gained information from the local Indians who presented him with presents, including 20 women, one of whom, Marina ("Malinche"), became his mistress and interpreter and bore him a son, Martín. Cortés sailed down the coast and founded Veracruz. He was 'elected' captain general and chief justice by his soldiers. Cortés exercised and disciplined his army, welding it into a cohesive force. The ultimate expression of his determination to deal with disaffection occurred when he sank his ships. By that single action he committed himself and his entire force to survival by conquest.
The key to Cortés's subsequent conquests lay in the political crisis within the Aztec empire; the Aztecs were bitterly resented by many of their subject peoples who had to pay tribute to them. Cortés took advantage of the situation to gain 200,000 Indian allies. The Tlaxcala which was in a state of conflict with Montezuma II, ruler of the Aztec empire of Mexico, became his most faithful ally. Rejecting all of Montezuma's threats to keep him from Tenochtitlán, the capital, later known as Mexico City, Cortés entered the city on November 8, 1519, with his small Spanish force and 1,000 Tlaxcaltecs. Montezuma inevitably had to receive him and did so with great honour, but Cortés decided to 'imprison' Montezuma in order to hold the country and achieve political conquest and religious conversions to Catholicism. The Spanish influence on Mexico was implemented from that date and is visible in all aspects of Mexican culture today.
Tuesday 20/02/2024: Among the most important innovations in world history was the development of the printing press. During February 1455 the Gutenberg Bible was printed on the press that revolutionized the production and distribution of books, ushering in the age of print and the spread of knowledge. This also influenced the development of art, literature, science, and religion.
Only 49 copies of the Gutenberg Bible have survived, and each one is unique. Some have handwritten notes, marginalia, or bindings from different periods and regions. Although this made them significantly cheaper than manuscript Bibles, students, priests or people of moderate income could not afford them. Most were sold to monasteries, universities, and wealthy individuals. Only one copy is known to have been privately owned in the fifteenth century. Some were used for communal readings in monastery refectories, others for display rather than use. A few were certainly for study. A few were bought by wealthy and pious laymen for donation to religious institutions. The price of a complete copy today is estimated at $25-35 million. Outside my price range..
In the last Log I provided an account of my 'run-in' with an American who decided that the liquor in a supermarket belonged to him. Just fill a couple of bags and a knapsack and walk out, knocking a Mexican female security officer on to the ground on the way out. After all she had no right to ask him what he was carrying!! His opinion. My reaction was instantaneous. I jumped into action as previously reported so I provide a montage of the event. Thanks to the unknown artist. Let me know who you are. Great creative work. Thanks. Sadly, the female security officer has not returned to work after the attack.
Friday 23/02/2024: Another commemorative day. In these times of religious strife just a reminder that it isn't a recent occurrence. On 23 February 303, the Roman emperor, Diocletian, ordered that the newly built church at Nicomedia be destroyed and its scriptures be burned. Also, that its precious stores of the treasury be seized. Diocletian's issued an "Edict against the Christians" that ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures and places of worship across the empire and prohibited Christians from assembling for worship. Sounds familiar!! At the end of February, a fire destroyed part of the Imperial palace and Diocletian determined that the culprits were Christians. An investigation was commissioned, but no responsible party was found. Executions followed anyway, and suspects were tortured and executed. The executions continued until the 24 April including the bishop Anthimus who was decapitated. Although further persecutory edicts followed, compelling the arrest of the Christian clergy and universal acts of sacrifice, they were ultimately unsuccessful, most Christians escaped punishment, and pagans too were generally unsympathetic to the persecution. Within twenty-five years of the persecution's inauguration, the Christian emperor Constantine revoked the edicts, and returned all confiscated property to Christians. Under Constantine's rule, Christianity became the empire's preferred religion. The wheel turns in mysterious ways!!
Saturday 24/02/2024: I haven't had much news recently. Hope you are all good. None of you will know because I have kept it quiet. I have been busy training locals and tourists in Mexico about motorcycle safety and on/off road instruction. On the most inappropriate motorcycles and no gear. I sort that out before we ride!!! Best of all: 60 percent Mexican riders involved. Today I had my 60th trainee. I also received this review below, perfect timing. Wow. Totally over the top, but I will take it!
"Rarely do you get an opportunity to learn from a living legend... Someone with expertise so deep that it becomes a fundamental part of who they are. Spencer IS Adventure Moto riding personified, and I learned more on his 3-hour ride than I learned in years of riding. He is a natural teacher who instructs through practical demonstration, clear feedback, and engaging story telling. His lessons may save your life one day and are sure to make you a better rider. I will be back for more training!" John James
Lastly a painting by Norman Rockwell (1894-19780) that might bring a smile. Wish I had such helpers when I have to fix a flat. OK. That's all folks. Happy biscuits and cheese. Spencer
NEWS FOM MEXICOe
Friday 09/02/2024: Unexpected events happen daily in Escondido! Our daily fishing was interrupted by a crash landing on the beach near cafes and bars. A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft had to make an emergency landing on Bacocho beach. The Cessna plane crash-landed almost immediately after take-off from runway 27 at Puerto Escondido Airport. Four passengers from Canada had boarded the Cessna 208B signing up for a skydiving adventure. A Mexican pilot was in charge of the plane and everything looked perfect until it was time for the passengers to jump. The machine experienced a malfunction, which compelled the pilot to search for an emergency landing spot and crash landed on the beach. Local fishermen helped to evacuate the people on board, in rather a desperate way. It was fortunate that the passengers were not too seriously injured otherwise they may have suffered more from the unceremonious rescues. It was more serious for one person on the beach who was killed after being struck by the aircraft. Every day a saga.
Sunday 11/02/2024: Now to another incident in which I was directly involved, previously reported on facebook, but I include in full here as some who do not patronise that outlet.
RUGBY TACKLING A THIEF AND THEN SUBDUING HIM USING A TECHNIQUE I LEARNT FROM YOUTUBE TWO DAYS EARLIER!
Yes, it is clickbait but listen to this one! Many of you may remember me throwing out a rude fellow from Immigration a few years back, leading to help with rapid Mexican residency. This incident was way more hectic.
Yesterday I went to the supermarket here in Puerto Escondido to buy some nopales (cactus), tortillas and some steak for our dinner (as you do). As I got to the top of the escalators the female security officer had stopped an American guy of around 50, to check his bag. He was at least six feet, and she was four feet, on a good day, standing on a box with stilts. She asked for his receipt and all hell broke loose. He turned and sprinted back into the supermarket, throwing bottles of vodka and cans of beer as he did so. I chased him down the aisle and he came face to face with the 'Tiny Security Services' girl who had run down the next aisle. He threw her to the ground, extremely forcefully and she smashed her elbow on the edge of a shelf. He ran for the exit, and I dived through the air like Jackie Chan and took him down. Within seconds there were fifty people watching. I got him to his feet and held on to the back of his shirt as more security guards and Chedraui staff arrived. He made another break for it, pulled away from me, pushing two more guards aside. He then flew over a supermarket trolley and fell on his front. YouTube instruction kicked in. I lay on top of his back, put him in a choke hold and rolled over onto my back. I held him tightly until he was subdued. (Semi-unconscious). Four army guys came rushing up the escalator, pushed through the crowd and took over. In his large drawstring bag were four more litres of Smirnoff vodka and eight cans of Indio lager. I acted as translator to try and avoid him time in a Mexican jail. They eventually agreed to let him pay triple for the goods, but he had no money and no passport. He was taken away.
I don't know what you all think of this from a moral standpoint. If he had stolen food, I may not have intervened. But when he knocked down 'Tiny Security', that was it for me. Everybody has a story and people do hit hard times, but he was wearing designer sunglasses, smart watch and clothes, and an expensive laptop in his bag and he stole alcohol, so it was odd. Why come to Mexico for a holiday, as he claimed, and then shoplift. Not a clever move. Now I am sitting here feeling super guilty that he is sitting in jail. Cathy, who I was supposed to meet in the Supermarket, was oblivious to the commotion in another section of the supermarket, and assumed I was running late, until she saw him sprawled on the floor and Police everywhere.
Monday 12/02/2024: Recently Google Doodle honoured a distinguished Mexican archaeologist and professor Alfonso Caso Andrade, born in 1896, who died at 74 in 1970, leaving behind an invaluable legacy for the understanding of Mexico's ancient cultures. One of his most notable achievements was the first major excavation of the pre-Columbian city of Monte Albán in Oaxaca, which I have mentioned before. The "doodle" is a daily feature by which Google celebrates a person or historical event with an image and a biography. Some doodles are region- or country-specific. Caso's Doodle shows him holding a book as he stands in front of a shovel, books, and ancient artifacts. Behind him is a pyramid and the word "Google" emblazoned on stones, with one of the O's represented by the cover of Caso's book. In 1932, excavations at Monte Albán unearthed Tomb Seven, one of the richest burial sites ever found. Using the remarkable burial offerings in the tomb, Caso was able to outline a history of Monte Albán dating back to the 900s AD. Writing books about his findings and methodology, he began to focus on the Mixtecs (Ñuu Savi), an Indigenous people of southern Mexico. Caso discovered Mixtec sites around the country in Yucuita, Yucuñudahui and Monte Negro. In a major step forward for the field of archaeology, Caso learned to read Mixtec codices, also shown before in logs. Caso focused on protecting Mexico's archaeological heritage and took significant steps to safeguard the traditions and history of Indigenous communities. When you visit many archaeological sites, it is Caso Andrade you have to thank for their well-being.
Tuesday 13/02/2024: As some of you know my very early life was in Kenya where my father was working for The British Council. At the time he used to run with the up-coming Kenyan athletes and some of them went on to compete in the Olympics. Although a toddler I watched them slog out the miles across the country where we lived. Black runners and one white guy. I have just learnt that another Kenyan athlete, Kelvin Kiptun, has died in a car crash in Eldoret, where we travelled many years ago.
Several Kenyan athletes have been killed in car and bus crashes on Kenya's dangerous pot-holed and dirt roads. Others have been murdered. Kiptun was only 24 and had broken the world record for the marathon at 2hrs and 35 seconds!! He was to attempt to run under 2 hours in the upcoming Rotterdam marathon and probably would have achieved this incredible time. You must run 26 miles at 4min 36 seconds per mile pace for this!! Sad day.
Wednesday 14/02/2024: Today is Valentine's Day but where did Valentine's Day originate? We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains references to both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II. Another Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and, most importantly, romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine became one of the most popular saints in England and France. Much of this information and a lot more can be found « in this link » it is worth reading.
Peace, love and respect to all from me and Cathy Nel.
UPS AND DOWNS
Tuesday 23/01/2024: To open this log some info on why Mexico is a much smaller land mass than it was in the distant past. One hundred and seventy-six years ago today, at the end of the Mexican American war, when Mexico had to sign a treaty in which Mexico's territory became 55% percent smaller and the United States' territory grew by more than half a million square miles. What are now the states of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming, once Mexican soil, became United States territory. This concession, which forever changed the political, economic and social fate of North America, was stipulated in the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848. The treaty stipulated that Mexicans who resided in the territories previously belonging to Mexico were free to stay in their homes or move south to the Mexican Republic if they so wished and could keep their property or sell it without "being subjected to any contribution, tax, or charge." They were also free to retain their Mexican citizenship or acquire U.S. citizenship, but not both. The Mexican American War was an invasion of Mexico by the United States Army from 1846 to 1848. It followed the 1845 American annexation of Texas, which Mexico still considered its territory because Mexico refused to recognize the Treaties of Velasco, signed by President Antonio López de Santa Anna after he was captured by the Texian Army during the 1836 Texas Revolution. The Republic of Texas was de facto an independent country, but most of its Anglo-American citizens who had moved from the United States to Texas after 1822 wanted to be annexed by the United States. At the time, the President of the United States was James K. Polk. Polk was a firm believer in "manifest destiny," that the United States had a divinely ordained duty, ordained by God, to expand west across North America. He was determined to take more than Texas and did so. Sounds a familiar excuse for annexation!! So, Mexicans crossing the border into the States are going back to their homeland.
Thursday 25/01/2024: How many times a week do you pick up a pen to use for writing. Once, twice or never? If you don't it may be a cause for your lack of memory! As digital devices progressively replace pen and paper, taking notes by hand is becoming increasingly uncommon in schools and universities. Using a keyboard is the norm because it's often faster than writing by hand. And everybody does it. However, handwriting has been found to improve spelling accuracy and memory recall. Brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard and is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information. This is beneficial for learning. Hitting a key with the same finger repeatedly is less stimulating for the brain. This also explains why children who have learned to write and read on a tablet, can have difficulty differentiating between letters that are mirror images of each other, such as 'b' and 'd'. They literally haven't experienced what it 'feels' like to produce those letters. Handwriting is now being taught is some schools to improve cognitive ability. Similarly, how often in a public space do you see anybody reading a book? No. It is keyboard manipulation on a mobile device. Disaster for future innovators and creativity.
Sunday 28/01/2024: Back to things Mexican. My nearest large town is Oaxaca which is known for producing a popular drink. In Mexico you cannot miss Mezcal, Latin American Spanish: [mes?kal], sometimes spelled mescal, a distilled alcoholic drink made from any type of agave. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli, which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl and ixcalli. Traditionally the word "mezcal" is used for all agave spirits and it is used whether these spirits have been legally certified as "mezcal" or not. The Centro Cultural del Mezcal in Oaxaca city is a mezcal mecca: it features more than 350 different labels of mezcal. It is the only place in Mexico, and the world, where you can find such an amount and variety of mezcal to taste, learn about and buy. The cultural centre displays different colours of mezcal and mezcals bottled with scorpions, insects, or snakes, yes a fact, and some infused with a variety of animal meats, such as mezcal de pechuga, chicken or turkey breast mezcal. Oaxaca is the leading producer and exporter of mezcal in Mexico, accounting for 96.1% of the trade. When here you had better sample this freely available pick-me-up. Perhaps not the scorpion variety as you never know you might get more 'sting' than expected.
Tuesday 30/01/2024: I recently took a short ride south down the coast to Costa Azul from where a fisherman, José Salvador Alvarenga, born c. 1975 in Garita Palmera, Ahuachapán, El Salvador disappeared on November 17, 2012, and was found on January 30, 2014, on the Ebon Atoll on the Marshall Islands surviving 14 months at sea in a fishing boat with another man, Ezequiel Córdoba, who died during the voyage. He survived mainly on a diet of raw fish, turtles, small birds, sharks and rainwater. He beached on Tile Islet, a small island that is part of Ebon Atoll. Two locals, Emi Libokmeto and Russel Laikidrik, found him naked, clutching a knife and shouting in Spanish. He was treated in a hospital in Majuro before being flown home to El Salvador. Alvarenga's story was heavily reported worldwide despite initial criticism from doubters. He is the first person in recorded history to have survived in a small boat lost at sea for more than a year. Most of the time he 'housed' himself cramped in an upturned ice-box to shield himself from the sun and wind. It was even more stressful for Alverenga, if that's possible, when he had to re-enter normal habitation, suffering from hallucinations and nightmares. You can read an account of his venture in '438 Days' by Jonathan Franklin and by clicking on the linked image below.
Sunday 04/02/2024: My logs have covered many aspects of culture from around the world so as it is the start of a new month, I now include an item related to the East. Lunar New Year is the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar. Lunar calendars follow the lunar phase while lunisolar calendars follow both the lunar phase and the time of the solar year. The event is celebrated by numerous cultures in various ways at diverse dates but now is the usual time of year. The more well-known celebrations include New Year's Day in the Chinese calendar when the year is re-named. This year is the Year of The Dragon. Likewise the Tibetan calendar of East Asia; the Buddhist and Hindu calendars of Southeast and South Asia; the Islamic calendar and the Jewish calendar that originated in the Middle East; and the Nisga'a calendar from Canada.
The first mentioning of the celebration of the start of a new year was recorded in Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). In the book Simin Yueling, written by Eastern Han's agronomist and writer Cui Shi, the celebration was recorded as such, "The starting day of the first month, is called 'Zheng Ri'. I bring my wife and children, to worship ancestors and commemorate my father." Later he wrote: "Children, wife, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all serve pepper wine to their parents, make their toast, and wish their parents good health." People also went to acquaintances' homes and wished each other a happy new year. In the Later Han Volume 27, a county officer was recorded going to his prefect's house with a government secretary, toasting to the prefect and praising the prefect's merit. Lunar new year is the grandest ancient traditional festival in China, commonly known as "Guo Nian".
This festival celebrates the beginning of spring and the arrival of the new year. The customs of Chinese lunar new year include buying New Year's goods and having family dinner together. So Happy New Year to whoever, wherever.
Wednesday 07/01/2024: Lastly Cathy and I may be starting a new venture this month as befitting a new year and more of this next time all being well. But just to say that Cathy has found a novel way to avoid housework as in the photo.
Bananas and pea soup. Spencer.
MORE FROM MEXICO
Monday 15/01/2024: In the last log I said I would finish the account of my tyre incident of getting the new one across the border between Colombia and Venezuela so here we go. It is, of course, an extract from my book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat'. I left my bike, without back wheel, on the Venezuelan side of the border hoping to return quickly with a new tyre. Not quite so easy as recounted in my previous log.
Luckily, my guardian angel turned up, hopping, I grant you; no wings to be seen, but he was my particular, tyre saving, guardian angel. Andres Leonardo Jose Luis. I am convinced that he just picked the four most popular names in Venezuela and used them when necessary.
"Andres Leonardo Jose Luis, alternative customs agent," he said, but added, "Just call me Rafael."
So, what is the point of your other four names? It transpired that; let's call him ALJLR, for short, could help me, with the complicated issue of importing my tyre into Venezuela.
"I can deliver this tyre in fourty minutes, to Venezuela," he said confidently, his thin, high cheekbone face breaking into a grin, revealing irregular, yellow teeth. He had a sparkle in his blue eyes, that I trusted.
"How are you going to manage that?" I asked.
"No problem, I take tyre."
I forgot to mention that my long-named friend, only had one leg, but the title of the Chapter gave a hint. The other leg was replaced by what looked suspiciously like a broom handle, connected to a piece of rounded car tyre that was bound to his stump. Maybe he needed a spare tyre and saw me as easy pickings. He could go off road, with that leg, with my tyre. Everything was strapped together with; a biker's dream; duct tape.
I didn't want to make a big thing about his one leggedness, what with political correctness. I don't want to make anybody feel awkward. We are equal, even if you have one leg. Well, obviously not in the final of the Olympic's 100 metres, but you get my point. The fact that Rafael had one leg, was not his defining feature. He had decent ears.
Anyway, Peg-Leg's plan was to pop the tyre over his neck, hop down to the jungle, hop through the river, hop through the Sugar cane, and hop out the other side, victorious. Who was I to argue? It didn't sound like a very balanced plan to me (Joke). Long John Silver smelt some gold, and would probably be hopping mad, if I refused his offer. It is difficult times. Try standing in his shoe. To cut a long leg, sorry; story short, I accepted, and my hopping smuggler was successful. After about fourty five minutes, as predicted, he popped out the other side, singing 'Lean on me'. No, he didn't, but he did give the customs and the militia the thumbs up. I suspect he was in cahoots with them, but I didn't care. Top man, and we could now contemplate the twelve-thousand-kilometre detour through the Amazon. So glad we couldn't get through. Everything happens for a reason.
Incidentally others were adopting illegal crossings as in the photo above.
Wednesday 17/01/2024: Now to an item off-track but this date brought something to mind. It may be of some interest that on this day Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809. Many will know him as an author of horror stories, but he was also poet, the 'Raven' being his most well-known, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism and Gothic fiction. Poe is considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and as a science fiction writer. Poe had a problematic early life. He was supported by his stepfather but Poe's drinking and gambling lead to fraction. In 1835, at age 26, Poe obtained a license to marry his cousin Virginia Clemm, who was then age 13; they were married for 11 years until her death, which may have inspired some of Poe's writing. He wrote for newspapers for some time and began writing poetry and short stories but never had a steady income. Today he would be rich as many of his stories have been filmed. On October 3, 1849, Poe was found semiconscious in Baltimore, "in great distress, and... in need of immediate assistance". He was taken to the Washington Medical College, where he died on Sunday, October 7. Poe was not coherent long enough to explain how he came to be in his dire condition and why he was wearing clothes that were not his own. He is said to have repeatedly called out the name "Reynolds" on the night before his death, though it is unclear to whom he was referring. His attending physician said that Poe's final words were, "Lord help my poor soul". All the relevant medical records have been lost, including Poe's death certificate. Newspapers at the time reported Poe's death as "congestion of the brain" or "cerebral inflammation", common euphemisms for death from disreputable causes such as alcoholism. The actual cause of death remains a mystery. Speculation has included delirium tremens, heart disease, epilepsy, syphilis, meningeal inflammation, cholera, carbon monoxide poisoning, and rabies. One of these would probably be sufficient but at least he did not have to suffer the terror of 'The Pit and the Pendulum.'
Friday 19/01/2024: Now to an entry related to Mexican history. General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico, held an elaborate funeral for a leg he had lost while fighting. Seems legs are a theme in this log! This wasn't the end for the prized leg, though. Illinois soldiers would later discover the burial site and carry the leg home as a spoil of war. It's still displayed in an Illinois museum despite numerous appeals from the Mexican government to return it. Read on. You will see he was a man of many legs. López de Santa Anna's most personal and ignominious incident in the Texas war was the capture during the Battle of Cerro Gordo of his prosthetic cork leg, not his actual leg. A second leg, a peg, was also captured by the 4th Illinois and was reportedly used by the soldiers as a baseball bat; it is displayed at the home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby, who served in the regiment.
The President, now without a leg to stand, hopped about for some time, had another replacement leg made which is displayed at the Museo Nacional de Historia in Mexico City. After his death the prosthetic leg played a role in international politics. As relations between the U.S. and Mexico warmed during the run-up to World War II, the leg was due to be returned to Mexico in 1942. The Association of Limb Manufacturers wanted to be part of the repatriation ceremonies. It was agreed to return the prosthetic, but the National Guard denied the transfer and remains as a trophy in the Illinois State Military Museum. Lopez was President of Mexico 11 times from 1833 to 1855 but was a disaster for the country, losing first Texas and then much of the current American West to the United States. Probably should have legged it after his first Presidency!
Sunday 22/01/2024: To say farewell for today after all the long entrees a problem for you to solve. Can you complete the course in the pic by Dave Carpenter. Happy birthday to anyone. Spencer.
Some of you have purchased the DVD of my Africa journey from Duke Video but you may wish to check out a compiled video on you tube which is an overview of the whole circumnavigation.
Sunday 07/01/2024: The log starts after the Christmas break and a week into the New Year. January the 6th marks the end of the holiday season in Mexico, as in the rest of Latin America and Spain. On this day, Mexican families and friends hold gatherings and enjoy eating the traditional sweet bread named Rosca de Reyes, known in English as Three Kings' Cake. Placed inside the bread is a baby Jesus figurine in reference to the Biblical passage describing how Mary and Joseph had to hide baby Jesus from King Herod. Whoever finds the figurine is responsible for treating guests to tamales on February the 2nd, Día de la Candelaria – the last of the Winter events and gatherings in Mexico. Although the tradition is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and strongly associated with Catholicism, the Spaniards only adopted it after the conquest, who inherited the tradition from the Romans. However, it didn't have a religious meaning for them. In Spain, people do not hide a baby Jesus figurine inside the bread, nor is the tradition connected to the above Nativity passage. Instead, the Spanish hide a dried bean in the bread representing bad luck, and whoever finds it must pay for the rosca. That the Rosca de Reyes took on a religious meaning in Mexico is a result of the influence of Catholicism in Mexico's Christmas traditions, many of which are still alive across the country. There were no beans in my cake. Not surprising as I didn't have any.
Monday 08/01/2024: Scientists have discovered an 'alligator-like' creature that was seen hanging 60 feet in the air from treetops in Mexico. Although 'alligators' can be found in other geographical regions this 'unusually large' species was found in southern Mexico and is said to have avoided detection by hiding themselves in the foliage. The reptile has been dubbed Abronia cunemica, after Cuñemo, the 'indigenous Zoque language' name for Coapilla, a town in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The rim of their eyes is a 'pale yellow' and accompanied by dark spots. The species inhabits the forest canopy which can range from 11 to 64 feet tall. Alligator lizards, in general, are only found in 'humid highland forests' in Central America. They are also rarely seen due to limited distribution areas. (Photo Jim Zuckermann).
Tuesday 09/01/2024: Living in Eswatini (Swaziland) for the early part of my life two recent pictures, included below, reminded me of errors that were often in The Times of Swaziland and one such was...
"the hospital manager is pleased to announce that the rapist has arrived to treat patients'".
I wonder what therapy was given?
Thursday 11/01/2024: As I have little to report I include an extract from my book on South America for insight into how to cross borders with 'contraband!'. Whilst in Venezuela I needed a new back tyre for my Yamaha but impossible to get one in that country. Being near the border with Colombia I decided go there as I was told there was a supplier only a kilometre into the country. At the time Colombia had stopped all traffic across the bridge so decided to use two feet, better than one.
In Cucuta I bought an original Micheloon Sirac, the famous French brand, with spelling mistakes; evidently one hundred percent genuine parts. They wanted $108. I nearly died on the spot. Enough to buy a sixteen-bedroom house in Venezuela, with six Miss Worlds looking after you. Oh well, what choice did I have. At least it was a genuine tyre from Parriss, Froonce.
On return, three hundred metres from the border control, around a bend, (not me; the geographical location), out of view I removed the red and white price tag, and various guarantee stickers and rolled the tyre in a red mud puddle, and then along the road, in the dust. I even rubbed it on a rock to give it some wear. That did nothing. Would have taken about three weeks to look worn. Anyway. Job done. I had cunningly disguised a tyre as second-hand, one that I had picked up in Cucuta, from a long-lost friend. I walked across the bridge towards customs, with zero confidence. I overcompensated for my nonchalance and ended up walking, tyre slung over my shoulder, like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The Colombian customs were the first to deal with at a check point in the centre of the bridge. I was alone, apart from the other fifteen thousand on the bridge. I would have been anonymous, but unfortunately, I was a head height taller than any refugee. They clocked me, and my original Mootzler Enduro 3 tyre from miles away. Time for some African bravado.
"Hello, can I pass please. Here are my papers. I picked up this old, very old tyre, used many times, by numerous people. I could never afford a new tyre, so I got this tyre from an old friend. He is not as old as the tyre though."
His answer was in Spanish, but translates roughly as, "That is a brand-new tyre over your shoulder, Mr... Travolta. You bought it at the Moto tyre centre, near the Cucuta Mall from Andre. Then you rolled it in a puddle, around the corner, so we couldn't see you. Then you rubbed it on a rock, to make it look worn."
Neither of those comments happened, but I got busted. I turned around, with my tyre and went back to Colombia. Time for 'Cunning Plan 2', never give up. Especially for that price.
To learn what transpired I will tell in my next Log.
That's it for this week so keep up the good work, 'whatever' as they say, who ever 'they' is. Like. Love Spencer and roast beef and mayonnaise.
MEXICO GREETINGS
Tuesday12/12/2023: By the time you read this it will be 2024 so at the time of writing there is not that much to report as Christmas is rapidly approaching so life on hold at the moment. But for now, Mexico continues to surprise as new aspects of Mayan life keep being discovered so here a rather long piece on the ancient civilisation. Lidar has revealed the oldest and biggest Maya structure yet found. Airborne mapping has unveiled a society that from its beginnings made extensive excavations at a previously unknown site in Mexico, called Aguada Fénix. The new discovery adds to recent evidence that from its very beginnings, around 3,000 years ago, the Maya civilization built monumental structures. This discovery is the result of the use of airborne remote sensing, called lidar, is dramatically changing how archaeological research is carried out in heavily forested regions. The technique, which uses laser pulses to gather data on the contours of jungle- and vegetation-covered land, has uncovered other lost ruins at the Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala and a vast network connecting ancient cities of Southeast Asia's Khmer Empire.
The research uses lidar to peer through forests in Tabasco, Mexico and uncover the previously hidden surface remains of 21 ceremonial centres, including Aguada Fénix. Lidar mapping showed that each site contains a round or square mound near a long, rectangular plateau measuring about 1,400 meters long and nearly 400 meters wide. Lidar revealed other structures around the human-built plateau, including rectangular buildings, plazas, and several reservoirs. Discoveries at Aguada Fénix challenge a traditional assumption that only large settlements directed by kings and a ruling class could organize and execute big building projects. No remnants of a royal class that appear at later Maya sites, such as sculptures of high-ranking individuals, have been found at the site. People living in the region around Aguada Fénix, who were cultivating maize 3,000 years ago, must have banded together to create a ritual site suitable for large gatherings. Nine causeways connected to the site's rectangular platform carried processions of those participating in rituals. A set of jade axes excavated in the centre of the platform may have been deposited during a ritual event. The Olmec society, which was located west of Aguada Fénix near Mexico's Gulf Coast and is known for constructing giant stone heads, served as a "mother culture" for the Maya. That mysterious culture arose around 3,500 years ago and lasted until roughly 2,400 years ago. The more one learns about the Olmec society the more fascinating it becomes.
Wednesday 13/12/2023: Have you made a New Year's resolution? Read on! Many of you will know of a running tradition that has spread throughout the world known as Park Runs. Held every Saturday morning at 9am in 1,234 different locations across the UK (and in hundreds more across the globe), the parkrun is a free, friendly 5km run and a firm fixture in many runners' diaries. Some park runs are run even on Christmas Day when Christmas costumes are a must. The oldest park run in the world is the picturesque Bushy Park parkrun in southeast London. Despite the fact that it is not a race there are still records for the event. Recently Ciara Mageean broke the women's Parkrun world record in Belfast with a new mark of 15 minutes 13 seconds for 5km. This is seriously fast. The 31-year-old, the 2023 BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year, ran the Victoria Park course 18 seconds faster than previous holder, Welsh athlete Melissa Courtney-Bryant. If you haven't yet participated in a park run why not make it a new year's resolution. It's fun.
Monday 18/12/2023: Some of you may remember the escape from the jaws of death of a crocodile of one twin in a lagoon near where I live. The twin who fought off the crocodile plans to complete a charity river swim to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Georgia Laurie, 30, from Sandhurst in Berkshire, punched the crocodile in the face when it attacked her twin Melissa in Escondido in June 2021. While Melissa is almost completely recovered, Georgia says that they are both still suffering from the mental impacts of the attack. She said they had an "overwhelming desire to make something positive about what happened". The twins were swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido when Melissa was dragged under the water. Both were treated in hospital where Melissa developed sepsis and was put into a medically induced coma. While she is not suffering from many long-term physical after-effects, recovering mentally "takes a bit more time", Georgia said. They have both suffered from disassociation linked to PTSD. So hope goes well for the brave girls.
Wednesday 20/12/2023: Now from an example of female courage to a little know fact about the 'feminine' roles of women. Skeletal remains of women reveal that some hunter-gatherer females fought in battles as damage from arrows and sharp objects such as knives, comparable to skeletal injuries of male warriors, are visible. Individuals from native American groups in central California, who lived around 5,000 years ago have wounds. Women were probably killed in surprise raids and other attacks, which may partly explain female injuries. Some women may have fought in battles, either to defend their children or village or as warriors.
Another skeletal analysis suggests that nomadic herders in ancient Mongolia, bordering northern China, trained some women to be warriors during a time of political turbulence and frequent conflicts in the Xianbei period between 147 to 552. Although evidence is scarce upper body remains show that women regularly used bows to shoot arrows, including physical signs where shoulder and chest muscles attach to bone, which does not mean that this was from conflict, more likely from hunting. But arrowhead injuries to the face and head suggest that wounds were not the result of peaceful activities. Further research is ongoing to determine the actual prevalence of warrior women. Around the world there are stories of such women so google The Amazons. < click onto this link > for one such romanticised episode.
Sunday 24/12/2023: Of course, this is Christmas eve so hope all had a nice day and here in Mexico there will be many celebrations and religious services. Cathy and I will spend it quietly reflecting on the past year and contacting family and friends. It will soon be New Year so to end, best to all for 2024, and leave you with a song by the worldwide popular group ABBA. Love Spencer and Cathy
Friday 01/12/2023: Firstly, a topic I have touched on before. Coming up to Christmas and one reason why it looks like the festive season every December is the appearance of thousands, if not millions, of bright red poinsettias, Mexico's gift to the Yuletide world. Before the arrival of the Spanish in 1519, the plant was ornamental and grown in the gardens of rulers such as Moctezuma II and Nezahualcóyotl. Many cultures in Mesoamerica considered red to be related to power. The Mexica (Aztecs) used poinsettia pigment to dye textiles. In those times, green parts of the plant were used to increase breast milk production and help fight skin infections. Franciscan monks from Spain used the flower to decorate their altars in Mexico and started calling it nochebuena because it bloomed during the Christmas season.
Christmas Eve is known as nochebuena in Spanish. Many monks were based in what is the current state of Guerrero, which Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico, visited at Christmastime 1825. Also, an amateur botanist, Poinsett, after whom the plant is named, sent some specimens to the Bartram Botanical Garden in Philadelphia and from there the flower became popular. Nearly 100 varieties of poinsettia are known but no more than 30 varieties are grown in Mexico where the red flower accounts for 90% of production. There are also white, yellow, pink and salmon colours, as well as striped and marbled varieties. In Mexico, the plant is also called Christmas Flower, the Star of Christmas, Easter Flower or Easter Fire Flower as it often blooms around Easter time. In Nahuatl, its name is cuetlaxochitl, which means "flower that withers." Euphorbia pulcherrima is its scientific name. So, when you gift a poinsettia this Christmas remember they originated in Mexico.
Sunday 03/12/2023: Next a not so seasonal article. Bog Bodies!! What? Well yes as Bog bodies have fascinated scientists for decades. The preserved corpses, naturally mummified in a peat bog, offer a snapshot of life as far back as thousands of years ago. Most of these bodies found in bogs seem to have met a 'gruesome' end before being intentionally discarded into wet, spongy bogland. Research reveals that burying bodies in bogs is a millennia-long, deep-rooted tradition that began in southern Scandinavia, around 5000 BC, and gradually spread over Northern Europe. The majority appear to have met a grisly end – including ritualistic sacrifices, executions, and victims of violence. Causes of death include blows to the head, cutting or stabbing, hanging or strangulation and shooting. Sources also indicate there were a significant number of accidental deaths in bogs, as well as suicides. Porsmose Man, dating from the Neolithic age, met a violent death. Bone arrowheads were found embedded in his skull and sternum.
Tollund Man, 2,400 years old, found in Denmark, was killed, and then carefully buried, with his eyes and mouth closed shut and his body in a foetal position, so maybe a sacrifice to the gods. Lindow Man, the best-preserved peat bog body to be found in Britain, had distinct facial features and even hair and a beard when he was unearthed in 1984. Examination of the remains revealed he was in his 20s of average height, was well-built and in good health, and lived around 2,000 years ago. Closer inspections revealed that he suffered from intestinal parasites and his last meal was unleavened bread. Theories as to how he was killed include blows to the head, garrotting, or a possible stab wound to the neck before he was placed face-down in the waters of the peat bog. So, when looking for a cheap burial ground seek out a bog!! If you want to learn more about Bog Bodies, < click onto this link > ...rather long but informative. Bland commentary!
Tuesday 05/12/2023: Before Christmas there is always an increase in the demand for food goodies so coming after the diet of bog man something a little more wholesome. Not unleavened bread. The American company marketing Krispy Kreme donuts has opened an outlet in Paris and long queues formed overnight when the store was due to open. Farewell croissants. In Mexico the owners of three fake branches of Krispy Kreme donuts bought them from a counterfeit company cloning genuine Krispy Kreme produce. Of course, the businesses did not have permission to use the international brand name and after searches, donuts, packaging bearing the brand name and boxes with logos and large amounts of cash were seized. The vendors were arrested, and surplus donuts seized. It is not known where the confiscated boxes of donuts disappeared to. However, several officers were seen licking their lips after the raid.
Thursday 07/12/2023: The conclusion of the 2023 Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador, won by Miss Nicaragua a week ago, was a good news, bad news situation for Mexico. The good news: the presenters announced that Mexico will be hosting the next pageant in 2024, estimated to be worth about 1 million pesos (US $58,000). Miss Mexico, who did not do well, wore a colourful costume combining owl and winged-deer alebrije motifs, representing wisdom and focus, with intricate Huichol-inspired beadwork. In El Salvador, Miss Netherlands and Miss Portugal became the second and third trans women to participate, and Miss Nepal received ovations as the first plus-size woman to compete. The organisers of the competition stated that all are very happy because this range of options for competing has widened. 'Beauty now has no limits, and everyone should be part of it.' An additional rule change for 2024 will be the elimination of the upper age limit of 28, a regulation since the pageant began in 1952. In a few years there maybe an over 50/60 age category. Who knows?
I have often mentioned that Mexico has abundant examples of street art and have posted examples in my photo archive. They are usually highly colourful and produced by talented artists. Street art can be seen in many cities, not just in the capital and I will post some more examples in my photo archive. Rachel Story provided an informative article on street art some time ago and I include some of her text here. Street Art in Mexico has exploded in the last several years. Mexico is no stranger to cultural graffiti as the ancient Mayans and Aztecs covered their temple walls with beautiful imagery. Muralism became famous here in the 1920s after the Mexican Revolution and Mexico has been embracing art on its walls ever since. These days it's experiencing a renaissance, becoming popular with the help of social media. After the Mexican Revolution, the government commissioned murals for public buildings to reinforce its political message. Most of the population was illiterate so the government needed a different way to promote its message. Themes of the murals primarily related to politics, nationalism, and history. Over time, the artists came to reject the common subjects of the murals passed down by the government. They began to depict their own ideas and values. These days murals cover a wide range of themes extending far beyond that of politics and religion. Police don't mind if the artists get permission from the property owners. Artists will even present sketches of their plans to neighbourhood residents before they begin to paint. Such colourful graffiti would brighten up many places around the world, although some cities have already adopted this form of artwork.
Sunday 10/12/2023: It is an age since Cathy and myself were making OUR WAY AROUND South America on my Yamaha and experiencing never to be forgotten landscapes and the varied and exciting culture of the continent. We were lucky to survive several life-threatening situations and one such was brought to mind recently during an interview on adventure Rider Radio. Click on the link and forward 1hr and 10 minutes to listen to Cathy and Spencer dicing with death. Hope you enjoy and have a good day. Peace to all. Cathy and spencer.
Thursday 16/11/2023: This log is a mix of items loosely connected with Mexico, our adopted country, and hopefully of interest to many, so firstly a topic of universal appeal. Football! Fútbol is indisputably the world's most popular sport that is loved, watched, and played by over 265 million, and its growing popularity in Mexico is breaking records yearly. In 2026, Mexico will host the next World Cup alongside the USA and Canada, becoming the first country ever to host the renowned competition three times. Even so the remarkable story of how fútbol became an integral part of Mexican life remains largely unknown. In the early 19th century, Mexico's once prolific silver mines in Real del Monte, in central Mexico, faced an uncertain future. The mines had fallen victim to years of neglect during the country's war for independence with the Spanish. Recognizing an urgent need to rejuvenate this vital part of the national economy, investors in Mexico's silver mines turned to the United Kingdom, specifically to the south coast called Cornwall, to attract experienced miners. It took fourteen months for a mining party to make it to Real del Monte, the highest town in Mexico at 10,000 feet above sea level. The Cornish men introduced the game which was enjoyed by the local Mexicans and the British expatriates. At 4 p.m. daily, Mexican, and English miners paused work for a kickabout. The tradition became part of the working day and quickly spread to nearby towns and regions in Hidalgo. The town of Pachuca, just 14km west of Real del Monte, launched the country's first official football club by the turn of the 20th century. Current estimates show over 8 million play soccer in over 17,000 teams across the country and it's not just a sport for the players, but also for spectators where each game is watched by huge ecstatic crowds.
Saturday 18/11/2023: Look up! Look up! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman? No! It's a balloon! No! Yes! Recently there has been a balloon festival in Mexico which is a real spectacle. But when did ballooning start? It is as follows. Unmanned balloons were used as early as 220 AD by the Chinese, for military purposes, and which we know as Chinese lanterns, but not until November 21, 1783, did the first balloon carrying a human take flight in Paris. It was in a hot air balloon made of paper and silk by the Montgolfier brothers. The balloon carried two men, Francois Pilatrê de Rozier and Francois Laurent. They stood on a circular platform attached to the bottom of the balloon. They hand-fed the fire through openings on either side of the balloon's skirt. If you ask me that seems dangerous! The balloon reached an altitude of 500 feet and traveled about 5½ miles before landing safely, after 25 minutes, in a farming and vineyard area. The pilots gave bottles of champagne to the startled farmers to calm their fears of demons appearing from the heavens. Well maybe. On December 1, 1783, just ten days after the first hot air balloon ride, the first gas balloon was launched by physicist Jacques Alexander Charles and Nicholas Louis Robert. This flight too started in Paris. The flight lasted 2½ hours and covered 25 miles. The gas used in the balloon was hydrogen, a lighter than air gas that had been developed by an Englishman, Henry Cavendish in 1776, by using a combination of sulphuric acid and iron filings. From these beginnings we now have hundreds of balloons ascending at the same time at festivals around the world. And many records have been made, namely one on 3 July 2002, by Steve Fossett, the first person to fly around the world alone, nonstop, reaching speeds of 200 MPH!!
Tuesday 21/11/2023: Now to something closer to earth related directly to Mexico. A golden gun that once belonged to famed Mexican revolutionary Francisco "Pancho" Villa is be sold at auction, with an expected sale price of up to $950,000. Villa's gun is a gold-plated, first-generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver. It has carved pearl grips and two inscriptions of Villa's name, including one on its backstrap that reads, "Al General Francisco Villa/de/Su División del Norte."
Mexico has designated 2023 as "The Year of Francisco Villa" marking 100 years since "The People's Revolutionary" was assassinated in a shootout on July 20, 1923, after being ambushed in Parral, Chihuahua. Villa remains one of the most famous and popular figures in Mexican history, a Robin Hood–style folk hero remembered as a defender of the common people against the rich and powerful. However, Villa and his band of revolutionaries are also known for a run of murderous cruelty that brought retaliation from both the U.S. and Mexican armies.
Thursday 23/11/2023: Wider afield and globally a recent survey has compiled a list of the worlds 10 most popular songs. What would be in your list. Write them down before reading on. Research reveals there are several tracks that adhere to a pattern of catchiness, with Queen's 'We Will Rock You' coming out on top although many scientific researchers have suggested that this song was manufactured in a lab.
'We Will Rock You' is not the only example of the top-ten catchiest songs by the band. Clearly, Queen had a knack for creating songs with lasting impressions, as 'We Are the Champions' also secured the third position on the ranking, while 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is in the sixth spot. Actually, this list is one of many that have been compiled and in others Queen does not even get a mention, whereas The Spice Girls 'Wannabe' is tops in several alternative listings. Really, better believe it.
Saturday 25/11/2023: Something quieter but also worth another blast from the past. A treasure-trove of knowledge on 16th-century Indigenous Mexican culture is now available to the global public, The Codex, mentioned before, is a 12-book encyclopedia of Mexica (Aztec) life, written between 1575 and 1577 by Nahua scholars, based on interviews with elders who lived before and during the Spanish conquest. Nahua refers to the Nahuatl-speaking Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America, a group that includes the Mexica. It also contains nearly 2,500 images by Nahua artists, depicting the daily life and mythology of their people. It was co-created and translated into Spanish by the Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún, who hoped that knowledge of Nahua culture would help him convert them to Christianity. This is really a fascinating an eye-opening document revealing the advanced thinking of the Aztecs. < Click on this link to see images from the Codex >
Monday 27/11/2023: That's all for this log but glad to say that my broken wrist is on the mend and should be able to ride soon. Physio helping so have some movement. Take care. Be happy and smile. It helps. Fried bananas and mayonnaise. Spencer
THE YEAR MOVES ON
Saturday 04/11/2023: Start this log with info on my web master John de la Cey who is also a leading member of a popular band in the southeast of England and in other European countries. John has a unique style of guitar playing and very individual manner of dress. To be admired. Thanks for keeping the log up-dated and for your friendship. Value it and keep the gigs going. Best Spencer.
Monday 06/11/2023: Experienced strange, unusual, and funny things on my travels and an account of one such I include below from my book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat'.
In Latin America Love Motels (get used to the capital letters, they are important) are big business. Many couples live with their parents well into their late twenties for financial reasons. Understandably most do not want to perform their sexual manoeuvres next to the room where Abuelo is getting ready for bed, or Papi is watching the game on TV. Not conducive to passion. Then of course there are couples that want to role play, and to be honest they are a great place to sneak off for a steamy affair.
The Love Motel industry started in Japan but has spread, (not in that way) throughout the world. The history of Love Motels goes back to the seventeenth century in the Edo period in Japan, where Inns and Teahouses started to provide discreet entry to their venues and even built secret tunnels to allow an even more discreet exit. Modern Love Motels developed from these tea rooms. By the 1960s the widespread introduction of the automobile caused an explosion of the concept of discreet venues where couples and lovers could meet away from the confines of a crowded family home. By 1961 there were more than 2700 Tsurekomi Inns in Central Tokyo alone and by 2019 they were pulling in a staggering revenue of more than sixty billion dollars. South America has adopted Love Motels with fervour and are difficult to escape (not in that way). They are a totally accepted part of Latino culture and it's not uncommon to see giant billboards hanging on bridges or off rafters in local bars, advertising the delights and discretion.
The openness of Love Motels can be jaw dropping when first encountering their existence, but you quickly realise, as a scrooge traveller, that they are cheap and clean, so Cathy and I were really forced into using their facilities when in cities because it is impossible to camp. In fact, after a few basic errors of etiquette we became reasonable experts on Love Motels. (Always use capital letters for Love Motels and when you say the words, your voice must go as deep as possible, a la Barry White, and stretch out the word Luuurve.) Love Motels differ widely in quality and seediness but there is a basic set up and structure that is good to know to ease the shock factor. I certainly embarrassed myself. There is an inner courtyard which is made up of rows of garages, which either have massive pull across curtains or in the more upmarket establishments, remote controlled doors operated by the reception, much to my frustration on a few occasions.
Most rooms have themes whether it be dungeon, jungle, maritime, fantasy, moonscapes, or whatever strikes the fancy of the owner. We saw a cartoon themed Hotel with Mickey Mouse hanging off the roof. Strange. The Love Motel San Felipe, Brazil was predictably called 'The Anaconda' and had a wall surrounding the property that was fifty metres long. It was adorned with a forty-nine metre long fluorescent green and orange Anaconda who had a demented smile on his face. His eyes lit up red also. Considering his head was about the size of a car, as tacky murals go, it was impressive. All the rooms were plush, carpeted jungles with gold vine taps and animal and jungle fauna murals. Or so we were told. That one was a bit too expensive. Love Hotel architecture is not exactly subtle or tasteful, with buildings shaped like boats, UFOs, Castles, Sharks, Octopi, and other marine life and usually lit with enough neon lighting to impress Lapland. One Motel in Argentina was an ornately painted and bejewelled skull, and patrons drove through the mouth to enter the courtyard. Modern Love Motels tend to be a lot blander and more understated and often can only be spotted by the lack of windows.
I won't go on, but I am sure your imagination can complete this episode or read the book.
Friday 10/11/2023: Wow! Another spectacle in Mexico. It is the butterfly season and amongst the thousands that appear in all possible colours you can picture is the Monarch. The first colonies arrived on the morning of November 1, before millions descended in huge clouds by the afternoon. Every year around 250 million butterflies make a journey of some 4,000 kilometres from Canada to nest in the pine and fir forests of Mexico. The name "monarch" is believed to have been given in honour of King William III of England, as the butterfly's main colour is that of the king's secondary title, Prince of Orange. We have ridden through such clouds and stopped to avoid harm to the glorious fusion of flittering colourful wings. Superb. For nature lovers I provide two links for you to engage in the spectacle.
Sunday 12/11/2023: As well as the season for butterflies it is also the time for dolls! OK These are handmade dolls. Mexico's handcraft traditions remain vibrant today because they are both conservative and innovative at the same time. They maintain a link to the past, often through form and or generations of artisans in the same family, but these same forms and artisans evolve to respond to their changing markets. This fusion works best when artisans find ways to reinterpret culture on their own terms. One example of this is the humble cloth doll. One "indigenous" cloth doll handmade for commercial purposes is the María. She emerged in the 1970s when many Mazahua and Otomi women were eking out a living on the streets of Mexico City. Now is the time to display Mixtec dolls at fairs to gather money for the festive season. You can find dolls dressed in Mixtec clothing made by women who are Mixtecs from Oaxaca.
Monday 13/11/2023: Lastly there has recently been a revival of a parade that has dim and distant origins. It is unique and rather intriguing. A march of robot-like ancient warriors through the streets of Oaxaca. Could be from DR. Who! I am afraid I cannot add more to the information so if anyone can enlighten me please let me know. For a clearer idea of the 'parade' < click onto this link > The video is by Edwin Rosalees.
Wednesday 15/11/2023: Up-date on broken wrist. Still not able to use it and so no bike riding. Not good news. Doctor says it will take time, another month before use!! Big nuisance. However worse things in the world. Fried bananas and anchovy paste. Leave you with photo of Cathy and myself. Spencer.
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Sunday 22/10/2023: As most of you know The Day of the Dead is near on the Mexico calendar but why is the marigold flower important for Day of the Dead rituals? The cempasúchil flower helps the souls of the dead find their way to the land of the living. Its use is believed to stem from a pre-Columbian story of two lovers named Xóchitl and Huitzilin. According to the tale, after Huitzilin was killed in battle, Xóchitl prayed to the sun god Tonatiuh to reunite them on Earth. Tonatiuh granted her wish by transforming her into a bright golden flower and Huitzilin into a hummingbird. As a hummingbird Huitzilin approached cempasúchil Xóchitl and her twenty petals bloomed, filling the air with their potent fragrance. Nice legend! The cempasúchil is a symbol of life and death and is used to decorate altars, offerings, and burials to honour deceased loved ones.
OK, However since pre-Hispanic times, this plant has been used for medicinal purposes. The pigments of the erect tagetes are due to the presence of carotenoids, of which the main one is lutein, which is associated with the prevention of the development of age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The most intense orange tones of the flowers are related to a higher content of carotenoids, especially xanthophyll. Some studies indicate the effectiveness of the latter in the prevention of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, immune response, old age and cancer. In some regions of Mexico, it is used for relief of digestive ailments, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, colic, liver problems, bile, vomiting, indigestion, and other medical problems. Antioxidant activity has been discovered in the essential oil of this plant possibly attributable to the presence of camphor and methyl eugenol. So, look upon this stunning flower with respect it may serve as a cure for an illness someday or to keep your heart beating. Check the pic for the number of heart beats per day!!
Tuesday 24/10/2023: Having mentioned the efficacy of marigolds I return to a subject mentioned several times recently. Magic mushrooms. OH! No! I hear you cry. But let it be known that Mexico has more psilocybin-containing mushrooms than any other country. The history of use in Indigenous medicine/spiritual practices is widely known and its status is moving toward legalization, at least for medical uses for treating depression and anxiety. Research at Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom, compared the efficacy of the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro) with psilocybin. The study revealed that just two doses of psilocybin appeared to be at least as effective as daily escitalopram pills when administered alongside psychological therapy. Patients receiving psilocybin experienced greater improvement, with double the number achieving remission compared to the antidepressant group. Psilocybin is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for managing addiction and boosting creativity and well-being. Before you indulge take care to use sensibly and in a safe environment.
Thursday 26/10/2023: We have been hit by another hurricane, Otis, which strengthened very quickly into a major hurricane after being upgraded from tropical storm status on Tuesday morning, flooded homes and roads, toppled trees and caused significant damage to buildings in Acapulco. Winds estimated to be 165 mph (270 km/h) brought by the hurricane shattered residential neighbourhoods with cars, sheet metal, dead animals, trees and billboards floating in water. The sea surge caused significant coastal flooding and was accompanied by large and destructive waves along the southern coast of Mexico. So far 27 have died in Otis. The cost of damage caused by the hurricane is likely to be around US $15 billion. We humans cannot control nature that brings such damage. The flip side is that we ourselves damage nature in many ways.
Friday 27/10/2023: Recently found a stunning artwork but learnt that it was not by a human artist but by AI. The artwork, Théâtre D'opéra Spatial, was produced by Matthew Allen using AI prompts. He attempted to copyright his picture but was told that AI forms cannot be copyrighted as ruled by the US Copyright Office. But how do we define art? This is a matter of debate which is echoed in historical discussion. Now AI has entered the debate and is topical in Mexico.
Artists have unique styles and infuse their art with their own personality. Can a software programme replicate emotions, personality, or vision? People relate to art at a very human level. Many believe that AI-generated art destroys the humanity in art. Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has called animation created by machines "an insult to life itself. I consume and love art made by humans," the 'Shape of Water' director said that "I am not interested in illustrations made by machine and the extrapolation of information." Mexico has also had problems in protecting Indigenous peoples from cultural appropriation. In 2021, the Mexican government passed a law that prohibits and criminalizes the unauthorized use of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican cultural expressions. And how do you define cultural heritage? Establishing the origin of a cultural expression is complicated as it is passed down from generation to generation and Indigenous culture overlaps at times. There are nearly 17 million Indigenous people in Mexico; at least 68 Indigenous languages; and over 350 variations of those. Most Indigenous art reflects the history, culture, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous community. Can AI generative software replicate that? There is also the problem of Indigenous iconography that is so old that it falls under public domain: a legal back door for any company looking to appropriate Indigenous symbolism. And of course, you can download links to make your own AI images. What is your opinion of Matthew Allen's AI 'creation? Could anyone else have produced such a stunning image? Would it be a clone of the original? Please let me know.
Sunday 29/10/2023: Halloween is becoming more popular as a day of scariness marked by children and adults dressing in frightening costumes. It is but a few days away and shops in Mexico present customers with Holloween paraphernalia, together with Day of the Dead costumes. This time of year, horror stories become prevalent and one such is marked by reality. Hidden deep in Chapultepec Forest lies "La casa de Tía Toña", aunt Toña's house. Just who exactly Aunt Toña is unclear, but local legend says she was a woman of great wealth. Toña lived alone in this enormous forest mansion and adopted several orphaned children for company. For years, these children stole precious jewels and money from the house, driving Toña insane. One day, she had had enough, and beat the orphans to death, before throwing their bodies in a ditch behind the house. At night, visitors to the house can hear the screams of the children and the sound of Toña's voice, as she tortures them for their misdeeds. The house survives but few dare go to stay. Look carefully and you may see a ghostly image of Tia Tona on a balcony, but you have to have a sixth sense like Bruce Willis!
Monday 30/10/2023: Update on Hurricane Otis. The federal government has stated that almost 274,000 homes in Guerrero had been damaged by Otis. The official death toll is now 45 with an additional 47 people missing days after the powerful Category 5 hurricane slammed into the Pacific coast. Acapulco Bay is full of damaged boats and debris following Hurricane Otis. Disaster.
Wednesday 01/11/2023: Another month and still in Escondido. Just been shut in a restaurant, along with other locals, as army and police are hunting for an armed driver who overturned his car and is now on the run. Never a dull moment. Time for a Mexican chili sandwich. But as nothing more to report will sign off biting back the tears. Day of the Dead in full swing so leave you with a photo to cheer you up. Hot peppers to you. Spencer.
FURTHER MUSINGS
Saturday 14/10/2023: Another week nearly gone by but still suffering from broken wrist which does not seem to be healing. Will be going back to hospital today for another check-up. Will let you know the outcome, but I am severely restricted in activities. Could have been worse and also thankful that the effects of dengue fever seem to have at last dissipated. This illness is in the news in Mexico as confirmed cases of dengue have risen over 300% this year compared to 2022, with 71% of all infections detected in just five states. According to the Health Ministry's most recent dengue report, there were 30,320 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease between Jan. 1 and Oct. 7. The Health Ministry also reported that there have been over 167,000 probable cases of dengue this year as well as 48 deaths caused by the disease. Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is "an illness that affects infants, young children, and adults, with symptoms ranging from mild fever to incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash." After infection with one serotype, subsequent infection with a different serotype increases a person's risk of severe dengue and death. Throughout Mexico efforts are undertaken to eliminate mosquito breeding sites through constant fumigation campaigns and the removal of items like water storage barrels and prevention of places where water can accumulate. Lucky that I have recovered but not so good if I get attacked by dengue carrying mosquitos again.
Monday 16/10/2023: In conjunction with the Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, our nearest large town, will this week host storytellers who will share traditional myths and legends, as well as concerts of Indigenous music by groups from the region. Theatre will play its part – the main square of Oaxaca will be the stage for "La Llorona", a play that honours Oaxacan roots. La Llorona "The Crying Woman" or "The Wailer" is a Mexican vengeful ghost who is said to roam near bodies of water mourning her children, who she drowned in a jealous rage, after discovering her husband was cheating on her. Of course, adults and children will don skeleton costumes and horror inducing masks to mark The Day of the Dead. I have previously covered this spectacle and have mentioned it in connection with the James Bond film 'Spectre'.
Wednesday 18/10/2023: If you have read previously about my encounters with Broken Shell, my friendly sea turtle, you will know that it has become a friend of mine since I untangled it from a fishing net and probably save her life. So why mention this again? Sea turtles are endangered, but it's been a promising season for sea turtle conservation in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, with double the number of eggs recovered this year compared to 2022. Local conservationists have reported that this season 824 protected nests and a total of 84,000 eggs were recovered, double compared to 2022.
Five different species of endangered sea turtle are found on the coasts of Baja California. Their numbers dropped sharply at the end of last century but are now showing signs of recovery due to dedicated monitoring, education, and conservation programmes, in which local tourist developments are encouraged to participate. In Escondido waters where Broken Shell swims the local turtle protection group is engaged in such programmes. For an interesting and informative report on sea turtles log onto the link here on < YOUTUBE >. Sure, you will engage with the super creatures.
Thursday 19/10/2023: Last log I included a snippet of an article from the Mexico News about 'Chucky' which has reminded me about an encounter with a real Chucky. We came across a hard looking gang of decidedly dangerous characters in Rio Cuarto, not far from Cordoba, and learnt that one of them was named, of course, Chucky! This is an extract from 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' on my journey through South America.
"So why do they call you Chucky?" I asked, knowing full well that he resembled the doll in the Stephen King film. "It's because he likes to cut people up," was the unexpected answer from the silent eighteen-year-old, Isandro. That shocked us both and silence reigned for a minute. I decided to jump in at the deep end, as is my style. All six of them had livid scars, more than thirty of them, running parallel up their forearms and I couldn't ignore them any longer.
"Why do you all have those cuts?" I asked.
Janik, a man who stared at the floor more than anyone I have ever met said, "Every time one of our gang gets in trouble with the police or army, or with rival gangs, or gets killed, we all cut ourselves," he said, without looking up.
Bloody hell! They must get in trouble a lot. This was so beyond the realms of what Cathy and I knew as normal, but it is super important not to judge. We are all dealt different cards. Just as it couldn't get odder, Janik suddenly burst into tears. Cathy put her arm on his and said, "Hey, what's wrong?"
He bowed his head and his shoulders convulsed. "His girlfriend killed herself last Thursday evening," said Cyprien, a smooth looking Al Pacino type.
Bloody hell! Again. What next? Well, next was that Chucky decided that he wanted to go to the local booze House and that I was to accompany him. Not a problem and we headed off walking down the road. Chucky kept staring at me and shaking his head in disapproval. Eventually I stopped and said, "Have I done something wrong?" "Yes, you are too tall, I can't walk next to you." "No problem, Chucky, I will come down to your height."
I bent my knees to almost ninety degrees, so that my six foot four could become five foot nothing. "That's better said Chucky." So saved myself from Chucky's wrath and knife!!
Saturday 21/10/2023: To close this log I post a link to a recent podcast from Escondido about my travels. < WATCH HERE! > I apologise for it being a long account so if you get bored with my blabbing on just leave it playing and go and make a cup of tea or coffee. It is an interview with ridiculous stories from my circumnavigations of Africa, South and Central America and Mexico, through 54 countries and 230 000 kilometres. Of more interest you might want to click onto the second link which is more dynamic. Its a video of some incidents on my South America trip. Also available is a DVD by Diesel Films on Duke Videos, you can watch the promo < ON THIS LINK >. Hope you enjoy. If you don't get lost sometimes, there is a chance you will never be found.
Peace, love, respect and Scotch Eggs, pickled onions and injury free arms for all.
MEXICO MUSINGS
Sunday 15/10/2023: I must open this log with reference to the terrible situation in Israel, on the other side of the world. It has affected Mexicans here as there are several hundred stranded in the war zone. Caught up in the conflict is the Mexican rhythmic gymnastics team, which has been in Israel to train for the upcoming Pan American Games. It is hoped that the team will soon be evacuated with the help of the Mexican government. Given the seriousness of the situation, flights have been cancelled, leaving the team with no immediate possibility of returning to Mexico. The team coach may make a request for support from the government so that they can return safely as soon as possible. Other citizens will probably benefit as Mexican airlines may resume flights to fly all home safely. The women gymnasts who perform floor routines with hoops, balls, clubs, ribbon, and rope are feeling a good deal of tension and concern but are being housed in a secure compound by the Israelis. By the time you read this hopefully all will be re-patriated. Latest news. Two Mexican Air Force planes departed the Felipe Ángeles International Airport near Mexico City on their second mission to evacuate Mexican citizens from Israel amid Israel's ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. 764 Mexicans who want to leave remained stranded after the first two humanitarian flights carrying almost 300 passengers returned to Mexico on Wednesday. As many as 5,000 Mexicans were in Israel and will be flown out. Two Mexicans, a woman and a man, have been taken hostage by Hamas during their attack on Israel last Saturday. It is believed they are being held in the Gaza Strip. The gymnasts are on the way back to Mexico.
Tuesday 03/10/2023: Now onto another topic which I have briefly covered before but now provide additional information. The amazing salamander!! Because there is one type unique to Mexico. The species Ambystoma mexicanum is a kind of salamander which remains in its larval state all its life. It is not a fish at all, but it does have gills, feathery growths outside its body, as well as lungs. As if that were not enough, the axolotl can also breathe through its skin. These abilities, however, pale before this amphibian's true 'superpower', it can regenerate not only its limbs, but just about every part of its body, including its heart and brain. Yes! True! For this reason, it has been called the Peter Pan of exotic creatures. The word 'axolotl' in Mexica language, by which it was known, means "The god who fears death," perhaps indicating that the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Mexico associated its ability to regenerate body parts with everlasting life. Legends about this curious creature, often seen in their art, originated with a god who was chosen to be sacrificed but refused the honour and fled. He jumped into a lake and was turned into an ajolote (axolotl). Actually, axolotls as a species had no cause at all to fear death in pre-Hispanic times, but in the 21st century the amazing Mexican walking fish may have good reason to worry about its survival, as its habitat is threatened. Naturally, these characteristics have made axolotls the subject of much research into ways to regenerate human body parts. Would be more amazing if humans could regenerate in the same way. Or perhaps not what one would want.
Saturday 07/10/2023: We cannot regenerate our physical selves but what about the spiritual? Recently in the news there has been much academic discussion on the use of Magic Mushrooms for curative purposes. This is another topic I have touched on before and, at the risk of being boring, I do so again. In Mexico, the use of magic, or hallucinogenic, mushrooms can be traced back to indigenous cultures that regarded them as sacred and revered for their transformative properties. Many Indigenous groups, such as the Mazatecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs, incorporated mushrooms into their traditional ceremonies for healing, divination, and connecting with the spiritual realm. During mushroom ceremonies, a shaman, known as a curandero or curandera, guides participants through the experience, providing a safe and sacred environment. One of the most famous Mexican curanderas is María Sabina, who gained international recognition for her work with well-known personalities, including pop stars, individuals seeking profound insights and healing through traditional mushroom ceremonies. Sabina's interactions with them contributed to a fascination with entheogenic experiences and their potential impact on creativity, spirituality, and personal growth. The mushrooms are often consumed ritualistically, such as being ingested with specific chants, prayers, or offerings. The curandero facilitates the journey, helping individuals navigate their inner landscapes, confront fears, gain insights, and experience profound spiritual revelations. games.
As scientific research continues to shed light on the medicinal properties of psilocybin, the legal status of this substance has become a subject of interest. In Mexico, the legalities surrounding psilocybin have undergone significant changes. Although the use of these mushrooms for their psychedelic effects has been documented for centuries, psilocybin has been classified as a controlled substance in many countries. However, the use of psilocybin has been approval by some Health Ministries for use in therapy for patients with terminal illnesses. This has allowed selected patients to access psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as part of palliative care. As those of you know who have read my book on South America, I have given an account of the use of the 'drug' on some I saw, as directed by a shaman, with frightening results. Perhaps best not to go there.
Monday 09/10/2023: Another item in this log on Mexico Musings is included because of recent excavations of the 14-meter-deep waters of the Sacred Cenote, which is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. The term originated on the Yucatán Peninsula and the Sacred Cenote has found to be the final resting place for over 200 victims of ritual sacrifice some 1000 years ago.
Almost half were children, averaging between the ages of four to six. There were fewer females than males, and practically all the skulls and other skeletal remains were found with varying degrees of mutilation, suggesting that it was a prolific sacrificial site. Powdery sand at its base was curiously covered in a blue tint, later discovered to have washed off human bodies and other offerings. A deep blue powder, known as Maya blue, was found on remains, which was used primarily by Mesoamerican cultures from about the eighth century until just after the mid-19th century. Fantastic pre-Columbian murals and pottery fragments discovered around archaeological sites show evidence that the colour was exclusive to the gods, or those chosen for ritual sacrifice. The Maya often applied the revered pigment when depicting Cháak, the god of rain who lived in the cenote underworld. Hundreds of people were ritually executed, and their bodies thrown into the waters of the Sacred Cenote at Chichén. A cenote was considered the realm of powerful guardian spirits who protected humans but was also considered the only source responsible for life-giving rain. Rituals are still conducted with offerings to the same spirits that gave good harvests for their ancestors. The Maya believed that cenotes were portals to Xibalba or the afterlife, and home to the rain god, Chaak. The Maya often deposited human remains as well as ceremonial artifacts in these cenotes. Today they are often used by people for swimming but beware as you might find a skeleton paddling beside you!
Monday 09/10/2023: This week an art show organized by Jason Schell, himself a well know artist, has opened in Mexico City so as I, like many others, admire the work of urban artists include this next short piece. When it comes to street art, Mexico City is up there on the world stage. Street artists from around the city, the country and the world descend on the streets of Mexico's capital to make their mark on the landscape, bringing to life a variety of designs, from the politically motivated to the aesthetically pleasing, on the walls of city streets. Mexico has long been home to muralists. Diego Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco, to name three of the most famous, have murals around the city and beyond that have stood the test of time. In some places, street art has also become corporate, with graphic artists being called upon to create designs that work in the place of billboards to advertise products. While street art is still in many ways a rebellious act, shrouded in illegality, and often ephemeral, a race against the clock before the art is painted over by the city. Nowadays such art is also finding its way into galleries and into art lovers' homes. Hence the exhibition in Mexico City recognising the artistic merit of street artists. I include an example here but also more on the photo archive >
Saturday 14/10/2023: Body Bones...
We have 206 bones in our body, Ihave broken about 30. A week ago, I broke my left wrist and tore a tendon.Cathy and I have been quietly searching México for a new location for aMotocamp. We went to visit a jungle site on very steep, rough 'roads'. But this is all academic, because it isimpossible to get to this camp for seven months of the year. The rains washaway any hope of a jungle retreat. This is where I met my match, crashed andbroke my wrist. Luckily Cathy was not 'onboard' as I was running an errand forthe lodge owner, a mere five kilometres to get tortillas. I was on a steepmuddy slope with huge gulleys when the heavens opened, and the road became a river.On a steep downhill section, the back wheel slipped sideways and I was off. Ilanded on my hand and knew my wrist was broken. I made it back to the camp andeventually arranged for a 'camionetta' (pick-up truck) to take us and the bikethe 150 kms back to Puerto. The indigenous Indian driver wanted 2000 pesos(£100) for the trip. Being the Rambo I am, I decided to ride all the way back. 2000 was too much. Cathy expertly bandaged my wrist in duct tape, and we rode 130 kilometres to the Hospital, where I set the bone myself. Respect to Cathy for getting on a bike with a one-armed rider. At the Hospital Angel del Mar (HAM, for short!), they confirmed I had a broken heart, I mean wrist. Another day on the range! I learnt that the 'Tibia' was also damaged, but honest, it wasn't 'humerus'. Joke. And now I have a month in a cast, at least. Still riding though.
Did you know that the funny bone is actually the ulnar nerve hitting the humerus bone, creating a strange sensation. Wish I could laugh about it but seriously it isn't funny. Painful and limiting activities.
On another note, and not a cheap trick for likes - last week Facebook agreed to pay me for my posts and the next day removed 5000 followers and just left friends. Please 'like' if you see this, so I know where I stand.
Top day to you all. Peace, love and, no bones about it, harmony for all.
MORE FROM MEXICO
Wednesday 20/09/2023: Amusing and rather bizarre things happen in Mexico and one such is that Police in the northern Mexican city of Monclova, Coahuila have arrested a large "Chucky" doll for allegedly threatening passersby. The doll made famous by the 1988 horror film "Child's Play", in which it was possessed by the soul of a criminal before carrying out a series of murders, has long been a fixture of the Halloween season in the country. People regularly dress as Chucky, or their children do, and haunt the streets in search of 'victims'. The Chucky reported in the media was operated by a man known as Carlos "N", who used a large knife to threaten people on the street and demand money. The police were warned, and Carlos and "Chucky" were both arrested and handcuffed. They were charged at the scene with disturbing public order and endangering the public. Images of the handcuffed "diabolical" doll quickly spread on social media. Authorities in Monclova say the police officer who carried out the arrest has been sanctioned for her failure to carry out her duties in an appropriate manner. Why? She handcuffed Chucky at the request of local media! Carlos "N" was released later that day, but there has been no reports as to whether "Chucky" has remained in police custody. Probably languishing in a cell along with other Chuckies.
Friday 22/09/2023: Do you like beans? Not baked beans! Black beans. Mexico has a rich variety of 'foods' that are healthy as well as providing sustenance as the black bean. Beans in general, and black beans in particular, are extremely healthy foods, high in plant-based protein, fibre and antioxidants that help manage cholesterol, sugar and blood pressure levels. While 70% of the calories in black beans come from carbs, they're unique in that their starch content is what's called "resistant starch," meaning that much of it passes through our upper digestive tract without breaking down. Because the starch doesn't convert into sugars, blood sugar levels don't rise. Black beans have a rich hearty flavour and meaty, dense texture that makes fabulous burgers and chili. Refried beans (frijoles refritos), found everywhere in everything, are just cooked beans blended or mashed and then sautéed in oil or manteca (lard), with or without added spices, until they form a spreadable paste. A traditional recipe in Mexico is for a robust soup with a black bean base topped with all your favourite things: chopped avocado and onion, a drizzle of crema, a sprinkling of cilantro, maybe a dash of hot sauce. Now you realise I have taken up the mantle of chef supreme. I can supply other recipes at a small charge.
Sunday 24/09/2023: As I have introduced food into this log, I hope it has aroused your taste buds, so next another piece on the delights of cuisine we experienced on our travels in South America as this extract from my book on the continent recounts. Most will probably wish to taste such a culinary speciality. Or maybe not!
The guinea pig, Cavia Porcellus, Cuy, despite the name, guinea
pigs are not native to Guinea, have not even been on holiday to Guinea,
and are not even remotely related to pigs. They originated in the
Andes and were domesticated as a source of protein and
yumminess. They have kiddies every three months, between three and
eight, so are totally sustainable, nifty breeders.
For five thousand years guinea pigs have fed rural communities in
Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile, countries deeply and frequently
affected by malnutrition and unemployment. The Cuy features
prominently in traditional festivals – famously, a cooked guinea pig lies
paws up in the celebrated 1753 painting of 'The Last Supper' by
Marcos Zapata in the Cathedral Basilica in Cusco. Guinea pigs were
munchies for the Andean people long before they became pets in the
west. So, who were we to argue. If it was good enough for Jesus and his
disciples, it's good enough for us.
The meal was superb and was cut up into a tasty stew. We would not
have known it was a guinea pig if we hadn't seen the dismembering.
Top chefs in Peru and Colombia have brought the meat back to popularity with
roasted, curried, and even sweetened versions appearing on menus.
In Ecuador, there is no effort to disguise the Cuy.
It is served whole, deep fried and splayed,
teeth showing, eyeholes staring upwards, and hands and feet sticking
stiffly over the edges of the plate. Served with two, grease dripping,
fried potatoes, and anaemic green pulses. The guinea pig looks like an
animal run over in a cartoon, driven over a few times,
thrown on a fire, thrown on a plate and thrown at the customer.'
Tuesday 26/09/2023: Have you ever wondered what prison food is like? Any specia0lities? Probably not, but I discovered that there is one ingredient only for convicts as in the picture. You had better believe it. It's a fact. There's the proof. Probably why some prisoners try to escape!
Wednesday 27/09/2023: As many of you know when I am in the UK I stay with my father who lives in Biddenden so just for a change I include some info on the village, with thanks to the Parish web site. The village is set in the picturesque countryside of Kent in the Southeast of England. Its main feature is the high street of medieval latticed windowed Flemish weavers' cottages. The pavements are formed with fossilized stone quarried from Bethersden marble. To note, on the village green is an attractive sign, carved and painted by a local crafts man, of a pair of twins, known as the Biddenden Maids. The Biddenden Maids were twin sisters that were born in 1100 who were joined at the shoulders and hips. Elisa and Mary Chulkhurst lived in this condition for 34 years, when one of them died, the other shortly afterwards. For years income gained from 20 acres of land, bequeathed by the two sisters, has been used for the benefit of the poor of the parish. Once a year Bread and Cheese and are given to local widows and pensioners at the Old Workhouse in commemoration of the twins. Biddenden Biscuits, baked from flour and water, are distributed as souvenirs. They bear an effigy of two female figures whose bodies are joined together at the hips and shoulders. I enjoy the village when I stay there once a year and thank the villagers for their friendly welcome and continued interest in my travels. I include a photo of the village from the past but it remains substantially the same today. Hello to Biddendenites.
Saturday 30/09/2023: A lot of you might wonder why we are loitering in Mexico for so long, as we are supposed to be adventure motorcyclists. We have been sneakily trying to find a new location in Mexico for a Motocamp. The last few days were fun, to say the least. We went to a jungle lodge, where a very kind woman offered us a share in her business, and an opportunity to establish a new Motocamp. It was a perfect location, with four beautiful Cabanas set in a jungle paradise. The problem was that, after the romantic image of a jungle camp, the reality sets in. There were mosquitos queuing up, with tickets, to eat Cathy and me. By the following morning, we both resembled two pieces of raw steak. The mozzies had halved our body weight with blood sucking. I needed a transfusion. There were colonies of ants, with biceps and boots, waiting to carry us off, once the mozzies had sucked us into shredded human skin.
If you survive the insects, there are animals ready to pounce on the scraps, jaguars etc. But this is all academic, because it is impossible to get to this camp for seven months of the year. The rains wash away any hope of a jungle retreat. This is where I met my match, crashed, and broke my wrist. Luckily Cathy was not 'onboard' as I was running an errand for the lodge owner, a mere five kilometres to get tortillas. I was on a steep muddy slope with huge gulleys when the heavens opened, and the road became a river. On a steep downhill section, the back wheel slipped sideways, and I was off. I landed on my hand and knew my wrist was broken. I made it back to the camp and eventually arranged for a 'camionetta' (pick up truck) to take us and the bike the 150 kms back to Puerto. The indigenous Indian driver wanted 2000 pesos (£100) for the trip. Being the Rambo I am, I decided to ride all the way back. 2000 was too much. Respect to Cathy for getting on a bike with a one-armed rider. We made it back. I went to Hospital Angel del Mar (HAM, for short!), where they confirmed I had a broken heart, I mean wrist. Another day on the range! Lodge out then. Not good. Hospital confirmed 'nondisplaced scaphoid fracture'. Splint on base. Cast on top. 6 weeks minimum, no riding. A disaster!
Have to say life not going too well at the moment. Anyway jellybean soup to all. Love Spencer and Cathy
MORE FROM MEXICO
Wednesday 30/08/2023: To open this log, I post a short account of some experiences at border posts I have had on my travels as recently there has been media reports of disputes occurring with officials at control centres in Europe during the late holiday season.
Many Adventure travellers find border posts and their inevitable delays one of the worst parts of the process of travelling. I love them. I do understand that most people are on an agenda and a day's delay for paperwork can eat into a ten-day trip. I am privileged that I don't need to worry about delays, as I am always travelling. That said and accepted, I think it is all to do with the mind frame. People tend to get themselves worked up into a mini frenzy of negativity. I have seen it at ports, I have seen it at airports, docks, and land borders. People are on the defensive and behave extremely confrontationally, often before a problem has arisen. They would never behave like that at home. Customs Officers are only doing their job and it really is a thankless task. All they get is abuse. I look at it more from an anthropological point of view. It's an opportunity to 'people watch', under stressful circumstances, and quite frankly, I have met some extremely colourful travellers and officials, having passed through 135 borders. I had an Egyptian border guard who pretended to be two completely different people, simply by donning a hat and pair of glasses. Having seen him at the first desk he left and then came round the building and through another door. Hey presto, a brand-new official. He even kept up the pretence of having never met me; five minutes earlier, even though I was in a fit of giggles. He knew he had been rumbled, got annoyed and flushed, but could not falter. Brilliant. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, I macheted my way through the centre of a 'jungle' area. When I came to a clearing, finally, the customs officer had not seen a tourist in three years. I was well proud. His official stamp had even dried up so he wrote, 'Spencer James Conway entered legally', with his signature underneath. It worked. I will never get rid of that passport.
Saturday 02/09/2023: Now onto an item nearer to my adopted country, Mexico. As you know my father is a marathon runner so just a short report on the recent run in Mexico City. It is not the best venue for a marathon, or any endurance sport as it is situated at a high altitude and is polluted with car fumes. Mexico's capital is the oldest capital city in the Americas and one of two founded by Indigenous people. The city was originally built on a group of islands in Lake Texcoco by the Mexica (Aztecs) around 1325, under the name Tenochtitlan. It was almost completely destroyed in the 1521 siege of Tenochtitlan by the Spanish and subsequently redesigned and rebuilt in the Spanish traditional style. In 1524, the municipality of Mexico City was established, known as México Tenochtitlán, and in 1585, it was named Ciudad de México and became the political, administrative, and financial centre of the Spanish colonial empire. In 1986 the Olympic games were held in the city which caused some breathing problems for athletes competing in distance events. This year a Bolivian won the Mexico City marathon breaking the record. More than 30,000 runners competed in the 40th edition of the race won by Héctor Garibay Flores, aged 35, in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 23 seconds, over the 42 kilometres course. In the women's competition, Kenyan runners took the top three places, with Celestine Chepchir (2:27:17) taking first place. Hector lives in the Bolivian highlands and works as a taxi driver to raise money. The first-place prize was 550,000 pesos (US $32,814) and a Garmin watch, plus another 550,000 pesos for breaking the record. The prize money is "very important" because it will help him prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Working as a taxi driver has "robbed me of valuable training time," he said. Legendary Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, 50, a two-time gold medallist in the Olympics and a four-time world champion, attended the awards ceremony. Congrats to Hector and hope to hear about you in the 2024 games.
Tuesday 05/09/2023: Now to news of natural things, the mating ritual of the wild male palm cockatoos who vie to be the best rock drummers. The proboscidea aterrimus craft drumsticks for musical mating rituals according to their individual tastes. Some males are drumstick devotees, others use a mix of drumsticks and seed pod instruments, and unorthodox males march to the beat of their own pod, or foot beats. These individual touches have more to do with personal preference than with available materials. Females might prize creativity or individuality. A male palm cockatoo puts on a musical mating display from trees in his territory. He sings, twirls and drums rhythmically against the tree, often using a percussion instrument, a stick or seed pod, clutched in his left foot. As part of the display, he crafts the instrument himself and the female watches as he snaps off tree branches and whittles them to his desired size and shape. The birds' dramatic black and red plumage and tall, spiked crests makes for a display close in nature to a rock concert. The males all have their own drumming signatures. Some like to 'rock' slowly, some go very quickly, and then others add flourishes. Drumstick length varies from bird to bird. Some prefer short and stubby drumsticks, while others make longer, thinner ones. Looks like size matters.
Saturday 09/09/2023: To continue the nature theme. The world's highest-dwelling mammal, a yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse isn't the only rodent existing at extreme elevation, but it is the most 'elevated'. Multiple species of rodents live at or near the high-altitude peaks of Andean volcanoes, well above where alpine herbs, dwarf shrubs and other plants can grow, The mouse lives on the summit of the Andean Volcán Llullaillaco at an altitude of 6,739 meters, more than three quarters the height of Mount Everest. That mammals can live at these heights is astonishing, considering there's only about 44 percent of oxygen available compared to sea level. It is very difficult to sustain any kind of physical activity, or mental activity in such regions. Humans need oxygen to live at such heights without which they would not function for long. The little mouse has adapted to the rarified atmosphere living at ease in its surroundings.
Thursday 14/09/2023: For all those who love colourful craft work, particularly woven tapestries, you may know that Mexico has a long tradition of weaving. I see examples every day in the region where I live. Mexico is vibrant and this is echoed in its craft. Zapotec weaving is an ancient art form that has been passed down from generation to generation for more than 2,000 years. The Zapotec civilization arose in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca in the 6th century BCE, building great cities like Monte Albán and Mitla. Roughly 400,000 Zapotecs, who call themselves Ben'Zaa, the Cloud People, live in Mexico today. As their ancestors did, modern Zapotecs use weaving to preserve their traditions, history, stories, and spiritual beliefs. One of the oldest weaving tools used by Indigenous people is the backstrap loom, which is used by attaching one end to a tree or post and wrapping the other end around the waist. The weaver sways their body back and forth to change the tension in the threads. Without wool-yielding domestic animals, Mesoamerican weavers made textiles with plant fibres and cotton and traditionally only men were allowed to weave in the Zapotec culture. During the height of the Zapotec civilization, the people of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca were already known for their weaving. Their woven items were considered so valuable that it is said the Mexica Emperor Moctezuma II extracted an annual tribute of 2,000 blankets and 40 pounds of dried cochineal insects, used to make carmine dye, annually from each of the seven cities he ruled. In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadores brought sheep and the pedal loom to Mexico and Zapotecs began using sheep's wool in their rugs.
Male weavers transitioned to the pedal loom, which requires more strength, while women filled other roles in the process: preparing wool, spinning wool into yarn, and dyeing yarn. Eventually, Zapotec women began using the backstrap loom for weaving while men wove more oversized rugs on pedal looms. In the last 60 years, women have become around 80% of backstrap weavers while roughly 75% of weavers using the pedal loom are men. The dyes are organic, made from materials including tree moss, pomegranate skins, marigold, madrone bark, West Indian indigo and cochineal, a tiny insect that looks like white fuzz when found on nopal cacti leaves. The female cochineal excretes an acid that produces a deep crimson colour, which has made it in demand as a dye. Some weavers mix their own dye colour combinations and have specific colours that identify their rugs. No one else can reproduce that colour because weavers don't share their techniques or their secret dye recipe for the colours they create. Traditional Zapotec rugs share common themes and symbols. Geometric pyramids represent the ancient political and economic centre of Monte Albán. The zig-zag pattern represents lightning, which is connected to Cocijo, the Zapotec God of lightning and rain. The Eye of God, very prevalent in many rugs, symbolizes the power of seeing and understanding the unseen. The Eye of God is placed inside a diamond. The top half represents the sky or heaven, the bottom half is hell. If you cover the bottom half of the diamond, you can see a pyramid and the bottom half is a horizontal reflection of the pyramid symbolizing a mirror that reflects our inner life. The Eye of God is sometimes placed inside a rectangle representing the entrance to the spirit world and a sacred place of spirituality. Now you know a little more of Mexican traditions.
Saturday 16/09/2023: Lastly, just to say, I am now a fully registered member of Mexican community according to the laws of the country and able to work legally. Next time I will inform you as to how I will become a 'millionaire'. Pea soup and crab's feet to all. Best Spencer.
Hi Everyone. Here is a one hour interview of top camping tips with the mercurial Jim Martin ,if that is your thing. Hope you enjoy. Peace, love and respect from me and Cathy Nel...
Wednesday 16/08/2023: Just to recap a little. In my previous Log I gave an account of a somewhat dangerous landing in Escondido during a 'storm' on my return to Mexico. Now I can add that apparently we flew through what has now been named 'Hurricane Hilary'. Phew! No wonder the pilot was praying as we descended to the runway which was manned by fire and rescue vehicles. At 9 a.m. the morning of my arrival Mexico City time, the NHC reported that Hurricane Hilary had become a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 145 miles per hour. It was located about 360 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and moving northwest at 10 miles per hour.
The Mexican government issued a Hurricane Warning for the region of the peninsula between Punta Abre Ojos and Punta Eugenia, and a Hurricane Watch for the area north of Punta Eugenia to Ensenada. A Hurricane Warning implies that hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours and "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion." Hurricanes regularly caused considerable damage in the region. Although on the fringes we were lucky to make it to terra firma in one piece.
Friday 18/08/2023: Not been long back in Mexico and rapidly becoming more Mexican. At present trying to register to work legally in the country. Much red-tape but need to be recognized as a resident and pay tax to remain here for the next year. So thought at this juncture to delve some more into Mexican history prompted by the creation of a huge mosaic, 20 by 30 feet of a worthy personage. Born in Spain in 1701, Antonio Alcalde arrived in Mexico in 1763 after being appointed Bishop of Yucatán. He became Bishop of Guadalajara in 1771, serving in this position until his death in 1792. Alcalde is fondly remembered in Guadalajara for the many public works he sponsored as the city's bishop, including churches, a hospital and the forerunner institution to today's University of Guadalajara.
The mosaic dominates an important intersection of the city. On the friar's right religious and civil works are featured while on his left he is seen rescuing a victim of life's hardships from the jaws of a four-headed dragon, whose heads represent plague, death, hunger and war. Just above the friar, serving as his halo, the aurora borealis illuminates the sky. The love, admiration and gratitude Guadalajara toward Fray Antonio can be understood when one considers the epidemics that plagued the city in the 1700s. One year it was typhus, then a few years later smallpox, then typhus came back, once again followed by smallpox. The plagues of 1784-1786 were made a thousand times worse because a violent hailstorm wiped out all the crops. In fact, the year 1786 is on record as 'the Year of Hunger.' … It was a concert of calamities and the bishop did much to alleviate suffering. In the 18th century, the city had only one hospital with about 30 beds, so Alcalde built the Hospital Civil with 800 beds which were later expanded to 1,000. He also founded the Belén Cemetery and the Cuadritas public housing project. Good works me thinks.
Tuesday 22/08/2023: Just been reading Bill Bryson's book on the home and came across a passage on an ancient ancestor. No not my father, somewhat older! A Neolithic being known as Otzi. About 90 percent of Ötzi's genetic heritage comes from Neolithic farmers, an unusually high amount compared with other Copper Age remains. The Iceman's genome reveals he had male-pattern baldness and much darker skin than thought. Genes conferring light skin tones didn't become prevalent until 4,000 to 3,000 years ago when early farmers started eating plant-based diets and didn't get as much vitamin D from fish and meat as hunter-gatherers did. It is now known that people who lived in Europe between 40,000 and 8,000 years ago were as dark as people in Africa. It was believed that Europeans became light-skinned much earlier in development, but it seems that this happened quite late in human history. Skin colour depends on not only where one comes from but on our lifestyle and diet.
Thursday 24/08/2023: Whilst on ancient inhabitants of the land next to a creature that was at home on land and in the water. An ancient four-legged whale walked across our earth on hooved toes and swam in the sea like an otter. Big, possibly webbed feet and long toes allowed P. pacificus to dogpaddle or swim freestyle. And like modern otters and beavers, this whale's vertebrae suggest that its tail also functioned as a paddle. With tiny hooves and strong legs and hips, the animal could walk on land. But it was a better swimmer. Whales evolved on land and gradually adapted to a water-dwelling lifestyle. The first amphibious whales emerged more than 50 million years ago near what's now India and Pakistan. The species shared some similar features with Maiacetus and Rodhocetus, two early whales from that area. P. pacificus' age supports the idea that whales migrated across the South Atlantic and around South America to the Pacific Ocean in their first 10 million years of existence. Think I have seen some that look similar but have more human-like features. No comments please.
Saturday 26/08/2023: I have previously covered the damage that climate change causes on our planet and to add more there is a warning that it will affect the life of trees if heat increase is not halted. Photosynthetic breakdown could harm entire forests as a rise of about 4 degrees C above current temperatures in tropical forests could potentially cause wide swathes of leaves to die. When leaves get too hot, their photosynthetic machinery, proteins that convert light energy into sugars, breaks down. Most forests could endure about 4 degrees C of warming above current levels before trees lose all their leaves, and die. However, that amount of warming might be possible by 2100 in a worst-case scenario in which greenhouse gas emissions continue rising through the century. Another reason to act now and not just have international conferences about climate change.
Sunday 27/08/2023: Having experienced landing in a hurricane and attempting to calm some hysterical fliers in my plane whilst being totally at ease myself!! now back in Escondido we have been inundated, right word, with torrential rain causing our road to become a river. My neighbour opposite has lost his house and others have suffered considerable damage. My cats remained unmoved and kept up a vigil on my bike anchored outside whilst the flooding built up. Nonchalant observers.
Monday 29/08/2023: Many of you may know that I ejected a rude foreigner from Aduana (Customs) who was then taken away by the police. Immediately after that we were offered residency. I do not recommend this method of obtaining it but it worked for us. Getting to the position of acquiring a work permit takes years, so be prepared.
Firstly, you have to pass the welcoming committee as in the photo and then follow a set procedure, but nobody knows in what order. Temporary residency is for four years and costs £2000. After that it is up to the discretion of Immigration whether they extend it to permanent. You then need a social security number, a tax number, a Mexican bank account and various other papers with three letters- a SAT number, a PLP number, a proof of residency and proof of Bill payments, shoe size, cake preference and allergies to Mexican chili sauce need to be declarado. They take your fingerprints, scan your retina and take mugshots galope, 'tousands of them! Everyone is super friendly, and it only takes 18 hours in each of the 200 offices, with queues of 1000, and I never exaggerate. After 14 years your application is rejected because you do not know what Austrolopithicus Afrocensius is in Spanish. But we will never give up. Onwards. Freedom!!!
That's all from super calm and controlled Spencer. Mushrooms and bananas on toast till next time.
WHAT NEXT?
Tuesday 18/07/2023: Difficult to plan for future travels at the moment as I am still waiting for results of blood and other tests to try to resolve health problems. Curses. Hate being off my bike and not being sure of what is next on my agenda. Must grin and bear it as they say. Whoever 'they' are? Must stay in the UK for the time being.
Thursday 20/07/2023: News of a rescue by Mexican fishermen near my home on the Mexico coast. They picked up a sailor and his dog after the pair had spent three months at sea.
The survivor, a 51-year-old Australian, Tim Shaddock, was found in the Pacific Ocean in a damaged boat along with his dog, Bella, after a helicopter accompanying a Mexican tuna boat spotted him on an islet off the coast of Manzanillo, Colima. The pair survived by eating raw fish, drinking rainwater and by staying under a small canopy to avoid dehydration. Tim Shaddock left the coastal city of La Paz, Baja California, with his dog in April. They were bound for French Polynesia when a strong storm hit, damaging the electronic equipment in his boat, "Aloha Toa", and preventing them from requesting rescue or continuing their 6,000-kilometer journey. One lucky guy. If it had been me I would still be floating around in the ocean.
Saturday 22/07/2023: You must know the story of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' but stories of a familial bears exist in almost every human culture that shares territory with the animal according to journalist Gloria Dickie in her new book, 'Eight Bears'. The Yakut people of eastern Siberia call brown bears "grandfather" and "uncle." Shepherds in the French Pyrenees call the brown bear la va-nu-pieds, the "barefooted one," a reference to its humanlike footprints. In Peru, the Ukuku is an Andes-traipsing man-bear hybrid in Quechua lore that steals away young women. There are only eight bear species: brown, black, sun, moon, polar, spectacled, sloth and giant panda. Dickie explores each in vivid detail, traveling across three continents to some of the places where they amble. Many species inhabit woefully shrinking natural spaces. In the Andes, spectacled bears risk ascending upslopes into oblivion due to a warming climate. Polar bears are caught between rapidly dwindling sea ice, and from brown bears that have started wandering poleward. Sloth bears are squeezed into smaller and smaller pockets of forest as human populations expand, leading to violent, tragic conflicts with people. Paddington's ancestors are also in danger of dying out so another film is needed quickly to preserve the species of talking bears.
Sunday 23/07/2023: In Africa out in the bush or on the plains I often saw huge bird's nests. Many made by very small, winged flyers. Weaver Birds. Ant nests, beaver lodges and many other marvels of animal architecture enclose shared space. But small, sparrow like Philetairus socius 'glue' together beakfuls of grass to create a haystack of bird apartments. The nests can grow to weigh a ton and last about a century. Tunnels opening from the underside lead to each family's unit The condos have great insulation, an important perk for birds that don't migrate from the hot-then-cold Kalahari. In summer there is shady relief and in winter, condos are heated by snuggle power. The thatch keeps a chamber with a lone bird at about 12° Celsius. An apartment crowded with five birds reaches 33° C. Raising chicks is chancy when a nest offers a feast for marauders. Snakes climb the trees to get into the colony and then they inspect every single chamber. Adult weavers will mob loudly and frantically, but a cape cobra or boomslang ignores them, bingeing on eggs and chicks by the dozen. End of housing and colony!
Monday 24/07/2023: Recently, the planet sweltered as the average global temperature reached 17.01° Celsius (62.62° Fahrenheit), the highest ever recorded. That surpassed the previous record of 16.92° C (62.46° F) from August 2016. But in July temperatures peaked at 17.23° C (63.01° F). Earth just experienced its hottest month ever recorded. The extraordinary nature of this year's June and July readings stems from what's going on in the oceans around the world that have grown alarmingly warm. Our planet's seas have been warming for decades. The most recent decade has been the sea surface's hottest since at least the 1800s reaching 21.1° C, the highest ever recorded. In the Gulf of Mexico, the average surface temperature is more than 30° C. Hotter seas are a huge problem. The ocean is currently taking in about 93 percent of the heat associated with global warming, but as the oceans warm, they become less capable of absorbing heat from the atmosphere raising the global temperature. Nice for me on my daily swim back in Mexico but not so good for influences on climate change.
Wednesday 26/07/2023: For centuries, the nopal cactus of the opuntia genus, also known as prickly pear, has symbolized resilience and adaptability, much like the Mexican people. In exploring the wisdom behind Mexican cuisine's seemingly modest ingredients, the nopal is not to be overlooked. Indigenous civilizations revered the cactus, recognizing its nutritional value and healing properties. It was also considered a sacred plant, appearing in the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan by the Mexica, or Aztecs. The legend says that an eagle devouring a snake, while perched on a nopal, was the sign that the Mexica were seeking to know where to build their city, and the image became the national coat of arms. It has a low caloric value of 27 calories per 100 grams, and minimal digestible carbohydrates, making it a low-glycaemic food. Opal pads are also rich in soluble fibres, like pectins, gums, and mucilage. Consuming nopal promotes a sensation of satiety, which aids weight management and curbs excessive food intake. The nopal's fibre content can also contribute to regulating blood glucose levels. Pretty good for you and liked by me. You can buy it in all the supermarkets and markets as a whole leaf that has been scraped of its dodgy exterior which can sting the lips. It is chopped up into fine little cubes and is quite subtle and juicy in flavour. I cannot tell you what other vegetable it tastes like, because it doesn't taste like any other vegetable, so you will all have to come to Mexico to try it. Delicious in a beef taco or in a breakfast burrito. Also, it grows in abundance so will not run out.
Sunday 30/07/2023: In today's world fraudsters are ingenious at hacking but it may surprise you that Benjamin Franklin developed methods of stalling money counterfeiters. Blue threads and muscovite, a reflective mineral, were incorporated into banknotes. By using techniques such as infrared, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and X-ray analysis, researchers have found features such as coloured threads and muscovite, a crystalized mineral, incorporated into the paper. The blue threads are visible to the naked eye, and the muscovite produces a glimmer that reflects light, features most wouldn't have been able to reproduce. The muscovite, found in about 95 percent of the analysed Franklin bills produced after 1754, was probably sourced from the same geologic area. The mineral was also used to increase the durability of the notes so they could hold up better during circulation. Efforts to thwart counterfeiters of early American money were eventually upended by the British, who figured out some of the techniques when they flooded the colony with fake bills as a destabilizing tactic during the American Revolution. The value of American money collapsed, and in the years following the revolution, the United States favoured coins, only issuing treasury notes during later wars. Even so, some of Franklin's techniques would go on to form the basis of increasingly sophisticated methods used to combat forgers. For that time, Franklin's paper money was ground-breaking. Today there are more advanced methods to prevent clever counterfeiters, but Franklin was the pioneer. My attempts at faking Mexican notes have not been too successful. My methods, as pictured, a little antiquated!!
Tuesday 01/08/2023: Another month and still in the UK but will be leaving to return to Mexico in a couple of weeks. Medical reports have now come through and mostly good news except for pleurisy, scars on my lungs and dark spots as well as a lung infection. Apparently, I am getting 75% of the normal oxygen uptake. This is due to having malaria five times, dengue fever and coronavirus. Just have to live with it. I also have abnormally large red blood cells (to go with my brain) and a low white blood cell count. They are not a hundred percent sure why, but I was diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency and low iron, so easy to remedy.
The weather has been superb in England so Dad, Simon and I have been gardening, shed building and castle visiting. Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's childhood home, one such. Many like this in England. Simon is back in Swaziland now, to continue his superb acoustic and electric guitar making. Fried eggs and banana sandwiches to all. Spencer!
STILL IN THE UK
Monday 10/07/2023: Having been in Mexico for many moons now have learnt of a deity who is connected to the lunar orb. One of Mayan mythology's most important deities is the goddess Ixchel, or Ix Chel, pronounced Ishchel. Ixchel's powers include everything governed by the cycles of the moon - water, fertility, harvests, pregnancy, as well as love and sexuality. She is also the patroness of the arts, textiles, painting, medicine, and healing. The Mayans believe in the duality of the universe. Reflecting this duality, Ixchel is benevolent but can also be powerful and harmful. With her power, she can give life; but she can also take it away. She provides both rain for the harvests and medicines for healing, but she is also destructive, sending floods, diseases and curses that can affect the harvests and endanger people's lives. The story of Ixchel originated in the Yucatán Peninsula and Guatemala in 1500 B.C. Part of her power comes from controlling the cycles of the moon which govern sowing and harvesting. She is often pictured alongside Chaac, the god of rain, because of their shared association with rain and crops. But she is depicted in many different incarnations. In some paintings, Ixchel is depicted as a beautiful young maiden accompanied by a rabbit, who has his own place in Mayan mythology and also represents the moon. In other images, she is a woman weaving on a waist loom that represents the thread of life - it symbolizes the umbilical cord and the placenta. At times, she is also portrayed as a fierce older woman emptying a jug of water onto the earth, resulting in storms and devastation that destroys crops and ends lives. I prefer the younger of the two.
Tuesday 11/07/2023: Having travelled extensively in mosquito areas I have caught malaria several times. Not nice! The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites and spread to humans by the female Anopheles mosquitoes. It was once prevalent, before widespread spraying of the insecticide DDT, helped to purge the US of any parasite-infected mosquitoes, and some people too. By 1951, malaria had been eliminated within U.S. borders. But the disease still circulates in many countries around the world. Globally, there are more than 245 million cases of malaria each year and over 625 000 deaths, most of which happen in Africa, according to the World Health Organization. In October 2021, the WHO approved a malaria vaccine for children living in sub-Saharan Africa. When I was living in Kenya spraying insecticide around homes and areas where mosquitoes breed helped to keep the insects' numbers down. The insecticide was called Doom, and was not too good for human lungs either, but I have fond memories of the smell. We also had window screens to keep the insects out of our house. My mother used to spray mosquito repellents on clothing treated with insecticide to prevent bites. My father cleared standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. I also slept under a cloth net, but I still heard them whining around my bedroom. Nasty varmints. The worst type of malaria is carried by P. falciparum, the most common and deadliest of five species. Here in the UK malaria is not that common but I still have recurrent bouts of the disease. Mosquitoes also spread dengue which causes a high fever and can be deadly. I have had dengue fever and was very ill for several weeks. Be warned.
The 12 deadliest insects worldwide, in order...
1. Mosquitos
2. Kissing Bug
3. Tsetse Fly 4. Bees
5. Indian Red Scorpion
6. Deathstalker Scorpion
7. Black Widow Spider
8. Brazilian Wandering Spider
9. Brown Recluse Spider 10. Ants... (more on these critters in next log)
Thursday13/07/2023: When in Mexico I live not far from Oaxaca city, which according to Traveller Magazine, is high on travellers' destination wish lists, made Oaxaca city - a UNESCO World Heritage site - a natural choice for readers to vote as the world's best city. "Widely considered one of Mexico's cultural capitals, Oaxaca is a maze of historical monuments, lively street markets, stunning churches, contemporary art galleries, colourful street art, and charming plazas," the magazine said. I can also report that the city is also a 'foodies' mecca and home to award-winning restaurants. There are, in addition, world renowned hotels but I add that they are way beyond my means. A tent on a camp site is more my level.
Friday 14/07/2023: Rats!! Why am I introducing rats in this log? Simples! I have seen them in many places on my travels and recently one popped up not far from where I am now so decided to provide some information on these not very pleasant creatures. Many rodents use whiskers to feel their way around their world. But rats appear to take this one step further, using special, antennae-like whiskers above their eyes to sense subtle air movement. These long, thin hairs may help the rats detect the movements of predators or prey in dark, cramped environments. Many studies of rodents have focused on the snout whiskers, there are a plethora of whiskers beyond the snout, on other parts of the face and the body. Seals also have supraorbital whiskers that sense underwater flow patterns. Rats may use their wind-sensing whiskers to pick up the movements of predators or prey in the dark. It could be that an incoming animal is sensed through a subtle change in airflow. The rat would detect this and escape in time. My rat encounters suggest this to be correct as most seem to sense my presence and scurry away. Some don't and those are worrisome for many reasons. And some people keep rats as pets!
Saturday 15/07/2023: I am 6ft 4 inches and in Mexico have often been asked how I got so tall. Mexicans are not known for their tall stature. The average height for males in Mexico is between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet7 inches, depending on where you are; very generally speaking, those with more prominent European ancestry tend to be taller. For women, the average height is 5 feet 2 inches. My height has advantages as I can see over the top of crowds where they assemble, at festival parades for example. Cathy likewise as she is 5ft 10 inches.
Sunday 16/07/2023: The largest number of listeners on a radio interview I have ever undertaken was on the BBC World Service at 43 million. I was interviewed by a Kenyan presenter who, when I remarked that I had hit a goat at 80 kilometres an hour, asked, "Did you eat it?"… Fair question, but no I did not. I got out of there quick sharp as I knew it would inevitably be the villages most prized goat, and compensation would be requested.
After that interview, all others seem small, and I am less nervous now. I recently did an interview on my Africa expedition with the excellent Simon McNeill Ritchie of Radio Bath with 600,000 listeners. Next week I will be discussing my South and Central America expedition. I am also appearing on BBC Radio Solent West Dorset to discuss my life in general, and future plans. I will put up the links for all of those on the next log.
My father has a semi feral cat called Macavity, who has been loitering in the garden for years. I enticed her in with the luxury that is honey roast ham. She allowed me to stroke her for the first time, so I suspect Dad will have a house cat very soon. That's all this time. Gingerbread and sardines. Spencer.
LIFE IN THE UK
Tuesday 27/06/2023: Since arrival the weather has proved to be nearly as hot as that in Mexico. Amazing and all looks good in the sunshine. Great to see green fields and English gardens. Pleasant atmosphere in the summer and much to see, including a variety of sport. Cricket Test Matches, Athletics, Tour de France, and Wimbledon. Some exciting moments.
Thursday 29/06/2023: Have seen some large mushrooms in the fields beyond my father's house, maybe some of the deadly kind. Silent assassin and killer of kings. The deathcap species has been used as a murder weapon for millennia. It grows in mixed woodland; Death cap mushrooms get their name for a reason: The poisonous fungi can kill if ingested in even small amounts. But researchers may have found an antidote for one of the mushroom's most deadly toxins. A dye already used in medical procedures can block damage from the mushroom's alpha-amanitin toxins. Research was done with human cells grown in lab dishes and with mice, the antidote has potential to save lives. Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are responsible for most deaths from mushroom poisonings worldwide.
Symptoms may appear as soon as six hours after ingestion and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If a person isn't treated immediately, the toxins can cause liver and kidney damage that can lead to death within 48 hours after ingestion. There is no antidote currently available, but people can be treated with fluids, activated charcoal and other therapies. Deathcaps can produce circles of fruiting bodies, known as fairy rings, which over centuries have been the subject of fairy tales and folklore. With only a small amount of the cap being necessary to kill someone, and symptoms not always appearing straight away, they have been used as an invisible murder weapon for assassination. The Romans and ancient Greeks recognised it as a deadly poison. It is said that Agrippina murdered her husband, Roman Emperor Claudius, by mixing deathcap juice with Caesar's mushrooms (Amanita caesarea). He died of poisoning a few days after a meal. Voltaire claimed that Charles VI died by deathcap poisoning. Remember to look out for fairies dancing in the meadows at night. That's when they come out to play. Sure sign of deathcap circles.
Saturday 01/07/2023: Just been to see the Battle of Britain air show at a local airfield in Headcorn, couple of miles up the road. Many light planes to be seen. Mono and bi-winged, single and double seaters. Pride of place were Spitfires, Hurricanes and Messerschmitts and a mock dog-fight above spectators. Most exciting was a display by jets wheeling and diving in formation and the Red Arrows to complete the show. Good day out.
Tuesday 04/07/2023: The Fourth of July - also known as Independence Day or July 4th - has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favour of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Remember Americans you were once part of the British Empire. You owe it all to us!!
Wednesday 05/07/2023: Back to Mexico for a dip into tomato soup. Coming out rather bloody! Seriously let's talk about tomatoes not Cedric or Colin or Kevin. The ancestral form of the tomato originated in the Andes mountains. The exact date of domestication is unknown; by 500 BC, it was already being cultivated in southern Mexico and probably other areas. The Puebla people are thought to have believed that those who witnessed the ingestion of tomato seeds were blessed with powers of divination. The large, lumpy variety of tomato, a mutation from a smoother, smaller fruit, originated in Mesoamerica, and may be the direct ancestor of some modern cultivated tomatoes. Scientists think the species spread north - possibly as a weed - and wasn't widely domesticated until it reached Mexico. From here, it was taken back to Europe after the arrival of the Spanish.
The tomato has become a staple in many international dishes, you're probably thinking pizza and pasta, and is also the basis of many Mexican recipes. It is now so widespread that it is hard to think of a household kitchen without it. Today, there are some 10,000 different species of tomato cultivated across the world, ranging in size and colour. While Mexico has always been one of the 10 top producers of tomatoes, 4 million tonnes per year, China leads worldwide production with 56.4 million tons. The United States comes in third with 13 million tons a year. But English tomatoes are the best and are exported to many areas of the globe. To Scotland anyway
Thursday 06/07/2023: Many of you may not be so into tomatoes but chocolate is probably more to your liking. The Maya, for instance, praised it as the drink of the gods - it was regarded not only as a culinary pleasure but also as a ceremonial beverage. Babies were anointed with chocolate, and people used it as a celebratory drink to mark weddings, coronations, and the forging of diplomatic alliances. The Mexica used chocolate as an invigorating beverage for warriors. The Spanish conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo wrote that Emperor Moctezuma's personal guards drank 2,000 cups of chocolate every day "with foam." Today soldiers use more potent drugs to go into war zones. Moctezuma himself drank some 50 cups of chocolate daily, and Spanish Conquistador Hernán Cortés adopted the habit to sustain his soldiers during battle at times when they had no other food. While the beverage wasn't sweet, it was considered a delicious drink exclusively for society's elite. They drank it as a hot beverage in the winter months and as a cold drink in the summer. It had a bitter flavour and was spiced with chili, flowers, and vanilla. Women would pour the chocolate from high above the cup to create a foamy effect. Chocolate was also preferred over the fermented spirit pulque as it didn't have any alcohol, the Mexica culture highly condemned drunkenness. After the Spanish arrived, they transformed the beverage into the sweet treat that we know today by adding sugar, almonds, and cinnamon and by removing all other spices except for the vanilla. Hot chocolate anybody?
Saturday 08/07/2023: Most of this Log has featured eatables but now to a creature that could eat you! Megalodon sharks!
O. Megalodon Sharks were a swift, fearsome apex predator and grew up to 20 meters long, making it among the largest carnivores to ever live on Earth. But the shark's voracious appetite may have also spelled the species' ultimate doom. Gigantism has a high metabolic cost, bigger bodies require more food, and the massive sharks may have been particularly vulnerable to extinction when the climate changed and food became scarcer. The shark was also known to have a very large geographic range around the globe, actively hunting in colder as well as warmer waters, which argues for some warm-bloodedness. A recent study modelled the shark's body in 3-D and estimated that adult O. megalodon was a transoceanic super predator, able to swim faster than any living shark species and could fully consume prey the size of today's largest predators. O. Megalodon appeared around 23 million years ago and became extinct between 3.5 million and 2.6 million years ago. Great white sharks emerged around 3.5 million years ago, and they competed for food with their massive cousins. One hypothesis has been that this competition helped drive O. Megalodon to extinction. Climate change during the Pliocene Epoch, which spanned 5.3 million to 2.6 million years ago, led to a collapse in the population of marine mammals, the primary food source for both sharks. I actually saw one whilst swimming off the coast of Escondido last month. Talk about Jaws.
Sunday 09/07/2023: Latest on the health front. Tests have revealed some problems with my lungs and an infection that cannot be identified through regular blood tests so have more punctures in my arms so blood can be sent to specialists in London. Also, must go for more x rays. No more to add. Tomatoes and hot chocolate to all. Spencer.
BACK TO THE UK
Tuesday 13/06/2023: Making plans to return to the UK but before leaving Mexico on a recent swim had a head to tentacles with an octopus. Only about three metres tip to tip of waving arms!! Seen them before but as you know the ocean can be a cold place to call home. Mammals like seals stay warm by enveloping themselves in a layer of thick fur and blubber. Octopuses and squid cope by altering their bodies on the molecular level. When water temperatures drop by 10 degrees Celsius, California two-spot octopuses, studied by scientists, change what proteins they produce by editing vast swathes of their own RNA, researchers have found. Scientists have known for over a decade that cephalopods are masters of RNA editing. DNA holds the instructions to make proteins, one of the key building blocks of the body. But it relies on messenger RNA - or mRNA to shuttle those instructions out of the cell nucleus and to the proteins responsible for building other proteins. Usually, mRNA faithfully copies these instructions. In humans about 3% of mRNA has the capacity to be edited, but Octopuses and squid take this editing to extremes changing thousands of mRNA. Thus, being able to adapt to major changes in sea temperature. Now you know another piece of useful information to share with friends.
Wednesday 14/06/2023: Leaving today for the UK. No volcano eruption to stop flights so should be in England tomorrow morning. Escondido to Mexico City then to Heathrow in London. Weather looks good there, 25 degrees, so not that different to Mexico.
Thursday 15/06/2023: Arrived safely and reunion with father. Nice to be at 'home' for a few weeks and hopefully to sort out health problems which have prevented me from carrying on with a normal life. Enough said. Hospital appointments soon.
Saturday 17/06/2023: My brother Simon is arriving from Eswatini to stay for a month. First time in three years that we will be together. He has a construction company and builds houses and designs furniture. Also makes guitars which is a long and complicated process that takes patience and skill. One small mistake and the guitar is ruined. Each one is precision made for a specific sound. You need to be a master-craftsman.
Monday 19/06/2023: Can't omit Mexico news from the Log so have included some info on a colourful character in the country's history. In 1936, Pedro Linares López, a master cartonero in Mexico City's La Merced neighbourhood who made piñatas, masks, and other items out of papier-mache became seriously ill. At one point, he lost consciousness. While passed out, he dreamed of strange animals including winged burros and horned chickens, all of whom he remembered to be shouting "Alebrijes! Alebrijes!" When he awoke, he remembered his dream and decided to bring those creatures to life, naming them for the nonsense word they had shouted. In Oaxaca town Copal is the wood of choice of the craftsmen who make these creatures. Once the figure is carved that takes a couple of hours and involves as many as six different tools, it's put in the sun to dry. After that, it's bathed in gasoline to prevent moths from burrowing into the wood and then placed in a freezer to kill any weevils that may have entered it. Finally, the figure is ready to be painted, which takes another three to four hours. Some figures are very small, but others can be six foot tall. To walk down the street where the artisans are based is a magical experience as everywhere there is colour and vibrance and weird figures.
Coming to England one notices how people queue in a quiet orderly fashion, but it is quite a different happening in Mexico. The etiquette of queuing is a form of no form at all. Travelling on a bus is an experience. As it pulls up at a terminus almost everyone is standing with their bags in the aisle by the time it stops. People that were sitting at the back push forward, in a way that requires you to jump off like a kamikaze pilot if you don't want to be smashed in the melee. It is much the same at food stands and stores, the vendors tending to whoever's closest or loudest, regardless of how they got there. You must physically push yourself to where you need to be, and you must 'speak up.' Shout! I have an advantage being six ft four as I can see over everybody, but this does not stop experienced women folk nudging me in the ribs or giving a push in the back to move as quickly as possible. Great people.
Thursday22/06/2023: Although not in South America now I can't escape news from there. Fossils from the southern tip of Chile add to researchers' understanding of how duck-billed dinosaurs conquered the Cretaceous world. Duck-billed dinos known as hadrosaurids were highly successful and lived on most continents by the end of the Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago. Now, a study shows that an older duck-billed lineage appears to have thrived some 72 million years ago in subantarctic South America, potentially millions of years before hadrosaurids reached the continent. Bones recently found belong to a new type of duck-billed dinosaur, herbivorous giants that had flattened, waterfowl-like snouts. The remains included many body parts, with pieces of hip, limbs, ribs, vertebrae, and a skull. The researchers named the animal Gonkoken nanoi, "gon" and "koken" being the words for "similar to" and "wild duck or swan" in the language of the Indigenous Aónikenk people from the part of southern Patagonia where the bones were found. Gonkoken isn't like other known South American duck-billed dinosaurs, or like any from the old southern supercontinent of Gondwana, which included what came to be South America. Until now, all known duck-billed dinosaurs from Gondwana were hadrosaurids, which had their heyday in the late Cretaceous and had such efficient, stacked, plant-pulverizing teeth that they chewed their way to nearly global dominance, outcompeting other herbivorous dinosaur groups. When I return to Central America, I will look out for hybrid ducks and be wary of their teeth. Pic is by Mauricio Alvarez Abel.
Saturday 24/06/2023: Have visited Docs three times for blood test and x-rays and MRI scan. No results yet. Will post as soon as I have them. Bananas to everyone. Spencer.
PREVENTED FROM LEAVING MEXICO
Tuesday 23/05/2023: Recent finds in Mexico of two statues standing 1.54 meters high and weighing between 200- and 250-kilograms wear headdresses with very similar decorations that suggests that they are representations of the same figure, possibly a female Huasteca ruler. Although the original statue of the young woman, also called the "young ruler of Amajac," dates from the Late Postclassic period (1450-1521 AD), the other piece may be evidence of a sculptural tradition dating from the Early Postclassic (1100 to 1200 AD), before the Mexica conquest of the Huasteca region. In Huasteca tradition, important characters appear in various relief images or sculptures. The first figure, found in an orange grove, has become an icon in Veracruz and has even been proposed as a replacement for the statue of Christopher Columbus on Mexico City's Paseo de La Reforma Avenue. In fact the Columbus statue has been replaced by a monument erected by a feminist group. Times are changing everywhere.
Thursday 25/05/2023: Maybe something to surprise. Researchers have discovered some interesting behaviour of ants. Some have figured out how to keep from getting lost: Build taller anthills. No! Really!!Desert ants that live in the hot, flat salt pans of Tunisia spend their days looking for food. Successful grocery runs can take the insects as far as 1.1 kilometres from their nests. So, some of these ants build towering hills over their nests that serve as a landmark to guide the way home. Desert ants (Cataglyphis spp.) use a navigation system called path integration, relying on the sun's position, and counting their steps to keep track of where they are relative to their nest. Actually, never heard an ant counting myself. Even if it wanted to! But this system becomes increasingly unreliable as distance from the nest increases. Like other types of ants, desert ants also rely more generally on sight and smell. But the vast, almost featureless salt pans look nearly the same in every direction. So, researcher Knaden and colleagues captured ants (C. fortis) from nests in the middle of salt pans and from along their shorelines. Only nests from the salt pan interiors had distinct hills, which can be up to 40 centimetres tall, whereas the hills on shoreline nests were lower or barely noticeable. Desert ants (Cataglyphis fortis) that live in the interior of vast, flat salt pans in Tunisia build tall anthills that help the ants find their way home. Other ants of the same species that live closer to areas with more visual landmarks build more typical, inconspicuous nests with only a small hole for an entrance. In Africa I have seen ant hills of up to 4 metres high so now I know why these tiny creatures bother.
Monday 29/05/2023: Recently I recorded what is now happening in the Darien Gap, which I desperately wanted to traverse on my Yamaha but is now impossible because of the migrant train through the area, so here is a short extract from my book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' which mentions another 'failure' in chapter two El Tapon del Darien.
In 1698, Scotland tried to establish a settlement, through the 'Darien Gap scheme'. This was Scotland's one major attempt at colonisation. This is not the beginning of a joke, by the way. No, it didn't go well. I am not one for racial stereotypes, but lily-white, freckled, red-headed, kilted men, and non-kilted women, who experience a summer in Scotland, that usually comes on a Thursday in August, are not ideal colonists for a sun-baked,mosquito ridden jungle. (Actually, from my experience of four years in Edinburgh, at least the Scots would be used to the incessant rainfall, and the mosquitoes of the Darien would be child's play, after the Midges of Scotland. Midges with a capital, for a reason. I was nearly stripped to the bone, camping next to the lochs of Scotland. Midges whine at a thousand decibels, bite, and head-butt too). The aim was for the Scottish colony to have an overland route that connected the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Claims have been made that the undertaking was beset by poor planning and provisioning, divided leadership, a poor choice of trade goods, escalating epidemics of disease, lack of Nivea sunscreen Factor 1000, lack of wild haggis, and attempts by the East India Company to frustrate it, as well as a failure to anticipate the Spanish Empire's military strength. Apart from that, it was a total failure. In March 1700 after a Spanish siege, everyone died. No wonder Scotland's colonial history is not extensive, with destination choices like the Darien jungle. No 'Hamish's' to be found in the 5790 square kilometre Darien National Park, the largest in Central America. Like the World Cup participation by Scotland can only at least say an attempt was made. Like attempts by migrants today to cross 'The Gap'.
Tuesday 30/05/2023: Now to another failure. Best laid plans of mice and men, in this case I have just suffered another bout of dengue fever and was supposed to be leaving Mexico today for the UK. Nope! Could not fly as not well enough to face the long trip with three changes and stop overs. Will have to recover and re-schedule. Watch this space...
Friday 02/06/2023: Slight recovery from dengue but not so on something nearer to home. As many of you are aware my father has run Ultra Marathons, the Comrades in South Africa, and the London to Brighton in the UK, both over 50-mile canters! He has competed for England and run in marathons in many parts of the world. He is still competing but last week had a slight accident halfway on a short five-mile race when the pebbled road he was running on came up to meet him!! Result skinned arm knee and hands. After the initial daze, got up and finished the run. Medics sent him off to A and E where he was treated. After several visits to hospital the shredded skin is healing but still bandaged and bruised. Has a distinctive change of skin colour.
Thursday 08/06/2023: Just to amuse you if you like to hear about unbalanced political leader. Seem to be many about but they are not a new breed. Huckster, madman, con-man: the unusual life of a Mexican candidate one of the most colourful - and perhaps tragic - characters in the political history of Mexico was Don Nicolás Zúñiga y Miranda. Known as the "perpetual candidate," he ran for president nine times in 30 years (1894–1924), never garnering more than a few thousand votes. After each defeat, he would declare electoral fraud, sound familiar, and announce that he was the "legitimate president" of Mexico. Zuniga y Miranda was born in Zacatecas in 1865 and studied jurisprudence in Mexico City, although there is no evidence, he ever practiced law. He first rose to fame in 1887 when he claimed he had invented a machine - the seismeon - that could predict earthquakes. With chance in his favour, he successfully predicted an earthquake in 1887. Shortly afterward, he predicted a second earthquake would happen on August 10 of the same year, one that he said would cause the Popocatépetl volcano to erupt and would destroy Mexico City. People panicked, abandoned their homes, and left the city or gathered in squares and parks on the designated day. But when the earthquake didn't occur, an angry mob delivered Zúñiga y Miranda a public beating that sent him to the hospital. He disappeared from public view for a while, then suddenly reappeared in 1896, announcing he would run as "the people's candidate" against President Porfirio Díaz. He proposed teaching jiu-jitsu tactics to the Mexican army and suggested a meeting of municipal authorities to analyse the effect the stars had on international politics. During World War I, he announced he was organizing a séance - he called himself a spiritualist - to invoke the spirits of Aristotle, the King of Spain, the Kaiser of Germany, the King of England, and the Tsar of Russia as a way to achieve peace in Europe. Historians have studied him with great curiosity, books have been written about his life, newspapers have likened him to Don Quixote de la Mancha and his character makes an appearance in Juan Bastillo Oro's 1944 film "Mexico of my Memories." Zuñiga y Miranda was famous enough that Diego Rivera included him in his mural filled with figures from Mexican history. He is the figure in the foreground touching his top hat. Hi Donald T if you need some inspiration check the guy out.
Saturday 10/06/2023: Now in the process of finding a flight to the UK and hopefully will be able to fly soon. Jellied eels on toast for breakfast. Spencer.
UP TO NOW
Thursday 11/05/2023: Some of you have been asking me about my interest in Jurassic Creatures and all I can say is that as a little 'lightee' I was taken to Crystal Palace Park in South London on a trip to the UK when my father had leave from his work in Kenya. The park has huge dinosaur beasts appearing through thick foliage and I was 'attacked' by these awesome creatures.
So now more on these guys but the flying type. Pterosaurs is Greek for "wing lizards," that arrived on the scene in the Triassic Period, perhaps as early as around 237 million years ago. These original vertebrate fliers preceded birds by at least 70 million years and bats by more than twice that. During their lengthy reign of the skies, pterosaurs ranged in size from creatures that could sit in the palm of your hand to some with wingspans of 12 metres.
In fact, they are the largest animals that ever took flight now known as a pterosaurs. One has captured the imagination and that is Quetzalcoatlus northropi, the largest to ever take flight .Quetzalcoatlus could reach down to the ground with its long, toothless beak and even into bodies of water. Once it grabbed its prey, it could tilt its beak to the sky and swallow its victims whole. This pterosaur patrolled through meadows or waded in shallow waters as modern-day storks or herons do, plucking up fish, mammals or even small dinosaurs using its beak to crush its capture. I think I saw one flying over Crystal Palace but maybe I was mistaken.
Saturday 12/05/2023: It is my birthday today and once again I would like to thank you all for interacting with me for many moons. It means a great deal. Lots of people don't like social media. I have changed. I like it now. I have had so many great conversations with you lot. Plus, I saved a middle aged fellow today who was washed out to sea in an inflatable pink flamingo. He was the guy, who ate the guy who ate all the pies. An excellent dude called Mario. It took me 20 minutes to bring him back to shore, because I had to pull him by holding hands through heavy surf. He was shattered and scared and when I got him close to shore, he panicked even more and jumped on the rocks, discarding the flamingo, which burst. He got safely back to his family. That is a top birthday result for me. The biggest bonus is that Cathy Nel has stuck with me for 300+ years. Peace, love, and respect to you all. Photo here of the chap I rescued!!!! Photo by Dale Morris.
Monday 15/05/2023: As many of you know I had planned to attempt to cross The Darien Gap by motorbike and had it all set up for Cathy and myself with guides and porters but then disaster. Covid 19 struck, and all borders closed, and travel stopped. At the time The Gap was a tortuous route with thick jungle and swamp lands. Now it is very different. Last year 40,297 migrants took the route, last month and 16,246 already, according to Panama's Security ministry. Last year a record 133,000 people risked their lives on the perilous trek through the lawless jungle – and the numbers keep rising. At the start of the trek, they cross knee-deep rivers and scramble up muddy slopes in the sweltering heat. But the worst of their journey is yet to come. Ahead of them lies one of the most dangerous border crossings in the world, a lawless, roadless region of mountainous jungle, venomous snakes, fast-flowing rivers and murderous drug traffickers that connects South and Central America. Many of the migrants are robbed, raped, and murdered by traffickers and armed groups. Women sometimes give birth along the way. About a quarter of those making the journey are children, most of them under five. Now there is no point in even thinking of The Darien. A blow to my dreams and I hope that the passage for those migrants attempting the crossing fulfil their hopes of achieving a better life in a safer country.
Tuesday 16/05/2023: On to a subject I have mentioned several times before but here is some more related info. Indigenous groups in Mexico, especially the Mexica, Mayans and Mazatecans, have been using hongos sagrados, sacred mushrooms, for thousands of years. They didn't always use them to cure psychiatric illnesses or to end the fear of death. They often used these mushrooms to communicate with the gods. There are at least 200 species of mushrooms known to have hallucinogenic effects and Mexico has the most, with 53 varieties growing in the country. The most potent of these belong to the genus Psilocybe, and these are often used by indigenous people in Mexico. Hongos sagrados, are used by shamans, also known as graniceros, to perform ceremonies or rituals to control the weather. Graniceros are believed to have the ability to enter into contact with sacred elements. They have wide knowledge of medicinal plants and can cure the human spirit and illnesses of the body. So they are tiemperos on one side and traditional doctors, or curanderos, on the other. Hongos sagrados are harvested during the rainy season in Mexico, which typically begins in May. Those who ingest them enter a trance, that is believed to be something totally sacred and supernatural, the world of mystery, the world unknowable and incomprehensible. Next time in TESCOS ask if they have Hongos sagrados as you want to enter the spiritual world.
Thursday 18/05/2023: Was thinking of a ride out to Popocatépetl but the government of Puebla city and other surrounding municipalities are reviewing evacuation routes and shelters to prepare for explosive activity. In the last 24 hours, 94 emissions of water vapor, gasses and ash were registered by the monitoring systems of the National Centre for Disaster. Already, ashfall has prompted health authorities to recommend that residents use face masks, as it poses a considerable risk of respiratory disease. All measures and evacuation routes have been planned, over 3,000 vehicles are prepared to evacuate the 13,000 inhabitants living in the risk area. The Popocatépetl volcano has registered intense activity, putting the area on high alert. Don't want to be a frazzled Spencer so will stick to turtle rescuing. Not so life threatening.
Saturday 20/05/2023: I fly out of Mexico in a week to the UK for adventure bike shows but disaster as my bike will not be with me. It was parked 'safely' outside my flat and was severely damaged by a car driven by someone on her phone. Need to obtain spares and rebuild!!! A dent, big, to my plans. Any way still be at ABR Festival and at Cornwall Show as per the pic here.
Sunday 21/05/2023: Mentioning flying have learnt today that my TV programmes are now being screened as inflight entertainment on Starlux Airlines in Taiwan that flies to Japan and other far east counties and on routes to the States.
That's all but leave you with a photo of Albino, one of our five cats. Also have a dog, Eyebrows, a chicken, and a gecko. Stay well and put the kettle on for some home brew!! Spencer.
BEST I CAN DO
Thursday 20/04/2023: Next month I will be flying to the UK to attend Adventure Bike shows so have become aware of new research into why people sitting in airplane seats for an entire long-haul flight are at risk of dangerous blood clots. It seems that immobile, hibernating bears settled in for winterlong slumbers have low levels of a key protein, HSP4. Platelets lacking this protein don't easily stick together, protecting the animals from developing potentially dangerous blood clots. Low levels of the protein are not just found in bears. Mice, pigs, and humans with a largely sedentary lifestyle because of long-term mobility problems have the same protection. Staying still for long periods of time, as during air travel, can put people at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, rare, but dangerous blood clots, that usually take shape in the legs. During such periods of inactivity, inflammation and slow blood flow can make clots more likely to form. Hibernating bears spend months in a dormant state, lowering their heart rate below what's typical in active months. Studies have revealed that the animals don't die of conditions linked to blood clots in veins during hibernation. What's more, people who experience extended immobility have a low HSP47 level in platelets. In hibernating bears, levels of the protein were about one-fiftieth the amount found in active animals. Looks like the solution to prevent blood clots is to hibernate for long periods. That's not an excuse to become a sedentary recluse. Paddington take note. Stop searching for marmalade! Retire for a long-term snooze so you can drop in on King Charles for a cup of breakfast tea in the future.
Saturday 22/04/2023: As discussed before in my Logs climate change is affecting everyone as shown by fast-forming droughts occurring more often and with greater speed in many parts of the world. These "flash droughts" are replacing more typical, slower ones and are harder to predict and prepare for, which could make their management more difficult. Most major droughts have tended to occur over seasonal or yearly time scales, resulting from variability in large-scale climate patterns such as El Niño. But in the last six decades, there has been a transition toward more droughts that form over just a few weeks with little warning. As the world continues to warm, causing more evapotranspiration and less rainfall, flash drought frequency is expected to continue to rise. Many affected areas transformed from normal conditions to extreme drought within a month. Flash droughts start and intensify quickly, over periods of weeks to months, compared to years or decades for conventional droughts. They cause substantial economic damage since communities have less time to prepare for the impacts of a rapidly evolving drought. Flash droughts also increase wildfire risks, cause public water supply shortages, and reduce stream flow, which harms fish and other aquatic life. It is vitally important for all countries and communities to do as much as possible to prevent further increase in climate change. So sayeth Spencer!!
Wednesday 26/04/2023: From former colonised territories artefacts of all kinds are being returned to the territories from which they came and recently an Olmec 'Monster Head' was returned to México from an American University. But who were the Olmecs? The Olmec civilization is considered to have been one of the most influential in the Americas, having given rise to others that later inhabited the region, including the Maya and the Mexica. The head represents an "earth monster," a creature that commonly appears in Olmec cultural iconography. The figure's jaws, which open like a cave, represent access to the underworld. The Olmecs were the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilization which flourished during Mesoamerica's formative period, dating roughly from as early as 1500 BCE to about 400 BCE. Pre-Olmec cultures had flourished since about 2500 BCE, and were the first Mesoamerican civilization, and laid many of the foundations for the civilizations that followed. The Olmec appeared to have practiced ritual bloodletting and played the Mesoamerican ballgame, as mentioned in a previous log, a hallmark of nearly all subsequent Mesoamerican societies. The aspect of the Olmecs most familiar now is their artwork, particularly the aptly named "colossal heads". « check it out on this wikipedia link » The Olmec in addition to making human and human-like subjects were adept at animal portrayals. The colossal heads are up to 3 m tall, and probably represent dignitaries venerated in religious activities performed by a combination of rulers, full-time priests, and shamans. The rulers seem to have been the most important religious figures, with their links to the Olmec deities or to the supernatural providing legitimacy for their rule. The Olmec may have been the first civilization in the Western Hemisphere to develop a writing system. Symbols found in 2006 date from 900 BCE preceding the oldest Zapotec writing, which dates from about 500 BCE. The Olmecs were pioneers in many ways!!.
Nearly had a heart attack today as out swimming and suddenly an Eagle Ray breached the water and then dived back next to me!! Eagle Rays have long elongated tails several meters in length. With inky blue bodies they can be identified by their angular discs and a wide snout. Eagle rays unlike other rays in the ocean prey on shrimps, octopus, small fish, and clams. They are also fast swimmers, which makes them efficient hunters. They swim quite close to the sea floor and occasionally jump out of water, almost attempting to fly, often acrobatically, into the air. They may do this to knock off parasites, to communicate with one another, or for breeding purposes. Eagle rays have flat plates rather than teeth which they use to crush their prey. Super, super to have one with me.
Saturday 29/04/2023: Continuing a sea theme, the Turtle Rescue Centre put us in touch with the Lifeguards HQ on Zicatela and we were asked to give swimming lessons to novice Lifeguards!!!!. We took them out this morning in the surf at 7.00am. Five guys and a girl. They are great people but really can't swim that well. I guess in Swaziland and South Africa, we take good swimmers for granted. We started with crawl. They swam with their heads far out the water all the time and didn't use their legs. None of them could do breaststroke, which is weird. The response was so excellent. Taking 12 out tomorrow from Zicatela and La Punta lifeguard stations. Why Lifeguards? Playa Zicatela is the biggest and one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido. The 3.5km long sandy beach is a popular surfing spot with plenty of wave action from the famous "Mexican Pipeline" at the northern end of the beach. Tubular waves can reach up to 20 feet in height providing a spectacle to watch pro-surfers riding them. However, the surf can be treacherous for swimmers with a lethal undertow - beginner surfers beware! There are lifeguards on duty who perform rescues on a regular basis. Red flag warnings are almost a permanent fixture. My new profession is training Lifeguards. Very enjoyable. Next Mountain Rescue!!
Tuesday 02/05/2023: Next time you have a fizzy drink make sure it isn't cloned. Mexicans are among the world's largest consumers of Coca-Cola and other sugary drinks, and a wide range of counterfeit goods, collectively known as fayuca, are manufactured here. Pirated Coke is sold to street food stands in Mexico and criminals have been selling 60 crates of the phony pop per day, with each crate going for 200 to 210 pesos. The fake Coke syndicate, recently tracked by the police, would have thus had a daily revenue of between 10,000 and 12,600 pesos about US $710. The criminals have been arrested and await trial. Several of those involved look as if they have discoloured teeth!! Really.
Saturday 06/05/2023: Back in the UK celebrations were held in many towns and villages for the Coronation of King Charles 111. Biddenden, where my father lives, celebrated with a function on the local recreation ground and streets were hung with bunting and houses decked with the Union Flag. The post box had its own crown and shops sold cakes in coronation regalia to mark the occasion.
Here is a link for those interested in watching a short video of the event. Don't bother with the following videos if you have no interest...
Sunday 07/05/2023: Just off for another Lifeguard training session so on with the face mask and snorkel. Better than going to Maidstone swimming pool. Might see another Eagle Ray rather than a variety of bathers in the indoor pool. Coronation cake and crisps to all. Spencer and Cathy.
AS YOU WERE
Wednesday 12/04/2023: Firstly, some information on a topic I have mentioned previously. Hair analyses have found that Inca youths selected for sacrifice more than 500 years ago ingested hallucinogenic drinks and coca leaves and alcohol before death. There is evidence of coca-leaf chewing in the hair of two human mummies from Chile dating to around 3,000 years ago. Indirect evidence of drug use in various parts of the world, such as artistic depictions, go back further. Human hair recovered in a Mediterranean island cave has yielded Europe's oldest direct evidence of people taking hallucinogenic drugs. Also, around 3,000 years ago human remains in Es Càrritx cave on Menorca reveal signs of drug use. Shamans who performed spiritual and healing rituals administered plants containing mind-altering and vision-inducing substances. Atropine and scopolamine from nightshade plants, induce disorientation, hallucinations and altered physical sensations. Another, ephedrine, boosts energy and alertness. Shamans would have known how to handle and consume these potentially toxic plants safely. Maybe!!
Friday14/04/2023: Do you need proof of the effects of climate change? The inhabitants of Gardi Sugdub don't! Many of the homes on the island of Gardi Sugdub, in Panama's Guna Yala province, sit right at the edge of the sea. In pictures from high above, by Michael Adams, the island of Gardi Sugdub resembles a container shipyard — small, brightly coloured dwellings are jammed together cheek to jowl. At ground level, the island, one of more than 350 in the San Blas archipelago off the northern coast of Panama, is hot, flat and crowded. More than 1,000 people occupy the narrow dwellings that cover virtually every bit of the 150-by-400-meter island, which is slowly being swallowed by rising seas driven by climate change. The Indigenous Guna people have occupied these Caribbean islands since around the mid-1800s, when they abandoned the coastal jungle area near what is now the Panama-Colombia border to establish better trade and escape disease-carrying pests. Now, they are among the estimated hundreds of millions of people worldwide who by the end of the century may be forced to flee their land because of rising sea levels. We are losing the battle against the changes in climate that cause so many problems to humans on this globe. The islanders will not survive as the sea rises around them year on year!
Saturday15/04/2023: On to an aspect of travelling around South and Central America which is always depressing. Cathy and I have met some wonderful people and have had amazing experiences but, on occasions, have been subjected to life-threatening incidents and sights of human misery. The next two paragraphs are an extract from my book on South America, 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat'...
We saw such in Suriname as recounted in my book. After dealing with the brutal, but unspoilt and pristine, BR319, Ghost Road, we drove into a hell, made by man. After hundreds of kilometres of red jungle road, nothing, but the bike, Cathy and I, and the Amazon animals. We were jarringly reminded, that there was another animal in the world, man. The 'first contact' with man we had, was the smell and taste of burning plastic as we rode straight into a huge plume of dense, black smoke. Our eyes were smarting, and it was difficult to breathe. We turned a slippery, red mud corner and ahead of us were kilometres of garbage, in a huge clearing in the jungle. On the left-hand side of the road, the whole area was on fire, tonnes of rotting, melting waste, the smoke reaching high into the sky, and blocking out the sun, in a perfect post-apocalyptic scene.On the right-hand side, the dump was fifteen foot high with filthy refuse.
Hundreds of young boys and girls, scraps of material tied over their mouths, to deal with the stench, scrabbled through the waste, trying to salvage anything of value. They are known as catadores, and survive by fishing out plastics, metals, cardboard, and other recyclables from the dump, to sell to middlemen. They rummage through detritus, knee deep in reeking mud, watched by massive vultures, who loiter and hop around the children, angrily grabbing scraps of food that are uncovered. There were rats, cockroaches, mosquitos and huge groups of flies, bunched like some obscene cloud, above the dump. Most of the 'workers' were no older than fifteen. A few adults were amongst them. None of them had protective clothing. They were in rags, and flip flops, many getting injured. Nothing looked of value. This is what these young people suffer every day, and they have no future!
Of course, in parts of the world there is conflict and wars and bombs falling on innocent people. This seems to be the destiny of humanity. But it is not humane! Enough.
Sunday 16/04/2023: Let's move to something more pleasant. They say love makes the world go round but there are many forms of love. Unconditional love, demanding love, unselfish love, sexual love, sisterly love, brotherly love, love for children, for fathers, mothers, for animals, love of nature, the wild, reading and so on and on. How many other forms of love can you name? Let me know on Face book and I will name the winner. Look at the mural and name this form of love.
Monday 18/04/2023: Just to show we do meet some people occasionally herewith a picture of three bikers, five in a five star hotel!! Sean, South African on left, Josien, Dutch girl and Eric, Arizona dude. Detoured 220 kms to come see us. Very nice people. Hi guys hope you are enjoying your trip through Mexico. Spencer and Cathy.
Tuesday 19/04/2023: Every morning before work (writing my third book) I go snorkelling with a Hawksbill turtle, I call 'Broken Shell'. She doesn't have a snorkel. She is wonderful and about two weeks ago I swam to her cave and to my surprise out popped a male Hawksbill too. So happy for her to have found a mate. Then three days ago I found her with part of a fishing net wrapped around her left, rear flipper and the bottom part of her shell. I have tried for two days to get close enough to cut it off. I managed to get this tiny piece only. I put out a notice on social media and tomorrow five of the lifeguards from Zicatela are coming to help me with paddleboards and a net. Hopefully we can catch her, pull her on a board and cut off the net.
Hawksbills are critically endangered, because of the craze for hairpins and jewellery made from their shells, with only an estimated 15 000 left. Which is nothing. They live from between 50 and 100 years and mate every two years, so saving one is pretty important. I think so. Fingers crossed that we succeed, I'll let you know and thanks to all who have sent good wishes for the rescue.
That's it for this log. Banana and chocolate sandwiches, Cathy and Spencer.
STOP PRESS
I am officially a 'hero diver man', according to the Puerto Turtle Sanctuary. Me and a Canadian volunteer got the fishing net off 'Broken Shells' flipper. All good. She can now lay between 1900 and 2300 eggs in her lifetime! I was interviewed after on camera.
Above is the offending line... Spencer
STATUS QUO
Sunday 26/03/2023: We have all become familiar with information on climate change and it is important to consider what will happen on earth in the future. Civilizations don't last forever. Just ask the Aztecs. Or the Maya. Or the Roman Empire. From the ancient Mycenaeans in the Mediterranean to the Anasazi in Arizona, societies throughout history have often gone the way of the dinosaurs and the dodo. Wars, or disease, or altered weather patterns, or natural disasters, or famine have repeatedly tipped complex regional societies past the point of stability, initiating chaos, ruin and ultimately total demise. Scientists have been warning for more than a century that carbon dioxide emissions could alter the planet. Higher average temperatures, hotter summers, melting sea ice, severe droughts, more wildfires, more powerful hurricanes and stronger winter storms are already signalling that climate change is not a myth. International efforts to agree on steps to limit rising carbon dioxide levels have stumbled. Study after study has detailed the numerous negative consequences for agriculture, human health and social well-being. Catastrophic climate change could instigate wars, famine, revolution. Extensive flooding is a distinct threat as imagined in the pic here. Problem. What can be done?
Tuesday 28/03/2023: How's your appetite? Are you open to anew tasty snack on your plate? How about large land snails made for easy catching and good eating. The oldest evidence of Homo sapiens eating land snails dated to roughly 49,000 years ago in Africa and 36,000 years ago in Europe. But new research indicates that tens of thousands of years earlier, people at a southern African rock-shelter roasted these slimy, chewy and nutritious croppers that can grow as big as an adult's hand. Analyses of shell fragments excavated at South Africa's Border Cave indicate that hunter-gatherers who periodically occupied the site heated large African land snails on embers and then ate them 170 000 years ago. Escargots anyone?
Saturday 01/04/2023: Humans have progressed from snails to other sources of food. We adapt to the geographical climate where we live but what of other creatures? What about Capybaras? Capybaras, the world's largest rodent, naturally live in vast grasslands, wetlands and rivers throughout South America. Their name literally means grass eater in the Tupi language, which is indigenous to Brazil and other regions in South America. We have them here in Mexico. They are very endearing in a woolly way! The animals seem now just as happy munching on leafy forest plants as the wavy grasses they're used to. Dietary flexibility has helped the capybara populations balloon in cities and survive in urban areas. As grasslands are lost to them, they adapt and munch on other vegetation, often to be found on agricultural fields. Unfortunately crop-eating capybaras can get too chunky and suffer poor health, as well as being viewed as pests by farmers for eating or damaging crops. Also in urban areas many are hit by cars, and ticks the rodents carry can transmit deadly Brazilian spotted fever to humans. If the capybaras don't get you the .......
Tuesday 04/04/2023: I have travelled widely in Mexico and been not too far away from El Popo! Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano and it's the second tallest active volcano in North America, 5,425 meters. Traditionally, central Mexico's volatile guardian for Mesoamericans, it was the source of both fire and water, as rain clouds gather there. The Florentine Codex notes that even decades after the imposition of Catholicism on the native peoples in the area, pilgrimages to both petition and appease the volcano continued. Popocatepetl arose over 730,000 years ago, according to scientists. Humans arrived only 10,000 years ago, and since then, archaeological finds and written records provide evidence of the volcano's impact. In the 1990's after 70 years of inactivity, Popocatepetl came back to life. First, its glaciers began to melt, but it was the December 21, 1994, eruption that caused extensive destruction. Since then, a column of smoke from El Popo has been visible on most days, along with ejections of steam, ash and rock. Ash is the main issue for the region and there is a 12-km exclusion zone around the crater because of fallout. Light ash has fallen much further away, either toward Puebla or Mexico City, depending on seasonal wind patterns. It is wise to live a good distance from the volcano as it could erupt at any time. And, like Icarus, don't fly too close.
Thursday 06/04/2023: Just passed a local woman making traditional jaguar pots. The jaguar has a prominent position in folklore. Jaguars can still be found in the jungle areas in Mexico. It is said to possess the ability of moving between worlds because of it is at home in trees and water, and has the ability to hunt in the night and in the day, and the habit of sleeping in caves, places often associated with deceased ancestors. It became the centre of religious ceremonies and is worshiped as a god. It is well-documented in Mesoamerica and South America records and is represented in the various Olmec jaguar transformation figures. In ceremonies men dress in jaguar costumes and dance in praise of the superbly beautiful animal.
Friday 07/04/2023: Mexico has many plants that have medicinal benefits. You have all heard of the hallucinogenic but there are hundreds of other kinds that grow in the wild and are frequently used in local treatments. One of these is Mexican arnica, not to be confused with European arnica. Mexican arnica has similar anti-inflammatory benefits. For stomach issues and nervous disorders, it was traditionally ingested in a tea form. Today, it is commonly found as a tablet or cream applied topically to reduce swelling and inflammation. It works!!
Tuesday 11/04/2023: Lastly for this Log and as an Easter nod on this Palm Sunday the municipality of Tabasco, Zacatecas, unveiled the largest statue of Jesus Christ in Latin America. Measuring 31 meters. The colossal figure, named Christ of Peace, that is larger than the iconic Cristo Redentor, Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, beating Brazil's landmark by a single meter. Initially announced in 2020, the monument was officially inaugurated on the Cerrito de la Fe on Sunday, April 9.
Footnote... You will note that April the First was not noted as April Fool's Day so here is a final note, so you notice!! For the origin of fool's day please refer to google but remember it is soon to be Swiss spaghetti harvest day. I have been informed by a reliable 'sauce' that Donald Trump is to star as the next Superman. Best from Spencer.
MUST MAKE A MOVE
Wednesday 15/03/2023: I thought it was an amazing experience when I circumnavigated Africa but imagine how incredible this journey was in 1931. John Weston, who was born in an oxcart in South Africa and grew to become a pioneering aviation engineer and designer of one of the first Overland trucks, travelled from Britain to Greece and back, with his wife and children in a converted US built Commerce one ton truck with a Continental N engine. At the time, the Weston family was based in Europe but returned to South Africa, their homeland, in 1924, taking the vehicle with them. In 1931, the family set out in the same truck from the south-western tip of Africa and drove to Cairo and on to Britain. And note that the roads were mainly murram, red earth, treacherous in the rains and dust bowls in the dry season. Not only is this story well-documented but remarkably the vehicle is still in the land of the living. In 1975, following renovation, it featured in the International Veteran and Vintage Car Rally from Durban to Cape Town and was then donated to the Winterton Museum, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where it can be seen today. They were true pioneers!
Saturday 18/03/2023: In the history of Mexico, the conquest of the country by Hernán Cortés is well known but when the Spanish entered the capital, Moctezuma hoped to placate him with gifts, including large quantities of gold and silver. However, the strategy backfired, making the Spanish more determined to colonise Central and South America. Although Mexico did, and does have gold, its vast deposits of silver have been central to its history and economy since the conquest.
As Mexico produced far more silver than it could possibly use, the metal became the basis of currency here, in Spain and even some other parts of the world. The first colonial money was the real, later the peso, both originally as units of silver. With the easy-to-reach deposits exhausted, mining waned but never ended through the rest of the colonial period. Much of mountainous Mexico is dotted with former mining towns that still operate today. The silver flowing eastward over the Caribbean was a huge attraction for Europeans. Piracy thrived, with isolated islands and the coast providing English, French and Dutch 'buccaneers' refuge, which is one reason why these languages can be found in various parts of the Caribbean. Today, Mexico is still the world's main exporter, producing over 135 million ounces of refined silver each year.
Monday 20/03/2023: Mexico has some world famous sports men and women but recently a Mexican mountaineer Viridiana Álvarez has become the first woman from the Americas to climb the world's five highest mountains - Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. If any readers have been over 20 000 feet you know the effect of altitude on mind and body. But climbing over 25 000 is a debilitating and life-threatening experience. Ask my father. He knows. It also takes a long time to recover physically. Álvarez rose to fame in 2019, when she was awarded the Guinness World Record for being the woman with the fastest ascent to the top three highest mountains using supplementary oxygen. Alpine climbing is a style of fast ascent, with little equipment to slow climbers down, and is often used by mountaineers who strive to get to the summit as quickly as possible. This style of climbing recently allowed her to summit Everest without oxygen, making her only the 9th woman in history to achieve the feat. Congrats Viridiana.
Wednesday 22/03/2023: Have you ever tried carrying heavy loads? How did humans transport large timbers and stones before the mechanical age? Read on to be enlightened! A physiologist, Prof Kram and James Wilson, his student, from the University of Colorado Boulder, conducted an experiment to ascertain how large trunks of wood were caried to the temple site in Chaco Canyon in the northwest corner of New Mexico It is the home of grand structures built between A.D. 850 and 1200. Multi-storeyed stone buildings called great houses had roofs with timber beams about 5 meters long and 22 centimetres in diameter. The site contained at least 200,000 timbers of this size. He and Wilson proposed that tumplines could have been used to transport the timbers. These head straps have been found on every inhabited continent and are thought to have been used since at least around 2,000 years ago. They proved it was possible by carrying massive timbers between them over many kilometres in three days. They are still widely used to carry heavy loads, such as by professional porters in Nepal. A tumpline is placed on the crown of the head, to be in line with the spine, with the attached cargo resting on the small of the back. 'Porters' also carried T shaped wooden supports to lower the loads on to them when a rest was needed. Simples! « Check this link to see for yourself »
Thursday 23/03/2023: Did you know that Mexico was twice the size it is today back in the 1850s? The story of Joaquín Murrieta, the legendary Mexican Robin Hood who inspired the story of El Zorro, has endured and evolved over almost 200 years. To the American authorities in California during the Gold Rush, he was a notorious criminal, but to Mexicans, he was El Patrio: the patriotic avenger who came to symbolize defiance of U.S. oppression. The facts of Murrieta's life are elusive, but the story really begins with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, between the United States and Mexico. The terms which ended the Mexican American war forced Mexico to cede more than 50% of its territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico; most of Arizona and Colorado; and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. That same year, Murrieta, at age 18, migrated from Sonora, Mexico, to California with his wife, brothers and three of his brothers-in-law to prospect for gold during the California Gold Rush. Murrieta was a successful forty-niner, but as a Mexican, he suffered persecution and discrimination. An assault in 1849 changed Murrieta from a peaceful miner into an outlaw. Murrieta and his family were attacked by a group of U.S. miners who stole his land and home, hanged his brother for a crime he didn't commit, horse-whipped Murrieta and raped and murdered his young wife. At the time, authorities in California were engaged in efforts to expel Mexicans and turned a blind eye to such attacks. Murrieta, and others, fought the authorities and sought revenge but he was finally killed by a group of Rangers. A California historical landmark plaque now marks the site where Murrieta was killed but he has become a legendary figure for Mexicans and many books have been written about his exploits. 16 songs; and 20 TV shows, radio programs and movies, one of the most famous being the romanticized film "The Mask of Zorro," starring Antonio Banderas have added to his fame.
Saturday 25/03/2023: Finally, many of you would know the name of Thomas More, Chancellor of England in Henry the Eighth's reign. As a devout Catholic he opposed the King's move to separate the English church from Rome. He was executed and is believed to have said before the axe fell, "I die the King's good servant, and God's first". But what has this to do with Mexico? In a mural by Juan O'Gorman featuring Vasco de Quiroga, Michoacán's first archbishop, More can be clearly seen. This highlights the strong influence More's 1516 book "Utopia" had on the Archbishop, who built an artisan manufacturing system among the Purépecha people following More's principles. Here endeth the lesson for today. Peace be with you. Spencer.
YOU MAY ASK
Tuesday 28/02/2023: What am I doing? Where am I going? What's next? Who knows? Questions I find it difficult to answer as everything has been on hold for so long that I have little idea as to what I will be up to in the next few months. Only plan is to leave Escondido in May to travel to the UK for the bike shows as listed in my previous log. Before then I am attempting to establish biker's routes in Mexico, and beyond, for group rides in the country. These will be off-road at various degrees of difficulty. Will take 'mucho oganisatione' and acceptance by authorities. We shall see.
Thursday 02/03/2023: Some facts for this log. We may well have too many human stars on earth, but can we have too many stars in the sky? Every million years - a blink of the eye in astronomical terms - our galaxy spawns 10 million to 20 million new stars. That's enough to fill roughly 10,000-star clusters like the beautiful Pleiades cluster in the constellation Taurus. In contrast, many galaxies, including most of the ones that orbit the Milky Way, make no new stars at all. The star formation rate is very important to understand for galaxy evolution. The more stars a galaxy makes, the faster it enriches itself with oxygen, iron and the other elements that stars create. Those elements then alter star-making gas clouds and can change the relative number of large and small stars that the gas clouds form. The Milky Way is the most vigorous star creator in a collection of more than 100 nearby galaxies called the Local Group. The largest Local Group galaxy, Andromeda, converts only a fraction of a solar mass of gas and dust into new stars a year. The Milky Way is tops and in a few million years our night sky will be dazzling bright! Maybe! Can't wait to see stars in my eyes! But as Vincent Van Gogh said, "I don't know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream."
Saturday 04/03/2023: Most of us will be familiar with the bitter taste of lemons. You know the song 'Lemon tree very pretty but...' did you know that lemons contain nanoparticles that, when fed to rats, block stone formation. If the tiny sacs do the same for humans, the nanoparticles might one day offer a way to prevent kidney stones. Lemon juice is a well-known home remedy for kidney stones, which form when minerals crystalize and clump up inside the kidney. These rocky lumps can swing around in the urinary tract, slicing and dicing tissues, painful, until they eventually pass out of the body. It is not easy to swallow sufficient lemon juice to have a curative effect. Also swilling loads of lemonade can cause dental problems. Research is ongoing as to how to harvest nanoparticles to treat humans. Not that straightforward as a nanoparticle is only 1 x 10 –9 m or 0.000,000,001 m. Understood? Good, you are officially scientist of the year.
Monday 06/03/2023: The Hippos of Escobar. No, not the title of a film on drugs but just to highlight a related problem. The feral hippos, descendants of ones owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar, have multiplied to around 150 and pose threats to residents and the local ecosystem. Dubbed "cocaine hippos" they are the descendants of four calves, a male and three females, Escobar trafficked into Colombia in the 1980s from U.S. zoos and kept on his ranch in Antioquia, a province in northern Colombia just south of Panama. The hippos were just a fraction of the exotic wildlife Escobar kept on the ranch. Male hippos can weigh up to 4.5 tons and are threatening the area's natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Their faeces change the composition of the rivers and impacts the habitat of manatees and capybaras. In 2022, Colombia's government declared hippos an invasive alien species and called for a plan of action. So, has this anything to do with Mexico? Colombia is planning to ship at least 70 hippos out of the country — including about 10 to Mexico. Maybe to a 'Hip, Hip, Hippo Park'.
Thursday 09/03/2023: Some more incredibly interesting information for those interested. Did you know that Egyptians ate mushrooms to live longer, and the ancient Greeks consumed mushrooms ceremonially for their visionary benefits. Certain Vikings used mushrooms before battle to render themselves "bloodthirsty and invincible." The Mexica referred to mushrooms as the "flesh of the gods." The last Aztec ruler, Montezuma II, is said to have eaten copious amounts when crowned. Probably in the clouds for days!! Mayans ate mushrooms to contact the gods. The study of mushrooms is mycology and as you have read before in my logs many 'tourists' descend on a village in Oaxaca for 'magic mushrooms' seeking a hallucinogenic experience. Today, restrictions are finally easing on psychedelics, including "magic mushrooms," and many regular mushrooms are accepted as a health aid. There are currently several non-psilocybin types that are being used as a viable alternative to pharmaceuticals. Many of the fungi that are considered medicinal can be found right here in Mexico.
Friday 10/03/2023: Now to a very serious and sad fact. On International Women's Day in Mexico City, some 90,000 women and girls participated in a march that ended in the Zócalo, the capital's central square. Silvia Vargas, a 67-year-old woman whose daughter was murdered in 2014, was in the crowd. "They were taken alive; we want them back alive" and "not one more femicide" were among the chants heard across Mexico on Wednesday the 8th as women took to the streets to demand an end to gender violence. Artist and art therapist Kate Van Doren invites participation in her Healing Words Project in San Miguel de Allende that is highlighted each March around International Women's Day, when women are photographed with empowering words of their choosing inscribed on their bodies. According to recent World Bank data, Mexico is one of the countries with very high levels of femicide, along with El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Central African Republic, South Africa, Jamaica, and Guyana. While falling below other countries, the rate is also appalling in the United States. Three women are murdered every day by current or former partners in the U.S. Around the world, one out of every three women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetimes. Someone you personally know carries that trauma. "Words are powerful. People use these words to reclaim what was taken from them. To reclaim themselves." As Van Doren's photographs show.
Sunday 12/03/2023: Think that's about it for this log and hope some of you kept reding to the end! Lastly must mention my friend, log compiler and web master John Delipps who is a guitarist in a well-known group that play regularly in various locations in the UK, Freak Flag. He now has the distinction of being recognised by another band who have adopted his name. Super John. Can't wait to hear you play when I get back to England.
Mustard and bananas to all. Spencer
SOME MORE NEWS FROM MEXICO
Thursday 16/02/2023: Just past Valentine's Day on Feb. 14 when hundreds of couples got married for free in different parts of the country thanks to collective weddings organized by local governments. The annual event seeks to support hundreds of citizens to regularize their civil status, including same-sex couples. Close to 1,000 couples took part in the event. Local borough council within Mexico City held free weddings for adult couples over 18 that had presented the required documents such as birth certificate, official identification, and a prenuptial medical certificate. In our region, Oaxaca, the Governor Salomón Jara Cruz served as the honorary witness to more than 400 marriage ceremonies that took place in the city. The local government also surprised nine of the lucky couples with honeymoon trips to Oaxaca's beach resort municipality of Huatulco. Traditionally the bride is serenaded before the wedding ceremony. Cathy and I missed out on this event!
Saturday 18/02/2023: Just came across a memorial street with the name of Ángela Peralta. Turns out her full name was María de los Ángeles Manuela Tranquilina Cirila Efrena Peralta y Caster who was born in the Los Vizcaínas neighbourhood of Mexico City in 1845. She became an internationally renowned opera singer although her career was short-lived, she died at 38, but it was intense and tumultuous. At just eight years old, she sang the cavatina ,a short operatic aria, of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti's "Belisario" at a musical gathering, stunning the audience with her extraordinary talent. She attended the academy of Music in Mexico City and was cast at the age of 15 in the leading role of Leonara in Giuseppe Verdi's "El Trovador." Peralta's debut was enthusiastically received by the audience and marked the beginning of her 23-year long career, which took her on international tours to Europe. Her career was tragically ended when she and 76 of the 80 members of her troupe contracted yellow fever, an epidemic ravaging the city of Mazatlán at the time and died at the Hotel Iturbide. Peralta was a prolific performer who attained international fame and became an acclaimed soprano in the history of opera. At a young age, she overcame the prejudices of the upper class, as she was from a poor background, who viewed opera as an exclusive activity reserved for the wealthy and well-bred. She opened the door for many women who followed in her footsteps. One of the first to herald women's liberation.
Monday 20/02/2023: The lead-up to Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, is marked by Carnaval celebrations, and a tradition known as the "Dance of the Devils," in which revellers run through towns in costume, their bodies covered in paint to look macabre or otherworldly. Some wear grotesque-looking hand-made masks. There are three main colours used black, representing the underworld, yellow, representing the earthly world, or red, representing infinity. Everything about this tradition emanates from Zapotec, pre-Hispanic beliefs. The Spaniards considered these dances to be "of the devil," which is how the celebration got its name. Some people today in the town of San Martín believe in spirit animals. At birth, each person is assigned their protector animal. During Carnaval, you can see this belief represented in costumes: the necklaces and masks symbolize their spirit animals that can ward off evil beings and defend themselves from being subjugated by Catholicism.
Wednesday 22/02/2023: Danger lurks in the Amazon it has been discovered!!The fungus erupting from the fly, as in the photo, belongs to the genus Ophiocordyceps, a parasitic fungus known as "zombie fungi," due to an ability to infect insects and control their minds. Would you Adam and Eve it? Insect species infected succumb to its own specialized fungus. First, spores of the fungus land on the ill-fated fly and then infiltrate the fly's exoskeleton before infecting its body and eventually hijacking its mind. Once in control, the fungus uses its new powers of locomotion to relocate to a microclimate more suitable to its own growth, somewhere with the right temperature, light and moisture. Fungus and fly then bide their time until the fly dies, becoming a food source for the fungus to consume. Fruiting bodies work their way out of the fly, filled with spores that are released into the air to continue the macabre cycle in a new, unsuspecting host. It is a conquest shaped by thousands of years of evolution. Researchers have found that these fungi harbour all sorts of bioactive chemicals that could have medicinal and pest control applications. But beware there may be a fungus that could infest you with a deadly outcome!! Watch out for the Zombie Fungus lurking in the bushes. Maybe I am infested from my Amazon jungle trips. Who knows? from India and China.
Friday 24/02/2023: As most of you know there are some Bike Festivals in the UK this summer and both I and Cathy will be attending so have included some info for the events.
Sunday 26/02/2023: Have been up in the mountains checking out some routes for Biker Escapes. Some rough riding, beautiful waterfalls, and forest areas. Great for some 'adventure' escapades. Incidentally am now an adopted 'Muralist' as the example shown here is by Pablo Spencer Poblanerias.
Monday 27/02/2023: On my travels, in the distant past, with my family in parts of Africa we explored places where there was an abundance of wildlife. Near to home 'an African mud hut' we had giraffe wandering around and baobab trees on the horizon. There were also species of smaller creatures and during the rains deadly safari ants travelling in their thousands in meter wide rivers. And what has prompted these reminiscences? A mural of a young lepidopterist seen more recently. I've posted it on my < photo archive > so have a look. Fungus fingers to all.
MORE MATTERS FROM MEXICO
Friday 03/02/2023: Recent research has identified that, on average, people value family happiness more than their own. Research indicates that non-Westerners may not value personal happiness as much as people in the West. For instance, outside the West, people tend to see happiness as more interdependent, or grounded in harmony and balance with others, than independent, or grounded in the self. Non-Westerners value family well-being over personal well-being more than in countries in the west, particularly in north-western countries. But even in the most individualistic countries, family, on average, was more important than self. The word "family" has become associated with conservativism, but family remains central to people's lives, regardless of geography or political affiliation. Researchers found that while abortion and same-sex marriage remain highly polarized, family issues, such as those involving domestic violence, juvenile crime or teen pregnancy, are largely bipartisan. In Central and South America, the well-being of the family is more essential than in North America. Perhaps governments should take note of this to weld society togetherness and in the past in the UK there was more community cohesiveness
Monday 06/02/2023: Related to the above for mammals, one secret to a long life is spending it living with friends and family. An analysis of the life spans and social lives of nearly 1,000 mammal species shows that those that live in groups, such as horses and chimpanzees, tend to live longer than solitary beasts, like weasels and hedgehogs. The finding suggests that life span and social traits are evolutionarily entwined in mammals. Some rodents that live in huge, complex, subterranean societies are exceptionally long-lived, sometimes reaching over 30 years of age. In contrast, other rodents like golden hamsters, which are solitary, live to only about four years. There are benefits of living in a group too, such as banding together for protection against predators. Living together may also reduce the risk of starvation as group members increase foraging efficiency by finding and gathering food together. These factors may allow social mammals to live longer. The evolution of a long life may also be more likely in group-living species. Living in a group allows animals to potentially aid the survival of their family members, which carry their genes. Meerkats live in groups as big as 50 and up to fifteen years. Everyone in the 'mob' participates in gathering food, keeping a look out for predators and taking care of the babies.
Wednesday 08/02/2023: Have you ever delayed doing something waiting for when you feel more ready to do it? Procrastination is something we all suffer from at times, and it seems it is not too good for us. It is related to a range of potential health issues and other negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, disabling arm pain, poor sleep quality, physical inactivity, loneliness and economic difficulties. TRUE!! Proof positive is that procrastinating students suffer many of the listed outcomes. They are slightly more stressed, anxious, depressed and sleep-deprived, and more worryingly, are at greater risk of developing both physical and psychological problems later in life. Procrastinating is a way to sidestep the negative emotions linked to a task, and to avoid anything painful or difficult. Procrastinating provides immediate relief. But the relief it provides is only temporary, and if the task cannot be avoided may lead to more serious outcomes. So don't put off buying till tomorrow what you could buy today!!!
Friday 10/02/2023: There is a new smuggling racket becoming problematic between Mexico and the States. EGGS!! Increases in attempts to smuggle eggs have been recorded at crossings between Tijuana and San Diego as well as other southwest border locations. It's well-known that criminals smuggle narcotics and people across Mexico's northern border into the United States. Now, people are also trying to move bacon's frequent companion into the U.S. due to high egg prices in that country. Eggs are now 60% more expensive than last year and there has been a huge increase in the number of eggs intercepted at borders, uncooked eggs are prohibited entry from Mexico into the U.S. Failure to declare them can result in penalties of up to $10,000. So don't 'egg' anyone on to do it!
Monday 13/02/2023: Been out about in the last couple of days and had to traverse several rivers and rough terrain. Needed to dry out my boots. Visited a local dive center, where you could get refreshment. Probably shouldn't drink and dive. There was some fishy business on the way and Cathy took time to wander around the market. See < photo archive > for more piccies.
Wednesday 15/02/2023: Lastly some information on a topic you are all interested in. Sheep!
Did you know that sheep have had an amazing influence on the way man evolved and lives. For example, sheep's wool is used for a huge number of things among them being as an insulator. Air trapped between the fibers creates a thermal barrier, so it keeps you warm on a cold day and cool when hot. It also generates heat and if stored in heaps it becomes hot. Wool is also fire resistant and is difficult to burn. It smoulders and will not burst into flames. Wool blankets are used to smother fires and woollen underwear is often worn by firefighters to protect themselves. It can also be made into felt, as the Romans knew, as they covered their shields stitched through those made of wood for added protection. How many other uses can you name? And how many saying can you think of related to sheep. 10? 20/ 100? Get a copy of 'A Short History of the World According to Sheep' by Sally Coulthard. An informative and interesting read. So says Spencer!! Remember I'll always be there for ewe! I turn grass into wool. What can you do? Sheep shanks to you. Spencer and Cathy.
LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Sunday 22/01/2023: In most parts of the world, we are now well into the second month of 2023, but in China New Year has just been celebrated ushering in the year of the Rabbit and the end of the Year of the Tiger, signalling the beginning of spring. In Chinese culture, the rabbit traditionally represents longevity and peace. Let's hope so. It is also celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam and other East Asian countries. In Mexico it is limited to China Town but is worth mentioning in this log. Begun over 2000 years ago, the festival has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions and society. It features ancient spiritual traditions. Some also call this the "true" Chinese Valentine's Day and is marked by the Lantern Festival. In Ancient China, women weren't allowed out of the house but on the festival night they can stroll freely, lighting lanterns, playing games and interacting with men. The wild and romantic stories are why some say the Lantern Festival is the true Chinese Valentine's Day.
Tuesday 24/01/2023: Now to an issue that affects us all. In January 2022, a cyclone blitzed a large expanse of ice-covered ocean between Greenland and Russia. Major wind gusts galvanized eight-meter-tall waves that pounded the region's flotillas of sea ice, while a bombardment of warm rain and a surge of southerly heat hit from the air. Six days after the assault began, about a quarter, or roughly 400,000 square kilometres, of the vast area's sea ice had disappeared, leading to a record weekly loss for the region. The Arctic Circle is warming about four times as fast as the rest of Earth. A major driver is the loss of sea ice due to human-caused climate change. The floating ice reflects far more solar radiation back into space than naked seas do, influencing the global climate. During August, the peak of the sea ice melting season, cyclones amplify sea ice losses exacerbating warming. Climate change is intensifying storms farther south. But it's unclear how Arctic cyclones might be changing as the world warms. Whatever, there is cause to be worried for the survival of sea-ice.
Thursday 26/01/2023: Now for something for film buffs and just to mention that Richard E Grant, my Patron for my Africa trip, and who attended the same school as I did in Swaziland, is to host this years BAFTAS, it may be of interest to state that Durango in Mexico has been a venue for many Hollywood productions. From the 1950s to the late 1970s, it was a go-to area for filming, with just about every big star from the era spending time there. To date, the state has hosted over 150 domestic and international filming projects, the vast majority westerns. During the westerns' golden age, many were made in the location. "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" "The Wild Bunch", "A Man Named Horse," "Pat Garret & Billy the Kid", and "Goin' South" bringing actors like, Mexico-born, Anthony Quinn, Glenn Ford, Clark Gable, Sidney Poitier, Rock Hudson, Susan Hayward and Jack Nicholson. John Wayne alone had a huge impact here, filming the "The Sons of Katie Elder", "The War Wagon", "The Undefeated", "Chisum" and "Cahill U.S. Marshal".
Saturday 28/01/2023: Some of you have read my book on South America and for a warning I included this information on the dangers of taking hallucinogens. It involves three back-packers I met who took a 'trip' into the jungle. 'More importantly, I was genuinely worried about them, for the night to come for the real Ayahuasca ceremony. Let's imagine this is the plan for your 18-year -old son or daughter; go to a foreign country, take some super strong drugs, that you have no clue as to the effects. Then go into the jungle with a bunch of strangers, in a foreign country, for the night. What could possibly go wrong? A lot.
Sadly, not only have people gone missing in the jungles of Colombia and Peru after an Ayahuasca ceremony, but people have also died from a reaction to the drug. There is also no doubt that people of a fragile mind, or delicate disposition, are at a high risk of going bonkers. (Technical term.) The drug made headlines last year when a British coroner confirmed that Henry Miller, a 19year-old from Bristol, had died from taking a dose, during a shamanic ceremony. The coroner urged the Foreign Office to provide a standard message, warning tourists. Miller's story may serve as a cautionary tale to any of you considering this 'trip'. Miller had attended one ceremony where he drank three cups of yage but told his family he felt nothing. Two days later, he attended another ceremony, but rapidly fell ill. He was carried by two teenage tribesmen to a local clinic. He died on route. The tribe that administered the Ayahuasca apologised and levied a punishment of nettle 'hipping' for the shaman and some of his family'.
Just a couple of notices that caught my eye and feel are suitable for this week. I try to follow this but maybe a little off the wall.
...and excellent advice for bikers!
Wednesday 01/02/2023: More than 50 million years of steady miniaturization and rapidly changing bodies transformed the massive animals into relatively tiny ones: birds. A new analysis of bones, feathers and teeth from 120 dinosaur species validates what some scientists had suspected: Modern birds' ancient ancestors evolved quickly and shrank continually. So next time you look up to see a bird be careful it might be a dinosaur!!
Scramble eggs and coconut cheese. Cathy and Spencer.
ONWARDS
Thursday 12/01/2023: It's early in the start of a new year and as in past logs I provide some more information on Mexico. According to the National Centre for Disaster Prevention, there are 48 volcanoes in Mexico that are considered active, among which are Popocatepetl. The last volcanic disaster in Mexico occurred in Chiapas in 1982, with the eruption of the volcano 'Chichón', which had been inactive for 550 years. It destroyed 400 square kilometres of forest, affected nine villages and it is estimated that there were two thousand deaths. The Popocatepetl volcano is an example of what an active volcano is as since 1993 it has had an increase in its seismic and fumarolic activity in its crater. On December 21, 1994, it produced the first ash emission in 70 years. At present there are water vapor and gas plumes, light falls of ash and incandescent fragments spouting from the crater. Not too sure I would want to be too close!
Saturday 14/01/2023: If you want a challenge, try jumping from a high pole attached to a rope of dubious quality. Or just be a spectator when five people in colourful costumes climb a tall pole to flute music. When the moment is just right, four of them throw themselves off the pole simultaneously, with only unwinding cords keeping them from crashing to the ground. This is the internationally known "dance" of the voladores or "flyers." At one time, women were strictly forbidden to "fly," but thirty years ago that changed to allow women to participate. Depictions of flyers are found as early as pre-Classic (1500 B.C. to AD 200) Mesoamerica, with 'flyers' in costumes of sacred birds, eagles, quetzals and parrots, spinning in the air from a tall tree cut and placed in the ground. There are still some who think that women should not participate and make harsh rules for them to become voladores, such as virginity, and to make special prayers of forgiveness to counter the possible "evil" they could invoke. Misogyny still exists.
Sunday 15/01/2023: I have talked about volcanoes, that are spectacular, but onto another magnificent sight that can be seen in certain regions of Mexico, Condors, but they are a threatened species. There is a project in operation in the Baja California wilderness to achieve a self-sustaining population of 150 condors. Birds are being bred in safe havens and then released into the wild in the national park, where their recovery progress is tracked. The group there is currently 45 birds, including adults, young and offspring, some of which have been born in the wild. Retreats in the United States and Mexico are ensuring that the Condor will survive and avoid extinction. Let's hope so!
Monday 16/01/2023: Slightly better news for our creature friends concerns the Humpback Whale. Humpback whales are fascinating to watch, and their behavior is constantly changing. At a length of 46 to 56 feet and weighing as much as 40 metric tons, these gentle giants are powerful but graceful. Their flamboyant acrobatics make them the entertainment superstars of the whale world. The good news is that the humpback whale population is growing. During the 20th century, their numbers dropped almost 90%. But when the International Whaling Commission banned commercial humpback whaling in 1986, the population soared and we can see them off the coast in Mexico.
Tuesday 17/01/2023: Still in Mexico and info on a new law. People are now explicitly banned from smoking in outdoor public places such as parks, town squares and beaches as well as offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, stadiums, shopping centres and entertainment arenas. Smoking is already banned in many of the aforesaid indoor spaces. The anti-smoking law also prohibits all forms of advertising and promotion of cigarettes including sponsorship arrangements involving tobacco companies. Retailers such as the ubiquitous convenience store Oxxo are no longer permitted to stock tobacco products in open view of customers. Health regulator Cofepris will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the law, which is expected to have an impact on demand for tobacco. The federal Health Ministry anticipates that the new law will prevent 49,000 premature deaths and 292,000 cases of smoking-related illnesses over the next 10 years, It remains to be seen how strictly the anti-smoking law will be enforced in a country where approximately 16 million people - one in eight Mexicans - smoke.
Thursday 19/01/2023: Now to something prompted by the cartoon here and to related past events.
Some will remember the Mods and Rockers, the two conflicting British youth subcultures of the 1950s. That's before I was around!! Media coverage of these 'gangs' fighting sparked a moral panic about British youth, and the two groups became widely perceived as violent, unruly troublemakers. The subculture was centred on motorcycling. The groups just didn't get on with each other. Rockers were old school with motorbikes and café racing, rock and roll and leather jackets. Shades of Marlon Brando.
Mods were the new kids on the block, snappy dressers, riding scooters, mainly Vespers, first on sale in 1946, and experimenting with amphetamines. Get them both together on a bank holiday weekend on the beaches of southern England, stand back and watch the outcome. The constant violent confrontations led them to being branded as 'folk devils.' Are they still around? Not the mods and rockers but there are some who still adopt the Vespa persona and the bike remains very popular in Europe and elsewhere. They are sometimes upgraded to race off-road.
Friday 20/01/2023: Lastly to a recent event in Mexico. A wide range of pets paraded through the San Antonio Abad church in Cholula to be blessed in honour of the animals' patron saint, in what was once a worldwide Catholic tradition.
Churches across the city, and across Mexico, welcomed a menagerie of dogs, cats, parrots, turtles, rabbits, sheep and exotic pets to commemorate a Catholic tradition. St. Anthony, a fourth-century Christian monk, born in Egypt, and who helped spread monasticism and Christianity's ascetic ideal, came to have a special relationship with animals while living an ascetic life in the desert for 13 years. Catholic farmers traditionally looked to St. Anthony to bless their fields and their work with animals. Now animal lovers take them to be blessed at Catholic churches to protect them from dangers and illness.
No more fantastically interesting information from me. Tell your friends and family to keep up to date with the latest news from Mexico, entirely free. Best from Cathy and myself. Jaffa cakes and custard. Spencer
TWENTY TWENTY-THREE IS HERE
Saturday 31/12/2022
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!
Good-Day and welcome to Flight 2023. We are prepared to take off into the New Year. Please make sure your Attitude and Blessings are secured and locked in, in the upright position. All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt, and discouragement should be put away. Should we lose altitude under pressure, during the flight, reach up and pull down on Positive thinking! Positive thoughts will automatically be activated. Once activated you can assist other passengers. There will be NO BAGGAGE allowed on this flight. The Captain has cleared us for takeoff - destination - un known. It has been a fantastic privilege chatting to all of you over the last 13 years. Thank you from the heart of our bottoms, and the bottom of our hearts. Next year is going to be full of action. In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve, also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in many countries, is the evening or the entire day of the last day of the year, 31 December and is celebrated with firework displays. Please stay with us. Peace, love and Octopus Coconut Curry for all from me and Cathy!
Tuesday 03/01/202: Always like to include some information on our adopted country and here in Mexico there is a traditional practice known as curanderismo. This is a healing method that blends religious beliefs, faith and prayer with the use of herbs, massage and other traditional procedures. Curanderismo is thought to be influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Spanish, African and Catholic elements. The curandera is someone who practices curanderismo - spiritual healing based upon the use of traditional herbs and remedies and is often considered a leader in the local community. The curandera is the one who treats undiagnosed illness, particularly when that illness may have metaphysical or supernatural origins. It is believed that a curandera is someone who has been given the gift of healing by God himself - remember, most Spanish-speaking countries are heavily Catholic. The life's purpose of a curandero is to resolve ailments through natural means, taking on the role of a 'doctor', and sometimes 'psychiatrist'. In fact, most of the ailments cured by curanderos are spiritual or emotional in nature. They often solve these maladies through the careful use of spiritual cleansings, essential oils, herbs, incense, eggs and prayer. I had better seek out one for myself.
Friday 06/01/2023: Continuing with the Mexico theme I give some info on the traditional "Burrito" which literally means "little donkey''. The first mention of burritos was in the "Dictionary of Mexicanisms" in 1895, first seen in the states of Guerrero and Guanajuato. The stuffed, rolled tortilla supposedly resembled bedrolls packed on the backs of donkeys. Another story attributes the burrito's 'invention' to a Chihuahua man named Juan Méndez, who rolled supplies for his food cart in large flour tortillas to keep them warm. Burritos became popular in the United States in the 1930s. In 2010, the Guinness record holder for the World's Largest Burrito, at 5,799 kg (12,785 lbs.) was created in La Paz, Baja California, by members of CANIRAC, Mexico's national chamber of restaurants. About 3,000 volunteers from 54 restaurants worked to create the burrito, made from a single gigantic tortilla that weighed more than 2 tons. It took almost 10 hours to cover the 2.4 km. of tortilla with a simple traditional filling of fish, onion, refried beans and chiles. La Paz's claim to fame!! Smaller ones are easier to fold.
Saturday 07/01/2023: Let's leave Mexico for the last part of this Log and go to a dream of mine. The Darien Gap. In 1972, renowned adventurer and holder of the best explorer's name, Colonel John Nicholas Blashford-Snell, a hero, led a sixty-person crew with two Range Rovers through the Darien Gap. It took three months. The expedition was supported with extra men from the British army, the governments of Panama and Colombia, the Natural History Museum, the Scientific Exploration Society, and numerous scientists, desperate to study the unique flora and fauna, but woefully unprepared for the conditions. The expedition was sponsored by Range Rover, Duckham's Oil, and Marks and Spencer's provided the clothing. Food company Heinz supplied the expedition with no less than three tons of food. No 'wind-assisted' jokes please. Despite plentiful help and sponsorship, Blashford-Snell said that the Darien crossing was the toughest challenge of his career. The seasonal floods came early, and the vehicles and crew were locked in mud. The back axles of the Range Rovers, according to Blashford-Snell, "Exploded like shells, with shrapnel coming through the floor." Redesigned car parts were parachuted in after a month (can you imagine me and Cathy affording helicopter assistance?). Later, inflatable rafts floated the vehicles across the problem area of the Atrato swamp. Half the team succumbed to trench foot, fevers and other gruesome ailments, but after ninety-one days, they succeeded, the team diminished in size and enthusiasm, but victorious. So, apart from evangelical nutters and madcap adventurers, there are others getting through; refugees, drug mules (including riderless, unaccompanied horses, packed with cocaine, that know the path), criminals, indigenous Indians, and others. People get through, people don't. The point is that it is a bit of a Russian roulette route. Human skulls, bones and remains of clothes attest to that.
Monday 09/01/2023: I have been watching the Dakar which is in Saudi Arabia, and I would like to share some comments. Two of my dreams that will not be fulfilled are the two big D's -crossing the Darien and racing the Dakar. As mentioned above in the space of two years the Darien has changed from a wilderness to a wide track according to the Panamanian government, more than 151,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap en route to the United States between January and September 2022, up from just a couple hundred people annually a decade ago. Nearly twenty-two thousand of them were children. The cost of guides has also made it a financial impossibility. As far as the Dakar is concerned, time ran away, what with circumnavigating South and Central America and Covid. I am now 55. I was lucky enough to follow the Dakar in Africa and to film it in South America. It was a wonderful experience, the route constantly changing from desert, to Savannah, to mountains to sand, the most difficult sections lined with screaming fans. Fast forward to Saudi Arabia. It is devoid of spectators, devoid of atmosphere and the route is through sand dunes, sand dunes and more sand dunes. It is also turning out to be more dangerous than any of the other venues. Talking to an ex-Dakar finisher he told me "Spence, people have to realize that sand is one of the most unforgiving terrains there is on a bike. It is not a soft landing and there are also 'broken dunes'. A broken dune is one where the ascent is a normal gradient but on the other side it has collapsed. This leaves a cliff face up to three stories high. If misjudged it can be catastrophic. Sand is not like asphalt or dirt where you still have forward momentum. Sand will stop you instantly.
From a rider's point of view the Saudi Dakar is the most difficult and dangerous, but unfortunately this doesn't translate to good TV". Sadly, Saudi has the money to buy the event, but I personally hope it moves in the future. For those interested read Joey Evan's book as pictured.
That's all for now and hope all are well in the world, which I know is impossible, but try to make the most of life wherever you are. Leave you with a magic moment in Mexico.
Burritos to all. Buenos Notches Spencer and Cathy
CHRISTMAS CHEER
Thursday 15/12/2022: My daughter, Feaya, birthday today so happy birthday, hugs and kisses from your absent father. Hope you have a super day and lots of love to you. Miss you a thousand-fold.
Saturday 17/12/2022: Decided to take a trip out of Escondido and ended up in the town of Tepoztlán, in a mountainous area of Morelos. This is both an energetic and spiritual epicentre, the fabled birthplace of Aztec god Quetzalcoatl.
Here you can find the unique Temazcal huts which are traditionally made of wood, cement or volcanic stone. Along the rounded walls are benches and hot volcanic rocks are placed in the centre, which produce a thick steam when mixed with water. Aside from the burning sage, copal, an aromatic tree resin, is added to assist in cleansing the body physically, mentally and emotionally. The claims of 'treatments' are that whilst seated in the huts and inhaling the steaming vapour it will flush out toxins and clear skin conditions. Also lowers blood pressure, cleanses and strengthens the respiratory system, lessens risk of dementia and Alzheimer, reduces anxiety and depression, increases attention span and balances mind, body and spirit!!! Seems like a magical cure all.
Monday 19/12/2022: As Christmas approaches markets are appearing selling craftwork and seasonal trinkets. These are known as Tianguis, generally translated into English as "flea market" or "bazaar." Coming from Nahuatl, it originally just meant "market," since during the Mesoamerican era, just about all buying and selling happened in public plazas and streets.
Over time, the word's meaning narrowed to indicate an itinerant street market that appears on certain days of the week or year. The most traditional are small houses and accessories to set up Nativity scenes, which are still a focal point in Mexican homes at Christmas. The little houses are populated with handcrafted or mass-produced angels, the Holy Family and animals, but one unusual twist is the large, sometimes life-sized, images of the infant Jesus. These have special roles to play on Christmas Eve, Epiphany and Candlemas (Feb. 2). The most visible items in tianguis, especially in larger cities, are Christmas trees, lights and ornaments, which have been gaining popularity since they were introduced in the mid-20th century. Other common items include advent candle holders, poinsettias and wreaths. Will be on the lookout for something unusual to purchase as a memento.
Thursday 22/12/2022: As this is a time of feasting for those lucky enough to afford to be indulgent spare a thought for what is the result of overeating and drinking. Usually, people suffer weight increase and hangovers from spirited imbibing, and this promotes advice appearing on what to do to prevent health damaging issues. Recent research has shown that brief bursts of activity offer health benefits for people who are careless about maintaining a beneficial lifestyle. Stepping up the pace of a routine walk for a few minutes a day may help lower mortality risk. Those who incorporated three one- to two-minute bursts of intense activity per day saw a nearly a 40 percent drop in the risk of death from any cause compared with those whose days didn't include such activity. The risk of death from cancer also fell by nearly 40 percent, and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease dropped almost 50 percent, research has proved. In a comparison with around 62,000 people who exercised regularly, including runners, gym-goers and recreational cyclists, the mortality risk reduction was similar. The researchers were looking for bursts of vigorous activity that met a definition determined in a laboratory study, including reaching at least 77 percent of maximum heart rate and at least 64 percent of maximum oxygen consumption. In real life, the signs that someone has reached the needed intensity level are "an increase in heart rate and feeling out of breath" in the first 15 to 30 seconds of an activity. This may be difficult to stomach for many but in the long run will enhance your enjoyment of an extended survival. So what about a New Year's resolution!
Saturday 24/12/2022: The day before Christmas and as we are marking dates a huge circular stone of the Aztec Calendar, also known as the Sun Stone, has been on display. It is a monumental sculpture which weighs a mammoth 24,590kg and slightly over 3ft thick. The circular front panel, which has a huge diameter of around 11.5ft, displays eight concentric circles, on which appear various symbols. These represent a selection of native animals, like crocodiles, jaguars and eagles; natural elements, including wind, water and rain; some rudimentary markers of civilization, such as houses; shared features of humanity, including movement and death. At the very centre is the haunting face of a deity or a monster. It is thought depicts the sun god Tonatiuh, one of the most important deities in the Aztec pantheon.
What makes the image particularly ominous is that the figure is shown baring its dagger-like tongue and clutching a human heart in its claws representing a demand for blood through human sacrifice. The Sun Stone clearly displays the features of a calendar, with periods of time plotted out using symbols and sequences. The Aztec year was made up of 260 days, divided into 13 months, each with 20 days. When the Aztec empire was conquered by the Spanish in 1521, the conquistadores feared that their new subjects would continue practicing their terrifying religious rituals, so the Spaniards buried the Sun Stone upside down in the main square of what is now Mexico City until it was latterly dug up. It has suffered considerable damage and was at one time brightly coloured.
Sunday 25/12/2022: By the time you read this Christmas will be over, but I hope all had a very good one. Unfortunately, both Cathy and I had dengue fever so not so pleasant for us but coping as best we can. However, I leave you with a pic of our Christmas tree. The presents on the left are for Cathy, mine on the right. Christmas pudding and chillie cake to all. Have a beneficial 2023.
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY
Wednesday 07/12/2022: To continue from the previous log with update with the influx of pilgrims in Mexico City as officials have calculated that 11 million Catholic pilgrims have arrived in the nation's capital this year to converge at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The faithful, a visible sight every year in the capital, come carrying bedding or tents on their backs to camp out in the basilica's courtyard several days before the celebration. Many also bring family heirlooms, candles, statues, framed images of the Virgin, crosses and other mementos to be blessed. Some faithful drop to their knees near the entrance and crawl in as a show of devotion or of thanks to the Virgin. Pilgrimages to the original small chapel began soon after it was built and have continued ever since. But the basilica is special because Catholics believe that the Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared at this site on December 9, 1531, to an indigenous Chichimec convert known as Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. By 1709, crowds had so overwhelmed the site that a new shrine was built at the foot of Tepeyac Hill to house Juan Diego's tilma, or mantle, imprinted with the Sacred Image of the Blessed Virgin. The tilma is hand woven from the coarse fibres of the Manguey plant now located in the current basilica, built in 1976. The basilica can hold 10,000.
For the millions of pilgrims at the basilica festivities begin at the stroke of midnight, with those gathered outside singing "Las Mañanitas", Mexico's traditional birthday song, to the Virgin. Every year the faithful crowd the basilica's entrance to view the cloak and to have objects blessed. For a rendition of the song, Google, copy and paste: 'Ángela Aguilar - Las Mañanitas'.
Friday 09/12/2022: Have mentioned before that Mexico has a flora and fauna in abundance and on the prairie lands of Jalisco, on the central west coast of Mexico and not too far from our 'residence', you'll probably find cows eating the grass, but there is also 'nopales', prickly-pear cactus, and the medicinal plant cardo santo, St. Benedict's Thistle jimsonweed.
This poisonous plant, known to Mexicans as toloache and to scientists as Datura stramonium, is used as a love potion but it's also a drug that produces temporary insanity - I have probably encountered some individuals who have imbibed it to relieve themselves from hardship and misery. No pointing the finger!! In the Primavera Forest, there are 200 species of birds and 742 species of plants. You will also find 59 kinds of mammals, from voles to pumas, and in the desert regions Ringtail cats. The ringtail, Bassariscus astutus, is a mammal of the raccoon family native to arid areas. It is legally trapped for its fur and is also known as the ring-tailed cat, miner's cat or bassarisk, and sometimes called a cacomistle.
Saturday 10/12/2022: The festive season is with us and to celebrate in Oaxaca people have been searching for radishes!! Why? For the Night of the Radishes. If you're looking for an unusual Christmas tradition this is one from Oaxaca city. Every December since 1897, gardeners have competed to fashion the best Christmas scenes using carved radishes, some of these displays are works of art and highly intricate showing the skill of the 'carvers'.
As you know Christmas is nigh and we do have the most common feature of the season in Mexico, the Christmas tree, and I came across one on the beach in Escondido today so provide a photo to prove it. We don't have snow at 28 degrees, but I have a photo of Biddenden village high street where my father lives and also where I stay when in the UK. Temperature recently has been -5 degrees so a contrast to my present habitude.
Sunday 11/12/2022: Have been out and about and have managed to pick up a new protective helmet. Cool marketing for Shark gear!!
Saturday 19/11/20/2022: There have been some commemorative events in Mexico recently for a 'hero' of the Mexican Revolution. Best known as Pancho Villa, he was born Doroteo Arango in 1878 in Durango. His life of violence and flight began early, after killing an hacienda owner who had assaulted his sister. Villa joined the fledgling Mexican Revolution, recruited rebels, and formed his own army, the División del Norte, which rose to national prominence. He joined other revolutionaries such as Emilio Zapata and Álvaro Obregón against the Victoriano Huerta regime which was supported by the Americans.
Monday 12/12/2022: Sad to report that Cathy is in hospital as she has contracted Dengue fever which is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms begin three to fourteen days after infection and may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin itching and skin rash. Cathy has most of these symptoms. Recovery generally takes two to seven days, but Cathy has two strains which are more difficult to treat. This is not the best of news!!
Tuesday 13/12/2022: Cathy sleeping all day in hospital and doing my best as an auxiliary nurse although not feeling too good myself. Hopefully recovery will not take long so end this log to wish all a Christmas pudding, or festive delight wherever you are. Mistle toe and frog's spawn. Best Spencer.
FESTIVALS AND FEASTS
Wednesday 23/11/2022: Christmas is fast approaching and in Mexico, as elsewhere, it is time for decorations and seasonal flowers. One such flora is the nochebuena flower probably brought by the Mexica leader Moctezuma from the southern parts of Mexico to his palace in Tenochtitlan to use in ceremonies and rituals. Later, with the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, the Franciscan monks used the plant to decorate altars and started calling it 'nochebuena' since it bloomed during the Christmas festivities. Christmas Eve is known as nochebuena in Spanish. The flower was much later introduced to the United States in 1825 by the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett so the plant came to be known as "poinsettia". Poinsettias grow wild in Mexico and there are 30 varieties today – including white, yellow, and pink – which are exported to many countries across the world.
Friday 24/11/2022: Recently Ancient Maya art exhibits have been on display in New York. In the Maya tradition, some gods could die while others could be born anew, embodying the concepts of regeneration and resilience. Addressing those qualities, the exhibition features rarely seen pieces crafted by master artists of the Maya Classic period (A.D. 250-900) who lived in royal cities of what are now Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. The sculptures, which range from monumental to miniature, depict gods at all stages of life: from the moment of their creation in a sacred mountain, to maturity, old age and, in some cases, rebirth. Some transformed into blossoming flowers or fearsome creatures of the night. Other works, like finely painted ceramics, reveal the eventful lives of the gods in rich detail. Another item on display at the exhibition is an incense stand which depicts a jaguar god wearing a warrior headdress
Saturday 26/11/2022: It was a brutal ride to heaven. Dirt road to a series of 39 stunning cascadas in the jungle of Oaxaca. Obviously, being me I got a creature in my ear and a droopy eye, and a sting on my bum cheek, but all good. Cathy refused to suck out the venom. Think she thought I was a bit twisted!
The area is known as Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla. Water has been a huge part of my travels for the last 13 years. Water transforms from a flowing river to a tranquil lake, to a powerful waterfall, to a freshwater spring, to a meandering creek, to a salty sea, to raindrops gentle on your face, to hard stinging hail, to frost on a mountain top and back to a river again. Like a waterfall, life doesn't flow backwards. So, make the most of it. Remember that peace is to find a ledge above the waterfall of your thoughts. OK. Enough waterfall talk.
After three days in the jungle, we returned to Escondido and civilisation. But since we have been in the wild perhaps some more info on the 'outback' of Mexico. OK! The country has 185 designated natural protected areas (ANPs) covering 90,958,494 hectares of land and sea and Mexico has it all: there's the lush Lacondan Jungle of Chiapas. The towering saguaros of the Sonoran desert.
The tropical pine-oak forests found high in Oaxaca's Sierra Madre. Colourful Caribbean reefs teeming with aquatic life. Even a few delicate patches of alpine meadow remain on the volcanic peaks near Mexico City. That's part of why Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world: though it covers only 1.3% of the world's landmass, it is home to more than 10% of all species on Earth.
Tuesday 29/11/2022: Staying with nature scientists have teamed up with tiger sharks to uncover the largest expanse of seagrasses on Earth. A massive survey of the Bahamas Banks has revealed 92,000 square kilometres of seagrasses which increases the estimated global area covered by seagrasses by 41 percent — a potential boon for Earth's climate. Beneath The Waves, a marine organisation, surveyed a seagrass field in the Bahamas Banks with sharks fitted with cameras. Seagrasses can sequester carbon for millennia at rates 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. The newly mapped sea prairie may store 630 million metric tons of carbon, or about a quarter of the carbon trapped by seagrasses worldwide. Sharks have potential to capture on camera other hidden natural assets.
Thursday 01/12/2022: Another month and soon to be a new year. Thought I would share with you a photo taken in my former homeland as a reminder of the magnificent creatures with whom we share the planet. It is a pity that this one has departed this earth.
Saturday 04/12/2022: Every year from December 9th to 12th - except in 2020 and 2021 - millions of faithful from all over Mexico travel to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which stands on Tepeyac Hill (Cerro Tepeyac) north of Mexico City. According to tradition, Mary appeared to Juan Diego, who was an Aztec convert to Christianity, on December 9 and again on December 12, 1531. During her first appearance she requested that a shrine to her be built on the spot on Tepeyac Hill The bishop demanded a sign before he would approve construction of a church and it is said that Mary then appeared a second time to Juan Diego and ordered him to collect roses. In a second audience with the bishop, Juan Diego opened his cloak, letting dozens of roses fall to the floor revealing the image of Mary imprinted on the inside of the cloak—the image that is now venerated in the Basilica of Guadalupe.
Some pilgrims travel hundreds if not more than 1,000 miles to make it there. As many as 8 million visitors have participated in the tradition in a single year.The celebrations for the 'Morenita of Tepeyac' this year will finally take place with the normality with which they had been done for generations until the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the ecclesiastical and civil authorities to take restrictive measures. There are 132 temples in Mexico City alone dedicated to Guadalupe, as well as 74 in Guadalajara and 32 in Michoacán as well as three to Saint Juan Diego.
Have a great evening all of you. Peace love and fresh waterfall shrimps for all from me and my Cathy Nel
THE PAST AND THE FUTURE
Wednesday 09/11/2022: This log has been jump started by a recent event in Escondido where we have been for the past couple of years. It was something that reminded me of my youth when I was at Waterford Kamhlaba school in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. The school's Swazi name means 'Little World' and is one of the United World Colleges that are to be found in several regions of the globe. The ethos of these colleges is to educate students together from many areas of the world. At Waterford there were fifty-three nationalities, my brother Simon and I attended at the same time as Richard. E Grant, who, when I circumnavigated Africa, was my Patron. More on Richard later. Why am I going back to my early life? Escondido Motocross!!
Friday 11/11/2022: In my early days, many moons ago, Simon and I rode motorbikes on the African plains and we also competed in Enduro events that were run by a Swazi bike club. Simon had a Kawasaki KDX 250, and my first bike was a Yamaha XT 175. Simon was a risk taker, riding across wild and rocky country competing against older bikers from South Africa and managing to outride many over the challenging terrain. The club is still in existence and has expanded over the years with very young and adult bikers now competing. The Escondido motocross event brought back memories hence my mentioning them. There are a couple of photos on the Photo Archive on this website.
Tuesday/15/11/2022: On to something more recent. For all the ex-cons amongst my readers, particularly for those who I have met on my travels in some dodgy places in South America but who treated Cathy and myself with respect, one such group as mentioned in my latest book in the chapter 'Chucky and the Triceratops'. 'Why do you all have those cuts?' I asked. 'Every time one of our gang gets in trouble with the police or the army, or with rival gangs, or gets killed, we cut ourselves,' he said, without looking up. I have found a culinary treat for all. Actually, you get two-for-one if you did long service.
Thursday 17/11/2022: Now to the future. Christmas is celebrated in Mexico, as in many other countries, and like elsewhere presents are given and houses and streets are decorated. In Tlalpujahua and Chignahuapan, the Christmas spirit is all year-round since these two magical towns are Mexico's top producers of Christmas ornaments. Both will host their traditional ornaments fairs to attract shoppers to hundreds of stalls selling hand-blown glass ornaments. Chignahuapan is the largest producer of Christmas ornaments in the country. With more than 300 manufacturing shops in town, this industry provides a living to around 80% of the community's families. It produces around 50 million pieces per year, sold in Mexico and abroad. Besides the baubles, people will also be able to buy real pine Christmas trees, hence its name, The Christmas Tree and Ornaments Fair. In Tlalpujahua the fairs encourage browsing among hundreds of stalls with hand-blown glass ornaments. The fairs have already started and run until December 18th.
Friday 18/11/2022: Back to the past. My brother started playing guitar before he was a teenager and one of his idols was Eric Clapton. Maybe not very well known is that Clapton fronted a huge gig in Eswatini in 1989 and top line performers, among them Johny Clegg, Savuka and Brenda Fasse, supported him in a three hour show over three nights. Even less well known is that my father and a friend, Tom Bayly, designed and produced the backdrops for the stage which featured a huge portrait of the young King Mswati who had invited the artists to perform for the King's Trust Charity.
Saturday 19/11/20/2022: There have been some commemorative events in Mexico recently for a 'hero' of the Mexican Revolution. Best known as Pancho Villa, he was born Doroteo Arango in 1878 in Durango. His life of violence and flight began early, after killing an hacienda owner who had assaulted his sister. Villa joined the fledgling Mexican Revolution, recruited rebels, and formed his own army, the División del Norte, which rose to national prominence. He joined other revolutionaries such as Emilio Zapata and Álvaro Obregón against the Victoriano Huerta regime which was supported by the Americans.
Villa's plan began with an attack on a train in northern Mexico in January 1916, executing 16 U.S. businessmen on board. He carried out small a raid on the Texas town of Glen Springs, but it was his attack on Columbus, New Mexico that triggered U.S. reaction. In this attack more than 600 soldiers entered the border town, killing dozens of Americans and setting the town on fire. The actions had the desired effect: widespread anger in the U.S. and calls for a wholesale invasion. These were not the acts of a madman; Villa's aim was to draw the U.S. into a civil war and to make the Mexican people rise against American dominance. He is a hero in part because he challenged the mighty United States. Mexico eventually broke the yoke of the Americans.
I mentioned earlier in this log Richard E. Grant who I first knew at Waterford School. Recently I listened to a BBC radio broadcast called Desert Island Discs on which Richard was interviewed. For those interested in learning more about this 'A List Actor' who is an honest, straightforward, and sincere man. I provide a link. « click on this link » Onwards into the future.
Saturday 20/11/2022: As the football World Cup is about to start a news item on Maradona's 'Hand of God' World Cup ball has been published. The ball has sold for $2.4M. punched in by Diego Maradona for his "Hand of God" goal at the 1986 World Cup and sold by the referee who missed soccer's most famous handball. Ali Bin Nasser, the Tunisian former match official who refereed the quarterfinal game between Argentina and England in Mexico, owned the 36-year-old Adidas ball. Bin Nasser said before the auction he felt it was the right time to share the item with the world and expressed hope the buyer would put it on public display. The Maradona goal that gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in that match against England has become part of soccer legend. Maradona jumped as if to head the ball but instead punched it past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Maradona quipped afterward that it was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God," leading to its iconic name. Speaking ahead of the auction, Bin Nasser said: "I couldn't see the incident clearly. The two players, Shilton and Maradona, were facing me from behind. "As per FIFA's instructions issued before the tournament, I looked to my linesman for confirmation of the validity of the goal — he made his way back to the halfway line indicating he was satisfied that the goal should stand. At the end of the match, the England head coach Bobby Robson said to me, 'You did a good job, but the linesman was irresponsible.' Maradona scored a brilliant second goal against England only four minutes later with the same ball — the only one used in the quarterfinal. He ran nearly 70 meters from his own half and weaved his way past half the England team before slipping the ball past Shilton to make it 2-0. That goal was voted the World Cup Goal of the Century in 2002.
Apple pie and dumplings Best to all. Spencer
DAY BY DAY
Wednesday 26/10/2022: Sorry for delay up-loading this log, some minor tech issues.
Just to open this entry thought I would mention that a 'state of the art' vehicle passed me by yesterday 'when all my troubles seemed so far away' travelling at a rate of 'gaknots'. The driver said it had just passed its MOT so was taking it for a spin!!! He was dressed as Batman and his son was Robin. Nothing unusual then!!
Friday 28/10/2022: A precious piece of Mexico heritage is now on show at the Guggenheim Museum in New York which is a Maya screen fold codex manuscript of a pre-Columbian type. Long known as the Grolier Codex or Sáenz Codex, in 2018 it was officially renamed the Códice Maya de México by the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico. It is one of only four known extant Maya codices, and the only one that still resides in the Americas. It is an almanac that charts the movements of the planet Venus, and originally consisted of twenty pages; the first eight and the last two are now missing. The red frame lines at the bottom of pages four to eight indicate that the dimensions were once substantially taller, and that the scribe prepared a space for some text under the figure on each page. The document dates to the period between 1021 and 1154 CE. and is the oldest surviving codex from Mexico and the oldest book of the Americas. The codex is said to have been found enclosed in a wooden box in a dry cave in the highlands of Chiapas, along with a turquoise mask. Have a look at the codex by « clicking onto this link »
Tuesday 01/11/2022: Many of you will have seen the Bond film 'Spectre' which opens with an amazing tracking shot of 007 amidst the Day of the Dead festival crowds. Just under a year ago Cathy and I were also involved in the Day of the Dead celebrations that take place in late October and early November, the living remember, and honour their dearly departed, but with joy — not sorrow. In 2016, the government started a popular annual parade in Mexico City that concludes in a main square featuring altars built by artisans from across the country. The roughly three-hour-long affair features one of the holiday's most iconic characters, Catrinas. The female skeleton is dressed in elegant clothes inspired by the engravings of José Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican artist who drew satirical cartoons at the beginning of the 20th century.
Marigolds decorate the streets as music blares from speakers. Adults and children alike dress as skeletons and take photos, recording the annual festivities. It is believed that during the Day of the Dead - or Dia de Muertos - relatives are able to commune with their deceased loved ones. Typically, it is an intimate family tradition observed with home altars and visits to local cemeteries to decorate graves with flowers and sugar skulls. They take their deceased loved ones' favourite food and hire musicians to perform their favourite songs. Please click on the links for the opening of the Bond film and if you wonder why it costs millions to make a hit movie click on the second reference. Halloween needs a makeover!!
Friday 04/11/2022: Those of you who have followed my log over the years will know that one of my favourite creatures are tarantulas!! Joke!! But they seem to keep skittering into my path. Pic of one in my previous log. Just learnt that the city of La Junta in Colorado is hoping to be given the title of 'tarantula city of the world'. The home where tarantulas roam. During the mating season thousands crawl across the town's streets and fields. They are known as Texas Browns, or Oklahomas, and grow to five inches long. Because many are killed by vehicles they now have tunnels and bridges to cross but it is difficult to direct them to these safe passing spots. The Mayor wants to encourage more tourists to join in a tarantula themed festival and to savour a tarantula burger. Any arachnid lovers want to sign up for the treat?
Sunday 06/11/2022: Thirteen years ago today I left the UK to circumnavigate Africa. I have clocked up 200 000 plus kilometres and 136 countries. (Other bikes I had don't count), I have eaten some dodgy food including dog in Borneo (I didn't know), Guinea Pig in Peru, snake in Congo, cow cheek in Nigeria, worms, scorpions, spiders and the list goes on. My favourite travelling food is chicken foot soup and sardines.
Top week to you all. Cathy Nel is back from Ireland, yay, so on the road soon. Peace, love and curried goat's testicles for all. Thanks to you for following me for so long here at spencer-conway.com and following me on Instagram at spencer_james_conway.
THE NEXT EPISODE 2
Saturday 15/10/2022: Just to keep you all up-to-date with what's happening. Cathy back next week and will finally take a trip to write some articles. You may have noticed that I have not written many for a couple of years. I was too focussed on my books. I just wanted to thank everybody for following this log since 2009 when I left for Africa. I will continue posting historical, geographical and biker stories as well as the quirky.
I am at present in a tropical storm so I am holed up in my room in México, writing two books simultaneously, one on Central America and México. The other book is a surprise, which I hope will shock, enthral and challenge. So keep following the log and we will post some shots from the road. I am also planning on visiting the UK in May for three months. I will be touring and doing talks. I will post the venues closer to the time. Of course I will be at the ABR Festival on the 23rd of June. I have three cats and a crab in my room, keeping me company in the storm. On to next chapter.... Peace and respect. As my book on South America is available as a paperback and on Kindle, two versions, I include an extract from the chapter 'Tarantulas, Cane Toads and Hell Town'...
The Amazon and the BR319 had ticked all the boxes I loved; remoteness, tough riding, pristine jungle, no people, and incredible animals. Although I am from Africa, and devoured books on African explorers, I also had an obsession with the Amazon. I read and re-read Percy Fawcett's diaries. The unforgiving Amazon has claimed the lives of many adventurers, but perhaps none so famous as Colonel Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925, while on the trail of a mythical Lost City. One of the most colourful figures of his era, Fawcett had made his name during a series of harrowing, but ground-breaking, mapmaking expeditions to the wilds of Brazil and Bolivia. During these travels, he formulated a theory about the lost city of Z (which recently was made into a brilliant film), which he believed existed somewhere in the unexplored Mato Grosso region of Brazil.
In 1925 Fawcett, his sixteen year old son, Jack, and a young man called Raleigh Rimmel, set off in search of the fabled lost city. But following a letter in which Fawcett announced he was venturing into unmapped territory, the group vanished without a trace. While conventional wisdom suggests the explorers were killed by hostile Indians, other theories blame everything from malaria, to starvation, to jaguar attacks. All are a possibility for their demise, which makes the Amazon so dangerous, yet so exciting. Some have even speculated that the men simply went local, and lived out the rest of their lives happily in the jungle. This is my favourite theory, but seems doubtful, considering Fawcett's love for his wife, Nina. Whatever the cause, the groups disappearance, captured the imagination of people around the world. In the years since Fawcett disappeared, thousands of would be adventurers have mounted exploratory missions. As many as one hundred people have died while searching for some sign of Fawcett, or the city of gold, in the darkness of the Amazon. Some may have had encounters with tarantulas from which there is no escape in the jungle!
Monday 17/10/2022: I always like to include some interesting features on recent hypotheses that might be of interest and that are related to current events. I have discussed before the outbreak of Covid around the world but we have had similar epidemics before. The Plague, or Y. pestis. DNA in the teeth of individuals from an ancient Central Asian cemetery, who died in 1338 from an unspecified "pestilence'' has been analysed. Comparisons of DNA to modern and historic samples of Y. pestis indicate that the Central Asian people perished from a version of the plague bacterium that wreaked havoc in Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa until the early 1800s. Origins of the Black Death, or bubonic plague, have long been debated. What's certain is that Y. pestis is transmitted to humans by fleas that live on rodents. One current proposal holds that the plague originated in East Asia and was carried across the continent starting in the 1200s as the Mongol Empire expanded. That scenario is based on genetic evidence from European Black Death victims and written accounts of an unidentified plague outbreak encountered by Mongol invaders of Baghdad in the 1200s. It is likely that armies, travellers and merchants moving along trade routes from Asia brought the plague into Europe. Specifically, historians have speculated that the fleas on rats are responsible for the estimated 25 million plague deaths between 1347 and 1351. However, a new study suggests that rats weren't the main carriers of fleas and lice that spread the plague—it was humans. Always the most deadly of creatures.
Wednesday 19/10/2022: As I have three rescue cats I've decided to include some info that might interest them seeing as they are intelligent and also frequently run around in mad moments of activity. For many cats, a mere whiff of catnip, a plant of the mint family, with downy leaves, purple-spotted white flowers, and a pungent smell attractive to cats, can send them into a licking, rolling, plant-shredding frenzy. That destruction amplifies catnip's natural defences against insects and hence its appeal to cats. Compared with intact leaves, crushed-up leaves emit more volatile compounds called iridoids, which act as an insect repellent. The higher emissions also seem to encourage cats to continue rolling around in the remains of the psilver vine (Actinidia polygama), a plant common in Asia that has a similar euphoric effect on cats. As cats chew catnip or vine the damaged leaves release about ten times more iridoids than intact leaves do, and also changes the proportion of the chemicals released. The catnip, when crushed, releases more of its insect repellent so cats coat themselves in a natural insect defence!! I will look for the plant and try some as I attract insects. Could save me from nasty wasp stings. Might also keep Cathy away!!!
Friday 21/10/2022: As most of you know I have had close encounters with very scary situations, shot at in Kenya by Shifta bandits, when my bike was hit and had to hide in the bush. In South America, along with Cathy, held hostage by life threatening kidnappers in Panama so always best to be aware of the dangers and take precautions. Sensible, like the dude in the photo here.
Sunday 23/10/2022: Lastly, thought I would include a couple of pics of my new Tenere just to prove that I do ride sometimes. As you will see I have fitted an additional bra-king system to be deployed in case of emergencies. Also biking friend Kevin Thomas, of Dakar fame, has a Tenere and has recently sent me a crit of my book for which I thank him. He is with friends on the right of the pic during a break in the desert riding. My plan for the coming months is to complete two books, get back to writing magazine articles and to continue with the log. Will be attending shows next year in the UK and plan to produce videos for YouTube. Fingers crossed. Going in search of catnip. Stay safe everyone. Spencer
WHEN IN MEXICO!!
Saturday 01/10/2022: Another Month and still in Mexico but life is never dull here. Recently Mexico's indigenous communities took to the streets of the capital to celebrate their heritage and demand more rights. The Mexico City march marked the United Nation's Day of the World Indigenous Peoples and they wore traditional clothing as they marched down Reforma Avenue in the city's centre. Among those taking part were indigenous groups from the south-western state of Oaxaca, where I am, such as Triqui, Mazatec and Zapotec, as well as groups from southern Chiapas State, as the Tzetal. The reason behind the parade was to give visibility to the many indigenous people living in the capital and to combat discrimination.
The day also is marked by traditional dances which date back to the times of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, when Spanish priests tried to convert the indigenous Mixtec people to Catholicism. Organised dances represent events in Spanish history which had a strong religious significance, such as the battles to regain control of Spain from the Moors and impose Christianity. A mock battle shows the fighters for Christianity, led by Saint James, defeating their Muslim rivals. A dancer representing an injured Moor is given the choice to convert to Christianity. He refuses, saying he would rather be taken away by devils than betray his religion. It is then the dancers dressed as devils enter the stage and drag him away. Stand by your convictions at all costs!
Tuesday 04/10/2022: Have in the past shown some photos of street art that can be found in many towns in Mexico and the colourful, attractive sights that can be seen in South America. Here are a couple of examples which tie in with the next item in this log.
Thursday 06/10/2022: Highly skilled artists change dull streets in to bright vistas of light and joy by their work as muralists in Mexico but at a different level is that of the artist known as Banksy. Why mention this English practitioner here? Well simply because there is an exhibition featuring more than 150 works by the elusive street artist in Mexico City. The Art of Banksy "Without Limits" exhibition, which is not authorized by the artist, has previously been shown in several countries including the United States, Australia, Chile, South Korea, Germany and Turkey. It has original works, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, murals and installations.
The reason why Banksy is so high profile is that his identity is not widely known and the fact that his work appears overnight on walls in many parts of the world. Also he is recognised for his whimsical and political street art, which adds to his enigmatic murals. Banksy is a political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain 'unconfirmed', actually it is known if you check out Wikipedia! Active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stencilling technique. Banksy's work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. He has 11 million social media followers. If you are looking for colour it's not Banksy!! The example of his art here 'Shop until you Drop' is a satire on consumerism. Check out www.theartofbanksy.com if you want to read about 'Who is Banksy?'
Saturday 08/10/2022: In modern culture we cannot escape the fact that the role of women has changed, and is still changing, around the world. In literature, film and TV we have strong liberated women who take on leadership roles and that of heroines. The 16th century Scottish Presbyterian, John Knox, was against 'the monstrous regiment of women' and gained wide support for his views. Today he would not survive long. Probably be strung-up by breeks, if he wore any under his cassock? What about 'Wonder Woman' and the like? Well in Mexico there was one such called La Carambada, Leonarda Martínez, a highway robber who, after carrying out her deeds, dressed as a man, uncovered her breasts to show her victims, amid laughter, that it was a woman who had overcome and outwitted them.
She had quite a career and became well known as a fighter for women's liberation. As myth, perhaps, she had a young lover who was arrested and imprisoned and shot. She became enflamed with resentment and turned her wrath on the powerful of the time in the year 1872. She seduced her way into the company of Benito Juárez, the President and "la Carambada" 'They say, poured a few drops of a powerful poison derived from the leaves of blackjack (Asclepias linaria )' into his drink. The potion took effect just twenty-one days after being ingested. Well, history records that as fact, twenty-one days after that meeting, on July 18, 1872, President Juárez ceased to exist due to an attack of angina pectoris. It's up to you how much you take this as the truth the whole truth and nothing........!
Monday 10/10/2022: Always interested in what is happening in the 'creative' world and just had a look at some of the photos in the 2022 Nikon Small World photomicrography competition. This one by Murat Öztürk of Ankara, Turkey, is an astounding — and unnerving — snapshot of a tiger beetle using its mandibles to crush a fly by its eyes. Tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) sprint after their prey so quickly that the insects go temporarily blind. The photographed beetle would have stopped multiple times to orient itself to figure out where the fly was, eventually snatching its meal. Thanks to the beetle's strong and sharp jaws the chances of survival of the creatures caught by this insect are very low. Super, super photo which took perseverance and skill to achieve.
Thursday 13/10/2022: Some, or many of you may know of the game of Pelota, still practised today in some parts of the world but research has revealed that some Maya rulers may have been incinerated and their ashes mixed with rubber to make the balls used in the game. Burnt human remains uncovered at the ruins of a Maya city have led to a new theory about the death rites of the ancient civilisation. An archaeologist Juan Yadeun Angulo found urns containing human ashes, rubber and roots at a Maya temple in Mexico and other archaeologists found 400 urns containing the mixture of human ashes, coal, rubber and plant roots at the Toniná archaeological site, an impressive complex built on a hill in the jungle of Chiapas. Among the constructions preserved to this day is the sunken ball court where the Maya played pelota. A carved stone disc found at Chiapas depicts the huge size of the pelota ball in the 6th Century and how players propelled it with their hips.
Friday 14/10/2022: Finally, just to prove I am still in Escondido a photo of the beach where I take my 8K walk each morning, watching out for crocodiles!! Pelota balls to all. Cathy will be back in Mexico soon. Spencer.
ROUND AND ABOUT
Sunday 18/09/2022: As previously reported Mexico is prone to earthquakes so tomorrow an earthquake drill will be held in Mexico City and eight states on the fifth anniversary of a powerful 7.1 magnitude tremor that shook central Mexico and the 37th anniversary of an 8.1 magnitude quake that devastated the capital. The National Disaster Prevention centre advises citizens to prepare a "family civil protection plan" for earthquakes, organize and participate in evacuation drills and "identify safe areas" in their homes, schools and workplaces. Amongst other advice, it encourages citizens to prepare an "emergency backpack" with items such as a torch, first aid kit, two-way radio, water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, medications and photocopies of important documents. During earthquakes, citizens are advised to remain calm and move away from objects, buildings, trees and electrical posts that could fall. Those who live near the ocean should move inland from the coast due to the risk of tsunamis. That's ME!!
Tuesday 20/09/2022: First the drill then the earthquake!! Can you believe it?
Less than an hour after the nationwide earthquake drill, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the centre of the country. The epicentre was 63 kilometres south of Coalcomán, Michoacán, and the quake was felt in Mexico City. The timing of the tremors – midday on September 19 – evoked memories of the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, which both occurred on September 19 as well. The 1985 earthquake killed more than 10,000 people, and hundreds died in 2017. Early reports indicate that the quake did not cause any significant physical damage in the capital, though power went out in some areas. Escondido had high winds and rough seas. «This video of the 1985 quake has some distressing images and is 25 minutes long. Just a warning!»
Thursday 22/09/2022: Now to something more calming, Cacao — from which chocolate is made — was sacred to the ancient Maya, and was consumed in rituals and used as a currency. New evidence has been found to suggest that cacao, long thought to be only for the elite, was probably also imbibed by a wider Mayan population. As in Europe tea drinking was once only for the rich as it was very expensive to import from India and China.
The cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, was linked to Hun Hunahpu, the maize god. Previous research found cacao in ceremonial vessels and elite burials, suggesting that its use was restricted to those at the top. Now 54 ceramic shards dating from A.D. 600 to 900 from jars, mixing bowls, serving plates and vases thought to be drinking vessels have been found in residential and ceremonial civic areas of varying sizes and status from city centres, foothills, upland areas and the valley around the former Maya city of El Pilar, on the present-day border of Guatemala and Belize. Have a 'chocolat' on me.
Saturday 24/09/2022: Good to learn that Mexican artefacts have been repatriated and among them, and most notable, an urn of Zapotec origin that was made between A.D. 600 and A.D. 900 and column fragments taken from a palace in the Santa Rosa Xtampak archaeological site in Campeche. The items in this recent batch were given to Mexico voluntarily by citizens of Austria, Canada, Sweden and the United States. They were handed over to Mexican embassies and consulates abroad as part of MiPatrimonioNoSeVende ("my heritage is not for sale") campaign, an effort to recover historical items that were stolen from Mexico or somehow ended up in foreign lands. This mask, which Christie's auction house said came from the Mexican pre-Hispanic site of Teotihuacán, sold in February 2021 for US $437,000. So far, nearly 9,000 pieces have been recovered over the past three years. Let's hope they are housed in secure museums for all to see.
Sunday25/09/2022: My father ran in the Great Bristol 10k this morning for the England Athletics team along with 8000 other runners, men and women, from Bristol and beyond. ~There were over 70 other runners for the England team competing in Master's five year age groups from 35, 35-40, 40-45 and so on. The course was through Bristol on a roughly circular route over the Avon on the way out and then back over on the return. Jazz Bands and singers along the way and hundreds of spectators. There was also a children's run and half-marathon with 70000 participants. My father was first in his age group and received a trophy, medal and other mementoes. Well done Patria!!
Monday 26/09/2022: Post from the Great Bristol Run web site: "Hi Michael, Congrats on a fine run in the Bristol 10k. We hope you've still got that post-event buzz and have had a chance to recover. We still get goose bumps thinking about how you and thousands of other runners smashed the 10k and half marathon courses with determination and resilience." «Have a look at the video of the event for a taster»
Also today NASA's DART spacecraft was launched. The craft hurtled into Dimorphos, an asteroid moonlet orbiting a larger space rock named Didymos. The mission's goal was to bump Dimorphos slightly closer to its parent asteroid, shortening its 12-hour orbit around Didymos by several minutes. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, is the world's first attempt to change an asteroid's motion by ramming a space probe into it. Neither Dimorphos nor Didymos poses a threat to Earth but seeing how well DART's collision works will reveal how easy it is to tamper with an asteroid's trajectory — a strategy that could protect the planet if a large asteroid is ever discovered on a course with Earth. "We don't know of any large asteroids that would be considered a threat to Earth that are coming any time in the next century," says DART team member Angela Stickle, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. "The reason that we are doing something like DART is because there are asteroids that we haven't discovered yet." After a 10-month voyage, DART met up with Didymos and Dimorphos near their closest approach to Earth, about 11 million kilometres away. Up until the very end of its journey, DART could see only the larger asteroid, Didymos. But about an hour before impact, DART spotted Dimorphos in its field of view. Using it's on board camera, the spacecraft steered itself toward the asteroid moonlet and slammed into it at some 6.1 kilometres per second, or nearly 14,000 miles per hour. Anything on Dimorphos, dinosaurs for example, would not have survived!!! «View orbital effect of DART's impact on Dimorphos on You Tube»
Wednesday 28/09/2022: OK, more weather news. Hurricane Blas has formed off the Pacific coast with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 85 mph (140 kph) with higher gusts on the way. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours followed by gradual weakening through the end of the week. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but swells generated by Blas are affecting the coast of southwestern Mexico and are likely to continue over the next several days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. We are not in the zone for this hurricane but more are forecast which might cause considerable damage.
Friday 30/09/2022: Hurricane Blas only minor compared with Hurricane Ian which has caused many deaths and extensive damage in Florida. I have friends there who have lost their home, but survived. Take care buddies and I will be in contact. Nature is uncontrollable as you will see on the video...
My neighbour just stabbed someone. His brother was threatened so I persuaded him to go in the bathroom. Neighbours beat him badly before police came. Just like Africa. Had to stop them, which I did. Pic is of 'peaceful' confrontation!!
End of this log on a down note. Keep safe everybody. Best Spencer. Cathy is in Ireland.
THE NEXT EPISODE
Thursday 08/09/2022: News of the death Of Queen Elizabeth 11 has been announced so just to say that I sympathise with members of the Royal Family and join in condolences along with many others in the UK and around the world. Now the start of a new era with King Charles III and hope that His reign will be beneficial to all. The Queen was a motorbike enthusiast and could dismantle and rebuild bikes. Not a lot of people know that.
Also Prince Charles, as he was known, had a chat with my parents when we lived in Eswatini whilst he was on a state visit. My father, sporting a beard, and mother gazing admiringly at the Prince when he commented on my mother's hat!! Won't say what he said.
Saturday 10/09/2022: Now to things Mexican. A celebration that some believe dates back to the indigenous veneration of Xochiquetzalli, the goddess of flowers and fertility, now dedicated to the Catholic Virgin of Charity.is being celebrated in the city of Huamantla. Artisans spend all night and in some cases, days or weeks, creating intricate designs with coloured sawdust, seeds, flower petals, and sand that carpet the city's streets in anticipation of the miles-long procession that begins at the end of midnight Mass. The festival is called La Noche que Nadie Duerme or the Night When No One Sleeps because residents and visitors are up all night following the statue of the virgin carried above these colourful designs in a procession that takes over nine hours to complete. The parade stops at various temples throughout the city, until the virgin is returned to her sanctuary in the early hours of the morning.
This year the city broke the Guinness World Record for the world's longest sawdust carpet, nearly 4 kilometres long and created by 240 artisans with 80 tonnes of coloured sawdust. The record was previously held by Guatemala City with a carpet just over 2 kilometres long. Visitors come from around the country and the world to witness the massive work of collective art. The designs incorporate flowers, religious motifs, geometric shapes, and some intricate images of the virgin herself. Some of the most complex designs are created in the atrium of the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity where the statue of the virgin resides for most of the year.
Sunday 11/09/2022: Many of us love dogs and have them as pets and companions but when did they become 'man's best friend?'
In Tom Edison's 'Shaggy Dog', a short story by Kurt Vonnegut, Thomas Edison discovers that dogs are intellectually superior beings. They're so smart, in fact, that the canines found the easiest possible way to survive: endearing themselves to humans. When Edison confronts his own dog about this revelation, the dog says, "Look, Mr. Edison. Why not keep quiet about this? It's been working out to everybody's satisfaction for hundreds of thousands of years. Let sleeping dogs lie." My daughter, Feaya, has a dog and the family has had many in the past.
It's true that humankind's close relationship with canines spans millennia. This long-term interspecies friendship is a topic of scientific study, though where, when and even why it began remains murky. Scientists have had to rely on archaeological and genetic evidence for clues. But the similarities between wolves and early domesticated dogs can make it challenging for researchers to tell them apart. In the earliest days, before wolves were fully domesticated, perhaps the most notable difference is simply the animals' involvement with people. Several myths link dogs with the afterlife. Versions of these stories are found in many cultural regions around the world.
In ancient Greek mythology, Hercules captures Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the gate to the underworld. Myths like this might shed light on the history of dog domestication. Folktales about dogs stemmed from Central and Eastern Asia and spread to Europe, the Americas and later Australia and Africa. This mythological travel route parallels a proposed path of dog domestication borne out by genetic and fossil evidence. But when did we start calling our dogs Rover, Millie or Pepper we do not know!! Or 'Stop that!' or 'Come here!' «Click this link» for the most popular dog's names some of which I find bizarre.
As mentioned in a previous log, turtles have now arrived locally for nesting and more than 92,000 Olive Ridley turtles are on the beaches of Oaxaca. The Mexican Turtle Centre, which operates under the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas confirmed the arrival of the turtles at La Escobilla beach between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. The massive arrival of the female turtle marks the official start of the nesting season for the Olive Ridley sea turtle in the Mexican Pacific. Marine turtle experts expect that the one and a half million arrivals reported last year will be exceeded. Super for these sea creatures.
Personal News
Have recently been interviewed on Adventure Rider Radio by Jim Martin, great man and expert presenter, and I attach a link to the programme which you can find on his site. A long interview which covers several incidents in my book and other happenings!! «Listen» Also a recent crit from Traverse Magazine...
That's all. Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. Soak up life and enjoy. After an oíl change on the Tenere, time for a dip in the Oaxacan ocean.
Peace, love, respect and shellfish from me and camerawoman Cathy
OUT AND ABOUT
Wednesday 31/08/2022: This log entry does not contain dates as there are no day to day activities to report.
It has been sometime since my last Log so I start with an update on things personal. My new book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' is available as a paperback on Amazon and very recently is now in Kindle store as an e book which can be downloaded to all electronic outlets, for example to tablets and i phones. This can be purchased world-wide and once located by Googling the title and Spencer Conway in Kindle Store one can click on a country ref to learn the price e.g. US or UK etc.
For those of you who are hesitating to buy my book I include a short extract which may help you to decide. My book is focussed on my experiences in the fascinating continent of South America and should appeal to those interested in the culture and history of the people who inhabit this vast country.
Crossing Borders
I had an Egyptian border guard who pretended to be two completely different people, simply by donning a hat and pair of glasses. He came round the building and through another door. Hey presto, a brand-new official. He even kept up the pretence of having never met me, five minutes earlier, even though I was in a fit of giggles. He knew he had been rumbled, got annoyed and flushed, but could not falter. Brilliant!
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, I macheted my way through the centre of the country. When I came to a clearing, finally, the Custom's Officer had not seen a tourist in three years. I was well proud. His official stamp had even dried up, so he wrote, 'Spencer James Conway entered legally', with his signature underneath. It worked. I will never get rid of that passport.
I have had customs who were too drunk to serve me, others who have predicted my imminent death. In Senegal my welcome by the Custom's Officer began with, "If you go to Mauritania you will die, fast. We in Senegal are nice, but there, you are to be killed!".
I have been arrested and locked up by customs, have stayed at Custom's Officers' houses, been offered drugs by them, and even escaped an attempted kidnapping in Panama by fake officers. A DCF Custom's officer in Venezuela, who was a member of a bike club, showed me a dodgy route into Colombia, after we waited in vain to clear the bike through legally. We didn't take that option. So, for me, customs are never boring and Peru was about to throw in two more classic characters.
Now to some interesting facts about areas of Mexico we have visited some of which are not far from Escondido where we live.
Mayan Mariners
The ancient Mayas are widely known for their achievements in architecture and astronomy but are perhaps less known for their commercial and seafaring skills. But the archaeological site at Oxtankah's reveals how its inhabitants used marine resources for economic purposes. The Maya of Oxtankah were skilled sailors. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) states they used canoes to access the Caribbean Sea for trading. They supplied products to interior Maya communities. Oxtankah was occupied from about 600 B.C. to A.D. 1100, peaking around A.D. 200–600. At that point, the city had over 100 buildings and included even the Tamalcab island off the coast. The Maya inhabitants built a water system here with chultunes – ancient water cisterns – to store rainwater. Its economy was diverse: in addition to making use of marine resources, it produced salt and engaged in agriculture and beekeeping.
Don't Look Now
All civilisations have their own superstitions, some of which are universal, and recently in Cocoyoc residents have been prone to an outbreak of a threatening and frightening visits of a nahual, whose name comes from a Náhuatl word used to describe the purported ability of individuals to transform into animals or natural phenomena, and believed to use its power for either good or evil depending on its personality. Residents in the area paint homes with crosses to ward off feared 'Beasts'. Some say they began hearing strange noises in the early hours of the morning two weeks ago. As they couldn't attribute the noises to an animal or any other source, they concluded they were made by a nahual. Cocoyoc is a cultural stronghold where until relatively recently there were still practices of magic by traditional healers. Another town where fear of the nagual overtook residents is Soledad del Doblado, where men, women and children armed with rocks, shovels and guns ventured out of their homes in an attempt to kill or drive away the mythical creature. Strange but similar noises echoing around our village!!
The Tourist Site of Monte Alban
The Monte Albán ruins sit on a flattened hilltop in the Valley of Oaxaca, about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west of the city of Oaxaca. The site on which it stands has been occupied for over 1,500 years by various groups; first Olmecs and then the Zapotecs and Mixtecs. The Zapotecs built the city, which for over 1,000 years was one of the most important in all of Mesoamerica.
Olmecs were the first to occupy the site and may have carved some of the stones known as Los Danzantes (The Dancers). That civilization influenced their depictions, since some of the faces have distinctive Olmec traits, such as large heads and thick lips. It's generally agreed that the Zapotecs arrived around 500 B.C. At that time, another Zapotec city now known as San José Mogote was the largest city in the valley.
Lastly yesterday had an long interview with Jim Martin on Adventure Rider Radio in the States. Link to follow...
Peanuts and nahuals to you. Love from Cathy and Spencer
WHERE TO?
Tuesday 19/07/2022: Have been riding south for a couple of days to ensure my recently purchased Tenere is as good as my old bike. It is. Even better. Should be able to continue circumnavigation after deciding what to do. Not sure as finances stretched so some serious thinking necessary. However keep going as there are problems throughout life.
Thursday 21/07/2022: My dog, Millie, a Border Collie who I have mentioned before, highly intelligent and sympathetic seemed to know when I was returning from a run or walk and this is probably because dogs are great 'sniffers'. As a previous log pointed out how dogs are able to identify symptoms of coronavirus scientists have found that dogs have a nose-to-brain connection which explains why they are expert sniffers.
Their noses hold between 200 million and 1 billion odour molecule sensors, compared with the 5 million receptors estimated to dwell in a human nose. And dogs' olfactory bulbs can be up to 30 times larger than people's. This fact enables dogs to track very small traces of odour through a variety of urban areas and landscapes. If dogs are taken to a location far from home they are able to trace their way back over a route previously walked.
Sunday 24/07/2022: As some of you may know I am allergic to the stings of several insects which has resulted in hospitalisation through anaphylactic shock. Now there is a new threat, so called 'murder hornets'. These deadly flying hunters, in raiding parties of several dozen Asian giant hornets, can kill whole hives containing thousands of bees in a few hours. The mandarinia is a fierce predator as workers band together in unique group-foraging raids. Several dozen attack targets, such as whole nests of honeybees, other species of hornets, and yellow jackets.
The giant hornets slaughter and then carry back the bodies as food for their larvae. Raiding parties literally leave heaps of headless honeybees around a hive during a takeover to steal the young. Researchers have found that just one full sting would have a 50 percent chance of killing a decent-sized (270-gram) rodent. Though very painful 10 times more so is the sting of bullet ants. I have experience both and I can vouch for the severely painful bite of the ant!!
Tuesday 26/07/2022: Been out in the 'bush' today. Excuse the Africanism! Good to be out on the bike but keeping a lookout for giant hornets. Some difficult terrain and testing new gear from sponsors. All OK. Still no definite plans for future.
Saturday 30/07/2022: Some good news is that 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' is now available on several outlets including YoubyYou books and on Amazon Print on Demand in the States and on Kindle. To locate : Go to Kindle store in Google and in title bar type 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' Click and this takes you to details for purchase. It will be registered in US Dollars as it is internationally available but does not stop ordering in the UK.
Hope you enjoy and banana leaf soup. Very delish. Best Spencer
I leave you with a short extract from the book from the Chapter 'Barrio of no Return'...
“The Barrio, I was to discover was full of naked, and semi-naked women and men, and a mix of the two genders. I suppose it leaves you with no doubt about what you are paying for; you see what you get. Despite spending nearly ten days in the Barrio, I never got used to the nakedness, next to someone in a suit and with a briefcase. I don't think that you would get away with it at a Tunbridge Wells bus stop, and anyway, it would be way too cold. All the vital parts would freeze.”
Tuesday 05/07/2022: Eventually arrived back in Mexico after long delay from Mexico City to Escondido. Nothing much has changed except that Cathy is increasing the size of our menagerie. We now have three cats, a chicken, a crab and an iguana!! Not the most endearing of pets. Plus me now.
Thursday 07/07/2022: Back on my newly acquired Tenere and eager to get on the road but have to organise and plan before we set off. Also Cathy has shingles, very painful and I have raging tooth ache so not auspicious for rough riding. I have learned of an experimental method of pain relief which we both need at the moment. This is a flexible electronic implant for pain management created from materials that dissolve in the body, the device encircles nerves with an evaporative cooler. It has been trialled by implanting in rats, the cooler blocked pain signals from zipping up to the brain. Though far from ready for human use, a future version could potentially enable patients to dial up or down the pain relief they need at any given moment.
Think of frozen fingers in the winter. Ranulph Fiennes amputated frozen fingers himself with a hacksaw. But there is much more research needed to use the technique on humans. However it could lead to the relief for sufferers of chronic pain. Don't think I will be pulling out my offending teeth myself, perhaps after freezing with a bag of frozen peas. The fingers pictured are for eating.
Saturday 09/07/2021: Always like to mention items connected to wild-life and nature and this features turtles. Volunteers in Manzanillo, Colima, are gearing up for a busy season collecting turtle's eggs on the beaches in the area. The annual nesting season runs from July to December and during that period in 2021 the Tortugario Manzanillo (Manzanillo Turtle Sanctuary) collected 108,000 eggs from 1,660 nests. This year they expect similar collection numbers. The centre has about 30 volunteers who will begin night watches along the beach starting this weekend. In 2021 they expanded the extension of the beach that they are watching and protecting, which has led to even greater number of eggs retrieved and turtles hatched at their facilities.
Scientists have shown that sea turtles are important in many ways for healthy oceans, performing roles as varied as maintaining delicate coral reefs to transporting nutrients from the oceans to beaches. Every year thousands of sea turtles come to the shores of Mexico to lay their eggs and then head back into the water to continue their global migration. Of the world's seven species of sea turtles, the most common species on the Manzanillo beaches are the Olive Ridley sea turtles as well as leatherbacks and green sea turtles. Long threatened by poachers, many organizations along Mexico's Pacific coast work to protect turtles and their eggs. Even with the assistance of their human partners, there is only a 1 in 1,000 chance that sea turtles released back into the ocean will survival the perils of their adolescence in the ocean, but if they make it they can live up to 150 years.
Sunday 10/07/2022: It is the season for lychees and Rambutans but how did these exotic fruits, native to China, end up in Mexico? In 1900, several hundred Chinese immigrants were given visas to work building Mexico's railways. Their contracts allowed them to stay on, and those that did moved throughout the country. In Sinaloa, they found the climate, soil conditions and altitude to be similar to China, and some took up agriculture - especially fruit-growing. It was these Chinese migrants who introduced the lychee to Mexico. Rambutans, while similar in taste, are the lychee's rather wild-looking cousin, covered with short and flexible red, pink and golden spikes, called spinterns. Inside is the same white globe of sweet flesh as lychees, but with a slightly different flavour. They're grown mostly in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. One can see cart loads of these fruits in the streets and are very cheap. Pleasant taste, similar to grape, and refreshing.
Tuesday 12/07/2022: Onto an aspect of life in Mexico which frequently hits the news headlines. On July 7, the Defence Ministry announced it had seized over half a tonne of fentanyl in powder form from a property in Culiacán, the state capital of Sinaloa. In recent years, most of the clandestine fentanyl labs destroyed by Mexican authorities have been located in Sinaloa. 542 kilograms of fentanyl were seized. Alongside the fentanyl, 555 kilograms of methamphetamine, 31 kilograms of cocaine, 19 kilograms of opium gum, and almost 7 kilograms of heroin were seized. Furthermore, over 70,000 kilograms of chemical precursors and almost 68,000 litres of chemical substances used to make synthetic drugs were also found. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid and as little as 2 milligrams can be lethal for most users. This means that just 1 kilogram of pure fentanyl could produce around half a million lethal doses. Fentanyl illegally produced in Mexico is commonly mixed with other substances to obtain higher yields in production. Fentanyl, is of course, a powerful pain killer and is used under medical supervision. It can become addictive.
Thursday 14/07/2022: Mexico gets a bad name because of the drug cartels and the human misery that is caused by drugs, especially in the States but the majority of Mexico is drug free and promises a very pleasant life style. In fact, Oaxaca, near to where we live, has been voted the world's best city. It is only small with a little over 250,000 residents and sits among the rugged terrain of the Central Valley region of southwest Mexico. Known for its moles and mezcals, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of maguey. The word comes from Nahuatl mexcalli, which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl and ixcalli. Oaxaca has become one of Mexico's most popular destinations in the last decade and not just for visiting as many ex-patriates have decided to live permanently in the city, as many as 20,000. I can vouch for it being a welcoming and attractive place with well-kept, colourful streets and architecturally varied buildings and houses.
Friday 15/07/2022: At risk of turning the log into a science manual some information on a truly amazing minute creature. The tiny tardigrade. It can survive being frozen at -272° Celsius, being exposed to the vacuum of outer space and even being blasted with 500 times the dose of X-rays that would kill a human. The creature can endure conditions that don't even exist on Earth. Researchers are looking to the microscopic animals, about the size of a dust mite, to learn how to prepare humans and crops to handle the rigors of space travel. It lives in cool, wet clumps of moss that hang on a garden wall. But moss frequently dries out and along with it the tardigrade, but as it does so its cells produce several strange proteins that are unlike anything found in other animals. In water, the proteins are floppy and shapeless. But as water disappears, the proteins self-assemble into long, crisscrossing fibres that fill the cell's interior supporting the cell's membranes and proteins, preventing them from breaking or unfolding. At least two species of tardigrade also produce another protein found in no other animal on Earth. This protein, dubbed Dsup, short for "damage suppressor," binds to DNA and may physically shield it from reactive forms of oxygen. The tardigrade survives and regenerates when the moss regains its moisture content. It seems that sci-fiction of freezing humans and bringing them back to life is not so far-fetched.
Sunday17/07/2022: I have remarked many times on the creative talents of Mexican craftsmen and so to end this rather science oriented log something related to art and craft. One enterprising local from Xilitla, Sr Munoz, has been inspired to build "burrow houses," based on homes created by lowland pacas, rodents that live in excavated burrows. Taking advantage of the steep incline on part of his land, with its stunning views of Xilitla below, 'houses' have been dug into the cliff side and then enclosed with a circular front door. The rooms have more than a passing resemblance to the houses of the hobbits of "The Lord of the Rings." In fact, Mexican media simply refers to them as the "hobbit hotel." There are 15 "burrows" built in a span of only six years. All have one or more beds, a fireplace, bathroom, climate control and Wi-Fi, but no television. They have spectacular panoramic views, and the newest overlook an artificial pond with two small waterfalls. Although Muñoz insists the hobbits had nothing to do with the design, he does not mind the comparison, finding it rather amusing. They are by far more appealing than the accommodation Cathy and I have 'endured' on our travels.
That's all for now and don't forget to look out for my book which is on sale in the UK and can also be purchased from Amazon Print on Demand in the US. Bananas and spaghetti. Cathy and Spencer.
LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE UK
Thursday 16/06/2022: Have been in the UK for several days and super busy catching up with family, friends and sponsors. Whilst in the UK I became a grandfather!! My daughter Jesamine, who lives in Prague, had a baby girl so I include a photo of little Luna who asks not to be woken up. Super happy but makes me feel old!!
Monday 20/06/2022: Enjoying the metropolis of Biddenden, pop 2000, and beautiful weather throughout. Also a feast of sport on TV which I miss in Mexico. My latest book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' is now published so sales have started. Soon to be on Kindle and Print ON Demand in the US. Can be purchased from YouByYou Books or from Michael Conway, email conwaymonc1@yahoo.com Price £9.99 + postage. Reviews have been excellent so far!!
One buyer is Super Gran, Janet, 101 years and still lively and enthusiastic. Has a super caravan to match her superness.
Saturday 25/06/2022: Also caught up with my web designer and good friend who runs the LOG and designed the cover of my book. John Delipps is also a member of a well-known power trio, Freak Flag in the SE area, and plays a mean guitar. Its the way you play it that counts.
Thursday 30/06/2022: As you may know the Glastonbury Festival of Music was held recently and was headlined by Paul McCartney who spun through a three hour set which included his most well-known compositions. It was a suitable finale to the largest outdoor musical event in the world.
In Mexico City flutist Elena Durán also performed in a concert for Paul McCartney's 80th Birthday on July 14. Duran's parents were from Aguascalientes, Mexico. She has made concerto appearances and recordings with many major orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, The Moscow Virtuosi, many orchestras in the U.S. and virtually every orchestra in Mexico. She has also played regularly for members of the British royal family including two televised Royal Galas from the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has twice had the honour of appearing before Queen Elizabeth II. Since the 1990s Duran has been artistic director of the International Flute Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon, the largest annual flute festival in Europe. One of the world's top flutists, she also recorded a hit single with other British 'royalty' - the Beatles' own Paul McCartney, and is putting on the concert to coincide with McCartney's 80th birthday. She played with an orchestra and the programme include some of McCartney's songs.
Saturday 02/07/2022: Sorry to say my stay in the UK has come to an end and deeply sad to say good bye to my father, Michael, with whom I have been staying for the month. Had a great time and talked over memories of our lives in Africa, Seychelles and elsewhere. Broken heart still over the death of my mother, Wendy, and miss her daily. Staying with Dad in a house full of mementos brought deep sadness. It will never lessen. Farewell Biddenden, bye Dad, lots of love. Back to Mexico.
Mexico it would break my heart.
Friday 10/06/06 2022: Just off to Sudbury in Suffolk to meet KLIM sponsors and Sam Manicom for the Adventure Bike Shop Show and will report later on this event. Covid is still with us and tests still being carried out to determine if people have coronavirus. Have just learnt that some dogs are being trained to determine if someone has the disease. Dogs are as reliable as laboratory tests for detecting COVID-19 cases, and may be even better than PCR tests for identifying infected people who don't have symptoms. A bonus: The canines are cuter and less invasive than a swab up the nose.
In a study involving sweat samples from 335 people, trained dogs sniffed out 97 percent of the coronavirus cases that had been identified by PCR tests. And the dogs found all 31 COVID-19 cases among 192 people who didn't have symptoms. The results are similar to previous, smaller studies that also found that dogs perform as well as or even better than PCR tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2. Researchers have used dogs at schools, a music festival and in a small trial screening airline employees for coronavirus infections. One of the biggest advantages dogs have over other tests is their speed, as even with a rapid test one has to wait tens of minutes or even hours, where with a dog it is a matter of seconds or even fractions of seconds. I had a Border Collie from a puppy and know how intelligent dogs are. Millie would have been ideal for training. Already on the case as in the photo with Jez.
Saturday 11/06/2022: Although now in the UK news from Cathy who has remained in Mexico has told me that an Oaxaca community remains cut off 10 days after hurricane struck with the road washed out, the nearest city is a 15-hour hike away. The citizens of San Mateo Piñas, a town of about 2,000 people, say that because authorities and various government agencies have not done anything to help, they are now asking the federal government to take action, as they are still without sufficient food, drinking water or housing. Don't think Biddenden will be cut off any time soon.
Made it to The Adventure Bike Shop Show and met up with the constantly cheery Sam Manicom as well as Kevin and Julia Sanders of Globebusters. A big thank you to Cliff and Jenny for organising a great Event. It was excellent to meet up with my sponsor KLIM and John Lagerway, who sorted out new kit from head to toe, or from helmet to boots for Cathy and I. Soon we will be sporting all our new stuff in Mexico.
Thanks to all the bikers who came for a chat and to pick up a copy of my new book. Ride safe people.
Sunday 12/06/2022: Back in the thriving metropolis of Biddenden after the Rover 75 being towed home all the way from Sudbury!!! Car suffered cam problems. Super AA man who drove faultlessly for nearly three hours to deliver myself and car. Now need to get it to a garage for repairs. Also had news from Sam Manicom that his vehicle collapsed on the motorway on his return to Exeter. Eleven hours to get home!! There is a curse in Sudbury. Avoid.
Monday 13/06/2022: Just thought I would provide some more info on Biddenden and some pics. My parents bought a house in the village in 1980 after leaving Africa and I lived here for a few years after taking a degree at Edinburgh University.
Biddenden is a village famous as the birthplace of the Biddenden Maids, a pair of Siamese twins who were joined at the hip and shoulder. Marie and Eliza Chulkhurst were born in Biddenden in 1100 and lived here to a respectable age (for that era) of 34. When they died they left 18 acres of land, the income from which was to provide an annual dole of bread and wine to the poor of the parish. This 'Biddenden Dole' is distributed each year on Easter Monday, along with biscuits imprinted with a likeness of the Maids, to anyone who requests it. The Biddenden Maids were quite famous during their lifetimes, and are remembered in the village sign on the small, triangular green. The village High Street is lined with some extremely attractive half-timbered medieval and Jacobean buildings, aligned on either side of a cobbled pavement. Many of these are old weavers cottages, as weaving was the core economic activity of this area of the Weald for many years. This clothing heritage is remembered in the impressive Cloth Hall, just north of the green. The church of All Saints at Biddenden is mainly 13th and 14th century, with a collection of interesting memorial brasses. The funeral for my mother was held in this attractive church.
That's all for now looking forward to meeting some more friends in the next week. Off for a cream tea. English speciality. Spencer.
OUT OF MEXICO
Wednesday 01/06/2022: Due to leave tomorrow if Hurricane Agatha hasn't grounded flights. Have to check in the morning. Before I leave some very excellent news of a happening in Mexico, a Smoking Ban is going to be introduced prohibiting smoking on beaches and in parks, and stadiums. A presidential decree that would alter the General Law for Tobacco Control and consequently increase regulations on smoking is currently being prepared with the agreement of President López Obrador who has already signed a draft version of the decree, which the Health Ministry sent to the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement for review. The document outlines the government's intention to prohibit smoking in "spaces of collective gathering" for "reasons of public interest and social interest." Such spaces include publicly accessible courtyards, terraces, balconies, amusement parks, playgrounds and other places where children gather, urban parks, sports centres, beaches, stadiums, shopping centres, markets, hotels, hospitals, places of worship, areas where food and beverages are served and public transit stops. If enacted, the decree would also outlaw products that people – especially children – can use to mimic smoking such as candy and chocolate cigarettes. They have also banned electronic cigarettes. In the draft document the President justified the decree by arguing that tobacco addiction is a chronic disease and that 80% of smokers start using tobacco before the age of 18. He pointed out that smoking causes cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses as well as cancer. Citing the expense of treating such illnesses and the loss of human capital in the labour market due to disease and death, López Obrador also said that smoking has an enormous monetary cost. I sincerely hope that this becomes law in Mexico and be a model for other Central American countries.
Looks like I will be on my way late today. Cathy has decided to stay in Mexico so will be travelling solo once again!! Not on my new Tenere however. But one last piece of info relevant to Mexico. As you know from previous logs Mexico has many species of wildlife both on land and in the coastal seas. It has been discovered that Great white sharks may have helped drive megalodons to extinction in this location. For millions of years, megalodon sharks were top ocean predators — and then came the great whites. New analyses of teeth hint that competition for food from great white sharks may have helped give the megatoothed giants an extra shove toward extinction. Scientists reconstructed shark feeding habits by analyzing zinc in the teeth of 20 living shark species and 13 extinct species, including megalodons (Otodus megalodon). Megalodons and great whites occupied a similar ecological niche, devouring marine mammals such as whales and seals but the megalodons could not compete with the great whites and so slowly died out.
Thursday 02/06/2022: At end of last log I talked about Hurricane Agatha and that it did hit us but the eye of the storm was north of us so decided to risk it and go to the local airport to see if planes were taking off. As stated above Cathy has decided to stay in Mexico so travelling solo. Not a happy journey back to the UK. First leg of trip delayed at airport for three hours and then a turbulent flight for two hours to Mexico City. Bumping about with passengers crying!! Another delay in Mexico City for four hours and then onto Puerto Vallarta and twelve hour wait for TUI flight to Gatwick. Not the best service and noisy people with unruly children. Help! Just before landing passenger in the next seat had an epileptic fit but stewards had no idea of how to handle it. He vomited but missed my boots by millimetres and then passed out. More chaos. At Gatwick trains not running on my connecting route so into London and then back to Biddenden in Kent and home.
Friday 03/06/2022: Queen's Jubilee celebrations everywhere and village decorated with banners and posters. Very colourful and met many people who I knew and chatted to. Book Fair and Flower Festival and Morris Dancers in my honour!!! What are Morris Dancers? It is probable the term Morris developed from the French word morisque (meaning a dance, the dance), which became morisch in Flemish, and then the English moryssh, moris and finally morris. Flanders in the fifteenth century was an innovative cultural centre, and strongly influenced European culture in general. The earliest confirmation of a performance of morris dancing in England dates from London on 19 May 1448, when Moryssh daunsers were paid 7s (35p) for their services.
By Elizabethan times it was already considered to be an ancient dance, and references appear to it in a number of early plays. Many called for a dance or jig to be performed by the leading actor. One of the most popular actors of the time was Will Kemp and, for a wager during Lent in 1599/1600 (when the roads would be exceedingly bad!), he danced from London to Norwich The Nine Daies Wonder (although he started on the first Monday in Lent, and arrived at Easter). Large numbers of spectators turned out to cheer him on and check his progress. Throughout its history in England, morris dancing has been through many manifestations. Five hundred years ago it was a dance for one or two; today it is for four or more. Accounts of morris dancing can be found throughout England, making it a nationwide phenomenon... SEE MORE > to prove I have made it back to the UK, a picture of me with Morris maidens and the local pub with Jubilee banners.
Saturday 04/06/2022: The parade of Trooping of the Queen's Colour very impressive yesterday on Horse Guard's Square but evening concert disappointing and too long. Sorry organisers. LOG ON TO THIS LINK and skim through to about 30 mins. This is a long video so no need to follow it through to the end. (May only work for UK subscribers).
Monday 06/06/2022: Now preparing for bike show at the end of the week at the Adventure Bike Shop where I will be joined by Sam Manicom and Globebusters. Saturday 11th June. My new book will be on sale along with my Africa book and DVDs. Hope for a good turnout form you guys out there. Turnip soup will also be available. See pic of poster below for details.
I also include here a pic of my super Web Master celebrating the Jubilee, John 'delipps' at a popular blues and jazz festival. Thanks John for design and uploading of the LOG for many years and for cover design of my books.
FAREWELL MEXICO Tuesday 24/05/2022: Well it is time to say goodbye!! After nearly two years in Mexico and thwarted plans we will be leaving Central America on 2nd June to return to the UK to not so hot climes as the temperature here is now 38 degrees. A little too 'warm' at the moment.
Wednesday 25/05/2022: It will, of course, be a sad day but one thing has brought some joy as I have acquired a 'new' bike, another Tenere, as the one I have had for 12 years is now in pieces and packaged for sending to the UK as a memento. For those interested in specs it is a Yamaha XT660Z Z Tenere 2014, exactly the same as my old bike but with improvements.
Incredibly it has only 12 400 kilometres on the clock. Totally spotless with GPS tracker from Garmin, extra crash bars, LED spotlights for night time off road, tank bag, Michelin Sirac racing tyres, Brembo brakes, added height, jacked suspension, top box, immobilizer, alarm and tracker. Marzocchi shock absorbers, and specially made screen for wind resistance. OK. Enough of the boring. It is a beast.
Friday 27/05/2022: Would you Adam and Eve it? Nothing to worry about but I am in Hospital again in La Ventana in Chiapas. I got stung on the neck whilst on the way back to Puerto Escondido having picked up the new bike. Miles from anywhere and lying on the side of a deserted road. Cathy injected me with the epipen but it didnt work. Massive swelling of chest and great problems breathing. Cathy contacted the The Green Angels, a volunteer group who help those in an emergency situation who got me to hospital on my own stretcher. Now on a drip and apparently I cannot ride so will only be able to head to Puerto in a couple of days. Vomiting, diarrhea, swollen throat and chest. Breathing difficult but not in any danger now.
Saturday 28/05/2022: Could not make it up. Lying in hospital bed and started shaking!!! What's happening? Furniture rocking and equipment rattling. Hallucinations? NO! Earthquake. What next?
Monday 30/05/2022: Looks like Mexico does not want us to leave. Have made it back to Escondido but in a couple of hours we are going to be hit by Hurricane Agatha, not Christie, but a mystery as to why so early in the season for such weather conditions. The first hurricane of the season formed off Mexico's southern Pacific coast on Sunday and rapidly gained power ahead of an expected strike along a stretch of tourist beaches and fishing towns. Hurricane Agatha could make landfall at close to major hurricane force today in the area near Puerto Escondido and Puerto Angel in the southern state of Oaxaca. The first named storm this year in the eastern Pacific is hurtling toward the southwestern Mexican coast, which it threatens to lash with storm surges and potentially fatal floods and mudslides. A Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour has just been updated to category 3. There are diggers on the beach making channels from the storm drains. Workers are shoring up shops and putting sandbags in doorways. Boat owners bringing them in from the shore. The Army is everywhere. All roads closed. All shops and Supermarkets have Army guarding against panic buying.
Guys, we are getting a direct hurricane hit. Agatha is stalled about 120 km from the coast which means it's just building and getting more power and rain and it did just make the turn to show its path is right over Puerto Escondido. It's possible that with storm surge and the many rivers that run from the mountains, we could see significant flooding. It will be about 120 mph (about 194 kmh) and the coast line water is already up a couple of meters higher and it hasn't even started.
We have been told to prepare as per the following:
Have a back-up clean drinking water. Boil water ahead of time or make sure you have back stock. Remember to have 2 liters per person per day. Have extra non-potable water for dishes and toilet flushes if pumps are down because of electrical outage. A week's worth of food in case of flooded roads that can't transport in food. Things that don't need refrigeration are helpful in case of power outages. Candles and lighters (matches can get wet and not work so if you have them keep them dry) or flashlights and extra batteries. Plastic bags in case of flooding - for electronics and important documents. Charge your electronics ahead of time and keep them charged.• bring in outdoor furniture. Take down outdoor hanging lighting, take down overhangs. (they turn into whips and things that can fly off and break other things) Basic first aid - stuff for cuts or stomach issues. A bag to evacuate with a clean change of clothes, tooth brush, documents etc. if you are at low elevation. A full tank of gas in case of flooding and fast evacuation if you are along the coast. Remove fragile things off high shelves (when the walls shake from high winds things could fly off). Cover glass with blankets in case glass breaks from high wind or something flying into it - will keep glass from shattering into the room. Be aware of water lines and rising water levels. Turn off gas lines. Go to rooms with the least amount of windows during the storms intensity, especially east and south facing windows that will get the brunt of the wind. Don't use phone lines to keep them free for emergencies AND... meditate and enjoy!!
STOP PRESS. Eleven people are dead and more than 20 missing after Hurricane Agatha struck Oaxaca State in Mexico. Agatha made landfall as a category two hurricane, the strongest to hit Mexico's Pacific coast in the month of May since records began in 1949. Heavy rain brought by Agatha triggered landslides and flash flooding. Most of the victims were swept away by rivers or buried in mudslides. Agatha arrived on Mexico's coast near Puerto Ángel with wind gusts of up to 169km/h (105mph) but lost strength as it moved inland.
Tuesday 31/05/2022: Yes. IT HIT, but not as severely in Escondido as expected but very sorry for those who lost their lives and those whose houses were destroyed. The beach has largely disappeared and some fairly deep flooding, trees down and vegetation in the streets. Otherwise have escaped but electricity out so no power which will cause discomfort and loss of frozen food stuff. Relief mainly. Now have to hope that our flights in two days' time are not cancelled. So with the wind behind us will be in the UK by the end of the week and in future will not be so melondramatic. See you soon.
Avocado and chips. Cathy and Spencer.
MOVING ON
Saturday 07/05/2022: Mexico continues to surprise and recently I read of an amusing, but serious, Police case against SHEEP! Mexico has high impunity rates for many crimes but residents of one municipality in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, not far from our place of domicile, have made it clear they won't tolerate the consumption of GRASS. Not the drug type, that's relatively OK. Two sheep were locked up in the municipal jail for about 13 hours as they were caught grazing on the pasture of the grounds of a local school. I also learnt that among animals that have also spent time behind bars are turkeys, donkeys and goats. In a recent case in Oaxaca, a donkey was jailed because its owners were unable to pay local taxes. It was freed after 72 hours. The Police earnt money by offering donkey rides to the local children for a small fee. Not proven, of course!! Google the youtube link for DRAMTIC FOOTAGE OF INCARCERATED SHEEP.
Tuesday 10/05/2022: Still on related police matters thieves are being hunted who have reached new 'heights' after 300 drones were snatched in a highway robbery. More than 800 advanced technical items worth about US $320,000 were stolen. A technology company has asked customers for patience after thieves cleared out a truck carrying a variety of products. The company made a statement stating that as well as the drones 500 cameras and mounts were also stolen from a truck transporting the products to their warehouses. The thieves were probably using one of the company's drones to track the truck, maybe!!
Sunday 15/05/2022: There are many snakes in Mexico, 381 species to be exact, and one is the Boa constrictor. The notion that constrictors slay by preventing breathing turns out to be wrong. These snakes don't need limbs, or even venom, to bring down an animal of their own size but are extraordinary hunters. Speed matters with prey flailing claws, hooves or other weaponry the snake lacks. Embracing prey into heart failure is faster than suffocating which is what boas do. Ambushing birds, monkeys and a wide range of other animals from Mexico and south to Argentina, the iconic Boa constrictor attacks by cinching a loop or two around the upper body of prey, pressing against its victim hard enough to starve organs of oxygenated blood. The rainbow boa, Epicrates cenchria, kills its prey by cutting off its captive's blood flow, not by suffocating it. Circulation falters and fails. Boas release their grip after about six minutes on average. Then the boa swallows the catch whole. Moveable bones in the head help the snake make the gulp, as does a dimple of stretchy cartilage that lets the chin open wide. So next timje you hug your partner in a tight embrace make sure the you donn't cut off the blood supply. Could lead to a sad occurrence.
Tuesday 17/05/2022: Not usually into politics in Mexico, could lead to disputes, but recently an open debate has been a talking point, so briefly this is the gist and it focusses on attendance at the Summit of the Americas to be held soon.
Respect for democracy is an essential condition for attendance at the Summit of the Americas, a senior United States official said on Thursday. The U.S. government appears unlikely to invite the presidents of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua to the ninth edition of the regional forum, which will be held in Los Angeles this month. This has caused debate in Mexico. The President, López Obrador, questioned the validity of his compatriot, Senor Ramos's statement that some South American leaders should not be invited to the important summit, in agreement with the US. Ramos' assertion was made in reference to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. The President countered by saying, "Who are we to call some people thugs, torturers and oppressors and not others? Do we consider ourselves supreme judges now? Are we going to decide about others? With what right?" He said that Mexico is seeking an agreement so that "we all participate" in the summit, "all of America. Unity is in our interest. That's what politics is for, that's what diplomacy is for." Ramos replied that his opinion of the "brutal dictatorships" in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela is supported by "numerous reports about violations of human rights by Amnesty International and other organizations." "... There are hundreds and hundreds of political prisoners in Cuban, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan jails. The Mexicans must take sides but our side must be that of democracy, justice, freedoms and respect of human rights." There can be no winners in this debate but at least in Mexico there is a possibility of opposite opinions.
Friday 20/05/2022: Bike Demise After 13 years and thousands of kilometres my Tenere is no more. It has finally travelled on its last journey and it is very sad to report that I have decided to reduce it to body parts. It has served me incredibly well and has taken me through jungles, deserts, over mountains and on endless tracks of wasteland. An amazing variety of terrains. It has been through tropical storms, blizzards, searing heat and sub-zero temperatures. It has saved my life on multiple occasions when a lesser bike would have left me for dead. Now in pieces and packed into cartons for shipping to the UK as a museum exhibit. I cannot leave it in Mexico it would break my heart.
Sunday 22/05/2022: Finally will be leaving Mexico in just over a week and hopefully will see some of you at the up-coming bike shows. My new book will be available and would love to have a chat with anyone who wants to do so about South America and the adventures that both Cathy and myself experienced. I include a map of the route around that vast, and magical continent. My next log will be posted probably after I have left this incredible country and I will be saddened to leave here. Farewell Mexico and Mexican friends and I hope all stay well and find peace and joy. Dreaming of the future.
Friday 15/04/2022: Two Rarámuri runners are part of the cast of a new Mexican movie about a man training to compete in the Mexico City marathon. Martín Moreno and Enrique Moreno star alongside film and television actor David Angulo in a film directed by Rafael Montero that is currently in the final phase of post-production. The protagonist meets Martín and Enrique at the start of the film, asks them for help to achieve his goal of running in the Mexico City marathon and pledges to accompany them as they run along the highway from Chihuahua city to the state's Sierra region. Rarámuri, or Tarahumara, people are renowned long-distance runners and typically run in traditional sandals called huaraches. "It's the story of a man who, like all of us, isn't perfect. He has several problems in his life, but he's not a bad person. Through this journey, he connects with the best version of himself, and it's always nice to see the transformation of a person." From the Director.
Easter Saturday 16/04/2022: Today is Holy Saturday, the day between the commemoration of the death of Christ and the celebration of his resurrection. It is also the day, according to tradition, when the apostle Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus to Roman authorities for money, committed suicide. For the unspeakable sin of betraying the son of God, Judas has long been an icon of evil second only to the Devil himself in the eyes of Catholics. In southern Europe, a tradition arose of making effigies to represent Judas, then burning them on Holy Saturday as a way to repudiate evil and purify the community for the upcoming celebrations. The Spanish took this tradition with them to the New World. Of course, Mexico made changes. One of these was to forego the crude human figure made of whatever was on hand to something that required more artistic talent - often in a hard papier-mache craft style called cartonería.
A figure of the Devil became the most popular, with the idea that it represented Judas after the betrayal, rather than trying to depict what he might have looked like in life. The second adaption made in Mexico was to "burn" the figure not by setting it alight but by setting off a bunch of fireworks attached or embedded into the figure, essentially blowing it to pieces and destroying a finely crafted artwork that took hours to make. But a third tradition with the Judases nearly wiped out the entire Holy Saturday ritual in the 1950s: that of making Judases in the form of living public figures who for one reason or another had prompted the ire of the community - in particular, authorities. During Mexico's decades-long one-party rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), such mockery of political leaders became common so Artisans' workshops were checked in the run-up to Holy Week to see if any Judases representing the president or others were being made. The tradition was prohibited. But now they are permitted and in most communities where Judases are "burned," the brightly painted figures are hoisted into a tree or suspended in a way that allows them to dangle, much like a piñata.
Monday 18/04/2022: Here in Mexico the Mayan dynasty is represented in artefacts and monuments across the country and it is now possible to put a date to some of the remains across the region. Buried within the Las Pinturas pyramid in San Bartolo, Guatemala, thousands of painted plaster mural fragments offer a window into ancient Maya civilization. Two of those fragments form the earliest known record of a Maya calendar, created between 300 and 200 B.C. The fragments depict the date of "7 Deer" from the 260-day sacred calendar common across ancient Mesoamerica and still used today by indigenous communities in Guatemala and southern Mexico. From 400 B.C. to 100 A.D., the Mayas razed and rebuilt their pyramids several times, creating a series of discrete time capsules stacked on top of each other. By radiocarbon dating both the material in the layer where the calendar fragments were found and the material used to bury that layer meant researchers can determine when the calendar was produced which was once common across Mesoamerica. Thirteen numbers and twenty signs are mixed and matched to represent 260 specific dates in the history of the Mayan dynasty.
Wednesday 20/04/2022: History has a habit of repeating itself and here in Mexico foreign nations have invaded the country in an effort to colonise them over several centuries. The Spanish, of course, but also the French, along with the British, who invaded Mexico in 1861 after the then president Benito Juárez stopped making foreign debt repayments. The British left the country after receiving a guarantee they would receive the money they were owed, but the French remained. Mexican forces defeated the French army at the famous Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, but the city fell to the French just over a year later. There are remains of a person who probably died from a bullet wound, as well as elements such as buttons and bullets that can give us information about the battle, which occurred in the streets of Puebla to defend the sovereignty of the country. Does that sound familiar? The Mexican victory is celebrated yearly through a festival on the same date as the battle. It is primarily held in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the holiday is celebrated as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla. In the United States, this holiday has evolved into the very popular Cinco de Mayo holiday, a celebration of Mexican heritage. If Ukraine succeeds in surviving the Russian invasion I am sure there will be similar celebrations.
Friday 22/04/2022: I am regularly in contact with scorpions and quite like the creatures. They often creep into shower rooms and can be found under stones and in crevices in garden areas. They are silent assassins and can be quite pesky and also adept at hiding in any clothing left lying around. Word of warning!! Have just learnt that the smaller the scorpion the more severe the sting. They can inject highly toxic poison which can kill an adult. Children often die from a tiny scorpion sting. Large scorpions are not so deadly. Beware and aware you don't know where they lair, lurk.
Sunday 24/04/2022: Today I have to celebrate as after weeks of writing and editing my next book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' it is now at the printers and should be available in the middle of May. It has been difficult to liaise with my editor in the UK, particularly as it has been logistically a nightmare to organise contact from Mexico with intermittent wi-fi contact. But all is now done. The book is 364 pages and has 80 photos, with 26 in colour. It is not an account of a circumnavigation but a book of 23 chapters of accounts of the culture and historical events that shaped South America. On our journey through the continent we experienced extremes of life for the inhabitants of the countries we travelled through and encountered people who survive on the fringes of what is termed 'society.' We met with mafia gangs, prostitutes and drug addicts but also with the most engaging of people and the best of this exotic and beautiful continent. A wonderful, exciting and unforgettable journey. We also did have to contend with extremes of terrain and weather and temperatures from below zero to 40 celsius. The book does not delve into this aspect but for an example I include a short extract of what came our way. This is after struggling through a thunderstorm along a muddy track for several kilometres in search of a place to rest up and regain strength.
We rode on, the sweat from our bodies drying and cooling us, and then the rain started again, running down our necks, soaking us once more. We started shivering uncontrollably, in spasms. Your body starts jolting, and my fingers were numb around the bars. Guyana means 'land of many waters'. No kidding. From all directions. Not a problem, if you have lights. The Tenere headlight was useless. It was facing towards the sky, like an air raid search light, the road ahead, pitch black. No choice but to stop and align it. I duly snapped off the adjustor knob, so had to stuff a sock behind the light, at the top, to lower the beam. It worked a treat. It was like following the light from a burning cigarette, or from a gloomy candle. Must sort that out. This was getting dangerous. I was all for stopping, spreading the tent over the bike, and sleeping on the ground, crying, underneath it.
It was a "No" from Cathy: "Keep going, take it slowly, we will get somewhere"
"We are somewhere," I didn't say
I repeated in my head, 'Day by day, nothing lasts forever'
All for now and hopefully you will enjoy the book. Best from Cathy and myself and don't forget the figgy pudding. Spencer
Saturday 29/03/2025: This next snippet will probably affect me directly. The first international flights to Puerto Escondido will commence this week. Direct flights from the United States to the laid-back beach town of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, are now available as the sunny surf destination seeks to open up to new tourism markets. The weekly flight, which launched on April 5, is serviced by United Airlines' partner Mesa Airlines and departs from Houston, Texas, every Saturday. "This direct service benefits Houston in many ways," head of aviation for Houston Airports Jim Szczesniak said. "It will boost our hospitality and tourism industries while creating new partnerships and economic exchanges between our city and Mexico." Operating on board an Embraer 175 with a capacity between 70 and 76 seats, the flight departs George Bush International Airport (IAH) at 9:51 a.m. and lands at Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) at 11:35 am. The outbound flight departs Oaxaca at 12:35 p.m. and lands in Texas at 4:17 p.m. Oaxaca Tourism Minister Saymi Adriana Pineda Velasco said that this first international flight is a milestone that marks the beginning of a new era for Puerto Escondido. The flight, she said, results from a major renovation of the airport, which recently received a historic investment of 200 million dollars. This investment includes upgrades to runways, taxiways, commercial aviation platforms, general aviation platforms and access to roads. Maybe I will use this route in future when bound for the UK.
Sunday 03/04/2025: Current and evolving technology affects us all and specifically in the field of electronics. Martin Cooper, born December 26, 1928, was an American engineer and a pioneer in the wireless communications industry, especially in radio spectrum management. On April 3, 1973, Cooper placed the first public call from a handheld portable cell phone while working at Motorola, from a Manhattan sidewalk to his counterpart at Bell Laboratories. He is considered the "father of the handheld cell phone". In the early 1970s, Cooper headed Motorola's communications systems division. Here he conceived of the first portable cellular phone in 1973. Car phones had been in limited use in the U.S. since the 1930s but Cooper championed cellular telephony for more general personal, portable communications. He believed the cellular phone should be a personal telephone – something that would represent an individual so you could assign a call number to a person. The management at Motorola supported Cooper's mobile phone concept, investing $100 million between 1973 and 1993 before any revenues were realized. Cooper managed a team that designed and assembled the product in less than 90 days. That original handset, called the DynaTAC 8000x (DYNamic Adaptive Total Area Coverage) weighed 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), measured 10 inches (25 cm) long and was dubbed "the brick" or "the shoe" phone. A very substantial part of the DynaTAC was the battery, which weighed four to five times more than a modern cell phone. The phone had only 30 minutes of talk time before requiring a 10-hour recharge but according to Cooper, "The battery lifetime wasn't really a problem because you couldn't hold that phone up for that long!" By 1983 and after four versions, the handset was reduced to half its original weight. How heavy is your phone? How long does the battery last and what is the charge time? 
Wednesday 09/04/2025: News flash. During the night the neighbour next to us had a water burst. She was not there. I loaded up some bricks into a stair shape and got over her wall and turned it off. I didn't say anything but must have been spotted because she came and said thanks and brought me some apples. Apples are an imported luxury, so a nice gesture.
But on the downside. The house has been burgled again with me in the bedroom. I had just been paid for the bike I serviced-2000 pesos. I had to get new rear bearings, and a chain fitted on my bike so took it to a workshop and walked home. Went for a snooze and when I woke up to call that my bike was ready, I went in the lounge and noticed my two twenty litre water containers were gone. I thought I may have left them by the cistern so went outside and saw the window in the second bedroom had been prised open. They took my wallet with the 2000 and my Mexican residency card, my broken phone, my TV remote and my Sendra motorcycle boots and my battery charger. They hit my dog over the head with something and she is not good so going to vet. They can't go into the lounge without seeing me through the mozzie screen. So scary! Also am missing Cathy. You can't be with someone for 25 years and not feel loss, no matter what. Not too good at the moment. Sorry to moan. Post a repeat pic of my feeling. Having a bad day.
1. Pace. This book moves at a breakneck speed—much like Conway himself. If you've heard his interviews, you'll know what I mean. This isn't a methodical travel log—it's 23 wild, standalone stories packed into one book. No filler, all killer. It opens with a harrowing tale set in the infamous Barrio of No Return and just keeps ramping up. Flip to the Table of Contents and you'll see titles like The Naked Peruvian Customs Officer, Tarantulas, Cane Toads and Hell Town, and Pablo Putin: The Cartel Cocaine Dealer. That alone gives you a taste of the adrenaline inside.
Sunday 09/03/2025: Africa is the usual home of a long necked long-legged animal with distinctive skin markings but now they can be found in Mexico. They have been seen recently in the northern region of this country. Giraffes! They have been spotted roaming freely in Mexico's northern state of Coahuila, leaving authorities and residents bemused and amazed. The latest sighting occurred in the municipality of Hidalgo. As yet no one has made a video of them, but they have been caught on camera. A post of giraffes romping through a semi-desert area in the municipality of Sabinas has generated thousands of online views. Three other giraffes have also been seen near Coahuila's border with Nuevo León. The sightings have raised questions about the regulation of exotic fauna in the region. Authorities are checking records to determine if anyone has legal permits to keep the giraffes or if they are part of an illegal trafficking operation. Rangers have been deployed to assess the health of the animals and to decide on further actions. Let's hope they don't become a target for animal smugglers.
Monday 10/03/2025: Now this is some info on a place where I live. A hidden gem no longer, Puerto Escondido has been selected as the 14th World Surfing Reserve, a prestigious title that acknowledges the area's world-class waves and ecological significance. Situated in the southern part of Oaxaca state, Puerto Escondido has a coastline that features eight unique waves and some of the best beach breaks in the world, including Playa Zicatela and Punta Colorada. The break at Zicatela, often referred to as the "Mexican Pipeline," includes powerful and consistent waves that are regarded as a treasure in the surfing world. The 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) stretch designated for the honour was selected by the Save The Waves Coalition, a 24-year-old international nonprofit organisation dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the globe. The new status is expected to be officially bestowed in early 2026. Beyond Puerto Escondido's much-loved waves, the coastal ecosystems of Zicatela and Colorada have critically important terrestrial and marine biodiversity that they host. For example, each serves as a nesting habitat for three sea turtle species: olive ridley, black and the critically endangered leatherback. Nearby mangrove forests at Punta Colorada and Laguna de Chacahua National Park provide habitats for iguanas, crocodiles and other wildlife, playing a crucial role in water filtration, flood prevention and carbon storage. As you know I adopted a leatherback turtle which I swam with daily a while back. And the mango swamps became a news item when one of a pair of sisters from England was attacked by a crocodile. Only saved by her twin. Very lucky escape.
Sunday 14/03/2025: On to a beneficial ruling to improve health. Coca-Cola stopped selling several of its products in elementary schools across Mexico as of Thursday, the Mexican Coca-Cola Industry (IMCC) announced in a statement last week. The national strategy aims to ban the sale of ultra-processed and high-calorie food and drink in public and private schools, instead offering healthy alternatives with training being provided to school officials on the menus. It will also promote access to drinking water, raise awareness among parents and pressure the food industry to develop more nutritious products. According to the National Health Survey, around 98% of Mexico's schools sell junk food, while 95% sell sugary drinks. The DOF published the following standards for food and drink in schools: Foods must be of natural origin or minimally processed. Seasonal fruits and vegetables must be offered for foods of animal origin, only poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is allowed and must be prepared without fat and skin These foods should be cooked using minimal sugar and oil Access to drinking water must be guaranteed, free of charge. Caffeinated drinks are prohibited. In October, Education Minister Mario Delgado told reporters at a press conference "We are one of the countries with the world's highest levels of childhood obesity and we can't continue like this anymore." The new rules on unhealthy food and drink will come into effect on March 29. Schools that do not comply with the ban could be fined between 545 and 5,450 pesos (US $27 and $273). The sale of drinks without warning labels will also be prohibited in stores and by street vendors in areas surrounding schools. A government-sponsored health campaign commenced in schools across the country on March 12. The scheme will provide health checks for 35,000 students from 2,094 elementary schools, including measuring students' height and weight, eye and oral health checks, and the creation of digital records. Seems good to me.
Sunday 16/03/2025: Not specially related to Mexico but more of a world-wide interest. The English 1872 FA Cup final was a football match between Wanderers and Royal Engineers on 16 March 1872 at Kennington Oval in London. It was the final of the first staging of the Football Association Challenge Cup (known in the modern era as the FA Cup), which became the primary cup competition in English football and the oldest football competition in the world. Fifteen teams entered the competition in its first season and, due to the rules in place at the time, Wanderers reached the final having won only one match in the four preceding rounds. In the semi-finals, they drew with the Scottish club Queen's Park, but reached the final when the Scots withdrew from the competition as they could not afford to return to London for a replay. The final was decided by a single goal, scored after fifteen minutes by Morton Betts of Wanderers, who was playing under the pseudonym "A.H. Chequer". The Engineers were praised for their innovative use of passing, then referred to as the "Combination Game", at a time when most teams relied almost solely on dribbling tactics. Despite this they could not manage to score a goal. The winning Wanderers team did not receive the trophy until the following month, when it was presented to them at a special reception at the Pall Mall Restaurant. Football is now a global game and much changed since the days when footballers had to pay for everything themselves. Some had to rely upon donations to but their kit. 
This occurred at 10am and by six we were gathered at the wake, a coffin and flowers and priest and congregation organised. There then followed a three-hour speech about God, by a priest who looked like Roger Daltry. He was only interrupted by my dog and a Bush hound which decided to make friends under the coffin rack. There were eventually about eight dogs all howling on a nearby hill and none of us could hear the priest who continued nevertheless, highly enthusiastically. His midget, suited, side kick, interjected with a few thousand 'Praise Gods'. After another sixteen hours, I exaggerate slightly there, the congregation just gave up and dispersed. The women started cooking tortillas on an open fire near the coffin. The men cracked beers and jokes, and the priest continued, only pausing briefly to rearrange the flower display. It was an excellent wake. The next day was the funeral and then every evening for 7 evenings we went to the hut at 7 pm to drink coffee and offer more praise to the Lord. When it is said Mexicans 'celebrate death as a normal part of the cycle of life', I thought, that doesn't make sense. But I kind of get it now. That's why 'Day of the Dead' features so prominently in Mexico.
Wednesday 26/02/2025: The election of Donald Trump is of some concern in Mexico as he is entering into trade wars around the world. Mexico is threatened. The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has recently been flying drones over Mexico to spy on drug cartels and hunt for fentanyl labs. The CIA has covertly flown MQ-9 Reaper drones to spy on cartels since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. The drones used for the missions are not currently armed, but they can be equipped with payloads to carry out precision strikes. The U.S. regularly uses them to target suspected terrorists in Syria, Iraq and Somalia. They are adept at identifying clandestine drug labs. Fentanyl labs emit chemicals that make them easy to find from the air. The United States could employ different operational strategies in Mexican territory to locate and neutralize drug cartel leaders, using similar methods to those employed in other parts of the world such as the Middle East, Afghanistan, Central America and South America. At present no such action is envisaged as Mexico is a sovereign state and would not allow foreign troops to 'invade'. It is possible that the drone activity could help reduce the manufacture and distribution of drugs into America which would be a positive outcome. We shall see.
Saturday 01/03/2025: Onto a more active form of 'enjoyment'. In 1955, Emma Gatewood left her home in Ohio, telling her family she was going out for a walk. That "walk" turned into a 2,000-mile journey across mountains, rivers, and rugged wilderness. At 67 years old, she became the first woman to solo hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. With no fancy gear, no sponsors, and no backup, she carried only a homemade denim sack, a shower curtain for shelter, and a pair of simple sneakers on her feet. Why did she do it? To prove that she could. Emma had lived through years of hardship, raising 11 children, surviving an abusive marriage, and enduring the struggles of the Great Depression. She read about the Appalachian Trail in National Geographic and decided she could walk it—just like that. With grit, kindness from strangers, and a deep love for nature, she completed the trail, inspiring generations of hikers. She would hike it again in 1960 and complete it a third time in sections by 1963, becoming the first person to hike it three times. Her courage and determination changed hiking forever, sparking interest in lightweight backpacking and bringing national attention to the Appalachian Trail. Today, her legacy lives on. Hikers still walk the same paths she did, following in the footsteps of Grandma Gatewood—the woman who just went out for a walk... and never looked back. Incidentally Bill Bryson attempted the 'walk' which he recounts in his book 'A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail' in 1998. For much of his journey, Bryson was accompanied by his friend Matt Angerer. After hiking for what seemed to them a large distance, they realized they had barely begun and that the whole endeavour was simply too much for them. They skip a huge section of the trail with desire to seek easier terrain as well as "a powerful urge not to be this far south any longer". They hiked nearly 800 miles,1,300 km, and were much relieved to stop, still alive. Not up to Grandma Gatewood standard. Read the book. It is very funny and makes one realise how difficult the challenge is.
Friday 14/02/2025: have been conducting some research recently into my ancestors purely to learn of my heritage. Do I have any interesting ancestors? No! However I discovered that I have Irish and English roots. One great-grandfather was from Irish stock born in 1884 William O'Neil Conway. He had the distinction of being a giant of a man!! 5ft 2in and 54 kls. He served in the British Army in WW1 and was awarded two bravery medals aged 22. After the Army he was employed as a servant. My other was from the Eastend of London, a proper Cockney, Harry George Neeve, DOB 1893, maybe. He was a railway worker. Both had little education, and both married, on the Irish side five children, one being my father's father, Walter O'Neil Conway. He left school at 14 and worked for the Brooke Bond Tea Company for the whole of his life. On the other, two girls. One being my father's wife, Doris Love Neeve who had polio and spent a good part of her childhood in hospital. She worked as a milliner and shirt maker in the Eastend until she married Walter. One can say that both ancestral families were very poor but survived the hard times. I provide a photo of the type of houses in London at the time and one of a shirt factory where Doris worked. Incidentally Michael O'Neil Conway, not my father, but with the same name, was murdered. 
Saturday 15/02/2025: A little info on some fellow who died on this day some time ago. Maybe you have some knowledge of him. Socrates. Not the footballer. Socrates, the influential philosopher, active in ancient Athens in the 5th Century B.C. He is famous for his 'Socratic method' a dialectic way of inquiry whereby a series of questions is asked to establish a person's beliefs or knowledge. Socrates is also remembered for the manner of his death. In 399 B.C. he was convicted in Athens of corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens. His pupils and associates Plato and Xenophon recorded his end in a series of written dialogues. Sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning, Socrates refused to accept the offer to escape and choosing to respect the wishes of the state willingly drank hemlock. Controversial in his own time, Socrates had a profound effect on philosophy in the ancient world and beyond and is regarded to today as the Father of Western Philosophy. Socrates is known for proclaiming his total ignorance; he used to say that the only thing he was aware of was his ignorance, seeking to imply that the realization of one's ignorance is the first step in philosophizing. Trump take note.
To open I include information on Jane Austen since it is 250 years since the birth of one of England's most beloved authors. Her novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, are renowned for their wit, social observation and insights into the lives of early 19th Century women. Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in the village of Steventon in Hampshire. She was one of eight children, having six brothers and one sister. Jane loved reading and writing from a young age, and often put on plays for the family with her older sister Cassandra. Jane completed six novels, two of which were published after her death. Her novels were published anonymously saying they were penned by 'A Lady'. After Jane's death aged 41, her sister Cassandra and brother Henry published two more of her books together - Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. In her novels she made fun at how people expected women to behave at the time. Her books are usually focused on one or two heroines who use their wit and intelligence to overcome challenges thrown their way. It was quite rare for women to be published authors, as women did not have many rights. One of the only ways a woman could secure her future at the time was by marrying someone who was wealthy or powerful. Women could not vote until 1918, or even have control over their own money until 1870. Jane herself never married - but she was very close to her family, including her sister, her brothers and her many nieces and nephews. Her sister Cassandra burnt all her extensive correspondence after she died. Why is not known. Her novels have often been made into films and TV programmes and currently the BBC is screening a series on her sister Cassandra. No doubt will not be the last.
Monday 27/01/2025: Now more downmarket! I continue to make a living !!! with several jobs. A struggle, but happy to be in Mexico despite the political situation as I'm in a generally relaxed area in Escondido. Would rather be back on my bike and continuing circumnavigations of the continents but distinctly on the back burner now. Pity. Most important at present is to get Cathy back to the UK as she is still suffering from the debilitating effects of meningitis. Have booked a flight for her at the end of February to join her family in Ireland and continue treatment. I remain here and carry on training bike riding, maintenance, teaching English and Spanish. Weird combination but pleased to do so. Here with a photo of one of my bike trainees and an Ad for my 'business.' 
Mexico began deploying the 10,000 troops it promised to send to its border with the United States on Wednesday, its two largest deployment sites reported to be near Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana. National Guardsmen and soldiers have been reported arriving near Ciudad Juárez, across the border from El Paso, Texas. Roughly 1,600 troops are expected to patrol that area, according to The Associated Press news agency. "Total elimination of cartels sounds like an impossible task," he wrote, explaining that "campaigns to totally eliminate drugs... or terrorism often fall short."
Friday 07/02/2025: Now follows another entry on a writer of no small repute. Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on this date in 1812, the English novelist, journalist, short story writer and social critic. He created some of literature's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school at age 12 to work in a boot-blacking factory when his father John was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. After three years, he returned to school before beginning his literary career as a journalist. Dickens edited a weekly journal for 20 years; wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and nonfiction articles; lectured and performed readings extensively in England and America, was a tireless letter writer; and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education and other social reforms. He died on 9 June 1870. How many of you can name any of his characters and at least one of his books?
Thursday 16/01/2024: This is butterflying migrant season and not so threatening as the human one. As mentioned before monarch butterflies have depleted in numbers in the last few years so Mexican scientists are undertaking an ambitious project to transplant monarch butterfly habitats by planting new fir forests at higher altitudes on the Nevado de Toluca volcano, responding to climate change threats that could eliminate suitable habitats in the existing Monarch Reserve. Working with Indigenous communities, the team has planted nearly 1,000 trees at various altitudes over the past seven years, aiming to establish healthy forests by 2060 that can provide the specific temperature conditions monarchs need for hibernation. The urgency of this work is highlighted by recent reports showing monarch butterfly populations in traditional hibernation locations dropped nearly 60% during the winter of 2023-2024, though there are promising signs as monarchs have been spotted exploring new areas near the transplanted habitats. We have experienced forests of monarchs and pray that they survive for future generations.
Friday 17/01/2024: More on the controversial film mentioned in the previous log and now being nominated for many Oscars. By the time you read this the results will be known. French filmmaker Jacques Audiard defended and apologized for his film "Emilia Pérez" at its Mexican premiere addressing criticism surrounding its portrayal of drug trafficking and the nation's crisis of missing persons. "The drama of the missing is something that shocks me deeply," Audiard said. "It's a tragedy that's largely invisible outside of Mexico, and my goal was to generate dialogue, not offense. If you think I approached it too lightly, I apologize," he said, adding, "Cinema's purpose isn't to provide answers but to provoke questions. "Audiard maintained that "Emilia Pérez" reflects an "interpreted reality" of Mexico, likening its operatic style to storytelling that resonates emotionally rather than literally. Gascón, a Spanish trans actress who plays dual roles as Emilia Pérez and her former identity, a male cartel leader named Manitas del Monte, defended her connection to the story. "I feel more Mexican than a cactus," she said, highlighting the complexity of her character's transformation from a ruthless criminal to a remorseful figure. The controversy extends beyond the screen, with Gascón revealing she has received death threats on social media. Audiard, who avoids social media, expressed dismay at the personal attacks. No comment as I haven't seen the film.
Monday 20/01/2024: Recent comments by a famous author are relevant to current issues. A couple of days ago Margaret Atwood received the San Miguel Writers' Conference Award for Literary Excellence and said that to write 'The Handmaid's Tale', she realised that she knew she needed to fill in a gap in her knowledge of American history by studying Puritanism in the New England colonies. "So I studied that quite thoroughly, and I'm here to tell you that America did not begin as a democracy. It began as a theocracy - and if you have something like that in your background, it's quite likely to recur." She added that the current Christian nationalist movement in the United States is frighteningly influential. "There's a recurring tendency in human history," noted Atwood, "to believe in a Golden Age and that there's some way of returning to it. That goes all the way back to the Greeks, and it's the same with Make America Great Again. The inauguration of Trump will reveal in three months, what movie we're in - is it Game of Thrones? Macbeth with Mrs. Vance playing Lady Macbeth? Or Julius Caesar? Will Mr. Trump have an unfortunate fall down a flight of stairs? All of these are intensely possible. We're watching a pitched battle for power amongst the billionaire courtiers, too, with Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and others who hate each other. I think we're in the Machiavellian Renaissance". Attwood was asked about the American drugs problem and responded by stating, "It's a vicious spiral. The real solution I suppose is to remove the appetite for drugs, but you can't do that without making life more attractive for those who consume them. America right now is a deeply unhappy nation - and the more drugs, the more unhappy."
Sunday 16/03/2024: Some of you may not take kindly to eating insects but on my travels, I have had a variety thrust upon me in some awkward situations. Some forced, some by choice. In Africa during the rainy season thousands of flying ants take to the air, are caught, and fried for a meal. More extreme is the capture of tarantulas for a snack. Now scientific research has highlighted the fact that ants are both tasty and nutritious! In fact in Mexico it has been confirmed that the chicatana ant, native to this country, has a 'nutty roasty, woody flavour' and can be used to make a smoky salsa to serve with tortillas. It is popular in Oaxaca, my nearest large city, along with other more common ants that can be dried and crushed into a powder for flavouring. Some are used as a lemon juice substitute when mixed with water. But be careful to collect the right type of ant for your next batch as some are poisonous and the bullet ant has the worst sting in the world. Ant revenge!! Also as an added comment, the local Mexicans have named my bike Chicatana! Sounds like an angry ant.
Monday 06/01/2025: Top Hats!! Why? Because in January 1797 John Hetherington, a haberdasher, appeared in court after he had stepped out onto the streets of London wearing the 'outrageous' headgear. It caused a sensation. So much so that a crowd formed, and Hetherington was eventually arrested and given a summons for disturbing the public peace. In court, found guilty of wearing a hat "calculated to frighten timid people", he was bound over to keep the peace in consideration of a sum of 50 pounds. The arresting officer told the court that nobody had seen anything like it before: "He had such a tall and shiny construction on his head that it must have terrified nervous people. The sight of this construction was so overstated that various women fainted, children began to cry, and dogs started to bark. One child broke his arm among all the jostling." The next day, The Times newspaper reported: "Hetherington's hat points to a significant advance in the transformation of dress. Sooner or later, everyone will accept this headwear. We believe that both the court and the police made a mistake here." The newspaper was right. The top hat, which went by several names including Toppers, Chimney Pots, and Stove Pipes, grew in popularity, finally achieving the ultimate stamp of respectability in 1850 when Prince Albert, no less, began to wear one, giving the headgear the royal seal of approval. There was no going back after that...
To finish this log another snippet of useless information to add to your knowledge but with a connection to Mexico. 
Thursday 09/01/2025: And finally, finally had a surprise visit by Ashley Bond and his wife recently. Ashley has been associated with the film world as an actor and camera man for many years and has interesting tales to tell. He was involved in the latest 'Nosferatu' film and has a long list of top films in his portfolio. It was great to talk to him and his wife so thanks Ashley. Hope to meet up again sometime.
"I have never felt so happy and really 'at one with my machine', to use a clichéd term. I felt like I had found my true life. I had also found a way to 'not' have panic attacks, which in my eyes is more helpful than trying to find the reasons behind them. If I could make Adventure Motorcycling a career maybe panic attacks could become a thing of the past. For those of you who are keyboard doctors, panic attacks do not arise out of fear or dangerous situations and are also not predictable. I have faced a bandit attack in Kenya, a kidnapping in Panama and various other out of control situations. Did I have a panic attack? - no! When I was mowing my lawn in a quaint little village in Kent, UK did I have a panic attack? - yes! That is one small example of the unpredictability of such occurrences."
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat and the fastest land animal. It was first described in the late 18th century and there are four subspecies native to Africa and central Iran and was introduced to India in 2022. It is now distributed mainly in small, fragmented populations in northwestern, eastern and southern Africa and central Iran. It lives in a variety of habitats such as savannahs in the Serengeti, arid mountain ranges in the Sahara, and hilly desert terrain. The cheetah is threatened by habitat loss, conflict with humans, poaching and high susceptibility to diseases. The global cheetah population was estimated in 2021 at 6,517. It has been widely depicted in art, literature, advertising, and animation. The cheetah was tamed in ancient Egypt and trained for hunting in the Arabian Peninsula and India. The vernacular name "cheetah" is derived from Hindustani Urdu and Hindi. This in turn comes from Sanskrit (Chitra-ya) meaning 'variegated', 'adorned' or 'painted'. In was often called "hunting leopard" because they could be tamed and used for coursing. In my youth in Africa, I was privileged to see a lone cheetah in Serengeti game reserve. Let's hope they survive.
Tuesday 17/12/2024: On this day Ludwig van Beethoven was baptised in 1770. He was a German composer and pianist and one of the most revered figures in the history of Western music. His works rank among the most performed of the classical music repertoire and span the transition from the Classical period to the Romantic era. His early period, during which he forged his craft, lasted until 1802. From 1802 to around 1812, his middle period showed an individual development from the styles of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and is sometimes characterised as heroic. During this time, Beethoven began to grow increasingly deaf. In his late period, from 1812 to 1827, he extended his innovations in musical form and expression. Beethoven died on 26 March 1827 at the age of 56; only his friend Anselm Hüttenbrenner and Frau van Beethoven attended his funeral. 
Saturday 24/12/2024: We are living, as you know, in Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca which is home to a third of Mexico's total indigenous population, over a third of Oaxaquenos speak an indigenous language such as Zapoteco, Mixteco, Chatino, Trique, and Mixe. My neighbours are indigenous Zapotecs. Oaxaca is home to five language families, 15 language groups, and 176 linguistic variants. Mexico's most authentic Indigenous traditions are manifest by traditional dress, cuisine, festivities, religious beliefs, and social protocols. By the time the Spaniards arrived in the 1520s, the valley's inhabitants had split into hundreds of independent village-states that still dot its hillsides and valleys. Some villages trace their ancestry to 8,000 B.C., giving Oaxaca one of the world's longest, uninterrupted cultural patrimonies. This fact and the state's varied topography established a tradition of community fragmentation that survives today. A truly varied and lively area of Mexico. Escondido still retains authentic historic culture, but the new highway is threatening to bring about change. Not to my liking.
Sunday 25/12/2024: Christmas day and many here celebrating in traditional manner but Cathy and I had a quiet day as she remains poorly and not up to any 'wild' festivities. Anyway, tidings to all from Spencer and Cathy. Leave you with a local mural.
Thursday 20/11/2024: Now to an event in the history of the Olympic games which occurred 120 years ago. Nothing really to do with Mexico but you might find it interesting. In 90-degrees on an afternoon in 1904, 32 men dressed largely in white wearing leather belts gathered at a stadium in St. Louis, US. flanked by men in suits and porkpie hats. Two black runners from South Africa were among the starters. This caused controversy as coloureds could not compete with whites. 
Monday 24/11/2024: Many of you know that I was whisked away to darkest Africa when I was a 'wee tot', Scottish vernacular, when my father decided to take up a teaching post in Machakos, Kenya, a small town 150 kilometres from Nairobi. At that time the road was murram, red earth, dust in the dry season and a mud trap in the wet. I was 15 months old, my brother two years older and my mother young and beautiful. When we arrived at Nairobi airport the customs officials took my father aside and introduced him to a policeman. He was politely informed that he could not enter the country unless he had a haircut. It was the time of hippie long hair and flower power. He was then ensconced in a small room where he had his locks shorn with some vicious shears. My mother was also informed that her skirt was too short and needed to dress more modestly. Luckily, she had an approved dress in her suitcase so all good.
We were allowed to enter with thanks from the officials to my father for coming to teach in Kenya. Of course, at the time I did not understand what was going on and remember I was a little upset by father's strange appearance. We remained in Kenya for four years out in the 'bundu' and enjoyed the experience. We lived in a small African round hut for the first six months until a bungalow was built for us. My brother and I were allowed to wander out of the confines of the boarding school, and I leave you with a picture of Albert leaving home, as we did...
Lots of dogs barking on a distant hill so I assumed that had triggered her off. I went back, closed the sliding door and into bed. Within, what seemed like minutes, I was woken by an extremely panicked Cathy screaming ' Spencer, there is somebody in our house'. A man was standing in our bedroom door, backlit by our bathroom light. He was about 25 wearing a yellow T Shirt and shorts and was barefoot. He wasn't holding any weapon, so I jumped up, grabbed a knife by my bed and screamed in a totally demented fashion 'Motherf....' which is odd because I have never said that word in my life. I chased him down the road screaming obscenities that could apparently be heard in the next state. He darted off the dirt road and disappeared into the jungle, so I gave up the chase. Today was spent fixing the gate, buying a padlock and putting barbed wire around the top of the fence that surrounds the entire property. I know Cathy is shaken although she won't say it. In summary, having someone in your house in the middle of the night is a horrible feeling. Cathy says the image of him in the doorway will live with her forever. For me it was the animal smell that remains. I am sure the burglar works with chickens or goats or cows. The worst thing is that you wonder about everyone who walks past who looks similar. Horrible feeling.
"I understand Ashraf, I must look pretty ugly to them,'' I quipped. He laughed spontaneously, then thought he shouldn't have and spluttered, "No, no, not that, not true.'' Then as if in apology, he busied himself with preparing a hookah pipe. He spent ten minutes diligently washing out all the component parts.
Wednesday 13/11/2024: Onto some info bout someone most of you will have knowledge of. On this day in 1850 the author Robert Louis Stevenson was born. H was an essayist, poet and travel writer, best known for 'Treasure Island', 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', and 'Kidnapped'. Born and educated in Edinburgh, my university town, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble for much of his life but continued to write prolifically and travel widely in defiance of his poor health. As a young man, he mixed in London literary circles. W. E. Henley, one of his friends, may have been the model for Long John Silver in 'Treasure Island'. In 1890, he settled in Samoa, for health reasons, and became alarmed at increasing European and American influence in the South Sea islands. His writing turned from romance and adventure fiction toward a darker realism. He died of a stroke in his island home in 1894 at age 44. 'Treasure Island' (1883) was his first major success. A tale of piracy buried treasure and adventure, which has been filmed frequently. 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', (1886) about a dual personality. It became influential in the growth of understanding of the subconscious mind. It depicts a kind and intelligent physician who turns into a psychopathic monster, after imbibing a drug intended to separate good from evil. 'Kidnapped' (1886) is a historical novel that tells of the boy David Balfour's pursuit of his inheritance and his alliance with Alan Breck Stewart in the intrigues of Jacobite troubles in Scotland. adventure story. Personally, I like 'Travels with a Donkey' but remember being scared when I saw a film of 'Dr Jekyll' aged five. Frightening! 
Thursday 14/11/2024: To continue this log, I provide you with an insight into motorcycle riding in Mexico. You will meet the most welcoming, warm, helpful, lively people ever. It makes you feel more comfortable to venture onto the smaller, less explored tracks. Want river crossings, big or small, they are everywhere. Want windy hard packed dirt roads they are endless. Want to ride through a valley of white butterflies. You can. Want it tough, you got it. Mexico has some of the steepest, gnarliest rides ever.
Please don't venture on to fenced private land. When you have a fire for cooking keep it small, sweep it clear around the fire so you don't burn down Mexico and leave it neater than when you arrived. Other adventure riders will follow in your footsteps, well, tyre tracks. If you are in a tent keep it always zipped closed. If you are in a hammock, you will need a mozzie net. If camping is not your thing Mexico has Hotels for every income bracket from 2 dollar to 150 dollars. Similarly with food, Mexico is a banquet of street food from 50 cents upwards. If fine dining is your thing Mexico City and Oaxaca City have a reputation for international cuisine. That's the wonder of Mexico. Enjoy your 'adventures' in Mexico.
Also last week I was teaching a hotel owner how to ride a motorcycle, and we were practicing slow speed manoeuvres in his large carpark when a waiter came rushing out. On the other side of the Hotel, one of the decorators had fallen three storeys and died. Pretty grim and common in Mexico. Health and safety procedures on building sites are zero.
It was discovered by the use of lidar pulsed lasers to examine the earth's surface. It can map structures buried under dense vegetation and generate precise 3-D information about the earth's surface from a plane flying over an area. The technology has unearthed other archaeological findings in Mexico, including ancient ceremonial centres and new data about the size of pre-Hispanic settlements. Archaeologists have known since the 1940s that the ancient Maya made significant changes to the landscape around Xpujil, mainly in the form of minor settlements and hillside terraces for farming. However, the new research shows Valeriana to have the hallmarks of a Maya political capital, with a density of buildings second only to Calakmul, one of the largest and most powerful Maya cities ever uncovered. Valeriana may have been home to 30,000–50,000 people. Photo of Mayan pyramid is of the type identified. Modern scientific techniques will probably reveal more ancient habitations in Mexico and around the world. 
Saturday 02/11/2024: It is that time of the year again when The Day of The Dead is celebrated in Mexico and various events mark it across the country. A gigantic Day of the Dead altar, known in Mexico as an ofrenda, will be erected at the Zócalo esplanade in Mexico City. The altar will stand 17 meters tall and feature a pool covering over 200 square meters. There will also be 21 cardboard figures, ranging between 6 to 10 meters tall; two monumental trajineras, traditional decorated boats, and a chinampa, a pond covered with soil. It will also feature a garden of 10,000 cempasúchil, or Mexican marigold flowers. The Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, follows the pre-Columbian Indigenous belief that the dead temporarily return to earth between Nov. 1 and 2. Preparations for this holiday begin in October with the placement of an altar to dead loved ones in people's homes. The altar is decorated with flowers, fruit, the seasonal pan de muerto bread, salt, cempasúchil flowers, colourful confetti and the deceased's favourite treats and dishes. Of course, there will be many scary masked figures and sculptures in streets everywhere. Quite a sight as recorded in previous logs.
Monday 04/11/2024: On to a previously mentioned 'frightening' figure in Mexico. La Llorona is a ghostly apparition that walks through the streets at night weeping inconsolably, grieving and looking for her children. She screams, "Oh, my children, where are my children?" and is described as an attractive woman wearing a long white dress that either hides her feet or she has no feet, she has a veil covering her face, if she sounds close, she is far away, if she sounds far away, she is very, very close and you should escape quickly! It is said that no one has seen her "close up" because to do so means certain death. Seeing La Llorona is known to be an omen of misfortune and death for you, your family, or your community. The most famous and best-known version of the legend is the story of María an indigenous woman of incomparable beauty who caught the eye of a rich and handsome Spanish nobleman. She fell madly in love with him and together they had three children. She was devoted to the man and her children and many times he said one day they would marry, but he avoided her in public afraid of what people might say about their relationship. One day he abruptly left her to marry a prestigious Spanish lady of the upper class. María completely lost her mind, engulfed in rage and despair at being betrayed she exacted her revenge in an unimaginable way. She gathered her children and took them to Lake Texcoco, hugged them tightly saying she loved them, and then drowned them in the lake. She almost immediately realized what she had done and was so distraught she took her own life. It is said that the woman's soul is not at rest, and she was cursed, condemned to wander the streets eternally in search of her children. She walks the streets every night wearing a long white dress – presumably the dress she prepared for her wedding – in deep remorse and despair lamenting what she had done. She appears frequently at this time of the year, particularly near lakes. Beware and don't get too close.
Thursday 07/11/2024: I have often mentioned the fruits that are abundant in Mexico and one such is the chicozapote which is native to Mexico and Central America, where it has been cultivated for centuries by Mesoamerican cultures. This fruit grows on a highly useful tree, which not only produces the fruit but also yields a gummy resin. In Nahuatl, this resin is called "tzictli," meaning gum. The Maya and the Aztecs used this gum to freshen their breath and clean their teeth. Sapodilla trees can live up to one hundred years and can grow to more than 30 m (98 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). The fruit has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavour. The unripe fruit is hard to the touch and contains high amounts of saponin, which has astringent properties similar to tannin. Best to wait until the fruit is ripe.
Sunday 20/10/2024: Cultural information of today. Many of you know the existence of cowboys from American films popular in the 50s and 60s and still being produced today. They are often romanticised heroes, the good fighting for justice!! But the origin of 'real' cowboys is a little different. That vaqueros were the first cowboys is not a controversial assertion. Its truth should be evident from the fact that the language of cowboys was taken wholesale from Spanish via what are called loanwords. Vaquero stems from vaca, the Spanish word for cow; hence, cowboy. The cowboy's lasso, one of the primary tools of his trade, gets its name from lazo, a Spanish word for rope. Lariat, a synonym for lasso, is derived from the Spanish reata. Rodeo comes from rodear, the Spanish verb meaning "to encircle." Chaps comes from chaparreras, the Spanish term for the leg-protecting leather worn by vaqueros. Even buckaroo has a Spanish origin: it's a mispronunciation of vaquero. The development of vaquero culture in Mexico has its origins with the Spanish conquest of Mexico. When Hernán Cortés and the Spanish Conquistadors landed at Veracruz in 1519, they brought horses. Two years later, Gregorio de Villalobos arrived from the Dominican Republic with the first cattle. He didn't have many: one bull and six cows. But it was enough to start breeding. The first big cattle drive occurred in the late 16th century when Don Juan de Oñate led an expedition that drove over 7,000 cattle from Northern Mexico into present-day New Mexico. The cowboy's techniques, his tools, parts of his attire, and his language for describing them are a legacy of the Mexican vaquero. It is likely that the erasure of the vaquero from popular U.S. history, to be replaced by the American cowboy, began in the wake of the Mexican Revolution, when anti-Mexican racism was widespread in Texas and throughout the Southwest. The vaqueros morphed into John Waynes.!! Just learnt that a book on North American cowboys, Central American vaqueros and South American gauchos is to be published on November 1st 'Cowboys of the Americas' by Images Publishing, with many photographs by Anouk Masson Krantz. Should be engaging.
Saturday 26/10/2024: Difficult to know how she is as she woke briefly for the photo. She is so drugged up she doesn't feel any pain, thank God. Specialists say it is a long road especially because she previously had septicaemia and is seriously underweight and not super fit. She has also had steroids and antiviral drugs a lumber puncture and some procedure on her neck. They seem confident they caught it early so hopefully no mental problems, hearing problems etc on the future.
Sunday 06/10/2024: Now to a recurring theme in my logs as it is tarantula mating season, when male spiders scurry out of their burrows in search of a mate. Mature males wander in search of a female's burrow which is marked with silk webbing by females. Male tarantulas take around seven years to reach reproductive readiness. They typically live for about a year after reaching sexual maturity, while females can live for 20 years or more. The males grow to be about 5in long and develop a pair of appendages on their heads that they use to drum outside a female's burrow. She will crawl to the surface if she is a willing mate, and the male will hook its legs onto her fangs. Their coupling is quick, as the male tries to get away before he is eaten by the female, who tends to be slightly larger and needs extra nutrients to sustain her pregnancy. I frequently find tarantulas and at this time more than ever. Friendly fellows! Red knees are my favourites.
Wednesday 09/10/2024: Recently, in Mexico, the artist Frida Kahlo has been in the news as there has been an exhibition of her paintings so a little about her tragic life. Kahlo is regarded as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, and in 2021, one of her paintings sold for US $34000, a record at the time for any Latin American artist. Her experience of illness and suffering is a theme in her often-autobiographical works of art. When Kahlo (1907–1954) was six years old, she was diagnosed with polio, which left her with permanent damage, her right leg was shorter and weaker than her left. When she was 18, she survived a severe bus accident that left her disabled, a long metal rod tore through her midsection when her bus slammed into a trolley car. She suffered multiple fractures in her pelvis, ribs, shoulders and spine. Kahlo's medical documents show she suffered severe back pain, fatigue and genital discomfort. Between 1946 and 1950, she underwent eight surgeries, but her chronic pain persisted. She was also unable to bear children, which was a recurring theme in her paintings. I am not that attracted to her paintings, but she cannot be ignored in the world of art. To learn more about this artist click on link for an informative discussion on her work touching on historical and social events in Mexico.
Sunday 13/10/2024: You may know that this is the cyclone and hurricane season in this part of the world and that several have hit Mexico and across the gulf to Florida. In relationship to this I now include information on such events historically. The Great Hurricane of 1780 is one of the deadliest in the past in the Western Hemisphere. An estimated 22,000 people died throughout the Lesser Antilles when the storm passed through the islands from October 10 to October 16. The hurricane struck Barbados as a Category 5 hurricane, with at least one estimate of wind gusts as high as 200 mph (320 km/h), before moving past Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Sint Eustatius, and causing thousands of deaths on those islands. Coming during the American Revolution, the storm caused heavy losses to the British fleet contesting for control of the area, significantly weakening British control over the Atlantic. The hurricane later passed near Puerto Rico and over the eastern portion of Hispaniola, causing heavy damage near the coastlines. It ultimately turned to the northeast and was last observed on October 20 southeast of Atlantic Canada.
Monday 14/10/2024: Now what you may not know is that birds are often swept up into the eye of a hurricane which is usually an oasis of gentle winds and clear skies surrounded by a ring of the storm's most savage winds and brutal rain squalls. In the recent storms thousands of birds were trapped and travelled within the eyes. When the storms weakened the birds escaped. Some birds have been recorded as travelling as far as 1,600 Ks. So, if you are into adventure travel give it a go. Take a packed lunch with you. Raining cats and dogs is a fact!!
Sunday 22/09/2024: Now to an event nearer to my home nation with an echo of my name. The late 16th century was a precarious time to be in the theatre as an actor, writer or manager. It wasn't the money, or the ever-present threat of closure, so much as the men you worked with. They seemed to enjoy killing people. In June 1587, for instance, William Knell was stabbed in the neck with a five-shilling sword in Thame by fellow actor John Towne after an argument. Henry Porter died the day after an assault by fellow playwright John Day. In 1589, poet and playwright Thomas Watson killed a man named William Bradley on what is now Curtain Road in Shoreditch after Bradley had attacked Watson's friend Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare's rival playwright. Marlowe himself died after being stabbed in the eye. In 1596 actor Gabriel Spencer, known as Spencer, maybe a relation of mine, drove a rapier into a man's eye – a popular vulnerability, it seems – and killed him. That was in Shoreditch, too. Two years later, on 22 September 1598, Spencer fought a duel with playwright Ben Jonson. The two had been imprisoned the year before. 'The Isle of Dogs', a now-lost play that Jonson co-wrote, had so incensed the Privy Council that they closed all the theatres. The two fought a duel and Jonson claimed that Spencer's sword was ten inches longer than his own and that he had been wounded in the arm before he fought back.
The indictment, however, reports that it was Jonson who 'feloniously and wilfully struck and beat' Spencer with a rapier, before striking him 'a mortal wound, of the depth of six inches and of the breadth of one inch'. Spencer died instantly. At the Old Bailey, Jonson pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He would have hanged were it not for a quirk in English law, a holdover from the medieval battle for legal jurisdiction between church and secular courts. If you were literate, you could claim 'benefit of clergy' – proved in court by reading out Psalm 51, the Miserere – and escape with a branded 'M' on the thumb. The psalm was known, darkly but not inaccurately, as 'the neck verse'. Jonson read it and walked free. Rather fortunate. Not so good for Spencer! (Adapted from History Today)
Tuesday 24/09/2024: We have been suffering from seriously life-threatening weather for the last few days from hurricanes, bringing wind speeds of up to 165mph (270km/h). Authorities have warned of disastrous storm surges and the possibility of landslides as heavy rain lashes a 350km-long stretch of coastline. Waves of up to 10 metres high (32ft) are pounding the coast of Guerrero and in western Oaxaca state. Scientists said the speed with which hurricane John intensified from a tropical storm into a category five hurricane, the highest level of storm, was rare. 3,000 people have been evacuated into 80 shelters. Businesses in Puerto Escondido, our town, have closed and we have been isolated as roads have washed away and there is extensive flooding. Crocodiles are now on the beach and a dog was taken in the sea. We are without power and cannot get to supermarkets. Really need a boat for transport. My swimming is improving but not on the beach.
Friday 27/09/2024: On to a more peaceful and inspiring subject. An outstanding and colourful architectural feature. The church of the Lord of Tila is a Catholic building in Tabasco. In fairly recent times a small community of just over 200 people lacked a church in their area so they organized themselves to raise funds and began the construction of their own church in 1996 but it was only completed in 2012. It now receives thousands of visitors a year, from nearby communities, but also through national and international tourism. It is in the heart of Ejido Leona Vicario and is an architectural jewel that is not only a spiritual centre but also a testimony of devotion and community effort. The Church is a spectacle of colour on its exterior walls with each shade a symbolism of faith. These colours represent the many miracles attributed to the Lord of Tila, the patron saint of Balancan, whose cult has become a source of hope and devotion for the inhabitants of the village and its surroundings. Just in front of the church, a small lagoon reflects the colours of the temple, creating a dreamlike landscape ideal for moments of serenity and for photography enthusiasts. Something much needed in the world today.
Sunday 29/09/2024: Still raining and unable to move far. A tree came down on our mud road and just missed our neighbour and his wife who were struggling to get to town on their motorcycle. The noise when it cracked gave them a fright so luckily they fell off just before the tree fell. We were all in hysterics because they were totally covered in mud. Monsters from the deep!
In Puerto Vallarta the migrant 'invasion' has become so bad that the President had to call out the army to control a caravan of thousands of migrants as it continued its days long march through Mexico toward the southern U.S. border. About 7,500 people from 24 countries are part of a massive group making its way north through the Mexican state of Chiapas on the border of Guatemala. A group of women, children and sick people was farther ahead and had reached Mapastepec. Most of the migrants are from Central America, Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti, but some come from as far away as Turkey, Iran, Syria and Cameroon. Not all the migrants are seeking to enter the U.S. Some are hoping to be able to stay in Mexico and find work and humanitarian relief. The caravan's journey comes as Mexican and U.S. representatives meet to discuss the unprecedented irregular migration to identify ways to heighten border security. Of course, this influx is having an effect on Escondido and the local population is not too happy.
Thursday 05/09/2024: Something more heartening in my locality. I post a photo of boys who are our landlady's brother's children. They are traditional Zapotec Indians. I have never seen them in shoes in the three months since we moved. They have cell phones though, like everyone over the age of seven. Their father Arturo clears our land of scorpions, spiders and toxic plants. The children have taken to sitting in our lounge while their dad works. Although they are extremely poor and live in a small, corrugated iron house, their land is amazing. They have chickens, parrots, cats and dogs. There are fifteen lime trees, seven avocado trees, a mango tree, four papaya trees, calabash squash and pumpkins. Not only can pumpkins be eaten but the flowers and leaves are also used in soup. They also have a separate field of over two hundred maize plants, that are eaten roasted with butter and chilli or ground down to make tortillas and tacos. Arturo's wife, Maria, has brought us chicken in Chicatana. Large flying ant stew, nopales, cactus fried with local melted cheese, empanadas stuffed with chorizo spinach and cheese. They only eat traditional food and have never had a McDonald, Burger King, Kentucky, pizza or any of that junk. The Zapotec are an indigenous people of Mexico. The population is concentrated in the southern state of Oaxaca, but Zapotec communities also exist in neighbouring states. The present-day population is estimated at 400,000 to 650,000, many of whom are monolingual in one of the native Zapotec languages and dialects. In pre-Columbian times, the Zapotec civilization was one of the highly developed cultures of Mesoamerica and had a system of writing. They are lovely people and a pleasure to be with.
Saturday 07/09/2024: If you are feeling down google Juliane Koepcke. She was the sole survivor of the LANSA Flight 508 crash on December 24, 1971. The plane was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm and broke apart in mid-air. Juliane, then 17 years old, fell approximately two miles to the ground while still strapped to her seat and miraculously survived. After the crash, she endured eleven days in the Amazon jungle with severe injuries, including a broken collarbone, a deep gash to her leg, and an eye injury. She eventually found a boat and used its fuel to clean her wounds and remove maggots from her arm. Her survival story is remarkable and has been widely documented. Her memoir, "When I Fell from the Sky," reveals her incredible courage, instinct and ingenuity, she crawled and walked alone for eleven days in the green hell of the Amazon. She survived using the skills she'd learned in assisting her parents on their research trips into the jungle before coming across a logger's hut, and, with it, safety. The book is available on Amazon and if you need some inspiration to survive a difficult time buy it.
Tuesday 10/09/2024: This is probably a cultural 'happening' not that well known outside Mexico. Charrería is the national 'sport' of Mexico. It is a rodeo-like event where charros compete on horseback in events to show their skills. Charrería has its roots in the countryside of Mexico. Charros compete and practice charrería as a homage to their heritage and is male dominated. But Mexican women are just as skilled 'horsemen' and have their traditional sport of escaramuza, which is a collection of eight side saddling women completing difficult synchronizes patterns. The competition consists of twelve moves judged on speed and exact execution. Similarly to the male charros, escaramuzas show their horsemanship and riding prowess in complex tricks. Riding dress is an important part of the culture and is also judged in competitions. The costumes find their roots in history. The Adelita dresses are based on those worn during independence celebrations, intricately styled for each team. They are always in traditional colours and embroidery is hand sewn. The sombreros worn by every escaramuza are equally flamboyant and each is unique to the dress.
Many of you know that I lost my Mum a few years ago and to be honest I think about her every single day of my life. Yesterday I glanced up at the signature on a mural in my house in Mexico and it was painted on the 5th of January, my Mum's birthday. Ten minutes later I went to the local bakers and the woman serving was called Wendy. It is a very rare name. Wendy and Peter Pan, you may know! In 57 years I have never met another Wendy. It is nice to be reminded of my Mum. I want to keep her memory alive, and I want to think about her every day, even though it still hurts. She was an incredible person and that is an understatement. That's a good reminder of her in my mind.
Yesterday I carried my first dead body. It was a fifty plus year old man wearing only a pair of shorts. He had no visible physical injuries, so I am guessing the cause of death was a drug overdose. The shopkeeper, Adriano, found him slumped against the sliding door of his business, which is down a quiet alley. Adriano asked me if I could help move him to the main road so he would be located by the police. Adriano, like many Mexicans did not want to get involved with the police or militia. He lifted him under the arms, and I held on to the feet. He was clammy and cold and grey. We carried him to a major road and put him gently on a mattress that was on the street. Adriano removed his own T-Shirt and covered the man's face. He went back to his shop to call the police anonymously and I got on my motorcycle and went for a ride into the hills to clear my head. Not a pleasant experience. Someone has lost a dad or a son. I wish I did not understand now what people mean when they say, 'a dead weight'. Pleased Cathy was not with me.
It was disturbing and to add to it I picked up an injured dog whimpering in the bush that had badly damaged back legs. Took him home to try to patch him up. My dog, Eyebrows, came to comfort me. Thank God for animals. They understand. Thanks to all who have posted good will messages on Facebook. Appreciated. Avocado ant stew to all. Spencer.
Thursday 22/08/2024: Still on 'wildlife', but this time in Mexico, for the past five years, a young elephant seal has been making the long trek north from south American waters and spending his summers on Mexican beaches. Having travelled some 8,000 km from his home, he rests on a beach not far from my location. To protect him surveillance brigades are formed and take guard 24/7, with the local community playing a crucial role. Elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), found from California to Alaska, and south, typically breed and give birth on offshore islands or remote mainland beaches, often in Baja California. Hope he survives to become a super seal.
Monday 26/8/2024: On to another Mexico cultural feature. The country is full of sorcerers, witches and magic. A "brujo" or "witch" can be both feminine and masculine, and to fend off the evil eye, known as "mal de ojo" you may use an amulet for protection. Witchcraft in Latin America, known in Spanish as brujería and in Portuguese as bruxaria , is a complex blend of indigenous, African, and European influences. Indigenous cultures had spiritual practices centered around nature and healing, while the arrival of Africans brought a mix of religions like Santería and Candomblé with many superstitions. European witchcraft beliefs merged with local traditions during colonization. When Franciscan friars from Spain arrived in the Americas in 1524, they introduced Diabolism, belief in the Christian Devil, to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Bartolomé de las Casas believed that human sacrifice was not diabolic and was a natural result of religious expression. Mexican Indians gladly took to the belief of Diabolism. Witchcraft was an important part of the social and cultural history of late-Colonial Mexico. Today. Witchcraft is still a central belief for some Mexicans. There are markets in many towns where one can buy Witchcraft paraphernalia to enter the occult. Beware!!
Friday 30/08/2024: Now to follow on from the previous entry a 's'witch to Mary Shelley. Why? Simples! She was born on this day in 1797 and her connection is 'Frankenstein'. "I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life. ... He sleeps; but he is awakened; he opens his eyes; behold, the horrid thing stands at his bedside, opening his curtains, and looking on him with yellow, watery, but speculative eyes." Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin's teenage years were eventful. She eloped at age 16 with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and quickly gave birth to two children. In 1816, the couple travelled to Switzerland and visited Lord Byron at Villa Diodati. Extreme weather forced the group to remain in the villa, so they read ghost stories from the book 'Fantasmagoriana'. It was then that Lord Byron proposed that they have a competition to see who could write the best ghost story: Byron, Mary, Percy, or Byron's physician, John Polidori. Neither Byron nor Percy finished a story, although Polidori later wrote 'The Vampyre', which influences vampire stories to this day. Mary had a nightmare and on waking realized she'd found her story. "What terrified me will terrify others," she thought. 18-year-old Mary started Frankenstein immediately and it was published in 1818, when she was 20. "IT LIVES"
Sunday 01/09/2024: Another month and still in Mexico. Seems as if permanent. No chance of moving on at the moment. The Mexican pesos has weakened considerably and for the first time I hear Mexicans complaining about the prices of imported goods, and it is a lot. The knock-on effect is that everyone is hitting an economic panic and prices are going up every day, whether it is a street vendor, a mechanic or at a supermarket. A classic vicious circle.
P.S. Omitted photo from previous log of the handsome creature found in my toolbox suitable to go with a Frankenstein story. Happy dreams.
Friday 09/08/2024: Now some information on a fruit that is eaten in Mexico the prickly pear or tuna. It is a native round fruit that grows on top of the nopal cactus. There are six types of prickly pears, and you can differentiate them by colour: red, yellow, white, green, orange, and purple. It has a sweet, tangy, watermelon taste and resembles kiwi fruit or a pear with seeds. During pre-Hispanic times, it was a predominant and valued fruit, especially for people living in arid areas since it provided them with the nutrients and water they needed to survive. For this reason, it was also a symbol of fertility. Tuna is the Spanish-derived word of the Nahuatl word "Tonalli". It was a symbol to indicate the close relationship between the environment and the well-being of a person in the cycles of nature. Be sure to remove all the prickles before eating the fruit.
Sunday 11/08/2024: As everyone knows The Olympics is up and running!! One of the main athletic events is the marathon so named after the legend of Pheidippides who, while fighting in the Battle of Marathon, in Greece in 490 BC, witnessed a Persian vessel sailing towards Athens. He assumed that this was an attempt by the Persians to falsely announce they had won the battle and so take the city. It was said that he ran the entire distance, about 42ks, to Athens without stopping, and burst into the Athenian assembly, exclaiming "we have won!", thus assuring there was no need of fear of attack, before collapsing and dying. This is perhaps a legend but the Greek historian Herodotus, states Philippides, different name, was a messenger who ran from Athens to Sparta asking for help, against the Persians, and then ran back, over 240 kilometres (150 mi) each way. Herodotus makes no mention of a messenger sent from Marathon to Athens. The marathon race was first introduced in the modern Olympics in Greece in 1896 in Athens, consisting of seventeen male athletes, thirteen of them representing Greece. The race, over dusty dirt roads, along which throngs of Greeks had gathered, was won by Spyridon Louis, a Greek watercarrier, in 2 hours 58 minutes and 50 seconds. He became a national hero.
The women's marathon was introduced at the 1984 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles) and was won by Joan Benoit of the United States with a time of 2 hours 24 minutes and 52 seconds. Many women now compete in this long-distance race and this year it will be the final event of the games previously concluded by the man's race. The official distance of the marathon is 42.195 ks or 26 miles 385 yds. Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum set a men's world record time of 2:00:35 on October 8, 2023, at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. He died in a car accident early this year. Ethiopian athlete Tigst Assefa broke the women's world record for a mixed-sex race with a time of 2:11:53 on September 24, 2023, at the Berlin Marathon. Sorry to those who have little interest in athletics, but it is in the current news.
Thursday 15/08/2024: Just an aside, again. It may surprise some that one of the most revered films ever made was released on this day in 1979. Yes! As long ago as that and still has mind bending effect. Apocalypse Now. The writer John Milius became interested in adapting Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad set in Congo, but for a Vietnam War setting in the late 1960s. Initially planned to be a five-month shoot in the Philippines starting in March 1976, a series of problems lengthened it to over a year, one being the destruction of expensive sets being destroyed by severe weather. Marlon Brando arrived on set overweight and completely unprepared, and Martin Sheen had a breakdown and suffered a near-fatal heart attack on location. After photography was finally finished in May 1977, the release was postponed several times while Coppola edited over a million feet of film. Once more apologies for including this information but if you haven't seen the film Do So. That's an order. for one such romanticised episode.
Saturday 17/08/2024: Finally, some news on activities here in Mexico. I continue to run motorcycle training classes for riders of various skills levels. The youngest so far was an eleven-year-old, the oldest sixty-eight, tallest six feet six and heaviest eighteen stone. My student Fabrizio Venezia.
Friday 26/07/2024: Onto a subject that has caused some controversy in Mexico, Speedy Gonzales. As you know 'he' is an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. He is portrayed as "The Fastest Mouse in all Mexico" with his major traits being the ability to run extremely fast, being quick-witted and heroic while speaking with an exaggerated Mexican accent. He usually wears a yellow sombrero, white shirt and trousers, which was a common traditional outfit worn by men and boys of rural Mexican villages, and a red kerchief, like that of some traditional Mexican dress. The cartoon features Sylvester the Cat guarding a cheese factory at the international border between the United States and Mexico from starving Mexican mice. The mice call in the plucky, excessively energetic Speedy to save them. Amid cries of "¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Epe! ¡Epe! ¡Epe! Yeehaw!" Spanish for "Go on! Go on! Up! Up!". Sylvester meets his match. Among Mexican communities and in much of Latin America, the character enjoys enduring popularity. Speedy's reception in Mexico itself has been largely positive. He's seen as more of a playful cultural ambassador than an insulting caricature. This difference in perception demonstrates the subjective nature of cultural representation. For many Mexicans Speedy is a plucky, clever underdog hero who consistently outsmarts his adversaries — a theme that resonates deeply in Mexican culture. He is a superhero. We all need a superhero to admire.
Thursday 01/08/2024: Another month slips by marked by the sports festival of the year. This month the Olympic Games is being held in Paris with some exciting athletic events and world record times, but it is not widely known that women were banned from competing in races longer than 1500 metres until relatively recently. Longer races were a NO! No! Kathrine Virginia Switzer (born January 5, 1947) was an American marathon runner, author, and television commentator who in 1967, became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor. During her run, the race manager Jock Semple assaulted Switzer, trying to grab her bib number and thereby remove her from official competition. After knocking down Switzer's trainer and fellow runner, Arnie Briggs, when he tried to protect her, Semple was shoved to the ground by Switzer's boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was running with her, and she completed the race. 
Later In 1991, Runner's World magazine named the Norwegian Greta Waitz the greatest female long-distance runner of the quarter-century. She twice set the world record at 3,000 meters, and she set world records at distances of 8 k, 10k, and 15 k and 10 miles. But it was in the marathon, the 26.2-mile distance, that Waitz most distinguished herself, setting a world record of 2 hours 32 minutes 30 seconds the first time she ran one, in New York in 1978, and subsequently lowered the world record three more times. In addition to her New York City victories, Waitz won the London Marathon, Stockholm Marathon and the world championship marathon in 1983. The women's marathon was not included in the Olympics until the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Hello Sir, I hope you and Cathy are well. I write with news of your positive impact on future generations! I was speaking to my Son Ethan (8) about finding something he loves to do when he grows up. We talked about a few things, but the idea he came up with himself was "I could be an adventurer and travel all over the world like that guy who saved the Turtle!" Very cool! Well done and yes I did tell him your name so he knows it next time. Good luck out there! 
Sunday 07/07/2024: I include in this log an event in history which changed the destiny of the country monumentally, and elsewhere in the world, when in 1520 Hernan Cortes and the Tlaxcalanas defeated a numerically superior Aztec force in the battle of Otumba effectively ending Aztec rule. Cortes, the Spanish conquistador is best known for leading an expedition that resulted in the downfall of the Aztec Empire and which brought large parts of Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile. This made Spain very rich in wealth and power. Cortes was initially diplomatic in his relationship with Montezuma, but he also cemented pacts with local clans hostile to the Aztecs. The meeting between Cortes and Montezuma is well recorded but has varying accounts. Montezuma was taken prisoner in his own palace after the battle of Otumba, with the result that the Aztecs lost control of the kingdom and the Spanish thenceforth ruled the country with the Mixtec and Spanish cultures fused in the arts, architecture and music and language still prevalent today. 
Tuesday 09/07/2024: This month in Oaxaca, my district, there is a festival that has its origins in Zapotec culture called Daninayaaloani or "Hill of the Beautiful View" in honour of Centéotl, the Corn Goddess. During this event, people gather to share offerings, eat food and dance over a period of eight days. After the Spanish conquest, the festival transitioned to a Catholic ritual and is now part of the popular rites of the Virgin of Carmen. Celebrations for La Guelaguetza, a dance depicting four eras in Oaxaca: Pre-Columbian, Colonial, Independent Mexico and the Contemporary Era continue throughout the whole month of July, and includes food fairs, parades, musical concerts, dance performances and visual arts exhibitions. The cultural heritage and traditions of eight Indigenous communities of Oaxaca are highlighted. A great spectacle. 
Monday 15/07/2024: Just to continue the running theme, in the recent Mexico Marathon a competitor suffered a fatal heart attack, so Peters had a fortunate escape. According to media reports, the runner was Juan Stenner, 32, an athlete who competed in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2011 Pan American Games. Stenner, who retired from track and field competitions in 2018, collapsed upon reaching the finish line near the Angel of Independence Monument on Reforma Avenue. Red Cross paramedics at the scene attended to him quickly and rushed him to the nearby Rubén Leñero Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him. It is not uncommon for athletes in various disciplines, cycling for example, to die. Athletes push themselves to the limit and some die through taking performance enhancing drugs. Tom Simpson a British cycling legend was the first Brit to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, and first to win the World Championship. He died in 1967 on the 13th stage of the Tour de France, while climbing the Mont Ventoux. A potent combination of amphetamines and alcohol in his system allowed him to literally ride himself to death. 
Tuesday 16/07/2024: Mexico had its rainiest June in more than 80 years after seeing six months of below-average rainfall, and the second-driest May ever recorded. Heavy rains have reduced visibility, caused flooding and landslides and increased river and stream levels. The new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido has suffered severed damage in several places, as mentioned in the previous log.
Saturday 20/07/2024: Many of you will know that my early life was spent in Africa so to end this log I include a photo taken in Zululand. It is of an extended family near a farm that was run by Cobie Bride, mother of Lucinda Bride, wife of my brother Simon. She is the woman to the right who cared for many in the photo. Incidentally one of her relatives, Harold Bride, was the radio operator on the Titanic who sent out the mayday message as it was sinking. My mother, Wendy, is kneeling in the centre and at the back is Walter, my father's father who was on a visit. Brings back memories and some sadness as Cobie, Walter and my mother are no longer surviving. Best to all Spencer 
Dengue deaths also on the rise. In a separate report also published on Thursday, the Health Ministry said that dengue had caused 26 deaths in Mexico to June 18. Mexico has recorded a total of 17,106 confirmed dengue cases this year, an increase of 388% compared to the same time last year. Guerrero ranks first for both cases of dengue and deaths caused by the mosquito-borne tropical disease. The southern state has recorded 3,483 confirmed cases of dengue and 8 deaths. Five other states have recorded at least 1,000 dengue cases this year: Tabasco, Veracruz, Michoacán, Chiapas and Colima. The Ministry of Health has sent anti-dengue sprayers into some areas.
I sat there for half an hour watching the official pick her nose, check her fingernails every five seconds, and tap her pen on the desktop, until I decided to take the situation into my own hands.
Wednesday 26/06/2025: To a subject I have previously mentioned and for which Mexico has several reasons to be grateful to a 16th-century Franciscan missionary named Bernardino de Sahagún. Foremost among them is the monumental Codex that his work as a chronicler is invaluable for understanding pre-Columbian Mexican history and culture. Sahagún authored the record of knowledge that might otherwise have been lost forever. The creation and impact of the Florentine Codex, Sahagún's magnum opus, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable sources of information on Mexican culture and the impact of the Spanish conquest. A treasure trove of ethnographic, archaeological and historical knowledge, it consists of 12 volumes and 2,500 illustrations, documenting the life and beliefs of the Mexicas and other Nahua peoples. Actually titled The General History of the Things of New Spain, this work was created by Sahagún in collaboration with Nahua elders, scholars and artists over the course of decades. The codex is written in parallel columns of Nahuatl and Spanish, preserving both knowledge and language. Upon its completion in 1577, the manuscript was sent to Europe, where it became part of the Medici family's library in Florence, hence its name. 
Thursday 27/06/2024: As many of you know I was brought up in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, and look upon it as my home in many ways. My very early years were spent in the open in the peaceful kingdom ruled by the venerable King Sobhuza 11. It was a very happy time and I attended St Mark's Primary School and later Waterford secondary. Allister Miller Street was the main road running through Mbabane, the capital, and was the only place in the country that had a robot crossing! Traffic lights. The country only had one stretch of tarmac road, not many kilometres. The rest was travelled on dirt roads that became impassable during the rains. It was there that I first rode a motorcycle and admired my elder brother, Simon, who at the age of 15, participated in motocross events with some distinction. Really no traffic rules or testing so could ride across the country on tracks and in complete freedom. Royalty and other well knowns visited the country and Eric Clapton performed in the football stadium with musicians from South Africa. It was a big event, and my father was involved as a presenter of the groups. See 
Saturday 29/06/2024: It has been a hectic few weeks with tropical storms knocking out our electricity for close to a week, bridges and roads washing away and the new superhighway closed because of landslides. The rains caused an influx of tarantulas, giant toads, lizards, giant flying ants and mosquitoes. You may remember from the last log that I went for a traditional meal with my Mixtec neighbours, consisting of chicken in flying ant chilli sauce. Delicious. Sadly Tony, the long-haired surfer in the lunch photo had a very bad accident surfing and has lost an eye. Ironically, we were discussing how busy and dangerous the waves were becoming. On a more minor level, the rains also bought mosquitoes and I have ended up testing positive for dengue. Quick drip, few days recovery hopefully. That is five times I have had malaria and dengue twice.
Sunday 30/06/2024: Hope all well with everybody from Dengue Man and as I have mentioned food in this log, I remember that my mother used a recipe book that had colourful photos of meals that she used to provide for my brother and I with hot and spicy food as youngsters. Probably engendered my love of chillies and peppers to add taste to my food still today. Spencer.
The above statistics were recorded in 2022 as are the following which maybe more appealing to some who like to drink a beer or two or more. The hops company Barth Haas of Mexico was the world's fourth largest beer producer with a total output of 141 million hectolitres per annum. On a per-capita basis, Mexico was the 19th largest beer consumer with the average person drinking 75.9 litres of cerveza per year. That equates to around four bottles or cans per person per week. The older generation in Mexico imbibe alcohol daily. I had to move a male neighbour from the middle of the road, where I live, to safety as he had collapsed drunk and was sleeping peacefully in danger of being hit by vehicles.
Britons are more temperate in their consumption of lager and ale, drinking 67 litres per person. The U.K ranked as the world's 27th largest beer consumer on a per-capita basis. At the top of the list was the Czech Republic. Ranking second to 10th were Austria, Poland, Ireland, Lithuania, Spain, Germany, Estonia, Romania and Namibia. The U.K. ranked 11th with a total output of 37.4 million hectolitres, or just over a quarter of Mexico's production which is sold in Chile and countries in South America. Personally, I don't add much to the total consumption of beer in Mexico and probably nothing at all unless England win the Euros. Unlikely!
Monday 10/06/2024: Staying with Mexico, south of Mexico City, deep in the mountains of the state of Guerrero, sits a town that was once one of the largest suppliers of silver in the Spanish Empire. Under the Spanish, mining in Taxco began around 1524, making it one of the oldest European mining centres in the Americas. The church of Santa Prisca was built by its 'mayor' as a way of thanking God for his mining fortune. It is famed for two pink stone towers, wide dome and intricate finishes. Santa Prisca, named after the town's patron saint, is one of Mexico's most beautiful churches and an exquisite example of the Mexican baroque style. Standing 94.5 meters in height, it was Mexico's tallest building until 1808.In addition to its magnificent interior and stunning light-pink façade, the church is noteworthy for having been built in just seven years, between 1751 and 1758 — a record speed for the time. 
Thursday 13/06/2024: Mexico has a surprising number of exotic foods and one such is found in Oaxaca. In the Oaxaque villages it is known as chindudis and is a variety of ant that produces honey that generates a bag next to its stomach that inflates outwards while being filled with 'honey'. They belong to desert areas and can be found in some communities, especially in the Mixteca area, when there is no rain. They are known by different names: Chindudis, Tiocondudi, Botijas, Tioko Ntudi , variant of Mixteco meaning honey ant, Vinitos, Binguinas, among others, as the name varies in different villages. Dig during the day where you see an ant and you will find this sweet treat, with a wide range of flavours. It is possible to extract the honey and let them go. They will produce more honey overnight. Thanks to Lee Anne Crane Porter for this info. I am going hunting for honey ants with special equipment. Ant Geiger counter.
Sunday 16/06.2024: Weather in Mexico can cause problems to the country, buildings and people. There are, of course, earthquakes, but also extremes of heat. What feels like an interminable heat wave at present has been three separate ones, scorching large areas of Mexico since early March, with temperatures reaching above 40°C (104°F) and surpassing 50°C (122°F) in a few places in the north. The extreme heat has resulted in 90 deaths. On Thursday, the SMN forecast torrential rains for much of southern Mexico, including Oaxaca, and Escondido, my locality. In Escondido we have experienced very high temperatures and then rain downpours which washed out the weekends motorcycle spectacular run by Motorclub Mexico City... 
Wednesday 29/05/2024: In Escondido we have been experiencing temperatures of over 30 degrees, but Central Mexico suffered from rather freakish weather in the last few days. Hailstorms covered streets in up to 50 cm of accumulated hail, nearly burying several cars and strong winds toppled trees and produced flooding in certain areas. Winds of up to 50 km/hr collapsed roofs and brought down trees onto a housing project, blew over billboards and caused a power failure. City and state civil protection agents were out in force to survey the damage and assist the public in digging out from the hail drifts. Police rescued a young girl who was being swept away by floodwaters, but no casualties were reported. We are in a sauna situation, no aircon or fan working..
Friday 31/05/2024: Now to a subject not related to Mexico and touching a geo-political area not usually an area I discuss. An historic event that occurred in this month on May 14th in 1948, the independent state of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv by David Ben-Gurion, who became its first prime minister. U.S. President Harry S. Truman immediately recognized the new nation. On May 15th, hours after declaring its independence, the new state of Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Israel is small country on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The nation of Israel, with a population of more than 9 million people, most of them Jewish, has many important archaeological and religious sites considered sacred by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, and a complex history with periods of peace and conflict. Much of what we know about Israel's ancient history comes from the Hebrew Bible. According to the text, Israel's origins can be traced back to Abraham, who is considered the father of Judaism. Much of the conflict in recent years has centred around who is occupying, and controlling, the following areas: The Gaza Strip: A piece of land located between Egypt and Israel. The Golan Heights: A rocky plateau between Syria and Israel and The West Bank: A territory that divides part of Israel and Jordan. Dispute over these territories led to the Six Day War after a surprise attack on Israel in 1967 by Egypt, Jordan and Syria. As a result, Israel took control of the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, and Golan Heights. But, for clarification, the region has suffered conflict since 1948 and the whole area of the Middle East for generations. Additionally, Hamas a Sunni Islamist militant group that assumed Palestinian power in 2006, has been involved in repeated conflict with Israel. As we all know this has erupted in violent war since October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack into Israel, which has responded in an attempt to oust Hamas from Gaza. I include this information in my Log as a stop to the atrocities on both sides must be found. This is unlikely in the present entrenched opposed attitudes.
Monday 03/06/2024: This log is becoming political as I have to mention that Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was elected as Mexico's first female president in a landslide on Sunday, delivering another six-year term of government to the Morena party founded by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Sheinbaum, who campaigned heavily on her commitment to build on the so-called "fourth transformation" of Mexico initiated by the current president, attracted 58-60% of the vote. Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City, noted that it was the first time a woman had been elected president of Mexico since the country became independent more than 200 years ago. Supporters responded with chants of "presidenta, presidenta," as she appeared in Mexico's main square. Need now to see if she becomes a worthy leader. 
Tuesday 04/06/2024: Continuing the theme of historic events occurring in the months of May/June, a statue known as The Goddess of Democracy, built by students of Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts during anti-Chinese protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989, has become a symbol for democratic causes. The statue was constructed out of foam and papier-mâché over a steel frame. Installed in the square on the 30th May the figure became a rallying point for the Democracy movement. Comparisons are often drawn to New York's Statue of Liberty. It was destroyed by tanks when the Chinese government ordered Tiananmen square to be forcibly cleared on the 4th of June. Its destruction was captured by cameras and watched worldwide. The statue became one of the world's first viral images and several replicas have been built around the world, including in Hong Kong to mark the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Many of you will remember the student confronting tanks, holding shopping bags, as they trundled towards him. Today any attempt to commemorate the event is banned by the Chinese government. Any mention of the brave student is met with harsh punishment. Very democratic!!
Tuesday 06/06/2024: And to finish this log an event that changed the course of history. On this day 80 years ago saw the start of the allied invasion of Normandy in 1944 and to commemorate the landings remembrance events are being held in England and France. The Normandy landings started on Tuesday, 6 June and are known as Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began the liberation of France, shortly after midnight on the morning of June the 6th with extensive aerial and naval bombardment as well as an assault by 24,000 American, British, and Canadian airborne troops. This was followed by Allied amphibious landings on the coast of France at 06:30 AM. The target was a 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Strong winds blew the landing craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha, where heavy casualties were suffered. The invasion eventually brought the war to an end with the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Thursday 06/06/2024: In England and France, the few surviving war veterans, several over 100 years old, assembled near the landing beaches in Normandy for a commemorative ceremony. World leaders attended and King Charles. Representatives of the Allied Forces from several countries were on parade from the Army, Navy and Airforce. It is likely that such a ceremony will not be so again as 80 years after the invasion is a landmark and it is probable that in 10 years there will not be any surviving veterans.
Sunday 12/05/2024: In the past many of you have made comments on the photos attached to my log in the archive section and since I have not included many for some time have a few in the text and others in the archive section. Building regulations in Mexico are somewhat relaxed and I often go past some unusual constructions. If you can't expand at ground level why not go for height. The house in the photo began as a single story and then grew gradually. There may be further development in the next few months. It is well maintained and appears to be safe.
I have had the opportunity of having fish on an almost daily basis since I got to know the local fishermen. Also have rescued turtles which have been caught in nets. Both have been mentioned before and recently Cathy and I saved some stranded turtles inland and carried them back to sea. Sadly, we also found several dead after they had laid their eggs someway up the beach. It has been suggested that I should get a boat so I could go out to fish alone. Have recently been inspecting a traditional 'craft' as it is about the only craft I could afford. May have to do some work on it.
The twins were treated in hospital where Melissa developed sepsis and was put into a medically induced coma. After finding out she had been included on the King's first Civilian Gallantry List, she said: "It's an honour, I was so shocked when I received the letter because I didn't expect it." The twins, from Berkshire, were out swimming during a guided tour in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido to view the water glowing with bioluminescence which is the light that some living creatures, such as plankton, emit from their cells. They had been in Mexico to volunteer to work in animal sanctuaries. Where they were swimming is a lagoon not far from my daily walk. Never been tempted to swim there as it is known for crocodile territory. Bad choice to swim in that locality. 
Sunday 19/05/2024: Next to a 'healthier' pursuit. Drinking Pulque which is the oldest fermented beverage in the Americas. For hundreds of years of documented history of the pulque, its method of extraction and fermentation has not changed, so this "maguey juice" or "fermented aquamiel" has kept its ancient production processes and methods unchanged, where industrialization has not been able to touch this elixir of the gods. Pulque, occasionally known as octli or agave wine, is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey (agave) plant. It is traditional in central Mexico, where it has been produced for millennia. It has the colour of milk, a rather viscous consistency, and a sour yeast-like taste. The drink's history extends far back into the Mesoamerican period, when it was considered sacred, and its use was limited to certain classes of people. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the drink became secular, and its consumption rose reaching its peak in the late 19th century but then fell into decline, mostly because of competition from beer, which became more prevalent with the arrival of European immigrants, but pulque remains popular in many parts of Central Mexico. Not really my taste.
Tuesday 21/05/2024: To continue the drinking theme and to a beverage which is universal. Beer. The Scottish painter, and photographer Robert Adamson (1843-47) pioneered many aspects of photography and created what is the first known photograph of men drinking beer (1844). In the photo, David Octavius Hill (right) his collaborator, Born May 20, 1802, d. 1870, is sharing some Edinburgh Ale with James Ballantine (left) and Dr George Bell. Edinburgh Ale has been described as "a potent fluid, which almost glued the lips of the drinker together, and of which few, therefore, could dispatch more than a bottle". Brewing in Scotland goes back 5,000 years; ale could have been made from barley at Skara Brae and at other sites dated to the Neolithic period. The ale would have been flavoured with meadowsweet in the manner of a kvass or gruit made by various North European tribes including the Celts and the Picts. More potent than pulque and probably the cause of heavy drinking in Scotland.
Thursday 23/05/2024: From beer to art that may have been inspired by some kind of brew or drug. Recently Sotheby's sold a work by Leonora Carrington 'Les Distractions de Dagobert' that made her the most expensive British-born female artist at auction. Carrington was born in Chorley on 6 April 1917 and later lived in Mexico, alongside female surrealists including Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo. The painting was bought for £22. 48m.She lived in Mexico, alongside female surrealists including Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo. Painted two years after Carrington's arrival in Mexico in 1945, the psychedelic scenes are inspired by the life of Frankish ruler Dagobert, who lived in the seventh century. It shows extinct volcanoes, a lake of fire engulfing an inverted idol, and a watery world where a giant with a double animal head holds a human-faced puffer fish. Carrington died in 2011 at the age of 94. A painting which is difficult to decipher!
A group of British immigrants began meeting on Friday evenings, to a run modelled after the traditional British game of hare and hounds, in which one or two "hare" runners scatter a trail of cut paper for the "hounds" to track. Apart from the excitement of chasing the hare and finding the trail, Harriers reaching the end of the trail down a beer. The objectives of the Hash House Harriers as recorded on a club's registration card are: To promote physical fitness among members. To get rid of weekend hangovers. To acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it with a beer. To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel. On the run, which can be over difficult terrain where walking is necessary, now usually marked by chalk, Hashers shout 'On, On' when the trail is found. On some Runs special dress is stated. It has been known for some runners to be lost overnight so missing the social. The photo is of the Red Dress Run in Lima.
May Day in Mexico, also known as Día del Trabajo (Labour Day), is celebrated on May 1st. It is a national public holiday that holds both political and labour-related significance and serves as a day of worker solidarity and protest. Labour unions, activists, and workers come together to advocate for labour rights, fair wages, and better working conditions. There are marches, official meetings, and speeches across the country to highlight workers' rights and social justice. While May Day is significant for labour-related reasons, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is another important date in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and provides an opportunity for people to celebrate Mexican culture, eat traditional food, make music, and dance. Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day to enjoy tacos and margaritas—it's a historical moment that symbolizes resilience and pride. Many events are organised on this day with communities celebrating en masse.
Friday 03/05/2024: When on travels one has the chance to see spectacular natural sights and also many man-made wonders. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Church of our Lady of Remedies) in Central Mexico, with the active volcano Popocatepetl in the background is one. The beautiful church in the city of Cholula was built by the Spanish in 1574-1575. This wonderful area of Mexico is very scenic and rich in history. The church is 16th-century Mexican Catholic built atop the Tlachihualtepetl pyramid in the municipality of Cholula located in the central Mexican state of Puebla. It was built with carved stone and embellished with 24-carat gilded panels and has an altar in the neoclassical style. The defeat suffered by Hernán Cortés in the battle of the Noche Triste led to a hurried escape of the survivors up to Naucalpan. Along the way they suffered the loss of many soldiers and native allies as well as notable hostages, such as some children of Moctezuma. The Spanish sheltered and recovered in the Indian temples until they could turn to fight the Aztecs at the Battle of Otumba. One of Cortés's soldiers, Gonzalo Rodriguez de Villafuerte, had with him a religious image, castrenses. He hid it among aloe plants and then prayed and legend says that during the battle, a young girl threw dirt in the eyes of the attacking natives as a result of the prayes helping to seal the Spanish victory. Whatever! But the church is spectacularly positioned and the altar an example of high decoration.
Monday 06/05/2024: If any of you would like to have a run in with dinosaurs as in Jurassic Park, you can blame Mexico for the lost opportunity. Why? Read on. The Chicxulub crater (cheek-shoo-LOOB) is an impact crater buried underneath the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Its centre is offshore, but the crater is named after the onshore community of Chicxulub Pueblo. It was formed over 66 million years ago when a large meteorite, about six miles across, struck Earth. The crater is estimated to be 120 miles in diameter and 12 miles in depth. It is the only impact crater whose peak ring is intact and directly accessible for scientific research. It was discovered by Antonio Camargo and Glen Penfield, geophysicists who had been looking for petroleum in the Yucatán Peninsula during the late 1970s. It is now widely accepted that the devastation and climate disruption resulting from the impact was the primary cause of the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction, a destruction of 75% of plant and animal species on Earth, including all non-avian dinosaurs. Walking dinosaurs no more. Gone forever but who knows?! Call for Attenborough.
Wednesday 08/05/2024: Finally for this log May the eighth is a significant day in history. The end of World War II, which for many Germans had trouble grasping what May 8, 1945, meant for them. That was the day of Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies, ending the war Adolf Hitler had started in 1939. Millions died in the six years of conflict, large parts of Europe were in ruins, and the unfathomable extent of the genocide of European Jews had come to light. Not until 1985 was this day admitted as to being a day of liberation not of defeat. "It liberated all of us from the inhumanity and tyranny of the National Socialist regime," stated the then German President. In view of the fact that unjust wars are still being waged today let us hope that they do not lead to WW 111and that solutions can be found leading to peaceful outcomes, but of course this is wishful thinking. Anyway, peace and love to all. May the sun never set forever. Spencer.
This is a disaster. What? Puerto is literally being swamped by caravans of migrants and the latest is expected to get here soon. There are over a thousand trekkers, with more caravans staggered behind them. The police and militia are out in force and Mexicans are collecting on corners in protest. It is not looking good. 
Wednesday 17/04/2024: Another area that has a huge migrant problem is Haiti where anarchy reigns! It is probably the poorest country in the world and lawless. It is controlled by rival gangs who have a total disregard for life. As a result, desperate people cross the border into the Dominican Republic to get food and medical supplies. Pregnant women and girls seek help in hospitals and clinics for childbirth needs and for care for malnourished and sick children and babies. Few succeed and are shipped back to Haiti. Many also attempt to make a boat crossing to the States. This is an occurrence that is to be found in many other parts of the world. The UK has been experiencing migrants crossing the English Channel for several years, 23000 so far this year, into a small country already overpopulated. The problem globally is changing the world.
Saturday 20/04/2024: There is also another problem to mention as the increase in traffic on our roads is not only causing pollution but deaths and serious injury. Travelling on the highways in Oaxaca is becoming more dangerous daily, partly because vehicles are poorly maintained and through dangerous driving. As mentioned in last log the new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido continues to be the location for high-speed crashes. Beware! Saturday 20/04/2024: There is also another problem to mention as the increase in traffic on our roads is not only causing pollution but deaths and serious injury. Travelling on the highways in Oaxaca is becoming more dangerous daily, partly because vehicles are poorly maintained and through dangerous driving. As mentioned in last log the new highway from Oaxaca to Escondido continues to be the location for high-speed crashes. Beware! ...rather long but informative. Bland commentary!
Wednesday 24/04/2024: Now to a more favourable item. Did you know that Mexico ranks among the oldest civilizations in the world as it was home to the Olmecs, dating back to 1200 B.C.? The Olmecs influenced various Mesoamerican cultures in modern-day Mexico and Central America, defining everything from religious practices to urban settlement patterns, architectural styles, and trade routes. The Olmec culture, known as the "Mother Culture," laid the early foundations that influenced the subsequent cultures of Mesoamerica. It emerged during the Preclassical Mesoamerican period (2500 BC to 200 AD) in what is today the southeast of Veracruz and western Tabasco in the Gulf of Mexico. Because it is unknown how this civilization referred to themselves, the name "Olmec" was given by archaeologists based on the presence of rubber in the areas where this civilization thrived. It is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word "Olmecatl," which means "inhabitant of the rubber country." In later centuries the Olmec civilization suffered from invasion and decimation, but remnants still remain as can be found in artefacts of their lifestyle. 
The contest began at precisely 7.29am and the two men fought on for an astonishing and brutal two hours and 27 minutes. Battered and bloodied, they were preparing to come out for the 43rd round when police stormed the ring and brought proceedings to an end, with the crowd – and the pugilists – fleeing to escape arrest. A reporter from Bell's Life, Britain's leading sporting newspaper, wrote: "The final round was merely a wild scramble, both men ordered to desist from fighting. Heenan had rushed away from the ring and ran some distance with the activity of a deer, and although he was as fit as ever, he was obviously totally blind. Sayers, although tired, was also strong on his pins and could have fought some time longer." The fight was declared a draw, and the men were each paid £200 for their pains. That is £30,476.05 in today's currency. Neither fought again and both died while still in their thirties. Pugilism doesn't pay! Or does it?
Wednesday 10/04/2024: Staying with vehicles I reported that the new highway serving Escondido from Oaxaca has already been the scene of many accidents and spotted on the road last week was a convoy of Tuk-tuks which are motorbikes fitted with a cab to carry three to four passengers. Obviously not a vehicle for a high-speed motorway. They were stopped by the police and transported back to site of origin. Motorised tuk tuks originated from the design of rickshaws, which were prevalent on the streets of Bangkok during World War II. A small engine was fitted inside a traditional rickshaw, and the tuk tuk was born. They got their name from the sound that the earliest models make. The engine makes a 'tuk tuk tuk tuk tuk' sound. Have actually driven one in Bangkok in dense traffic with a seated owner high on pot. Laughable experience.
Thursday 11/04/2024: Just to keep you up to date with the latest motorbike on the market. Not that expensive, streamlined, fuel efficient and top speed amazing. As in the photograph you must have a moustache to ride it. Helps with the aerodynamics. Using an engine that had been produced in August 1943, a 98-cc single-cylinder two-stroke with a two-stage gear box, and spare parts obtained from the black market to bypass shortages. The prototype was exhibited to the press in late October 1945 at a dealership on Via Piatti in Milan. It had a steel tube rigid frame, a girder fork, 19-inch wheels, and a gas tank marked with a large M and V and was initially called "Vespa 98" before being renamed to "MV 98" to avoid confusion with the Vespa motor scooter produced by Piaggio. The abbreviation MV stands for Meccanica Verghera, the hamlet where the first MVs were made. MV Agusta retired from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 1976 season, having won 270 Grand Prix motorcycle races, 38 World Riders' Championships and 37 World Constructors' Championships with legendary riders such as Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, Carlo Ubbiali, Gary Hocking and John Surtees. The best riders at the time.
Sunday 14/04/2024: Maintaining the bike theme just to say that my promotion of my training programme for riders is attracting clients from many nationalities and receiving favourable comments. Very enjoyable and sociable experience. Interesting characters with a variety of backgrounds and riding skills. I include a pic of happy Townsley family after a ride. Simon, dad, Evelyn and Oscar, son and daughter and Greta Oscar's Albanian girlfriend. And Cathy! 
Motorcycle maintenance, safety and professional training course for all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) followed by a three hour guided ride in the beautiful mountains outside Puerto Escondido.- 750 pesos per person with own bike.
Monday 15/04/2024: On this day in 1452 Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born. As you all know he was a renaissance polymath, painter, sculptor, architect, musician, engineer and inventor, but chiefly remembered as one of the greatest painters of all time. His inventions and designs include flying machines, a tank, concentrated solar power, an adding machine, the double hull and also a theory of plate tectonics. He died on May 2, 1519, aged 67. Some 20 years after Leonardo's death, Francis 1st of France, his patron in later life, was reported by the goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini as saying: "There had never been another man born in the world who knew as much as Leonardo, not so much about painting, sculpture and architecture, as that he was a very great philosopher." Leonardo did not invent the motorbike but there are hints that he could have done to be found in his notebooks. For in depth analysis of his life and works 
Sunday 31/03/2024: Just an aside which is worth mentioning that on this day in 1912, the English explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott, was storm-bound in a tent near the South Pole, and made his last entry in his diary, stating, "the end cannot be far." Setting out 110 years ago, the team of British explorers had hoped to be the first men to reach the South Pole. But when they arrived on January 17, they found that a party led by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had beaten them to it. They headed home disheartened but still hopeful they would survive. By the end of March 1912, all five were dead. Petty Officer Edgar Evans died from a probable brain injury from a fall into a crevasse on February 17. Next was Captain Lawrence Oates, who suffered from frostbite as he crossed the Ross Ice Shelf. Scared of holding up the party, he walked out into the snow on March 17 with the now famous line, "I'm just going outside and may be some time". The three remaining men struggled on. On March 21, they camped for the last time, but froze to death. The bodies were found by a search party in November 1912. Actually, Scott had made several mistakes in preparation for the expedition which led to their frozen deaths. What is worse? Dying of heat and thirst in a desert or freezing to death in snow and ice! Debateable.
Tuesday 02/04/2024: Carnage down this way! This morning when I was preparing for my bike lesson, I heard a bang outside. A young Venezuelan guy of about 23 who was renting a room next door to us rode his motorbike into a parked one and knocked it over. I watched from the window as he picked up the bike and then rode off. Five minutes later I left, rode four hundred metres up the road, and he was dead, hit by a taxi. He was not wearing a helmet. Fatal! Terrible. The photo is from a Puerto site. Now we have many accidents on the new highway on the Oaxaca Road. Many caused by fast driving and unsafe vehicles. Taxis are often overloaded and unstable. One accident occurred when a lorry loaded with large building blocks careered off the road spewing the load on the highway. Some drivers could not avoid the debris. Result. Damaged vehicles. 
Wednesday 03/04/2024: Just past the Spring Equinox but what is it? Equinox means "equal night" in Latin? In the Northern Hemisphere it is the time of moving into autumn and in the South, emerging from winter into spring. The celestial event that marks this transition is called an "equinox," and it happens twice every year around March 21 and Sept. 21. You can attend this phenomenon at one of the most famous Mayan Ruins, "Chichen Itza" when during the spring and fall equinoxes this pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl serves as a visual symbol of the day and night. On every equinox, the sun in the late afternoon creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase. Symbolically, the feathered serpent joins the heavens, earth, and the underworld. Thousands of people travel from around the world and gather to Chichen Itza each year, to admire the spectacle. The whole day has a carnival type atmosphere, rock bands competing with traditional music and folk-dance troupes, and groups of New Agers in robes come to see the equinox. Visitors usually wear white clothes to exorcise "bad vibes" and attract positive energy from the new sun. 
Saturday 06/04/2024: I continue to search for new routes for my bike riding trainees so herewith a very short video of an easy ride. The advanced routes take one into the interior and rough and difficult terrain. Have to be a more advanced rider for a three-hour adventure. Must be expert to do the desert ride. Danger lurks and you might come across a rather daunting creature on some routes. A wolf spider. The Wolf Spider (Lycosa tarantula) is a segmented insect known for its varied habitat choices. It's distinguished by its agile hunting skills, often seen prowling at night. It is an adaptable creature, prevalent worldwide, making it one of the most common of the spider world. Beware they have a nasty bite. Have tarantula on toast on the menu. Best wishes. Spencer.
Sunday 16/03/2024: Some of you may not take kindly to eating insects but on my travels, I have had a variety thrust upon me in some awkward situations. Some forced, some by choice. In Africa during the rainy season thousands of flying ants take to the air, are caught, and fried for a meal. More extreme is the capture of tarantulas for a snack. Now scientific research has highlighted the fact that ants are both tasty and nutritious! In fact in Mexico it has been confirmed that the chicatana ant, native to this country, has a 'nutty roasty, woody flavour' and can be used to make a smoky salsa to serve with tortillas. It is popular in Oaxaca, my nearest large city, along with other more common ants that can be dried and crushed into a powder for flavouring. Some are used as a lemon juice substitute when mixed with water. But be careful to collect the right type of ant for your next batch as some are poisonous and the bullet ant has the worst sting in the world. Ant revenge!! Also as an added comment, the local Mexicans have named my bike Chicatana! Sounds like an angry ant.
Tuesday 19/03/2024: Have received more book reviews recently, some of which I have published on social media, but just to show that 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' and 'The Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker' are known in far flung places I post a photo from Chibalala in Mozambique. They are popular in America, Australia, and all points N/S/E/W and on the Moon. This is a recent review of 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat'. Apologies if you have read it elsewhere: "What a rollercoaster of a ride. What Spencer has done here is capture the essence of Overland motorcycle travel in the whole spectrum of experiences and emotions. I've laughed, been shocked, enthralled, engaged and actually brought to tears. Cathy has also massively gone up in my estimation - from superwoman 1,0000 percent. What a woman! This book is sometimes tangential but never directionless. Perhaps a bit like the man himself? A must read..."
Saturday 23/03/2024: Just had my bike pannier broken into in a 'secure' supermarket'. Wrenched it open and took all my tools, tarpaulin, generator and more. The guard said there are no cameras, and he did not see anything suspicious. Problem to replace some things and expensive. Spoke to my Police buddies and said they were probably Venezuelans, not Mexicans. They said they would keep a look out for the items. I don't hold out much hope. These are the happy chappies.
Sunday 24/03/2024: On this day in 1874 the escapologist Harry Houdini was born. Many think of him as an American but he was the son of a rabbi who emigrated from Hungary to the United States and settled in Appleton, Wisconsin. He became a trapeze performer in circuses at an early age, and, after settling in New York City in 1882, he performed in vaudeville shows there without much success. In 1894 he was married to Wilhelmina Rahner, who thereafter as Beatrice Houdini served as his stage assistant. From about 1900 Houdini began to earn an international reputation for his daring feats of extrication from shackles, ropes, and handcuffs and from various locked containers ranging from milk cans to coffins to prison cells. In a typical act he was shackled with chains and placed in a box that was locked, roped, and weighted. The box was submerged from a boat, to which he returned after freeing himself underwater. In another outdoor exhibition he allowed himself to be suspended, head down, about 75 feet (23 metres) above ground and then freed himself from a straitjacket. These demonstrations were watched by many thousands of people. Houdini's uncanny escape abilities depended partly on his great physical strength and agility and partly on his extraordinary skill at manipulating locks. Houdini died on October 31, 1926, at the age of 52 from peritonitis (swelling of the abdomen), possibly related to appendicitis and possibly related to punches to his stomach he had received about a week and a half earlier. I am about to attempt to escape from my duvet cover suspended from the veranda.
Thursday 29/02/2024: This day, February 29, known as a leap day in the Gregorian calendar, is a date that occurs in most years that are evenly divisible by 4, such as 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Years that are evenly divisible by 100 do not contain a leap day, except for years that are evenly divisible by 400, which do contain a leap day; is that clear? Thus 1900 did not contain a leap day while 2000 did. Years containing a leap day are called leap years. Although most years of the modern calendar have 365 days, a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours. Therefor every four years, during which an extra 24 hours have accumulated, one extra day is added to keep the count coordinated with the sun's position. In England a person born on February 29 legally reaches the age of 18 or 21 on February 28 of the relevant year. Pisces is the zodiac sign of a person born on this day. Amethyst is the modern birthstone for this month and Bloodstone is the mystical birthstone from Tibetan origin that dates back over a thousand years. So, if you missed a birthday today try tomorrow.
Friday 01/03/2023: Another month and time for a health warning. I am not trying to lecture and inform you of what you may already know but in places like Mexico, where most of the country has year-round sun exposure, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential – especially if you have a fair complexion and are used to less sunny days. Fair skin tones are more susceptible to sun damage and irritation and tend to be thinner and more reactive, resulting in easy burning and redness. Mexico gets a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, even in places that experience rainfall often. Mexico City, where it rains frequently, receives 2,551 hours of sunlight every year, with March being the sunniest month, 264 hours of sunshine and September being the least sunny, 150 hours. Exposure to excessive UV radiation either from the sun or sunbeds, can damage the DNA in our skin cells, eventually leading to skin cancer. Chronic sun exposure increases the risk of developing lentigo maligna, a subtype of melanoma that appears in areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over time. This type of skin cancer is common in elderly people, usually on the face and neck. UV rays are particularly harmful from 10 am to 4 pm, during which time sun exposure should be avoided. I realise that this is about sunshine in Mexico far from where many readers live but it applies to anywhere in sunny areas. It is important to use a good sunscreen ointment. Happy sunbathing sun worshippers.
Sunday 03/03/2024: Most readers will have visited a street market sometime but in Mexico they are a special treat for most. Modern-day tianguis, which is derived from the Nahuatl "tianguitztli," evolved from Mesoamerican markets, one of which was the Tlatelolco founded in 1337, located just north of Tenochtitlán, in what is now Mexico City. The tianguis of Tlatelolco is considered the best example of this kind of market in Mesoamerica and its remains can be seen in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas. Today handmade crafts straw hats and baskets, blankets and bedspreads, rugs and wall hangings, colourful placemats and pottery are for sale. There is also mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables, prepared foods and homemade pantry items like jams, salsas and honey. The grand market in Tlatelolco was visited by Hernan Cortés, who estimated that approximately 60,000 people went to the plaza daily to exchange products and stated that it was "twice as large as the city of Salamanca." Merchants and tamemes (porters) delivered their products through a vast network of land routes and countless canoe trips, many coming from the Gulf of Mexico and other distant locations. Arcades surrounded the market, which was highly organized into sections well-defined by aisles, and each had a designated type of product for sale. Merchants had a seat and space on the floor to display their products. For those who like to browse markets, in Mexico, they are a haven. Diego Rivera imagined the ancient Tlatelolco market on one of his huge murals. 
Wednesday 06/03/2024: On this day in 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Italian Renaissance artist, was born in the small village of Caprese. The son of a government administrator, he grew up in Florence, a centre of the early Renaissance movement, and became an artist's apprentice at age 13. Demonstrating obvious talent, he was taken under the wing of Lorenzo de' Medici, the ruler of the Florentine republic and a great patron of the arts. He became a master of painting, sculpture and architecture. One of his best-known sculptures is his David and his ceiling frescoes at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel are renowned as a monumental work. Before his masterpieces, beginning in 1490, he lived in the Medici palace, where he was a student of the sculptor Bertoldo di Giovanni and studied the Medici art collection, which included ancient Roman statuary. He was also an accomplished poet, and some 300 of his poems are preserved. Michelangelo worked until his death in 1564 at the age of 88. An outstanding master of his craft. Open this link for interesting fact about Michelangelo.
I continue to train motorbike riders here in Escondido and have several courses available. I offer safety lessons on roads and the more challenging off-road rides inland from Escondido. These are for the more experienced rider and there are varying degrees of difficulty through some rough country on dirt roads. Obstacles include rivers and muddy sections and steep inclines. Usually incorporates a swim in one of the pools in the wild. One of my trainees was a funky, expert tattoo artist who proved to be an excellent rider. I include a pic of her at work and one of the commendations received from a trainee. 
Saturday 09/03/2024: In the last month a new highway has opened linking Oaxaca to Escondido which reduced a hazardous bus or car ride from six hours to two hours of easy driving. This has brought an influx of holiday makers to the formerly quiet village. 
According to that first census, an estimated 4,000 jaguars lived in the country, mostly in the Yucatán peninsula. By 2018, when the second census was carried out, this figure had increased to approximately 4,800. A healthy jaguar population requires extensive habitats. A single jaguar requires between 2,500 and 10,000 hectares, along with a network of connected territories. During the administration of President Andrés Manul López Obrador, the protection of priority jaguar habitats has been increased by 1.6 million hectares. Super, super, super.
Lastly, but not so wild or quite so beautiful I have to tell you that my Kitten has commandeered my bike when not in use. Has made it his home and keeps other riders away. Likes to ride with me for an outing. Beware, can kill.
Incredibly sad news... Luc Falcon, a motorbike friend, has died while riding in Namibia in a head-on collision with a truck. Very sad and thinking of his family. 
Saturday 17/02/2024: I recently included some information on the prevalence of Monarch butterflies in Mexico but sadly the number at their wintering areas in Mexico has dropped by 59% this year to the second lowest level since record keeping began. Mainly because of the use of pesticide, and climate change. The annual butterfly count doesn't calculate the individual number of butterflies, but rather the number of hectares they cover when they clump together on tree branches in the mountain pine and fir forests west of Mexico City. The butterflies' migration from Canada and the US to Mexico and back again is considered a marvel of nature. This year the butterflies covered an area equivalent to 0.9 hectares, down from 2.21 hectares from last year. Humberto Peña, the head of Mexico's protected areas, proposed creating a "safe corridor" for migrating butterflies with reduced herbicide and pesticide use and stricter measures against deforestation. The use of herbicides in the US and Canada has reduced the amount of milkweed, the butterflies' preferred food, thus starving the Monarch of essential nutrition. Let's hope measures are taken to resolve the problem. 
Sunday 18/02/2024: On this day in 1519 Herman Cortés sailed for the coast of Yucatán with 11 ships, 508 soldiers, about 100 sailors, and, most important, 16 horses. He landed at Tabasco, where he gained information from the local Indians who presented him with presents, including 20 women, one of whom, Marina ("Malinche"), became his mistress and interpreter and bore him a son, Martín. Cortés sailed down the coast and founded Veracruz. He was 'elected' captain general and chief justice by his soldiers. Cortés exercised and disciplined his army, welding it into a cohesive force. The ultimate expression of his determination to deal with disaffection occurred when he sank his ships. By that single action he committed himself and his entire force to survival by conquest.
The key to Cortés's subsequent conquests lay in the political crisis within the Aztec empire; the Aztecs were bitterly resented by many of their subject peoples who had to pay tribute to them. Cortés took advantage of the situation to gain 200,000 Indian allies. The Tlaxcala which was in a state of conflict with Montezuma II, ruler of the Aztec empire of Mexico, became his most faithful ally. Rejecting all of Montezuma's threats to keep him from Tenochtitlán, the capital, later known as Mexico City, Cortés entered the city on November 8, 1519, with his small Spanish force and 1,000 Tlaxcaltecs. Montezuma inevitably had to receive him and did so with great honour, but Cortés decided to 'imprison' Montezuma in order to hold the country and achieve political conquest and religious conversions to Catholicism. The Spanish influence on Mexico was implemented from that date and is visible in all aspects of Mexican culture today.
Tuesday 20/02/2024: Among the most important innovations in world history was the development of the printing press. During February 1455 the Gutenberg Bible was printed on the press that revolutionized the production and distribution of books, ushering in the age of print and the spread of knowledge. This also influenced the development of art, literature, science, and religion. 
In the last Log I provided an account of my 'run-in' with an American who decided that the liquor in a supermarket belonged to him. Just fill a couple of bags and a knapsack and walk out, knocking a Mexican female security officer on to the ground on the way out. After all she had no right to ask him what he was carrying!! His opinion. My reaction was instantaneous. I jumped into action as previously reported so I provide a montage of the event. Thanks to the unknown artist. Let me know who you are. Great creative work. Thanks. Sadly, the female security officer has not returned to work after the attack.
Friday 23/02/2024: Another commemorative day. In these times of religious strife just a reminder that it isn't a recent occurrence. On 23 February 303, the Roman emperor, Diocletian, ordered that the newly built church at Nicomedia be destroyed and its scriptures be burned. Also, that its precious stores of the treasury be seized. Diocletian's issued an "Edict against the Christians" that ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures and places of worship across the empire and prohibited Christians from assembling for worship. Sounds familiar!! At the end of February, a fire destroyed part of the Imperial palace and Diocletian determined that the culprits were Christians. An investigation was commissioned, but no responsible party was found. Executions followed anyway, and suspects were tortured and executed. The executions continued until the 24 April including the bishop Anthimus who was decapitated. Although further persecutory edicts followed, compelling the arrest of the Christian clergy and universal acts of sacrifice, they were ultimately unsuccessful, most Christians escaped punishment, and pagans too were generally unsympathetic to the persecution. Within twenty-five years of the persecution's inauguration, the Christian emperor Constantine revoked the edicts, and returned all confiscated property to Christians. Under Constantine's rule, Christianity became the empire's preferred religion. The wheel turns in mysterious ways!! 
Saturday 24/02/2024: I haven't had much news recently. Hope you are all good. None of you will know because I have kept it quiet. I have been busy training locals and tourists in Mexico about motorcycle safety and on/off road instruction. On the most inappropriate motorcycles and no gear. I sort that out before we ride!!! Best of all: 60 percent Mexican riders involved. Today I had my 60th trainee. I also received this review below, perfect timing. Wow. Totally over the top, but I will take it!
"Rarely do you get an opportunity to learn from a living legend... Someone with expertise so deep that it becomes a fundamental part of who they are. Spencer IS Adventure Moto riding personified, and I learned more on his 3-hour ride than I learned in years of riding. He is a natural teacher who instructs through practical demonstration, clear feedback, and engaging story telling. His lessons may save your life one day and are sure to make you a better rider. I will be back for more training!" John James
Friday 09/02/2024: Unexpected events happen daily in Escondido! Our daily fishing was interrupted by a crash landing on the beach near cafes and bars. A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft had to make an emergency landing on Bacocho beach. The Cessna plane crash-landed almost immediately after take-off from runway 27 at Puerto Escondido Airport. Four passengers from Canada had boarded the Cessna 208B signing up for a skydiving adventure. A Mexican pilot was in charge of the plane and everything looked perfect until it was time for the passengers to jump. The machine experienced a malfunction, which compelled the pilot to search for an emergency landing spot and crash landed on the beach. Local fishermen helped to evacuate the people on board, in rather a desperate way. It was fortunate that the passengers were not too seriously injured otherwise they may have suffered more from the unceremonious rescues. It was more serious for one person on the beach who was killed after being struck by the aircraft. Every day a saga.
Monday 12/02/2024: Recently Google Doodle honoured a distinguished Mexican archaeologist and professor Alfonso Caso Andrade, born in 1896, who died at 74 in 1970, leaving behind an invaluable legacy for the understanding of Mexico's ancient cultures. One of his most notable achievements was the first major excavation of the pre-Columbian city of Monte Albán in Oaxaca, which I have mentioned before. The "doodle" is a daily feature by which Google celebrates a person or historical event with an image and a biography. Some doodles are region- or country-specific. Caso's Doodle shows him holding a book as he stands in front of a shovel, books, and ancient artifacts. Behind him is a pyramid and the word "Google" emblazoned on stones, with one of the O's represented by the cover of Caso's book. In 1932, excavations at Monte Albán unearthed Tomb Seven, one of the richest burial sites ever found. Using the remarkable burial offerings in the tomb, Caso was able to outline a history of Monte Albán dating back to the 900s AD. Writing books about his findings and methodology, he began to focus on the Mixtecs (Ñuu Savi), an Indigenous people of southern Mexico. Caso discovered Mixtec sites around the country in Yucuita, Yucuñudahui and Monte Negro. In a major step forward for the field of archaeology, Caso learned to read Mixtec codices, also shown before in logs. Caso focused on protecting Mexico's archaeological heritage and took significant steps to safeguard the traditions and history of Indigenous communities. When you visit many archaeological sites, it is Caso Andrade you have to thank for their well-being.
Tuesday 13/02/2024: As some of you know my very early life was in Kenya where my father was working for The British Council. At the time he used to run with the up-coming Kenyan athletes and some of them went on to compete in the Olympics. Although a toddler I watched them slog out the miles across the country where we lived. Black runners and one white guy. I have just learnt that another Kenyan athlete, Kelvin Kiptun, has died in a car crash in Eldoret, where we travelled many years ago.
Several Kenyan athletes have been killed in car and bus crashes on Kenya's dangerous pot-holed and dirt roads. Others have been murdered. Kiptun was only 24 and had broken the world record for the marathon at 2hrs and 35 seconds!! He was to attempt to run under 2 hours in the upcoming Rotterdam marathon and probably would have achieved this incredible time. You must run 26 miles at 4min 36 seconds per mile pace for this!! Sad day.
Wednesday 14/02/2024: Today is Valentine's Day but where did Valentine's Day originate? We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains references to both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II. Another Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and, most importantly, romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine became one of the most popular saints in England and France. Much of this information and a lot more can be found 
Thursday 25/01/2024: How many times a week do you pick up a pen to use for writing. Once, twice or never? If you don't it may be a cause for your lack of memory! As digital devices progressively replace pen and paper, taking notes by hand is becoming increasingly uncommon in schools and universities. Using a keyboard is the norm because it's often faster than writing by hand. And everybody does it. However, handwriting has been found to improve spelling accuracy and memory recall. Brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard and is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information. This is beneficial for learning. Hitting a key with the same finger repeatedly is less stimulating for the brain. This also explains why children who have learned to write and read on a tablet, can have difficulty differentiating between letters that are mirror images of each other, such as 'b' and 'd'. They literally haven't experienced what it 'feels' like to produce those letters. Handwriting is now being taught is some schools to improve cognitive ability. Similarly, how often in a public space do you see anybody reading a book? No. It is keyboard manipulation on a mobile device. Disaster for future innovators and creativity. 
Sunday 28/01/2024: Back to things Mexican. My nearest large town is Oaxaca which is known for producing a popular drink. In Mexico you cannot miss Mezcal, Latin American Spanish: [mes?kal], sometimes spelled mescal, a distilled alcoholic drink made from any type of agave. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli, which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl and ixcalli. Traditionally the word "mezcal" is used for all agave spirits and it is used whether these spirits have been legally certified as "mezcal" or not. The Centro Cultural del Mezcal in Oaxaca city is a mezcal mecca: it features more than 350 different labels of mezcal. It is the only place in Mexico, and the world, where you can find such an amount and variety of mezcal to taste, learn about and buy. The cultural centre displays different colours of mezcal and mezcals bottled with scorpions, insects, or snakes, yes a fact, and some infused with a variety of animal meats, such as mezcal de pechuga, chicken or turkey breast mezcal. Oaxaca is the leading producer and exporter of mezcal in Mexico, accounting for 96.1% of the trade. When here you had better sample this freely available pick-me-up. Perhaps not the scorpion variety as you never know you might get more 'sting' than expected.
The first mentioning of the celebration of the start of a new year was recorded in Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). In the book Simin Yueling, written by Eastern Han's agronomist and writer Cui Shi, the celebration was recorded as such, "The starting day of the first month, is called 'Zheng Ri'. I bring my wife and children, to worship ancestors and commemorate my father." Later he wrote: "Children, wife, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all serve pepper wine to their parents, make their toast, and wish their parents good health." People also went to acquaintances' homes and wished each other a happy new year. In the Later Han Volume 27, a county officer was recorded going to his prefect's house with a government secretary, toasting to the prefect and praising the prefect's merit. Lunar new year is the grandest ancient traditional festival in China, commonly known as "Guo Nian". 
This festival celebrates the beginning of spring and the arrival of the new year. The customs of Chinese lunar new year include buying New Year's goods and having family dinner together. So Happy New Year to whoever, wherever.
Anyway, Peg-Leg's plan was to pop the tyre over his neck, hop down to the jungle, hop through the river, hop through the Sugar cane, and hop out the other side, victorious. Who was I to argue? It didn't sound like a very balanced plan to me (Joke). Long John Silver smelt some gold, and would probably be hopping mad, if I refused his offer. It is difficult times. Try standing in his shoe. To cut a long leg, sorry; story short, I accepted, and my hopping smuggler was successful. After about fourty five minutes, as predicted, he popped out the other side, singing 'Lean on me'. No, he didn't, but he did give the customs and the militia the thumbs up. I suspect he was in cahoots with them, but I didn't care. Top man, and we could now contemplate the twelve-thousand-kilometre detour through the Amazon. So glad we couldn't get through. Everything happens for a reason.
Wednesday 17/01/2024: Now to an item off-track but this date brought something to mind. It may be of some interest that on this day Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809. Many will know him as an author of horror stories, but he was also poet, the 'Raven' being his most well-known, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism and Gothic fiction. Poe is considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and as a science fiction writer. Poe had a problematic early life. He was supported by his stepfather but Poe's drinking and gambling lead to fraction. In 1835, at age 26, Poe obtained a license to marry his cousin Virginia Clemm, who was then age 13; they were married for 11 years until her death, which may have inspired some of Poe's writing. He wrote for newspapers for some time and began writing poetry and short stories but never had a steady income. Today he would be rich as many of his stories have been filmed. On October 3, 1849, Poe was found semiconscious in Baltimore, "in great distress, and... in need of immediate assistance". He was taken to the Washington Medical College, where he died on Sunday, October 7. Poe was not coherent long enough to explain how he came to be in his dire condition and why he was wearing clothes that were not his own. He is said to have repeatedly called out the name "Reynolds" on the night before his death, though it is unclear to whom he was referring. His attending physician said that Poe's final words were, "Lord help my poor soul". All the relevant medical records have been lost, including Poe's death certificate. Newspapers at the time reported Poe's death as "congestion of the brain" or "cerebral inflammation", common euphemisms for death from disreputable causes such as alcoholism. The actual cause of death remains a mystery. Speculation has included delirium tremens, heart disease, epilepsy, syphilis, meningeal inflammation, cholera, carbon monoxide poisoning, and rabies. One of these would probably be sufficient but at least he did not have to suffer the terror of 'The Pit and the Pendulum.' 
Friday 19/01/2024: Now to an entry related to Mexican history. General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico, held an elaborate funeral for a leg he had lost while fighting. Seems legs are a theme in this log! This wasn't the end for the prized leg, though. Illinois soldiers would later discover the burial site and carry the leg home as a spoil of war. It's still displayed in an Illinois museum despite numerous appeals from the Mexican government to return it. Read on. You will see he was a man of many legs. López de Santa Anna's most personal and ignominious incident in the Texas war was the capture during the Battle of Cerro Gordo of his prosthetic cork leg, not his actual leg. A second leg, a peg, was also captured by the 4th Illinois and was reportedly used by the soldiers as a baseball bat; it is displayed at the home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby, who served in the regiment. 
The President, now without a leg to stand, hopped about for some time, had another replacement leg made which is displayed at the Museo Nacional de Historia in Mexico City. After his death the prosthetic leg played a role in international politics. As relations between the U.S. and Mexico warmed during the run-up to World War II, the leg was due to be returned to Mexico in 1942. The Association of Limb Manufacturers wanted to be part of the repatriation ceremonies. It was agreed to return the prosthetic, but the National Guard denied the transfer and remains as a trophy in the Illinois State Military Museum. Lopez was President of Mexico 11 times from 1833 to 1855 but was a disaster for the country, losing first Texas and then much of the current American West to the United States. Probably should have legged it after his first Presidency!
Sunday 22/01/2024: To say farewell for today after all the long entrees a problem for you to solve. Can you complete the course in the pic by Dave Carpenter. Happy birthday to anyone. Spencer.
Sunday 07/01/2024: The log starts after the Christmas break and a week into the New Year. January the 6th marks the end of the holiday season in Mexico, as in the rest of Latin America and Spain. On this day, Mexican families and friends hold gatherings and enjoy eating the traditional sweet bread named Rosca de Reyes, known in English as Three Kings' Cake. Placed inside the bread is a baby Jesus figurine in reference to the Biblical passage describing how Mary and Joseph had to hide baby Jesus from King Herod. Whoever finds the figurine is responsible for treating guests to tamales on February the 2nd, Día de la Candelaria – the last of the Winter events and gatherings in Mexico. Although the tradition is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and strongly associated with Catholicism, the Spaniards only adopted it after the conquest, who inherited the tradition from the Romans. However, it didn't have a religious meaning for them. In Spain, people do not hide a baby Jesus figurine inside the bread, nor is the tradition connected to the above Nativity passage. Instead, the Spanish hide a dried bean in the bread representing bad luck, and whoever finds it must pay for the rosca. That the Rosca de Reyes took on a religious meaning in Mexico is a result of the influence of Catholicism in Mexico's Christmas traditions, many of which are still alive across the country. There were no beans in my cake. Not surprising as I didn't have any.
Monday 08/01/2024: Scientists have discovered an 'alligator-like' creature that was seen hanging 60 feet in the air from treetops in Mexico. Although 'alligators' can be found in other geographical regions this 'unusually large' species was found in southern Mexico and is said to have avoided detection by hiding themselves in the foliage. The reptile has been dubbed Abronia cunemica, after Cuñemo, the 'indigenous Zoque language' name for Coapilla, a town in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The rim of their eyes is a 'pale yellow' and accompanied by dark spots. The species inhabits the forest canopy which can range from 11 to 64 feet tall. Alligator lizards, in general, are only found in 'humid highland forests' in Central America. They are also rarely seen due to limited distribution areas. (Photo Jim Zuckermann).
His answer was in Spanish, but translates roughly as, "That is a brand-new tyre over your shoulder, Mr... Travolta. You bought it at the Moto tyre centre, near the Cucuta Mall from Andre. Then you rolled it in a puddle, around the corner, so we couldn't see you. Then you rubbed it on a rock, to make it look worn."
The research uses lidar to peer through forests in Tabasco, Mexico and uncover the previously hidden surface remains of 21 ceremonial centres, including Aguada Fénix. Lidar mapping showed that each site contains a round or square mound near a long, rectangular plateau measuring about 1,400 meters long and nearly 400 meters wide. Lidar revealed other structures around the human-built plateau, including rectangular buildings, plazas, and several reservoirs. Discoveries at Aguada Fénix challenge a traditional assumption that only large settlements directed by kings and a ruling class could organize and execute big building projects. No remnants of a royal class that appear at later Maya sites, such as sculptures of high-ranking individuals, have been found at the site. People living in the region around Aguada Fénix, who were cultivating maize 3,000 years ago, must have banded together to create a ritual site suitable for large gatherings. Nine causeways connected to the site's rectangular platform carried processions of those participating in rituals. A set of jade axes excavated in the centre of the platform may have been deposited during a ritual event. The Olmec society, which was located west of Aguada Fénix near Mexico's Gulf Coast and is known for constructing giant stone heads, served as a "mother culture" for the Maya. That mysterious culture arose around 3,500 years ago and lasted until roughly 2,400 years ago. The more one learns about the Olmec society the more fascinating it becomes. 
Wednesday 13/12/2023: Have you made a New Year's resolution? Read on! Many of you will know of a running tradition that has spread throughout the world known as Park Runs. Held every Saturday morning at 9am in 1,234 different locations across the UK (and in hundreds more across the globe), the parkrun is a free, friendly 5km run and a firm fixture in many runners' diaries. Some park runs are run even on Christmas Day when Christmas costumes are a must. The oldest park run in the world is the picturesque Bushy Park parkrun in southeast London. Despite the fact that it is not a race there are still records for the event. Recently Ciara Mageean broke the women's Parkrun world record in Belfast with a new mark of 15 minutes 13 seconds for 5km. This is seriously fast. The 31-year-old, the 2023 BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year, ran the Victoria Park course 18 seconds faster than previous holder, Welsh athlete Melissa Courtney-Bryant. If you haven't yet participated in a park run why not make it a new year's resolution. It's fun.
Another skeletal analysis suggests that nomadic herders in ancient Mongolia, bordering northern China, trained some women to be warriors during a time of political turbulence and frequent conflicts in the Xianbei period between 147 to 552. Although evidence is scarce upper body remains show that women regularly used bows to shoot arrows, including physical signs where shoulder and chest muscles attach to bone, which does not mean that this was from conflict, more likely from hunting. But arrowhead injuries to the face and head suggest that wounds were not the result of peaceful activities. Further research is ongoing to determine the actual prevalence of warrior women. Around the world there are stories of such women so google The Amazons. 
Sunday 24/12/2023: Of course, this is Christmas eve so hope all had a nice day and here in Mexico there will be many celebrations and religious services. Cathy and I will spend it quietly reflecting on the past year and contacting family and friends. It will soon be New Year so to end, best to all for 2024, and leave you with a song by the worldwide popular group ABBA. Love Spencer and Cathy
Christmas Eve is known as nochebuena in Spanish. Many monks were based in what is the current state of Guerrero, which Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico, visited at Christmastime 1825. Also, an amateur botanist, Poinsett, after whom the plant is named, sent some specimens to the Bartram Botanical Garden in Philadelphia and from there the flower became popular. Nearly 100 varieties of poinsettia are known but no more than 30 varieties are grown in Mexico where the red flower accounts for 90% of production. There are also white, yellow, pink and salmon colours, as well as striped and marbled varieties. In Mexico, the plant is also called Christmas Flower, the Star of Christmas, Easter Flower or Easter Fire Flower as it often blooms around Easter time. In Nahuatl, its name is cuetlaxochitl, which means "flower that withers." Euphorbia pulcherrima is its scientific name. So, when you gift a poinsettia this Christmas remember they originated in Mexico.
Tollund Man, 2,400 years old, found in Denmark, was killed, and then carefully buried, with his eyes and mouth closed shut and his body in a foetal position, so maybe a sacrifice to the gods. Lindow Man, the best-preserved peat bog body to be found in Britain, had distinct facial features and even hair and a beard when he was unearthed in 1984. Examination of the remains revealed he was in his 20s of average height, was well-built and in good health, and lived around 2,000 years ago. Closer inspections revealed that he suffered from intestinal parasites and his last meal was unleavened bread. Theories as to how he was killed include blows to the head, garrotting, or a possible stab wound to the neck before he was placed face-down in the waters of the peat bog. So, when looking for a cheap burial ground seek out a bog!! If you want to learn more about Bog Bodies, 
Tuesday 05/12/2023: Before Christmas there is always an increase in the demand for food goodies so coming after the diet of bog man something a little more wholesome. Not unleavened bread. The American company marketing Krispy Kreme donuts has opened an outlet in Paris and long queues formed overnight when the store was due to open. Farewell croissants. In Mexico the owners of three fake branches of Krispy Kreme donuts bought them from a counterfeit company cloning genuine Krispy Kreme produce. Of course, the businesses did not have permission to use the international brand name and after searches, donuts, packaging bearing the brand name and boxes with logos and large amounts of cash were seized. The vendors were arrested, and surplus donuts seized. It is not known where the confiscated boxes of donuts disappeared to. However, several officers were seen licking their lips after the raid.
Thursday 07/12/2023: The conclusion of the 2023 Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador, won by Miss Nicaragua a week ago, was a good news, bad news situation for Mexico. The good news: the presenters announced that Mexico will be hosting the next pageant in 2024, estimated to be worth about 1 million pesos (US $58,000). Miss Mexico, who did not do well, wore a colourful costume combining owl and winged-deer alebrije motifs, representing wisdom and focus, with intricate Huichol-inspired beadwork. In El Salvador, Miss Netherlands and Miss Portugal became the second and third trans women to participate, and Miss Nepal received ovations as the first plus-size woman to compete. The organisers of the competition stated that all are very happy because this range of options for competing has widened. 'Beauty now has no limits, and everyone should be part of it.' An additional rule change for 2024 will be the elimination of the upper age limit of 28, a regulation since the pageant began in 1952. In a few years there maybe an over 50/60 age category. Who knows? 
I have often mentioned that Mexico has abundant examples of street art and have posted examples in my photo archive. They are usually highly colourful and produced by talented artists. Street art can be seen in many cities, not just in the capital and I will post some more examples in my photo archive. Rachel Story provided an informative article on street art some time ago and I include some of her text here. Street Art in Mexico has exploded in the last several years. Mexico is no stranger to cultural graffiti as the ancient Mayans and Aztecs covered their temple walls with beautiful imagery. Muralism became famous here in the 1920s after the Mexican Revolution and Mexico has been embracing art on its walls ever since. These days it's experiencing a renaissance, becoming popular with the help of social media. After the Mexican Revolution, the government commissioned murals for public buildings to reinforce its political message. Most of the population was illiterate so the government needed a different way to promote its message. Themes of the murals primarily related to politics, nationalism, and history. Over time, the artists came to reject the common subjects of the murals passed down by the government. They began to depict their own ideas and values. These days murals cover a wide range of themes extending far beyond that of politics and religion. Police don't mind if the artists get permission from the property owners. Artists will even present sketches of their plans to neighbourhood residents before they begin to paint. Such colourful graffiti would brighten up many places around the world, although some cities have already adopted this form of artwork.
Thursday 16/11/2023: This log is a mix of items loosely connected with Mexico, our adopted country, and hopefully of interest to many, so firstly a topic of universal appeal. Football! Fútbol is indisputably the world's most popular sport that is loved, watched, and played by over 265 million, and its growing popularity in Mexico is breaking records yearly. In 2026, Mexico will host the next World Cup alongside the USA and Canada, becoming the first country ever to host the renowned competition three times. Even so the remarkable story of how fútbol became an integral part of Mexican life remains largely unknown. In the early 19th century, Mexico's once prolific silver mines in Real del Monte, in central Mexico, faced an uncertain future. The mines had fallen victim to years of neglect during the country's war for independence with the Spanish. Recognizing an urgent need to rejuvenate this vital part of the national economy, investors in Mexico's silver mines turned to the United Kingdom, specifically to the south coast called Cornwall, to attract experienced miners. It took fourteen months for a mining party to make it to Real del Monte, the highest town in Mexico at 10,000 feet above sea level. The Cornish men introduced the game which was enjoyed by the local Mexicans and the British expatriates. At 4 p.m. daily, Mexican, and English miners paused work for a kickabout. The tradition became part of the working day and quickly spread to nearby towns and regions in Hidalgo. The town of Pachuca, just 14km west of Real del Monte, launched the country's first official football club by the turn of the 20th century. Current estimates show over 8 million play soccer in over 17,000 teams across the country and it's not just a sport for the players, but also for spectators where each game is watched by huge ecstatic crowds.
Saturday 18/11/2023: Look up! Look up! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman? No! It's a balloon! No! Yes! Recently there has been a balloon festival in Mexico which is a real spectacle. But when did ballooning start? It is as follows. Unmanned balloons were used as early as 220 AD by the Chinese, for military purposes, and which we know as Chinese lanterns, but not until November 21, 1783, did the first balloon carrying a human take flight in Paris. It was in a hot air balloon made of paper and silk by the Montgolfier brothers. The balloon carried two men, Francois Pilatrê de Rozier and Francois Laurent. They stood on a circular platform attached to the bottom of the balloon. They hand-fed the fire through openings on either side of the balloon's skirt. If you ask me that seems dangerous! The balloon reached an altitude of 500 feet and traveled about 5½ miles before landing safely, after 25 minutes, in a farming and vineyard area. The pilots gave bottles of champagne to the startled farmers to calm their fears of demons appearing from the heavens. Well maybe. On December 1, 1783, just ten days after the first hot air balloon ride, the first gas balloon was launched by physicist Jacques Alexander Charles and Nicholas Louis Robert. This flight too started in Paris. The flight lasted 2½ hours and covered 25 miles. The gas used in the balloon was hydrogen, a lighter than air gas that had been developed by an Englishman, Henry Cavendish in 1776, by using a combination of sulphuric acid and iron filings. From these beginnings we now have hundreds of balloons ascending at the same time at festivals around the world. And many records have been made, namely one on 3 July 2002, by Steve Fossett, the first person to fly around the world alone, nonstop, reaching speeds of 200 MPH!!
Tuesday 21/11/2023: Now to something closer to earth related directly to Mexico. A golden gun that once belonged to famed Mexican revolutionary Francisco "Pancho" Villa is be sold at auction, with an expected sale price of up to $950,000. Villa's gun is a gold-plated, first-generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver. It has carved pearl grips and two inscriptions of Villa's name, including one on its backstrap that reads, "Al General Francisco Villa/de/Su División del Norte." 
Mexico has designated 2023 as "The Year of Francisco Villa" marking 100 years since "The People's Revolutionary" was assassinated in a shootout on July 20, 1923, after being ambushed in Parral, Chihuahua. Villa remains one of the most famous and popular figures in Mexican history, a Robin Hood–style folk hero remembered as a defender of the common people against the rich and powerful. However, Villa and his band of revolutionaries are also known for a run of murderous cruelty that brought retaliation from both the U.S. and Mexican armies.
Thursday 23/11/2023: Wider afield and globally a recent survey has compiled a list of the worlds 10 most popular songs. What would be in your list. Write them down before reading on. Research reveals there are several tracks that adhere to a pattern of catchiness, with Queen's 'We Will Rock You' coming out on top although many scientific researchers have suggested that this song was manufactured in a lab.
Saturday 25/11/2023: Something quieter but also worth another blast from the past. A treasure-trove of knowledge on 16th-century Indigenous Mexican culture is now available to the global public, The Codex, mentioned before, is a 12-book encyclopedia of Mexica (Aztec) life, written between 1575 and 1577 by Nahua scholars, based on interviews with elders who lived before and during the Spanish conquest. Nahua refers to the Nahuatl-speaking Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America, a group that includes the Mexica. It also contains nearly 2,500 images by Nahua artists, depicting the daily life and mythology of their people. It was co-created and translated into Spanish by the Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún, who hoped that knowledge of Nahua culture would help him convert them to Christianity. This is really a fascinating an eye-opening document revealing the advanced thinking of the Aztecs. 
Monday 06/11/2023: Experienced strange, unusual, and funny things on my travels and an account of one such I include below from my book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat'.
The openness of Love Motels can be jaw dropping when first encountering their existence, but you quickly realise, as a scrooge traveller, that they are cheap and clean, so Cathy and I were really forced into using their facilities when in cities because it is impossible to camp. In fact, after a few basic errors of etiquette we became reasonable experts on Love Motels. (Always use capital letters for Love Motels and when you say the words, your voice must go as deep as possible, a la Barry White, and stretch out the word Luuurve.) Love Motels differ widely in quality and seediness but there is a basic set up and structure that is good to know to ease the shock factor. I certainly embarrassed myself. There is an inner courtyard which is made up of rows of garages, which either have massive pull across curtains or in the more upmarket establishments, remote controlled doors operated by the reception, much to my frustration on a few occasions.
Friday 10/11/2023: Wow! Another spectacle in Mexico. It is the butterfly season and amongst the thousands that appear in all possible colours you can picture is the Monarch. The first colonies arrived on the morning of November 1, before millions descended in huge clouds by the afternoon. Every year around 250 million butterflies make a journey of some 4,000 kilometres from Canada to nest in the pine and fir forests of Mexico. The name "monarch" is believed to have been given in honour of King William III of England, as the butterfly's main colour is that of the king's secondary title, Prince of Orange. We have ridden through such clouds and stopped to avoid harm to the glorious fusion of flittering colourful wings. Superb. For nature lovers I provide two links for you to engage in the spectacle.
Monday 13/11/2023: Lastly there has recently been a revival of a parade that has dim and distant origins. It is unique and rather intriguing. A march of robot-like ancient warriors through the streets of Oaxaca. Could be from DR. Who! I am afraid I cannot add more to the information so if anyone can enlighten me please let me know. For a clearer idea of the 'parade' 
Sunday 22/10/2023: As most of you know The Day of the Dead is near on the Mexico calendar but why is the marigold flower important for Day of the Dead rituals? The cempasúchil flower helps the souls of the dead find their way to the land of the living. Its use is believed to stem from a pre-Columbian story of two lovers named Xóchitl and Huitzilin. According to the tale, after Huitzilin was killed in battle, Xóchitl prayed to the sun god Tonatiuh to reunite them on Earth. Tonatiuh granted her wish by transforming her into a bright golden flower and Huitzilin into a hummingbird. As a hummingbird Huitzilin approached cempasúchil Xóchitl and her twenty petals bloomed, filling the air with their potent fragrance. Nice legend! The cempasúchil is a symbol of life and death and is used to decorate altars, offerings, and burials to honour deceased loved ones.
OK, However since pre-Hispanic times, this plant has been used for medicinal purposes. The pigments of the erect tagetes are due to the presence of carotenoids, of which the main one is lutein, which is associated with the prevention of the development of age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The most intense orange tones of the flowers are related to a higher content of carotenoids, especially xanthophyll. Some studies indicate the effectiveness of the latter in the prevention of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, immune response, old age and cancer. In some regions of Mexico, it is used for relief of digestive ailments, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, colic, liver problems, bile, vomiting, indigestion, and other medical problems. Antioxidant activity has been discovered in the essential oil of this plant possibly attributable to the presence of camphor and methyl eugenol. So, look upon this stunning flower with respect it may serve as a cure for an illness someday or to keep your heart beating. Check the pic for the number of heart beats per day!!
Tuesday 24/10/2023: Having mentioned the efficacy of marigolds I return to a subject mentioned several times recently. Magic mushrooms. OH! No! I hear you cry. But let it be known that Mexico has more psilocybin-containing mushrooms than any other country. The history of use in Indigenous medicine/spiritual practices is widely known and its status is moving toward legalization, at least for medical uses for treating depression and anxiety. Research at Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom, compared the efficacy of the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro) with psilocybin. The study revealed that just two doses of psilocybin appeared to be at least as effective as daily escitalopram pills when administered alongside psychological therapy. Patients receiving psilocybin experienced greater improvement, with double the number achieving remission compared to the antidepressant group. Psilocybin is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for managing addiction and boosting creativity and well-being. Before you indulge take care to use sensibly and in a safe environment. 
Thursday 26/10/2023: We have been hit by another hurricane, Otis, which strengthened very quickly into a major hurricane after being upgraded from tropical storm status on Tuesday morning, flooded homes and roads, toppled trees and caused significant damage to buildings in Acapulco. Winds estimated to be 165 mph (270 km/h) brought by the hurricane shattered residential neighbourhoods with cars, sheet metal, dead animals, trees and billboards floating in water. The sea surge caused significant coastal flooding and was accompanied by large and destructive waves along the southern coast of Mexico. So far 27 have died in Otis. The cost of damage caused by the hurricane is likely to be around US $15 billion. We humans cannot control nature that brings such damage. The flip side is that we ourselves damage nature in many ways.
Artists have unique styles and infuse their art with their own personality. Can a software programme replicate emotions, personality, or vision? People relate to art at a very human level. Many believe that AI-generated art destroys the humanity in art. Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has called animation created by machines "an insult to life itself. I consume and love art made by humans," the 'Shape of Water' director said that "I am not interested in illustrations made by machine and the extrapolation of information." Mexico has also had problems in protecting Indigenous peoples from cultural appropriation. In 2021, the Mexican government passed a law that prohibits and criminalizes the unauthorized use of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican cultural expressions. And how do you define cultural heritage? Establishing the origin of a cultural expression is complicated as it is passed down from generation to generation and Indigenous culture overlaps at times. There are nearly 17 million Indigenous people in Mexico; at least 68 Indigenous languages; and over 350 variations of those. Most Indigenous art reflects the history, culture, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous community. Can AI generative software replicate that? There is also the problem of Indigenous iconography that is so old that it falls under public domain: a legal back door for any company looking to appropriate Indigenous symbolism. And of course, you can download links to make your own AI images. What is your opinion of Matthew Allen's AI 'creation? Could anyone else have produced such a stunning image? Would it be a clone of the original? Please let me know.
Sunday 29/10/2023: Halloween is becoming more popular as a day of scariness marked by children and adults dressing in frightening costumes. It is but a few days away and shops in Mexico present customers with Holloween paraphernalia, together with Day of the Dead costumes. This time of year, horror stories become prevalent and one such is marked by reality. Hidden deep in Chapultepec Forest lies "La casa de Tía Toña", aunt Toña's house. Just who exactly Aunt Toña is unclear, but local legend says she was a woman of great wealth. Toña lived alone in this enormous forest mansion and adopted several orphaned children for company. For years, these children stole precious jewels and money from the house, driving Toña insane. One day, she had had enough, and beat the orphans to death, before throwing their bodies in a ditch behind the house. At night, visitors to the house can hear the screams of the children and the sound of Toña's voice, as she tortures them for their misdeeds. The house survives but few dare go to stay. Look carefully and you may see a ghostly image of Tia Tona on a balcony, but you have to have a sixth sense like Bruce Willis!
Monday 30/10/2023: Update on Hurricane Otis. The federal government has stated that almost 274,000 homes in Guerrero had been damaged by Otis. The official death toll is now 45 with an additional 47 people missing days after the powerful Category 5 hurricane slammed into the Pacific coast. Acapulco Bay is full of damaged boats and debris following Hurricane Otis. Disaster.
Saturday 14/10/2023: Another week nearly gone by but still suffering from broken wrist which does not seem to be healing. Will be going back to hospital today for another check-up. Will let you know the outcome, but I am severely restricted in activities. Could have been worse and also thankful that the effects of dengue fever seem to have at last dissipated. This illness is in the news in Mexico as confirmed cases of dengue have risen over 300% this year compared to 2022, with 71% of all infections detected in just five states. According to the Health Ministry's most recent dengue report, there were 30,320 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease between Jan. 1 and Oct. 7. The Health Ministry also reported that there have been over 167,000 probable cases of dengue this year as well as 48 deaths caused by the disease. Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is "an illness that affects infants, young children, and adults, with symptoms ranging from mild fever to incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash." After infection with one serotype, subsequent infection with a different serotype increases a person's risk of severe dengue and death. Throughout Mexico efforts are undertaken to eliminate mosquito breeding sites through constant fumigation campaigns and the removal of items like water storage barrels and prevention of places where water can accumulate. Lucky that I have recovered but not so good if I get attacked by dengue carrying mosquitos again.
Monday 16/10/2023: In conjunction with the Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, our nearest large town, will this week host storytellers who will share traditional myths and legends, as well as concerts of Indigenous music by groups from the region. Theatre will play its part – the main square of Oaxaca will be the stage for "La Llorona", a play that honours Oaxacan roots. La Llorona "The Crying Woman" or "The Wailer" is a Mexican vengeful ghost who is said to roam near bodies of water mourning her children, who she drowned in a jealous rage, after discovering her husband was cheating on her. Of course, adults and children will don skeleton costumes and horror inducing masks to mark The Day of the Dead. I have previously covered this spectacle and have mentioned it in connection with the James Bond film 'Spectre'.
Five different species of endangered sea turtle are found on the coasts of Baja California. Their numbers dropped sharply at the end of last century but are now showing signs of recovery due to dedicated monitoring, education, and conservation programmes, in which local tourist developments are encouraged to participate. In Escondido waters where Broken Shell swims the local turtle protection group is engaged in such programmes. For an interesting and informative report on sea turtles log onto the link here on 
Bloody hell! They must get in trouble a lot. This was so beyond the realms of what Cathy and I knew as normal, but it is super important not to judge. We are all dealt different cards. Just as it couldn't get odder, Janik suddenly burst into tears. Cathy put her arm on his and said, "Hey, what's wrong?"
Saturday 21/10/2023: To close this log I post a link to a recent podcast from Escondido about my travels. 
Tuesday 03/10/2023: Now onto another topic which I have briefly covered before but now provide additional information. The amazing salamander!! Because there is one type unique to Mexico. The species Ambystoma mexicanum is a kind of salamander which remains in its larval state all its life. It is not a fish at all, but it does have gills, feathery growths outside its body, as well as lungs. As if that were not enough, the axolotl can also breathe through its skin. These abilities, however, pale before this amphibian's true 'superpower', it can regenerate not only its limbs, but just about every part of its body, including its heart and brain. Yes! True! For this reason, it has been called the Peter Pan of exotic creatures. The word 'axolotl' in Mexica language, by which it was known, means "The god who fears death," perhaps indicating that the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Mexico associated its ability to regenerate body parts with everlasting life. Legends about this curious creature, often seen in their art, originated with a god who was chosen to be sacrificed but refused the honour and fled. He jumped into a lake and was turned into an ajolote (axolotl). Actually, axolotls as a species had no cause at all to fear death in pre-Hispanic times, but in the 21st century the amazing Mexican walking fish may have good reason to worry about its survival, as its habitat is threatened. Naturally, these characteristics have made axolotls the subject of much research into ways to regenerate human body parts. Would be more amazing if humans could regenerate in the same way. Or perhaps not what one would want.
Saturday 07/10/2023: We cannot regenerate our physical selves but what about the spiritual? Recently in the news there has been much academic discussion on the use of Magic Mushrooms for curative purposes. This is another topic I have touched on before and, at the risk of being boring, I do so again. In Mexico, the use of magic, or hallucinogenic, mushrooms can be traced back to indigenous cultures that regarded them as sacred and revered for their transformative properties. Many Indigenous groups, such as the Mazatecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs, incorporated mushrooms into their traditional ceremonies for healing, divination, and connecting with the spiritual realm. During mushroom ceremonies, a shaman, known as a curandero or curandera, guides participants through the experience, providing a safe and sacred environment. One of the most famous Mexican curanderas is María Sabina, who gained international recognition for her work with well-known personalities, including pop stars, individuals seeking profound insights and healing through traditional mushroom ceremonies. Sabina's interactions with them contributed to a fascination with entheogenic experiences and their potential impact on creativity, spirituality, and personal growth. The mushrooms are often consumed ritualistically, such as being ingested with specific chants, prayers, or offerings. The curandero facilitates the journey, helping individuals navigate their inner landscapes, confront fears, gain insights, and experience profound spiritual revelations. games.
As scientific research continues to shed light on the medicinal properties of psilocybin, the legal status of this substance has become a subject of interest. In Mexico, the legalities surrounding psilocybin have undergone significant changes. Although the use of these mushrooms for their psychedelic effects has been documented for centuries, psilocybin has been classified as a controlled substance in many countries. However, the use of psilocybin has been approval by some Health Ministries for use in therapy for patients with terminal illnesses. This has allowed selected patients to access psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as part of palliative care. As those of you know who have read my book on South America, I have given an account of the use of the 'drug' on some I saw, as directed by a shaman, with frightening results. Perhaps best not to go there.
Almost half were children, averaging between the ages of four to six. There were fewer females than males, and practically all the skulls and other skeletal remains were found with varying degrees of mutilation, suggesting that it was a prolific sacrificial site. Powdery sand at its base was curiously covered in a blue tint, later discovered to have washed off human bodies and other offerings. A deep blue powder, known as Maya blue, was found on remains, which was used primarily by Mesoamerican cultures from about the eighth century until just after the mid-19th century. Fantastic pre-Columbian murals and pottery fragments discovered around archaeological sites show evidence that the colour was exclusive to the gods, or those chosen for ritual sacrifice. The Maya often applied the revered pigment when depicting Cháak, the god of rain who lived in the cenote underworld. Hundreds of people were ritually executed, and their bodies thrown into the waters of the Sacred Cenote at Chichén. A cenote was considered the realm of powerful guardian spirits who protected humans but was also considered the only source responsible for life-giving rain. Rituals are still conducted with offerings to the same spirits that gave good harvests for their ancestors. The Maya believed that cenotes were portals to Xibalba or the afterlife, and home to the rain god, Chaak. The Maya often deposited human remains as well as ceremonial artifacts in these cenotes. Today they are often used by people for swimming but beware as you might find a skeleton paddling beside you!
Monday 09/10/2023: This week an art show organized by Jason Schell, himself a well know artist, has opened in Mexico City so as I, like many others, admire the work of urban artists include this next short piece. When it comes to street art, Mexico City is up there on the world stage. Street artists from around the city, the country and the world descend on the streets of Mexico's capital to make their mark on the landscape, bringing to life a variety of designs, from the politically motivated to the aesthetically pleasing, on the walls of city streets. Mexico has long been home to muralists. Diego Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco, to name three of the most famous, have murals around the city and beyond that have stood the test of time. In some places, street art has also become corporate, with graphic artists being called upon to create designs that work in the place of billboards to advertise products. While street art is still in many ways a rebellious act, shrouded in illegality, and often ephemeral, a race against the clock before the art is painted over by the city. Nowadays such art is also finding its way into galleries and into art lovers' homes. Hence the exhibition in Mexico City recognising the artistic merit of street artists. I include an example here but also more on the 
Saturday 14/10/2023: Body Bones...
Wednesday 20/09/2023: Amusing and rather bizarre things happen in Mexico and one such is that Police in the northern Mexican city of Monclova, Coahuila have arrested a large "Chucky" doll for allegedly threatening passersby. The doll made famous by the 1988 horror film "Child's Play", in which it was possessed by the soul of a criminal before carrying out a series of murders, has long been a fixture of the Halloween season in the country. People regularly dress as Chucky, or their children do, and haunt the streets in search of 'victims'. The Chucky reported in the media was operated by a man known as Carlos "N", who used a large knife to threaten people on the street and demand money. The police were warned, and Carlos and "Chucky" were both arrested and handcuffed. They were charged at the scene with disturbing public order and endangering the public. Images of the handcuffed "diabolical" doll quickly spread on social media. Authorities in Monclova say the police officer who carried out the arrest has been sanctioned for her failure to carry out her duties in an appropriate manner. Why? She handcuffed Chucky at the request of local media! Carlos "N" was released later that day, but there has been no reports as to whether "Chucky" has remained in police custody. Probably languishing in a cell along with other Chuckies.
Friday 22/09/2023: Do you like beans? Not baked beans! Black beans. Mexico has a rich variety of 'foods' that are healthy as well as providing sustenance as the black bean. Beans in general, and black beans in particular, are extremely healthy foods, high in plant-based protein, fibre and antioxidants that help manage cholesterol, sugar and blood pressure levels. While 70% of the calories in black beans come from carbs, they're unique in that their starch content is what's called "resistant starch," meaning that much of it passes through our upper digestive tract without breaking down. Because the starch doesn't convert into sugars, blood sugar levels don't rise. Black beans have a rich hearty flavour and meaty, dense texture that makes fabulous burgers and chili. Refried beans (frijoles refritos), found everywhere in everything, are just cooked beans blended or mashed and then sautéed in oil or manteca (lard), with or without added spices, until they form a spreadable paste. A traditional recipe in Mexico is for a robust soup with a black bean base topped with all your favourite things: chopped avocado and onion, a drizzle of crema, a sprinkling of cilantro, maybe a dash of hot sauce. Now you realise I have taken up the mantle of chef supreme. I can supply other recipes at a small charge.
The guinea pig, Cavia Porcellus, Cuy, despite the name, guinea
pigs are not native to Guinea, have not even been on holiday to Guinea,
and are not even remotely related to pigs. They originated in the
Andes and were domesticated as a source of protein and
yumminess. They have kiddies every three months, between three and
eight, so are totally sustainable, nifty breeders.
For five thousand years guinea pigs have fed rural communities in
Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile, countries deeply and frequently
affected by malnutrition and unemployment. The Cuy features
prominently in traditional festivals – famously, a cooked guinea pig lies
paws up in the celebrated 1753 painting of 'The Last Supper' by
Marcos Zapata in the Cathedral Basilica in Cusco. Guinea pigs were
munchies for the Andean people long before they became pets in the
west. So, who were we to argue. If it was good enough for Jesus and his
disciples, it's good enough for us.
The meal was superb and was cut up into a tasty stew. We would not
have known it was a guinea pig if we hadn't seen the dismembering.
Top chefs in Peru and Colombia have brought the meat back to popularity with
roasted, curried, and even sweetened versions appearing on menus.
In Ecuador, there is no effort to disguise the Cuy.
It is served whole, deep fried and splayed,
teeth showing, eyeholes staring upwards, and hands and feet sticking
stiffly over the edges of the plate. Served with two, grease dripping,
fried potatoes, and anaemic green pulses. The guinea pig looks like an
animal run over in a cartoon, driven over a few times,
thrown on a fire, thrown on a plate and thrown at the customer.'
Tuesday 26/09/2023: Have you ever wondered what prison food is like? Any specia0lities? Probably not, but I discovered that there is one ingredient only for convicts as in the picture. You had better believe it. It's a fact. There's the proof. Probably why some prisoners try to escape! 
Saturday 30/09/2023: A lot of you might wonder why we are loitering in Mexico for so long, as we are supposed to be adventure motorcyclists. We have been sneakily trying to find a new location in Mexico for a Motocamp. The last few days were fun, to say the least. We went to a jungle lodge, where a very kind woman offered us a share in her business, and an opportunity to establish a new Motocamp. It was a perfect location, with four beautiful Cabanas set in a jungle paradise. The problem was that, after the romantic image of a jungle camp, the reality sets in. There were mosquitos queuing up, with tickets, to eat Cathy and me. By the following morning, we both resembled two pieces of raw steak. The mozzies had halved our body weight with blood sucking. I needed a transfusion. There were colonies of ants, with biceps and boots, waiting to carry us off, once the mozzies had sucked us into shredded human skin.
If you survive the insects, there are animals ready to pounce on the scraps, jaguars etc. But this is all academic, because it is impossible to get to this camp for seven months of the year. The rains wash away any hope of a jungle retreat. This is where I met my match, crashed, and broke my wrist. Luckily Cathy was not 'onboard' as I was running an errand for the lodge owner, a mere five kilometres to get tortillas. I was on a steep muddy slope with huge gulleys when the heavens opened, and the road became a river. On a steep downhill section, the back wheel slipped sideways, and I was off. I landed on my hand and knew my wrist was broken. I made it back to the camp and eventually arranged for a 'camionetta' (pick up truck) to take us and the bike the 150 kms back to Puerto. The indigenous Indian driver wanted 2000 pesos (£100) for the trip. Being the Rambo I am, I decided to ride all the way back. 2000 was too much. Respect to Cathy for getting on a bike with a one-armed rider. We made it back. I went to Hospital Angel del Mar (HAM, for short!), where they confirmed I had a broken heart, I mean wrist. Another day on the range! Lodge out then. Not good. Hospital confirmed 'nondisplaced scaphoid fracture'. Splint on base. Cast on top. 6 weeks minimum, no riding. A disaster!
Many Adventure travellers find border posts and their inevitable delays one of the worst parts of the process of travelling. I love them. I do understand that most people are on an agenda and a day's delay for paperwork can eat into a ten-day trip. I am privileged that I don't need to worry about delays, as I am always travelling. That said and accepted, I think it is all to do with the mind frame. People tend to get themselves worked up into a mini frenzy of negativity. I have seen it at ports, I have seen it at airports, docks, and land borders. People are on the defensive and behave extremely confrontationally, often before a problem has arisen. They would never behave like that at home. Customs Officers are only doing their job and it really is a thankless task. All they get is abuse. I look at it more from an anthropological point of view. It's an opportunity to 'people watch', under stressful circumstances, and quite frankly, I have met some extremely colourful travellers and officials, having passed through 135 borders. I had an Egyptian border guard who pretended to be two completely different people, simply by donning a hat and pair of glasses. Having seen him at the first desk he left and then came round the building and through another door. Hey presto, a brand-new official. He even kept up the pretence of having never met me; five minutes earlier, even though I was in a fit of giggles. He knew he had been rumbled, got annoyed and flushed, but could not falter. Brilliant. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, I macheted my way through the centre of a 'jungle' area. When I came to a clearing, finally, the customs officer had not seen a tourist in three years. I was well proud. His official stamp had even dried up so he wrote, 'Spencer James Conway entered legally', with his signature underneath. It worked. I will never get rid of that passport.
Saturday 02/09/2023: Now onto an item nearer to my adopted country, Mexico. As you know my father is a marathon runner so just a short report on the recent run in Mexico City. It is not the best venue for a marathon, or any endurance sport as it is situated at a high altitude and is polluted with car fumes. Mexico's capital is the oldest capital city in the Americas and one of two founded by Indigenous people. The city was originally built on a group of islands in Lake Texcoco by the Mexica (Aztecs) around 1325, under the name Tenochtitlan. It was almost completely destroyed in the 1521 siege of Tenochtitlan by the Spanish and subsequently redesigned and rebuilt in the Spanish traditional style. In 1524, the municipality of Mexico City was established, known as México Tenochtitlán, and in 1585, it was named Ciudad de México and became the political, administrative, and financial centre of the Spanish colonial empire. In 1986 the Olympic games were held in the city which caused some breathing problems for athletes competing in distance events. This year a Bolivian won the Mexico City marathon breaking the record. More than 30,000 runners competed in the 40th edition of the race won by Héctor Garibay Flores, aged 35, in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 23 seconds, over the 42 kilometres course. In the women's competition, Kenyan runners took the top three places, with Celestine Chepchir (2:27:17) taking first place. Hector lives in the Bolivian highlands and works as a taxi driver to raise money. The first-place prize was 550,000 pesos (US $32,814) and a Garmin watch, plus another 550,000 pesos for breaking the record. The prize money is "very important" because it will help him prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Working as a taxi driver has "robbed me of valuable training time," he said. Legendary Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, 50, a two-time gold medallist in the Olympics and a four-time world champion, attended the awards ceremony. Congrats to Hector and hope to hear about you in the 2024 games.
Tuesday 05/09/2023: Now to news of natural things, the mating ritual of the wild male palm cockatoos who vie to be the best rock drummers. The proboscidea aterrimus craft drumsticks for musical mating rituals according to their individual tastes. Some males are drumstick devotees, others use a mix of drumsticks and seed pod instruments, and unorthodox males march to the beat of their own pod, or foot beats. These individual touches have more to do with personal preference than with available materials. Females might prize creativity or individuality. A male palm cockatoo puts on a musical mating display from trees in his territory. He sings, twirls and drums rhythmically against the tree, often using a percussion instrument, a stick or seed pod, clutched in his left foot. As part of the display, he crafts the instrument himself and the female watches as he snaps off tree branches and whittles them to his desired size and shape. The birds' dramatic black and red plumage and tall, spiked crests makes for a display close in nature to a rock concert. The males all have their own drumming signatures. Some like to 'rock' slowly, some go very quickly, and then others add flourishes. Drumstick length varies from bird to bird. Some prefer short and stubby drumsticks, while others make longer, thinner ones. Looks like size matters.
Saturday 09/09/2023: To continue the nature theme. The world's highest-dwelling mammal, a yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse isn't the only rodent existing at extreme elevation, but it is the most 'elevated'. Multiple species of rodents live at or near the high-altitude peaks of Andean volcanoes, well above where alpine herbs, dwarf shrubs and other plants can grow, The mouse lives on the summit of the Andean Volcán Llullaillaco at an altitude of 6,739 meters, more than three quarters the height of Mount Everest. That mammals can live at these heights is astonishing, considering there's only about 44 percent of oxygen available compared to sea level. It is very difficult to sustain any kind of physical activity, or mental activity in such regions. Humans need oxygen to live at such heights without which they would not function for long. The little mouse has adapted to the rarified atmosphere living at ease in its surroundings.
Male weavers transitioned to the pedal loom, which requires more strength, while women filled other roles in the process: preparing wool, spinning wool into yarn, and dyeing yarn. Eventually, Zapotec women began using the backstrap loom for weaving while men wove more oversized rugs on pedal looms. In the last 60 years, women have become around 80% of backstrap weavers while roughly 75% of weavers using the pedal loom are men. The dyes are organic, made from materials including tree moss, pomegranate skins, marigold, madrone bark, West Indian indigo and cochineal, a tiny insect that looks like white fuzz when found on nopal cacti leaves. The female cochineal excretes an acid that produces a deep crimson colour, which has made it in demand as a dye. Some weavers mix their own dye colour combinations and have specific colours that identify their rugs. No one else can reproduce that colour because weavers don't share their techniques or their secret dye recipe for the colours they create. Traditional Zapotec rugs share common themes and symbols. Geometric pyramids represent the ancient political and economic centre of Monte Albán. The zig-zag pattern represents lightning, which is connected to Cocijo, the Zapotec God of lightning and rain. The Eye of God, very prevalent in many rugs, symbolizes the power of seeing and understanding the unseen. The Eye of God is placed inside a diamond. The top half represents the sky or heaven, the bottom half is hell. If you cover the bottom half of the diamond, you can see a pyramid and the bottom half is a horizontal reflection of the pyramid symbolizing a mirror that reflects our inner life. The Eye of God is sometimes placed inside a rectangle representing the entrance to the spirit world and a sacred place of spirituality. Now you know a little more of Mexican traditions.
The Mexican government issued a Hurricane Warning for the region of the peninsula between Punta Abre Ojos and Punta Eugenia, and a Hurricane Watch for the area north of Punta Eugenia to Ensenada. A Hurricane Warning implies that hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours and "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion." Hurricanes regularly caused considerable damage in the region. Although on the fringes we were lucky to make it to terra firma in one piece.
The mosaic dominates an important intersection of the city. On the friar's right religious and civil works are featured while on his left he is seen rescuing a victim of life's hardships from the jaws of a four-headed dragon, whose heads represent plague, death, hunger and war. Just above the friar, serving as his halo, the aurora borealis illuminates the sky. The love, admiration and gratitude Guadalajara toward Fray Antonio can be understood when one considers the epidemics that plagued the city in the 1700s. One year it was typhus, then a few years later smallpox, then typhus came back, once again followed by smallpox. The plagues of 1784-1786 were made a thousand times worse because a violent hailstorm wiped out all the crops. In fact, the year 1786 is on record as 'the Year of Hunger.' … It was a concert of calamities and the bishop did much to alleviate suffering. In the 18th century, the city had only one hospital with about 30 beds, so Alcalde built the Hospital Civil with 800 beds which were later expanded to 1,000. He also founded the Belén Cemetery and the Cuadritas public housing project. Good works me thinks.
Tuesday 22/08/2023: Just been reading Bill Bryson's book on the home and came across a passage on an ancient ancestor. No not my father, somewhat older! A Neolithic being known as Otzi. About 90 percent of Ötzi's genetic heritage comes from Neolithic farmers, an unusually high amount compared with other Copper Age remains. The Iceman's genome reveals he had male-pattern baldness and much darker skin than thought. Genes conferring light skin tones didn't become prevalent until 4,000 to 3,000 years ago when early farmers started eating plant-based diets and didn't get as much vitamin D from fish and meat as hunter-gatherers did. It is now known that people who lived in Europe between 40,000 and 8,000 years ago were as dark as people in Africa. It was believed that Europeans became light-skinned much earlier in development, but it seems that this happened quite late in human history. Skin colour depends on not only where one comes from but on our lifestyle and diet.
Thursday 24/08/2023: Whilst on ancient inhabitants of the land next to a creature that was at home on land and in the water. An ancient four-legged whale walked across our earth on hooved toes and swam in the sea like an otter. Big, possibly webbed feet and long toes allowed P. pacificus to dogpaddle or swim freestyle. And like modern otters and beavers, this whale's vertebrae suggest that its tail also functioned as a paddle. With tiny hooves and strong legs and hips, the animal could walk on land. But it was a better swimmer. Whales evolved on land and gradually adapted to a water-dwelling lifestyle. The first amphibious whales emerged more than 50 million years ago near what's now India and Pakistan. The species shared some similar features with Maiacetus and Rodhocetus, two early whales from that area. P. pacificus' age supports the idea that whales migrated across the South Atlantic and around South America to the Pacific Ocean in their first 10 million years of existence. Think I have seen some that look similar but have more human-like features. No comments please.
Saturday 26/08/2023: I have previously covered the damage that climate change causes on our planet and to add more there is a warning that it will affect the life of trees if heat increase is not halted. Photosynthetic breakdown could harm entire forests as a rise of about 4 degrees C above current temperatures in tropical forests could potentially cause wide swathes of leaves to die. When leaves get too hot, their photosynthetic machinery, proteins that convert light energy into sugars, breaks down. Most forests could endure about 4 degrees C of warming above current levels before trees lose all their leaves, and die. However, that amount of warming might be possible by 2100 in a worst-case scenario in which greenhouse gas emissions continue rising through the century. Another reason to act now and not just have international conferences about climate change.
Sunday 27/08/2023: Having experienced landing in a hurricane and attempting to calm some hysterical fliers in my plane whilst being totally at ease myself!! now back in Escondido we have been inundated, right word, with torrential rain causing our road to become a river. My neighbour opposite has lost his house and others have suffered considerable damage. My cats remained unmoved and kept up a vigil on my bike anchored outside whilst the flooding built up. Nonchalant observers.
Firstly, you have to pass the welcoming committee as in the photo and then follow a set procedure, but nobody knows in what order. Temporary residency is for four years and costs £2000. After that it is up to the discretion of Immigration whether they extend it to permanent. You then need a social security number, a tax number, a Mexican bank account and various other papers with three letters- a SAT number, a PLP number, a proof of residency and proof of Bill payments, shoe size, cake preference and allergies to Mexican chili sauce need to be declarado. They take your fingerprints, scan your retina and take mugshots galope, 'tousands of them! Everyone is super friendly, and it only takes 18 hours in each of the 200 offices, with queues of 1000, and I never exaggerate. After 14 years your application is rejected because you do not know what Austrolopithicus Afrocensius is in Spanish. But we will never give up. Onwards. Freedom!!! 
The survivor, a 51-year-old Australian, Tim Shaddock, was found in the Pacific Ocean in a damaged boat along with his dog, Bella, after a helicopter accompanying a Mexican tuna boat spotted him on an islet off the coast of Manzanillo, Colima. The pair survived by eating raw fish, drinking rainwater and by staying under a small canopy to avoid dehydration. Tim Shaddock left the coastal city of La Paz, Baja California, with his dog in April. They were bound for French Polynesia when a strong storm hit, damaging the electronic equipment in his boat, "Aloha Toa", and preventing them from requesting rescue or continuing their 6,000-kilometer journey. One lucky guy. If it had been me I would still be floating around in the ocean.
Saturday 22/07/2023: You must know the story of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' but stories of a familial bears exist in almost every human culture that shares territory with the animal according to journalist Gloria Dickie in her new book, 'Eight Bears'. The Yakut people of eastern Siberia call brown bears "grandfather" and "uncle." Shepherds in the French Pyrenees call the brown bear la va-nu-pieds, the "barefooted one," a reference to its humanlike footprints. In Peru, the Ukuku is an Andes-traipsing man-bear hybrid in Quechua lore that steals away young women. There are only eight bear species: brown, black, sun, moon, polar, spectacled, sloth and giant panda. Dickie explores each in vivid detail, traveling across three continents to some of the places where they amble. Many species inhabit woefully shrinking natural spaces. In the Andes, spectacled bears risk ascending upslopes into oblivion due to a warming climate. Polar bears are caught between rapidly dwindling sea ice, and from brown bears that have started wandering poleward. Sloth bears are squeezed into smaller and smaller pockets of forest as human populations expand, leading to violent, tragic conflicts with people. Paddington's ancestors are also in danger of dying out so another film is needed quickly to preserve the species of talking bears.
Sunday 23/07/2023: In Africa out in the bush or on the plains I often saw huge bird's nests. Many made by very small, winged flyers. Weaver Birds. Ant nests, beaver lodges and many other marvels of animal architecture enclose shared space. But small, sparrow like Philetairus socius 'glue' together beakfuls of grass to create a haystack of bird apartments. The nests can grow to weigh a ton and last about a century. Tunnels opening from the underside lead to each family's unit The condos have great insulation, an important perk for birds that don't migrate from the hot-then-cold Kalahari. In summer there is shady relief and in winter, condos are heated by snuggle power. The thatch keeps a chamber with a lone bird at about 12° Celsius. An apartment crowded with five birds reaches 33° C. Raising chicks is chancy when a nest offers a feast for marauders. Snakes climb the trees to get into the colony and then they inspect every single chamber. Adult weavers will mob loudly and frantically, but a cape cobra or boomslang ignores them, bingeing on eggs and chicks by the dozen. End of housing and colony!
Monday 24/07/2023: Recently, the planet sweltered as the average global temperature reached 17.01° Celsius (62.62° Fahrenheit), the highest ever recorded. That surpassed the previous record of 16.92° C (62.46° F) from August 2016. But in July temperatures peaked at 17.23° C (63.01° F). Earth just experienced its hottest month ever recorded. The extraordinary nature of this year's June and July readings stems from what's going on in the oceans around the world that have grown alarmingly warm. Our planet's seas have been warming for decades. The most recent decade has been the sea surface's hottest since at least the 1800s reaching 21.1° C, the highest ever recorded. In the Gulf of Mexico, the average surface temperature is more than 30° C. Hotter seas are a huge problem. The ocean is currently taking in about 93 percent of the heat associated with global warming, but as the oceans warm, they become less capable of absorbing heat from the atmosphere raising the global temperature. Nice for me on my daily swim back in Mexico but not so good for influences on climate change.
Wednesday 26/07/2023: For centuries, the nopal cactus of the opuntia genus, also known as prickly pear, has symbolized resilience and adaptability, much like the Mexican people. In exploring the wisdom behind Mexican cuisine's seemingly modest ingredients, the nopal is not to be overlooked. Indigenous civilizations revered the cactus, recognizing its nutritional value and healing properties. It was also considered a sacred plant, appearing in the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan by the Mexica, or Aztecs. The legend says that an eagle devouring a snake, while perched on a nopal, was the sign that the Mexica were seeking to know where to build their city, and the image became the national coat of arms. It has a low caloric value of 27 calories per 100 grams, and minimal digestible carbohydrates, making it a low-glycaemic food. Opal pads are also rich in soluble fibres, like pectins, gums, and mucilage. Consuming nopal promotes a sensation of satiety, which aids weight management and curbs excessive food intake. The nopal's fibre content can also contribute to regulating blood glucose levels. Pretty good for you and liked by me. You can buy it in all the supermarkets and markets as a whole leaf that has been scraped of its dodgy exterior which can sting the lips. It is chopped up into fine little cubes and is quite subtle and juicy in flavour. I cannot tell you what other vegetable it tastes like, because it doesn't taste like any other vegetable, so you will all have to come to Mexico to try it. Delicious in a beef taco or in a breakfast burrito. Also, it grows in abundance so will not run out.
Sunday 30/07/2023: In today's world fraudsters are ingenious at hacking but it may surprise you that Benjamin Franklin developed methods of stalling money counterfeiters. Blue threads and muscovite, a reflective mineral, were incorporated into banknotes. By using techniques such as infrared, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and X-ray analysis, researchers have found features such as coloured threads and muscovite, a crystalized mineral, incorporated into the paper. The blue threads are visible to the naked eye, and the muscovite produces a glimmer that reflects light, features most wouldn't have been able to reproduce. The muscovite, found in about 95 percent of the analysed Franklin bills produced after 1754, was probably sourced from the same geologic area. The mineral was also used to increase the durability of the notes so they could hold up better during circulation. Efforts to thwart counterfeiters of early American money were eventually upended by the British, who figured out some of the techniques when they flooded the colony with fake bills as a destabilizing tactic during the American Revolution. The value of American money collapsed, and in the years following the revolution, the United States favoured coins, only issuing treasury notes during later wars. Even so, some of Franklin's techniques would go on to form the basis of increasingly sophisticated methods used to combat forgers. For that time, Franklin's paper money was ground-breaking. Today there are more advanced methods to prevent clever counterfeiters, but Franklin was the pioneer. My attempts at faking Mexican notes have not been too successful. My methods, as pictured, a little antiquated!!
The weather has been superb in England so Dad, Simon and I have been gardening, shed building and castle visiting. Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's childhood home, one such. Many like this in England. Simon is back in Swaziland now, to continue his superb acoustic and electric guitar making. Fried eggs and banana sandwiches to all. Spencer!
Tuesday 11/07/2023: Having travelled extensively in mosquito areas I have caught malaria several times. Not nice! The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites and spread to humans by the female Anopheles mosquitoes. It was once prevalent, before widespread spraying of the insecticide DDT, helped to purge the US of any parasite-infected mosquitoes, and some people too. By 1951, malaria had been eliminated within U.S. borders. But the disease still circulates in many countries around the world. Globally, there are more than 245 million cases of malaria each year and over 625 000 deaths, most of which happen in Africa, according to the World Health Organization. In October 2021, the WHO approved a malaria vaccine for children living in sub-Saharan Africa. When I was living in Kenya spraying insecticide around homes and areas where mosquitoes breed helped to keep the insects' numbers down. The insecticide was called Doom, and was not too good for human lungs either, but I have fond memories of the smell. We also had window screens to keep the insects out of our house. My mother used to spray mosquito repellents on clothing treated with insecticide to prevent bites. My father cleared standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. I also slept under a cloth net, but I still heard them whining around my bedroom. Nasty varmints. The worst type of malaria is carried by P. falciparum, the most common and deadliest of five species. Here in the UK malaria is not that common but I still have recurrent bouts of the disease. Mosquitoes also spread dengue which causes a high fever and can be deadly. I have had dengue fever and was very ill for several weeks. Be warned.
The 12 deadliest insects worldwide, in order...
Thursday13/07/2023: When in Mexico I live not far from Oaxaca city, which according to Traveller Magazine, is high on travellers' destination wish lists, made Oaxaca city - a UNESCO World Heritage site - a natural choice for readers to vote as the world's best city. "Widely considered one of Mexico's cultural capitals, Oaxaca is a maze of historical monuments, lively street markets, stunning churches, contemporary art galleries, colourful street art, and charming plazas," the magazine said. I can also report that the city is also a 'foodies' mecca and home to award-winning restaurants. There are, in addition, world renowned hotels but I add that they are way beyond my means. A tent on a camp site is more my level. 
Friday 14/07/2023: Rats!! Why am I introducing rats in this log? Simples! I have seen them in many places on my travels and recently one popped up not far from where I am now so decided to provide some information on these not very pleasant creatures. Many rodents use whiskers to feel their way around their world. But rats appear to take this one step further, using special, antennae-like whiskers above their eyes to sense subtle air movement. These long, thin hairs may help the rats detect the movements of predators or prey in dark, cramped environments. Many studies of rodents have focused on the snout whiskers, there are a plethora of whiskers beyond the snout, on other parts of the face and the body. Seals also have supraorbital whiskers that sense underwater flow patterns. Rats may use their wind-sensing whiskers to pick up the movements of predators or prey in the dark. It could be that an incoming animal is sensed through a subtle change in airflow. The rat would detect this and escape in time. My rat encounters suggest this to be correct as most seem to sense my presence and scurry away. Some don't and those are worrisome for many reasons. And some people keep rats as pets!
Saturday 15/07/2023: I am 6ft 4 inches and in Mexico have often been asked how I got so tall. Mexicans are not known for their tall stature. The average height for males in Mexico is between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet7 inches, depending on where you are; very generally speaking, those with more prominent European ancestry tend to be taller. For women, the average height is 5 feet 2 inches. My height has advantages as I can see over the top of crowds where they assemble, at festival parades for example. Cathy likewise as she is 5ft 10 inches.
After that interview, all others seem small, and I am less nervous now. I recently did an interview on my Africa expedition with the excellent Simon McNeill Ritchie of Radio Bath with 600,000 listeners. Next week I will be discussing my South and Central America expedition. I am also appearing on BBC Radio Solent West Dorset to discuss my life in general, and future plans. I will put up the links for all of those on the next log. 
Thursday 29/06/2023: Have seen some large mushrooms in the fields beyond my father's house, maybe some of the deadly kind. Silent assassin and killer of kings. The deathcap species has been used as a murder weapon for millennia. It grows in mixed woodland; Death cap mushrooms get their name for a reason: The poisonous fungi can kill if ingested in even small amounts. But researchers may have found an antidote for one of the mushroom's most deadly toxins. A dye already used in medical procedures can block damage from the mushroom's alpha-amanitin toxins. Research was done with human cells grown in lab dishes and with mice, the antidote has potential to save lives. Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are responsible for most deaths from mushroom poisonings worldwide. 
Saturday 01/07/2023: Just been to see the Battle of Britain air show at a local airfield in Headcorn, couple of miles up the road. Many light planes to be seen. Mono and bi-winged, single and double seaters. Pride of place were Spitfires, Hurricanes and Messerschmitts and a mock dog-fight above spectators. Most exciting was a display by jets wheeling and diving in formation and the Red Arrows to complete the show. Good day out.
Tuesday 04/07/2023: The Fourth of July - also known as Independence Day or July 4th - has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favour of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Remember Americans you were once part of the British Empire. You owe it all to us!!
The tomato has become a staple in many international dishes, you're probably thinking pizza and pasta, and is also the basis of many Mexican recipes. It is now so widespread that it is hard to think of a household kitchen without it. Today, there are some 10,000 different species of tomato cultivated across the world, ranging in size and colour. While Mexico has always been one of the 10 top producers of tomatoes, 4 million tonnes per year, China leads worldwide production with 56.4 million tons. The United States comes in third with 13 million tons a year. But English tomatoes are the best and are exported to many areas of the globe. To Scotland anyway
Thursday 06/07/2023: Many of you may not be so into tomatoes but chocolate is probably more to your liking. The Maya, for instance, praised it as the drink of the gods - it was regarded not only as a culinary pleasure but also as a ceremonial beverage. Babies were anointed with chocolate, and people used it as a celebratory drink to mark weddings, coronations, and the forging of diplomatic alliances. The Mexica used chocolate as an invigorating beverage for warriors. The Spanish conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo wrote that Emperor Moctezuma's personal guards drank 2,000 cups of chocolate every day "with foam." Today soldiers use more potent drugs to go into war zones. Moctezuma himself drank some 50 cups of chocolate daily, and Spanish Conquistador Hernán Cortés adopted the habit to sustain his soldiers during battle at times when they had no other food. While the beverage wasn't sweet, it was considered a delicious drink exclusively for society's elite. They drank it as a hot beverage in the winter months and as a cold drink in the summer. It had a bitter flavour and was spiced with chili, flowers, and vanilla. Women would pour the chocolate from high above the cup to create a foamy effect. Chocolate was also preferred over the fermented spirit pulque as it didn't have any alcohol, the Mexica culture highly condemned drunkenness. After the Spanish arrived, they transformed the beverage into the sweet treat that we know today by adding sugar, almonds, and cinnamon and by removing all other spices except for the vanilla. Hot chocolate anybody?
O. Megalodon Sharks were a swift, fearsome apex predator and grew up to 20 meters long, making it among the largest carnivores to ever live on Earth. But the shark's voracious appetite may have also spelled the species' ultimate doom. Gigantism has a high metabolic cost, bigger bodies require more food, and the massive sharks may have been particularly vulnerable to extinction when the climate changed and food became scarcer. The shark was also known to have a very large geographic range around the globe, actively hunting in colder as well as warmer waters, which argues for some warm-bloodedness. A recent study modelled the shark's body in 3-D and estimated that adult O. megalodon was a transoceanic super predator, able to swim faster than any living shark species and could fully consume prey the size of today's largest predators. O. Megalodon appeared around 23 million years ago and became extinct between 3.5 million and 2.6 million years ago. Great white sharks emerged around 3.5 million years ago, and they competed for food with their massive cousins. One hypothesis has been that this competition helped drive O. Megalodon to extinction. Climate change during the Pliocene Epoch, which spanned 5.3 million to 2.6 million years ago, led to a collapse in the population of marine mammals, the primary food source for both sharks. I actually saw one whilst swimming off the coast of Escondido last month. Talk about Jaws.
Saturday 17/06/2023: My brother Simon is arriving from Eswatini to stay for a month. First time in three years that we will be together. He has a construction company and builds houses and designs furniture. Also makes guitars which is a long and complicated process that takes patience and skill. One small mistake and the guitar is ruined. Each one is precision made for a specific sound. You need to be a master-craftsman.
Monday 19/06/2023: Can't omit Mexico news from the Log so have included some info on a colourful character in the country's history. In 1936, Pedro Linares López, a master cartonero in Mexico City's La Merced neighbourhood who made piñatas, masks, and other items out of papier-mache became seriously ill. At one point, he lost consciousness. While passed out, he dreamed of strange animals including winged burros and horned chickens, all of whom he remembered to be shouting "Alebrijes! Alebrijes!" When he awoke, he remembered his dream and decided to bring those creatures to life, naming them for the nonsense word they had shouted. In Oaxaca town Copal is the wood of choice of the craftsmen who make these creatures. Once the figure is carved that takes a couple of hours and involves as many as six different tools, it's put in the sun to dry. After that, it's bathed in gasoline to prevent moths from burrowing into the wood and then placed in a freezer to kill any weevils that may have entered it. Finally, the figure is ready to be painted, which takes another three to four hours. Some figures are very small, but others can be six foot tall. To walk down the street where the artisans are based is a magical experience as everywhere there is colour and vibrance and weird figures.
Coming to England one notices how people queue in a quiet orderly fashion, but it is quite a different happening in Mexico. The etiquette of queuing is a form of no form at all. Travelling on a bus is an experience. As it pulls up at a terminus almost everyone is standing with their bags in the aisle by the time it stops. People that were sitting at the back push forward, in a way that requires you to jump off like a kamikaze pilot if you don't want to be smashed in the melee. It is much the same at food stands and stores, the vendors tending to whoever's closest or loudest, regardless of how they got there. You must physically push yourself to where you need to be, and you must 'speak up.' Shout! I have an advantage being six ft four as I can see over everybody, but this does not stop experienced women folk nudging me in the ribs or giving a push in the back to move as quickly as possible. Great people.
Thursday22/06/2023: Although not in South America now I can't escape news from there. Fossils from the southern tip of Chile add to researchers' understanding of how duck-billed dinosaurs conquered the Cretaceous world. Duck-billed dinos known as hadrosaurids were highly successful and lived on most continents by the end of the Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago. Now, a study shows that an older duck-billed lineage appears to have thrived some 72 million years ago in subantarctic South America, potentially millions of years before hadrosaurids reached the continent. Bones recently found belong to a new type of duck-billed dinosaur, herbivorous giants that had flattened, waterfowl-like snouts. The remains included many body parts, with pieces of hip, limbs, ribs, vertebrae, and a skull. The researchers named the animal Gonkoken nanoi, "gon" and "koken" being the words for "similar to" and "wild duck or swan" in the language of the Indigenous Aónikenk people from the part of southern Patagonia where the bones were found. Gonkoken isn't like other known South American duck-billed dinosaurs, or like any from the old southern supercontinent of Gondwana, which included what came to be South America. Until now, all known duck-billed dinosaurs from Gondwana were hadrosaurids, which had their heyday in the late Cretaceous and had such efficient, stacked, plant-pulverizing teeth that they chewed their way to nearly global dominance, outcompeting other herbivorous dinosaur groups. When I return to Central America, I will look out for hybrid ducks and be wary of their teeth. Pic is by Mauricio Alvarez Abel.
Thursday 25/05/2023: Maybe something to surprise. Researchers have discovered some interesting behaviour of ants. Some have figured out how to keep from getting lost: Build taller anthills. No! Really!!Desert ants that live in the hot, flat salt pans of Tunisia spend their days looking for food. Successful grocery runs can take the insects as far as 1.1 kilometres from their nests. So, some of these ants build towering hills over their nests that serve as a landmark to guide the way home. Desert ants (Cataglyphis spp.) use a navigation system called path integration, relying on the sun's position, and counting their steps to keep track of where they are relative to their nest. Actually, never heard an ant counting myself. Even if it wanted to! But this system becomes increasingly unreliable as distance from the nest increases. Like other types of ants, desert ants also rely more generally on sight and smell. But the vast, almost featureless salt pans look nearly the same in every direction. So, researcher Knaden and colleagues captured ants (C. fortis) from nests in the middle of salt pans and from along their shorelines. Only nests from the salt pan interiors had distinct hills, which can be up to 40 centimetres tall, whereas the hills on shoreline nests were lower or barely noticeable. Desert ants (Cataglyphis fortis) that live in the interior of vast, flat salt pans in Tunisia build tall anthills that help the ants find their way home. Other ants of the same species that live closer to areas with more visual landmarks build more typical, inconspicuous nests with only a small hole for an entrance. In Africa I have seen ant hills of up to 4 metres high so now I know why these tiny creatures bother.
Monday 29/05/2023: Recently I recorded what is now happening in the Darien Gap, which I desperately wanted to traverse on my Yamaha but is now impossible because of the migrant train through the area, so here is a short extract from my book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' which mentions another 'failure' in chapter two El Tapon del Darien.
Tuesday 30/05/2023: Now to another failure. Best laid plans of mice and men, in this case I have just suffered another bout of dengue fever and was supposed to be leaving Mexico today for the UK. Nope! Could not fly as not well enough to face the long trip with three changes and stop overs. Will have to recover and re-schedule. Watch this space...
Thursday 08/06/2023: Just to amuse you if you like to hear about unbalanced political leader. Seem to be many about but they are not a new breed. Huckster, madman, con-man: the unusual life of a Mexican candidate one of the most colourful - and perhaps tragic - characters in the political history of Mexico was Don Nicolás Zúñiga y Miranda. Known as the "perpetual candidate," he ran for president nine times in 30 years (1894–1924), never garnering more than a few thousand votes. After each defeat, he would declare electoral fraud, sound familiar, and announce that he was the "legitimate president" of Mexico. Zuniga y Miranda was born in Zacatecas in 1865 and studied jurisprudence in Mexico City, although there is no evidence, he ever practiced law. He first rose to fame in 1887 when he claimed he had invented a machine - the seismeon - that could predict earthquakes. With chance in his favour, he successfully predicted an earthquake in 1887. Shortly afterward, he predicted a second earthquake would happen on August 10 of the same year, one that he said would cause the Popocatépetl volcano to erupt and would destroy Mexico City. People panicked, abandoned their homes, and left the city or gathered in squares and parks on the designated day. But when the earthquake didn't occur, an angry mob delivered Zúñiga y Miranda a public beating that sent him to the hospital. He disappeared from public view for a while, then suddenly reappeared in 1896, announcing he would run as "the people's candidate" against President Porfirio Díaz. He proposed teaching jiu-jitsu tactics to the Mexican army and suggested a meeting of municipal authorities to analyse the effect the stars had on international politics. During World War I, he announced he was organizing a séance - he called himself a spiritualist - to invoke the spirits of Aristotle, the King of Spain, the Kaiser of Germany, the King of England, and the Tsar of Russia as a way to achieve peace in Europe. Historians have studied him with great curiosity, books have been written about his life, newspapers have likened him to Don Quixote de la Mancha and his character makes an appearance in Juan Bastillo Oro's 1944 film "Mexico of my Memories." Zuñiga y Miranda was famous enough that Diego Rivera included him in his mural filled with figures from Mexican history. He is the figure in the foreground touching his top hat. Hi Donald T if you need some inspiration check the guy out.
In fact, they are the largest animals that ever took flight now known as a pterosaurs. One has captured the imagination and that is Quetzalcoatlus northropi, the largest to ever take flight .Quetzalcoatlus could reach down to the ground with its long, toothless beak and even into bodies of water. Once it grabbed its prey, it could tilt its beak to the sky and swallow its victims whole. This pterosaur patrolled through meadows or waded in shallow waters as modern-day storks or herons do, plucking up fish, mammals or even small dinosaurs using its beak to crush its capture. I think I saw one flying over Crystal Palace but maybe I was mistaken. 
Saturday 12/05/2023: It is my birthday today and once again I would like to thank you all for interacting with me for many moons. It means a great deal. Lots of people don't like social media. I have changed. I like it now. I have had so many great conversations with you lot. Plus, I saved a middle aged fellow today who was washed out to sea in an inflatable pink flamingo. He was the guy, who ate the guy who ate all the pies. An excellent dude called Mario. It took me 20 minutes to bring him back to shore, because I had to pull him by holding hands through heavy surf. He was shattered and scared and when I got him close to shore, he panicked even more and jumped on the rocks, discarding the flamingo, which burst. He got safely back to his family. That is a top birthday result for me. The biggest bonus is that Cathy Nel has stuck with me for 300+ years. Peace, love, and respect to you all. Photo here of the chap I rescued!!!! Photo by Dale Morris.
Monday 15/05/2023: As many of you know I had planned to attempt to cross The Darien Gap by motorbike and had it all set up for Cathy and myself with guides and porters but then disaster. Covid 19 struck, and all borders closed, and travel stopped. At the time The Gap was a tortuous route with thick jungle and swamp lands. Now it is very different. Last year 40,297 migrants took the route, last month and 16,246 already, according to Panama's Security ministry. Last year a record 133,000 people risked their lives on the perilous trek through the lawless jungle – and the numbers keep rising. At the start of the trek, they cross knee-deep rivers and scramble up muddy slopes in the sweltering heat. But the worst of their journey is yet to come. Ahead of them lies one of the most dangerous border crossings in the world, a lawless, roadless region of mountainous jungle, venomous snakes, fast-flowing rivers and murderous drug traffickers that connects South and Central America. Many of the migrants are robbed, raped, and murdered by traffickers and armed groups. Women sometimes give birth along the way. About a quarter of those making the journey are children, most of them under five. Now there is no point in even thinking of The Darien. A blow to my dreams and I hope that the passage for those migrants attempting the crossing fulfil their hopes of achieving a better life in a safer country.
Tuesday 16/05/2023: On to a subject I have mentioned several times before but here is some more related info. Indigenous groups in Mexico, especially the Mexica, Mayans and Mazatecans, have been using hongos sagrados, sacred mushrooms, for thousands of years. They didn't always use them to cure psychiatric illnesses or to end the fear of death. They often used these mushrooms to communicate with the gods. There are at least 200 species of mushrooms known to have hallucinogenic effects and Mexico has the most, with 53 varieties growing in the country. The most potent of these belong to the genus Psilocybe, and these are often used by indigenous people in Mexico. Hongos sagrados, are used by shamans, also known as graniceros, to perform ceremonies or rituals to control the weather. Graniceros are believed to have the ability to enter into contact with sacred elements. They have wide knowledge of medicinal plants and can cure the human spirit and illnesses of the body. So they are tiemperos on one side and traditional doctors, or curanderos, on the other. Hongos sagrados are harvested during the rainy season in Mexico, which typically begins in May. Those who ingest them enter a trance, that is believed to be something totally sacred and supernatural, the world of mystery, the world unknowable and incomprehensible. Next time in TESCOS ask if they have Hongos sagrados as you want to enter the spiritual world.
Thursday 18/05/2023: Was thinking of a ride out to Popocatépetl but the government of Puebla city and other surrounding municipalities are reviewing evacuation routes and shelters to prepare for explosive activity. In the last 24 hours, 94 emissions of water vapor, gasses and ash were registered by the monitoring systems of the National Centre for Disaster. Already, ashfall has prompted health authorities to recommend that residents use face masks, as it poses a considerable risk of respiratory disease. All measures and evacuation routes have been planned, over 3,000 vehicles are prepared to evacuate the 13,000 inhabitants living in the risk area. The Popocatépetl volcano has registered intense activity, putting the area on high alert. Don't want to be a frazzled Spencer so will stick to turtle rescuing. Not so life threatening.
Saturday 20/05/2023: I fly out of Mexico in a week to the UK for adventure bike shows but disaster as my bike will not be with me. It was parked 'safely' outside my flat and was severely damaged by a car driven by someone on her phone. Need to obtain spares and rebuild!!! A dent, big, to my plans. Any way still be at 
Saturday 22/04/2023: As discussed before in my Logs climate change is affecting everyone as shown by fast-forming droughts occurring more often and with greater speed in many parts of the world. These "flash droughts" are replacing more typical, slower ones and are harder to predict and prepare for, which could make their management more difficult. Most major droughts have tended to occur over seasonal or yearly time scales, resulting from variability in large-scale climate patterns such as El Niño. But in the last six decades, there has been a transition toward more droughts that form over just a few weeks with little warning. As the world continues to warm, causing more evapotranspiration and less rainfall, flash drought frequency is expected to continue to rise. Many affected areas transformed from normal conditions to extreme drought within a month. Flash droughts start and intensify quickly, over periods of weeks to months, compared to years or decades for conventional droughts. They cause substantial economic damage since communities have less time to prepare for the impacts of a rapidly evolving drought. Flash droughts also increase wildfire risks, cause public water supply shortages, and reduce stream flow, which harms fish and other aquatic life. It is vitally important for all countries and communities to do as much as possible to prevent further increase in climate change. So sayeth Spencer!!
Wednesday 26/04/2023: From former colonised territories artefacts of all kinds are being returned to the territories from which they came and recently an Olmec 'Monster Head' was returned to México from an American University. But who were the Olmecs? The Olmec civilization is considered to have been one of the most influential in the Americas, having given rise to others that later inhabited the region, including the Maya and the Mexica. The head represents an "earth monster," a creature that commonly appears in Olmec cultural iconography. The figure's jaws, which open like a cave, represent access to the underworld. The Olmecs were the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilization which flourished during Mesoamerica's formative period, dating roughly from as early as 1500 BCE to about 400 BCE. Pre-Olmec cultures had flourished since about 2500 BCE, and were the first Mesoamerican civilization, and laid many of the foundations for the civilizations that followed. The Olmec appeared to have practiced ritual bloodletting and played the Mesoamerican ballgame, as mentioned in a previous log, a hallmark of nearly all subsequent Mesoamerican societies. The aspect of the Olmecs most familiar now is their artwork, particularly the aptly named "colossal heads". 
Nearly had a heart attack today as out swimming and suddenly an Eagle Ray breached the water and then dived back next to me!! Eagle Rays have long elongated tails several meters in length. With inky blue bodies they can be identified by their angular discs and a wide snout. Eagle rays unlike other rays in the ocean prey on shrimps, octopus, small fish, and clams. They are also fast swimmers, which makes them efficient hunters. They swim quite close to the sea floor and occasionally jump out of water, almost attempting to fly, often acrobatically, into the air. They may do this to knock off parasites, to communicate with one another, or for breeding purposes. Eagle rays have flat plates rather than teeth which they use to crush their prey. Super, super to have one with me.
Saturday 29/04/2023: Continuing a sea theme, the Turtle Rescue Centre put us in touch with the Lifeguards HQ on Zicatela and we were asked to give swimming lessons to novice Lifeguards!!!!. We took them out this morning in the surf at 7.00am. Five guys and a girl. They are great people but really can't swim that well. I guess in Swaziland and South Africa, we take good swimmers for granted. We started with crawl. They swam with their heads far out the water all the time and didn't use their legs. None of them could do breaststroke, which is weird. The response was so excellent. Taking 12 out tomorrow from Zicatela and La Punta lifeguard stations. Why Lifeguards? Playa Zicatela is the biggest and one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido. The 3.5km long sandy beach is a popular surfing spot with plenty of wave action from the famous "Mexican Pipeline" at the northern end of the beach. Tubular waves can reach up to 20 feet in height providing a spectacle to watch pro-surfers riding them. However, the surf can be treacherous for swimmers with a lethal undertow - beginner surfers beware! There are lifeguards on duty who perform rescues on a regular basis. Red flag warnings are almost a permanent fixture. My new profession is training Lifeguards. Very enjoyable. Next Mountain Rescue!!
Tuesday 02/05/2023: Next time you have a fizzy drink make sure it isn't cloned. Mexicans are among the world's largest consumers of Coca-Cola and other sugary drinks, and a wide range of counterfeit goods, collectively known as fayuca, are manufactured here. Pirated Coke is sold to street food stands in Mexico and criminals have been selling 60 crates of the phony pop per day, with each crate going for 200 to 210 pesos. The fake Coke syndicate, recently tracked by the police, would have thus had a daily revenue of between 10,000 and 12,600 pesos about US $710. The criminals have been arrested and await trial. Several of those involved look as if they have discoloured teeth!! Really.
Saturday 06/05/2023: Back in the UK celebrations were held in many towns and villages for the Coronation of King Charles 111. Biddenden, where my father lives, celebrated with a function on the local recreation ground and streets were hung with bunting and houses decked with the Union Flag. The post box had its own crown and shops sold cakes in coronation regalia to mark the occasion. 
Friday14/04/2023: Do you need proof of the effects of climate change? The inhabitants of Gardi Sugdub don't! Many of the homes on the island of Gardi Sugdub, in Panama's Guna Yala province, sit right at the edge of the sea. In pictures from high above, by Michael Adams, the island of Gardi Sugdub resembles a container shipyard — small, brightly coloured dwellings are jammed together cheek to jowl. At ground level, the island, one of more than 350 in the San Blas archipelago off the northern coast of Panama, is hot, flat and crowded. More than 1,000 people occupy the narrow dwellings that cover virtually every bit of the 150-by-400-meter island, which is slowly being swallowed by rising seas driven by climate change. The Indigenous Guna people have occupied these Caribbean islands since around the mid-1800s, when they abandoned the coastal jungle area near what is now the Panama-Colombia border to establish better trade and escape disease-carrying pests. Now, they are among the estimated hundreds of millions of people worldwide who by the end of the century may be forced to flee their land because of rising sea levels. We are losing the battle against the changes in climate that cause so many problems to humans on this globe. The islanders will not survive as the sea rises around them year on year!
Hundreds of young boys and girls, scraps of material tied over their mouths, to deal with the stench, scrabbled through the waste, trying to salvage anything of value. They are known as catadores, and survive by fishing out plastics, metals, cardboard, and other recyclables from the dump, to sell to middlemen. They rummage through detritus, knee deep in reeking mud, watched by massive vultures, who loiter and hop around the children, angrily grabbing scraps of food that are uncovered. There were rats, cockroaches, mosquitos and huge groups of flies, bunched like some obscene cloud, above the dump. Most of the 'workers' were no older than fifteen. A few adults were amongst them. None of them had protective clothing. They were in rags, and flip flops, many getting injured. Nothing looked of value. This is what these young people suffer every day, and they have no future!
Of course, in parts of the world there is conflict and wars and bombs falling on innocent people. This seems to be the destiny of humanity. But it is not humane! Enough.
Monday 18/04/2023: Just to show we do meet some people occasionally herewith a picture of three bikers, five in a five star hotel!! Sean, South African on left, Josien, Dutch girl and Eric, Arizona dude. Detoured 220 kms to come see us. Very nice people. Hi guys hope you are enjoying your trip through Mexico. Spencer and Cathy.
Hawksbills are critically endangered, because of the craze for hairpins and jewellery made from their shells, with only an estimated 15 000 left. Which is nothing. They live from between 50 and 100 years and mate every two years, so saving one is pretty important. I think so. Fingers crossed that we succeed, I'll let you know and thanks to all who have sent good wishes for the rescue. 
Tuesday 28/03/2023: How's your appetite? Are you open to anew tasty snack on your plate? How about large land snails made for easy catching and good eating. The oldest evidence of Homo sapiens eating land snails dated to roughly 49,000 years ago in Africa and 36,000 years ago in Europe. But new research indicates that tens of thousands of years earlier, people at a southern African rock-shelter roasted these slimy, chewy and nutritious croppers that can grow as big as an adult's hand. Analyses of shell fragments excavated at South Africa's Border Cave indicate that hunter-gatherers who periodically occupied the site heated large African land snails on embers and then ate them 170 000 years ago. Escargots anyone?
Saturday 01/04/2023: Humans have progressed from snails to other sources of food. We adapt to the geographical climate where we live but what of other creatures? What about Capybaras? Capybaras, the world's largest rodent, naturally live in vast grasslands, wetlands and rivers throughout South America. Their name literally means grass eater in the Tupi language, which is indigenous to Brazil and other regions in South America. We have them here in Mexico. They are very endearing in a woolly way! The animals seem now just as happy munching on leafy forest plants as the wavy grasses they're used to. Dietary flexibility has helped the capybara populations balloon in cities and survive in urban areas. As grasslands are lost to them, they adapt and munch on other vegetation, often to be found on agricultural fields. Unfortunately crop-eating capybaras can get too chunky and suffer poor health, as well as being viewed as pests by farmers for eating or damaging crops. Also in urban areas many are hit by cars, and ticks the rodents carry can transmit deadly Brazilian spotted fever to humans. If the capybaras don't get you the .......
Tuesday 04/04/2023: I have travelled widely in Mexico and been not too far away from El Popo! Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano and it's the second tallest active volcano in North America, 5,425 meters. Traditionally, central Mexico's volatile guardian for Mesoamericans, it was the source of both fire and water, as rain clouds gather there. The Florentine Codex notes that even decades after the imposition of Catholicism on the native peoples in the area, pilgrimages to both petition and appease the volcano continued. Popocatepetl arose over 730,000 years ago, according to scientists. Humans arrived only 10,000 years ago, and since then, archaeological finds and written records provide evidence of the volcano's impact. In the 1990's after 70 years of inactivity, Popocatepetl came back to life. First, its glaciers began to melt, but it was the December 21, 1994, eruption that caused extensive destruction. Since then, a column of smoke from El Popo has been visible on most days, along with ejections of steam, ash and rock. Ash is the main issue for the region and there is a 12-km exclusion zone around the crater because of fallout. Light ash has fallen much further away, either toward Puebla or Mexico City, depending on seasonal wind patterns. It is wise to live a good distance from the volcano as it could erupt at any time. And, like Icarus, don't fly too close.
Thursday 06/04/2023: Just passed a local woman making traditional jaguar pots. The jaguar has a prominent position in folklore. Jaguars can still be found in the jungle areas in Mexico. It is said to possess the ability of moving between worlds because of it is at home in trees and water, and has the ability to hunt in the night and in the day, and the habit of sleeping in caves, places often associated with deceased ancestors. It became the centre of religious ceremonies and is worshiped as a god. It is well-documented in Mesoamerica and South America records and is represented in the various Olmec jaguar transformation figures. In ceremonies men dress in jaguar costumes and dance in praise of the superbly beautiful animal.
Friday 07/04/2023: Mexico has many plants that have medicinal benefits. You have all heard of the hallucinogenic but there are hundreds of other kinds that grow in the wild and are frequently used in local treatments. One of these is Mexican arnica, not to be confused with European arnica. Mexican arnica has similar anti-inflammatory benefits. For stomach issues and nervous disorders, it was traditionally ingested in a tea form. Today, it is commonly found as a tablet or cream applied topically to reduce swelling and inflammation. It works!!
Tuesday 11/04/2023: Lastly for this Log and as an Easter nod on this Palm Sunday the municipality of Tabasco, Zacatecas, unveiled the largest statue of Jesus Christ in Latin America. Measuring 31 meters. The colossal figure, named Christ of Peace, that is larger than the iconic Cristo Redentor, Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, beating Brazil's landmark by a single meter. Initially announced in 2020, the monument was officially inaugurated on the Cerrito de la Fe on Sunday, April 9.
As Mexico produced far more silver than it could possibly use, the metal became the basis of currency here, in Spain and even some other parts of the world. The first colonial money was the real, later the peso, both originally as units of silver. With the easy-to-reach deposits exhausted, mining waned but never ended through the rest of the colonial period. Much of mountainous Mexico is dotted with former mining towns that still operate today. The silver flowing eastward over the Caribbean was a huge attraction for Europeans. Piracy thrived, with isolated islands and the coast providing English, French and Dutch 'buccaneers' refuge, which is one reason why these languages can be found in various parts of the Caribbean. Today, Mexico is still the world's main exporter, producing over 135 million ounces of refined silver each year.
Monday 20/03/2023: Mexico has some world famous sports men and women but recently a Mexican mountaineer Viridiana Álvarez has become the first woman from the Americas to climb the world's five highest mountains - Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. If any readers have been over 20 000 feet you know the effect of altitude on mind and body. But climbing over 25 000 is a debilitating and life-threatening experience. Ask my father. He knows. It also takes a long time to recover physically. Álvarez rose to fame in 2019, when she was awarded the Guinness World Record for being the woman with the fastest ascent to the top three highest mountains using supplementary oxygen. Alpine climbing is a style of fast ascent, with little equipment to slow climbers down, and is often used by mountaineers who strive to get to the summit as quickly as possible. This style of climbing recently allowed her to summit Everest without oxygen, making her only the 9th woman in history to achieve the feat. Congrats Viridiana.
Wednesday 22/03/2023: Have you ever tried carrying heavy loads? How did humans transport large timbers and stones before the mechanical age? Read on to be enlightened! A physiologist, Prof Kram and James Wilson, his student, from the University of Colorado Boulder, conducted an experiment to ascertain how large trunks of wood were caried to the temple site in Chaco Canyon in the northwest corner of New Mexico It is the home of grand structures built between A.D. 850 and 1200. Multi-storeyed stone buildings called great houses had roofs with timber beams about 5 meters long and 22 centimetres in diameter. The site contained at least 200,000 timbers of this size. He and Wilson proposed that tumplines could have been used to transport the timbers. These head straps have been found on every inhabited continent and are thought to have been used since at least around 2,000 years ago. They proved it was possible by carrying massive timbers between them over many kilometres in three days. They are still widely used to carry heavy loads, such as by professional porters in Nepal. A tumpline is placed on the crown of the head, to be in line with the spine, with the attached cargo resting on the small of the back. 'Porters' also carried T shaped wooden supports to lower the loads on to them when a rest was needed. Simples!
Thursday 23/03/2023: Did you know that Mexico was twice the size it is today back in the 1850s? The story of Joaquín Murrieta, the legendary Mexican Robin Hood who inspired the story of El Zorro, has endured and evolved over almost 200 years. To the American authorities in California during the Gold Rush, he was a notorious criminal, but to Mexicans, he was El Patrio: the patriotic avenger who came to symbolize defiance of U.S. oppression. The facts of Murrieta's life are elusive, but the story really begins with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, between the United States and Mexico. The terms which ended the Mexican American war forced Mexico to cede more than 50% of its territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico; most of Arizona and Colorado; and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. That same year, Murrieta, at age 18, migrated from Sonora, Mexico, to California with his wife, brothers and three of his brothers-in-law to prospect for gold during the California Gold Rush. Murrieta was a successful forty-niner, but as a Mexican, he suffered persecution and discrimination. An assault in 1849 changed Murrieta from a peaceful miner into an outlaw. Murrieta and his family were attacked by a group of U.S. miners who stole his land and home, hanged his brother for a crime he didn't commit, horse-whipped Murrieta and raped and murdered his young wife. At the time, authorities in California were engaged in efforts to expel Mexicans and turned a blind eye to such attacks. Murrieta, and others, fought the authorities and sought revenge but he was finally killed by a group of Rangers. A California historical landmark plaque now marks the site where Murrieta was killed but he has become a legendary figure for Mexicans and many books have been written about his exploits. 16 songs; and 20 TV shows, radio programs and movies, one of the most famous being the romanticized film "The Mask of Zorro," starring Antonio Banderas have added to his fame.
Saturday 25/03/2023: Finally, many of you would know the name of Thomas More, Chancellor of England in Henry the Eighth's reign. As a devout Catholic he opposed the King's move to separate the English church from Rome. He was executed and is believed to have said before the axe fell, "I die the King's good servant, and God's first". But what has this to do with Mexico? In a mural by Juan O'Gorman featuring Vasco de Quiroga, Michoacán's first archbishop, More can be clearly seen. This highlights the strong influence More's 1516 book "Utopia" had on the Archbishop, who built an artisan manufacturing system among the Purépecha people following More's principles. Here endeth the lesson for today. Peace be with you. Spencer.
Thursday 02/03/2023: Some facts for this log. We may well have too many human stars on earth, but can we have too many stars in the sky? Every million years - a blink of the eye in astronomical terms - our galaxy spawns 10 million to 20 million new stars. That's enough to fill roughly 10,000-star clusters like the beautiful Pleiades cluster in the constellation Taurus. In contrast, many galaxies, including most of the ones that orbit the Milky Way, make no new stars at all. The star formation rate is very important to understand for galaxy evolution. The more stars a galaxy makes, the faster it enriches itself with oxygen, iron and the other elements that stars create. Those elements then alter star-making gas clouds and can change the relative number of large and small stars that the gas clouds form. The Milky Way is the most vigorous star creator in a collection of more than 100 nearby galaxies called the Local Group. The largest Local Group galaxy, Andromeda, converts only a fraction of a solar mass of gas and dust into new stars a year. The Milky Way is tops and in a few million years our night sky will be dazzling bright! Maybe! Can't wait to see stars in my eyes! But as Vincent Van Gogh said, "I don't know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream."
Saturday 04/03/2023: Most of us will be familiar with the bitter taste of lemons. You know the song 'Lemon tree very pretty but...' did you know that lemons contain nanoparticles that, when fed to rats, block stone formation. If the tiny sacs do the same for humans, the nanoparticles might one day offer a way to prevent kidney stones. Lemon juice is a well-known home remedy for kidney stones, which form when minerals crystalize and clump up inside the kidney. These rocky lumps can swing around in the urinary tract, slicing and dicing tissues, painful, until they eventually pass out of the body. It is not easy to swallow sufficient lemon juice to have a curative effect. Also swilling loads of lemonade can cause dental problems. Research is ongoing as to how to harvest nanoparticles to treat humans. Not that straightforward as a nanoparticle is only 1 x 10 –9 m or 0.000,000,001 m. Understood? Good, you are officially scientist of the year.
Monday 06/03/2023: The Hippos of Escobar. No, not the title of a film on drugs but just to highlight a related problem. The feral hippos, descendants of ones owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar, have multiplied to around 150 and pose threats to residents and the local ecosystem. Dubbed "cocaine hippos" they are the descendants of four calves, a male and three females, Escobar trafficked into Colombia in the 1980s from U.S. zoos and kept on his ranch in Antioquia, a province in northern Colombia just south of Panama. The hippos were just a fraction of the exotic wildlife Escobar kept on the ranch. Male hippos can weigh up to 4.5 tons and are threatening the area's natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Their faeces change the composition of the rivers and impacts the habitat of manatees and capybaras. In 2022, Colombia's government declared hippos an invasive alien species and called for a plan of action. So, has this anything to do with Mexico? Colombia is planning to ship at least 70 hippos out of the country — including about 10 to Mexico. Maybe to a 'Hip, Hip, Hippo Park'.
Thursday 09/03/2023: Some more incredibly interesting information for those interested. Did you know that Egyptians ate mushrooms to live longer, and the ancient Greeks consumed mushrooms ceremonially for their visionary benefits. Certain Vikings used mushrooms before battle to render themselves "bloodthirsty and invincible." The Mexica referred to mushrooms as the "flesh of the gods." The last Aztec ruler, Montezuma II, is said to have eaten copious amounts when crowned. Probably in the clouds for days!! Mayans ate mushrooms to contact the gods. The study of mushrooms is mycology and as you have read before in my logs many 'tourists' descend on a village in Oaxaca for 'magic mushrooms' seeking a hallucinogenic experience. Today, restrictions are finally easing on psychedelics, including "magic mushrooms," and many regular mushrooms are accepted as a health aid. There are currently several non-psilocybin types that are being used as a viable alternative to pharmaceuticals. Many of the fungi that are considered medicinal can be found right here in Mexico.
Friday 10/03/2023: Now to a very serious and sad fact. On International Women's Day in Mexico City, some 90,000 women and girls participated in a march that ended in the Zócalo, the capital's central square. Silvia Vargas, a 67-year-old woman whose daughter was murdered in 2014, was in the crowd. "They were taken alive; we want them back alive" and "not one more femicide" were among the chants heard across Mexico on Wednesday the 8th as women took to the streets to demand an end to gender violence. Artist and art therapist Kate Van Doren invites participation in her Healing Words Project in San Miguel de Allende that is highlighted each March around International Women's Day, when women are photographed with empowering words of their choosing inscribed on their bodies. According to recent World Bank data, Mexico is one of the countries with very high levels of femicide, along with El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Central African Republic, South Africa, Jamaica, and Guyana. While falling below other countries, the rate is also appalling in the United States. Three women are murdered every day by current or former partners in the U.S. Around the world, one out of every three women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetimes. Someone you personally know carries that trauma. "Words are powerful. People use these words to reclaim what was taken from them. To reclaim themselves." As Van Doren's photographs show.
Sunday 12/03/2023: Think that's about it for this log and hope some of you kept reding to the end! Lastly must mention my friend, log compiler and web master John Delipps who is a guitarist in a well-known group that play regularly in various locations in the UK, Freak Flag. He now has the distinction of being recognised by another band who have adopted his name. Super John. Can't wait to hear you play when I get back to England.
Saturday 18/02/2023: Just came across a memorial street with the name of Ángela Peralta. Turns out her full name was María de los Ángeles Manuela Tranquilina Cirila Efrena Peralta y Caster who was born in the Los Vizcaínas neighbourhood of Mexico City in 1845. She became an internationally renowned opera singer although her career was short-lived, she died at 38, but it was intense and tumultuous. At just eight years old, she sang the cavatina ,a short operatic aria, of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti's "Belisario" at a musical gathering, stunning the audience with her extraordinary talent. She attended the academy of Music in Mexico City and was cast at the age of 15 in the leading role of Leonara in Giuseppe Verdi's "El Trovador." Peralta's debut was enthusiastically received by the audience and marked the beginning of her 23-year long career, which took her on international tours to Europe. Her career was tragically ended when she and 76 of the 80 members of her troupe contracted yellow fever, an epidemic ravaging the city of Mazatlán at the time and died at the Hotel Iturbide. Peralta was a prolific performer who attained international fame and became an acclaimed soprano in the history of opera. At a young age, she overcame the prejudices of the upper class, as she was from a poor background, who viewed opera as an exclusive activity reserved for the wealthy and well-bred. She opened the door for many women who followed in her footsteps. One of the first to herald women's liberation.
Monday 20/02/2023: The lead-up to Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, is marked by Carnaval celebrations, and a tradition known as the "Dance of the Devils," in which revellers run through towns in costume, their bodies covered in paint to look macabre or otherworldly. Some wear grotesque-looking hand-made masks. There are three main colours used black, representing the underworld, yellow, representing the earthly world, or red, representing infinity. Everything about this tradition emanates from Zapotec, pre-Hispanic beliefs. The Spaniards considered these dances to be "of the devil," which is how the celebration got its name. Some people today in the town of San Martín believe in spirit animals. At birth, each person is assigned their protector animal. During Carnaval, you can see this belief represented in costumes: the necklaces and masks symbolize their spirit animals that can ward off evil beings and defend themselves from being subjugated by Catholicism.
Wednesday 22/02/2023: Danger lurks in the Amazon it has been discovered!!The fungus erupting from the fly, as in the photo, belongs to the genus Ophiocordyceps, a parasitic fungus known as "zombie fungi," due to an ability to infect insects and control their minds. Would you Adam and Eve it? Insect species infected succumb to its own specialized fungus. First, spores of the fungus land on the ill-fated fly and then infiltrate the fly's exoskeleton before infecting its body and eventually hijacking its mind. Once in control, the fungus uses its new powers of locomotion to relocate to a microclimate more suitable to its own growth, somewhere with the right temperature, light and moisture. Fungus and fly then bide their time until the fly dies, becoming a food source for the fungus to consume. Fruiting bodies work their way out of the fly, filled with spores that are released into the air to continue the macabre cycle in a new, unsuspecting host. It is a conquest shaped by thousands of years of evolution. Researchers have found that these fungi harbour all sorts of bioactive chemicals that could have medicinal and pest control applications. But beware there may be a fungus that could infest you with a deadly outcome!! Watch out for the Zombie Fungus lurking in the bushes. Maybe I am infested from my Amazon jungle trips. Who knows? from India and China. 
Sunday 26/02/2023: Have been up in the mountains checking out some routes for Biker Escapes. Some rough riding, beautiful waterfalls, and forest areas. Great for some 'adventure' escapades. Incidentally am now an adopted 'Muralist' as the example shown here is by Pablo Spencer Poblanerias.
Monday 06/02/2023: Related to the above for mammals, one secret to a long life is spending it living with friends and family. An analysis of the life spans and social lives of nearly 1,000 mammal species shows that those that live in groups, such as horses and chimpanzees, tend to live longer than solitary beasts, like weasels and hedgehogs. The finding suggests that life span and social traits are evolutionarily entwined in mammals. Some rodents that live in huge, complex, subterranean societies are exceptionally long-lived, sometimes reaching over 30 years of age. In contrast, other rodents like golden hamsters, which are solitary, live to only about four years. There are benefits of living in a group too, such as banding together for protection against predators. Living together may also reduce the risk of starvation as group members increase foraging efficiency by finding and gathering food together. These factors may allow social mammals to live longer. The evolution of a long life may also be more likely in group-living species. Living in a group allows animals to potentially aid the survival of their family members, which carry their genes. Meerkats live in groups as big as 50 and up to fifteen years. Everyone in the 'mob' participates in gathering food, keeping a look out for predators and taking care of the babies.
Wednesday 08/02/2023: Have you ever delayed doing something waiting for when you feel more ready to do it? Procrastination is something we all suffer from at times, and it seems it is not too good for us. It is related to a range of potential health issues and other negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, disabling arm pain, poor sleep quality, physical inactivity, loneliness and economic difficulties. TRUE!! Proof positive is that procrastinating students suffer many of the listed outcomes. They are slightly more stressed, anxious, depressed and sleep-deprived, and more worryingly, are at greater risk of developing both physical and psychological problems later in life. Procrastinating is a way to sidestep the negative emotions linked to a task, and to avoid anything painful or difficult. Procrastinating provides immediate relief. But the relief it provides is only temporary, and if the task cannot be avoided may lead to more serious outcomes. So don't put off buying till tomorrow what you could buy today!!!
Monday 13/02/2023: Been out about in the last couple of days and had to traverse several rivers and rough terrain. Needed to dry out my boots. Visited a local dive center, where you could get refreshment. Probably shouldn't drink and dive. There was some fishy business on the way and Cathy took time to wander around the market. See 
Did you know that sheep have had an amazing influence on the way man evolved and lives. For example, sheep's wool is used for a huge number of things among them being as an insulator. Air trapped between the fibers creates a thermal barrier, so it keeps you warm on a cold day and cool when hot. It also generates heat and if stored in heaps it becomes hot. Wool is also fire resistant and is difficult to burn. It smoulders and will not burst into flames. Wool blankets are used to smother fires and woollen underwear is often worn by firefighters to protect themselves. It can also be made into felt, as the Romans knew, as they covered their shields stitched through those made of wood for added protection. How many other uses can you name? And how many saying can you think of related to sheep. 10? 20/ 100? Get a copy of 'A Short History of the World According to Sheep' by Sally Coulthard. An informative and interesting read. So says Spencer!! Remember I'll always be there for ewe! I turn grass into wool. What can you do? Sheep shanks to you. Spencer and Cathy.
Tuesday 24/01/2023: Now to an issue that affects us all. In January 2022, a cyclone blitzed a large expanse of ice-covered ocean between Greenland and Russia. Major wind gusts galvanized eight-meter-tall waves that pounded the region's flotillas of sea ice, while a bombardment of warm rain and a surge of southerly heat hit from the air. Six days after the assault began, about a quarter, or roughly 400,000 square kilometres, of the vast area's sea ice had disappeared, leading to a record weekly loss for the region. The Arctic Circle is warming about four times as fast as the rest of Earth. A major driver is the loss of sea ice due to human-caused climate change. The floating ice reflects far more solar radiation back into space than naked seas do, influencing the global climate. During August, the peak of the sea ice melting season, cyclones amplify sea ice losses exacerbating warming. Climate change is intensifying storms farther south. But it's unclear how Arctic cyclones might be changing as the world warms. Whatever, there is cause to be worried for the survival of sea-ice.
Thursday 26/01/2023: Now for something for film buffs and just to mention that Richard E Grant, my Patron for my Africa trip, and who attended the same school as I did in Swaziland, is to host this years BAFTAS, it may be of interest to state that Durango in Mexico has been a venue for many Hollywood productions. From the 1950s to the late 1970s, it was a go-to area for filming, with just about every big star from the era spending time there. To date, the state has hosted over 150 domestic and international filming projects, the vast majority westerns. During the westerns' golden age, many were made in the location. "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" "The Wild Bunch", "A Man Named Horse," "Pat Garret & Billy the Kid", and "Goin' South" bringing actors like, Mexico-born, Anthony Quinn, Glenn Ford, Clark Gable, Sidney Poitier, Rock Hudson, Susan Hayward and Jack Nicholson. John Wayne alone had a huge impact here, filming the "The Sons of Katie Elder", "The War Wagon", "The Undefeated", "Chisum" and "Cahill U.S. Marshal".
Sadly, not only have people gone missing in the jungles of Colombia and Peru after an Ayahuasca ceremony, but people have also died from a reaction to the drug. There is also no doubt that people of a fragile mind, or delicate disposition, are at a high risk of going bonkers. (Technical term.) The drug made headlines last year when a British coroner confirmed that Henry Miller, a 19year-old from Bristol, had died from taking a dose, during a shamanic ceremony. The coroner urged the Foreign Office to provide a standard message, warning tourists. Miller's story may serve as a cautionary tale to any of you considering this 'trip'. Miller had attended one ceremony where he drank three cups of yage but told his family he felt nothing. Two days later, he attended another ceremony, but rapidly fell ill. He was carried by two teenage tribesmen to a local clinic. He died on route. The tribe that administered the Ayahuasca apologised and levied a punishment of nettle 'hipping' for the shaman and some of his family'.
Wednesday 01/02/2023: More than 50 million years of steady miniaturization and rapidly changing bodies transformed the massive animals into relatively tiny ones: birds. A new analysis of bones, feathers and teeth from 120 dinosaur species validates what some scientists had suspected: Modern birds' ancient ancestors evolved quickly and shrank continually. So next time you look up to see a bird be careful it might be a dinosaur!! 
Saturday 14/01/2023: If you want a challenge, try jumping from a high pole attached to a rope of dubious quality. Or just be a spectator when five people in colourful costumes climb a tall pole to flute music. When the moment is just right, four of them throw themselves off the pole simultaneously, with only unwinding cords keeping them from crashing to the ground. This is the internationally known "dance" of the voladores or "flyers." At one time, women were strictly forbidden to "fly," but thirty years ago that changed to allow women to participate. Depictions of flyers are found as early as pre-Classic (1500 B.C. to AD 200) Mesoamerica, with 'flyers' in costumes of sacred birds, eagles, quetzals and parrots, spinning in the air from a tall tree cut and placed in the ground. There are still some who think that women should not participate and make harsh rules for them to become voladores, such as virginity, and to make special prayers of forgiveness to counter the possible "evil" they could invoke. Misogyny still exists.
Sunday 15/01/2023: I have talked about volcanoes, that are spectacular, but onto another magnificent sight that can be seen in certain regions of Mexico, Condors, but they are a threatened species. There is a project in operation in the Baja California wilderness to achieve a self-sustaining population of 150 condors. Birds are being bred in safe havens and then released into the wild in the national park, where their recovery progress is tracked. The group there is currently 45 birds, including adults, young and offspring, some of which have been born in the wild. Retreats in the United States and Mexico are ensuring that the Condor will survive and avoid extinction. Let's hope so!
Monday 16/01/2023: Slightly better news for our creature friends concerns the Humpback Whale. Humpback whales are fascinating to watch, and their behavior is constantly changing. At a length of 46 to 56 feet and weighing as much as 40 metric tons, these gentle giants are powerful but graceful. Their flamboyant acrobatics make them the entertainment superstars of the whale world. The good news is that the humpback whale population is growing. During the 20th century, their numbers dropped almost 90%. But when the International Whaling Commission banned commercial humpback whaling in 1986, the population soared and we can see them off the coast in Mexico.
Tuesday 17/01/2023: Still in Mexico and info on a new law. People are now explicitly banned from smoking in outdoor public places such as parks, town squares and beaches as well as offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, stadiums, shopping centres and entertainment arenas. Smoking is already banned in many of the aforesaid indoor spaces. The anti-smoking law also prohibits all forms of advertising and promotion of cigarettes including sponsorship arrangements involving tobacco companies. Retailers such as the ubiquitous convenience store Oxxo are no longer permitted to stock tobacco products in open view of customers. Health regulator Cofepris will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the law, which is expected to have an impact on demand for tobacco. The federal Health Ministry anticipates that the new law will prevent 49,000 premature deaths and 292,000 cases of smoking-related illnesses over the next 10 years, It remains to be seen how strictly the anti-smoking law will be enforced in a country where approximately 16 million people - one in eight Mexicans - smoke.
Thursday 19/01/2023: Now to something prompted by the cartoon here and to related past events. 
Mods were the new kids on the block, snappy dressers, riding scooters, mainly Vespers, first on sale in 1946, and experimenting with amphetamines. Get them both together on a bank holiday weekend on the beaches of southern England, stand back and watch the outcome. The constant violent confrontations led them to being branded as 'folk devils.' Are they still around? Not the mods and rockers but there are some who still adopt the Vespa persona and the bike remains very popular in Europe and elsewhere. They are sometimes upgraded to race off-road.
Churches across the city, and across Mexico, welcomed a menagerie of dogs, cats, parrots, turtles, rabbits, sheep and exotic pets to commemorate a Catholic tradition. St. Anthony, a fourth-century Christian monk, born in Egypt, and who helped spread monasticism and Christianity's ascetic ideal, came to have a special relationship with animals while living an ascetic life in the desert for 13 years. Catholic farmers traditionally looked to St. Anthony to bless their fields and their work with animals. Now animal lovers take them to be blessed at Catholic churches to protect them from dangers and illness.
Tuesday 03/01/202: Always like to include some information on our adopted country and here in Mexico there is a traditional practice known as curanderismo. This is a healing method that blends religious beliefs, faith and prayer with the use of herbs, massage and other traditional procedures. Curanderismo is thought to be influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Spanish, African and Catholic elements. The curandera is someone who practices curanderismo - spiritual healing based upon the use of traditional herbs and remedies and is often considered a leader in the local community. The curandera is the one who treats undiagnosed illness, particularly when that illness may have metaphysical or supernatural origins. It is believed that a curandera is someone who has been given the gift of healing by God himself - remember, most Spanish-speaking countries are heavily Catholic. The life's purpose of a curandero is to resolve ailments through natural means, taking on the role of a 'doctor', and sometimes 'psychiatrist'. In fact, most of the ailments cured by curanderos are spiritual or emotional in nature. They often solve these maladies through the careful use of spiritual cleansings, essential oils, herbs, incense, eggs and prayer. I had better seek out one for myself.
Friday 06/01/2023: Continuing with the Mexico theme I give some info on the traditional "Burrito" which literally means "little donkey''. The first mention of burritos was in the "Dictionary of Mexicanisms" in 1895, first seen in the states of Guerrero and Guanajuato. The stuffed, rolled tortilla supposedly resembled bedrolls packed on the backs of donkeys. Another story attributes the burrito's 'invention' to a Chihuahua man named Juan Méndez, who rolled supplies for his food cart in large flour tortillas to keep them warm. Burritos became popular in the United States in the 1930s. In 2010, the Guinness record holder for the World's Largest Burrito, at 5,799 kg (12,785 lbs.) was created in La Paz, Baja California, by members of CANIRAC, Mexico's national chamber of restaurants. About 3,000 volunteers from 54 restaurants worked to create the burrito, made from a single gigantic tortilla that weighed more than 2 tons. It took almost 10 hours to cover the 2.4 km. of tortilla with a simple traditional filling of fish, onion, refried beans and chiles. La Paz's claim to fame!! Smaller ones are easier to fold.
Saturday 07/01/2023: Let's leave Mexico for the last part of this Log and go to a dream of mine. The Darien Gap. In 1972, renowned adventurer and holder of the best explorer's name, Colonel John Nicholas Blashford-Snell, a hero, led a sixty-person crew with two Range Rovers through the Darien Gap. It took three months. The expedition was supported with extra men from the British army, the governments of Panama and Colombia, the Natural History Museum, the Scientific Exploration Society, and numerous scientists, desperate to study the unique flora and fauna, but woefully unprepared for the conditions. The expedition was sponsored by Range Rover, Duckham's Oil, and Marks and Spencer's provided the clothing. Food company Heinz supplied the expedition with no less than three tons of food. No 'wind-assisted' jokes please. Despite plentiful help and sponsorship, Blashford-Snell said that the Darien crossing was the toughest challenge of his career. The seasonal floods came early, and the vehicles and crew were locked in mud. The back axles of the Range Rovers, according to Blashford-Snell, "Exploded like shells, with shrapnel coming through the floor." Redesigned car parts were parachuted in after a month (can you imagine me and Cathy affording helicopter assistance?). Later, inflatable rafts floated the vehicles across the problem area of the Atrato swamp. Half the team succumbed to trench foot, fevers and other gruesome ailments, but after ninety-one days, they succeeded, the team diminished in size and enthusiasm, but victorious. So, apart from evangelical nutters and madcap adventurers, there are others getting through; refugees, drug mules (including riderless, unaccompanied horses, packed with cocaine, that know the path), criminals, indigenous Indians, and others. People get through, people don't. The point is that it is a bit of a Russian roulette route. Human skulls, bones and remains of clothes attest to that.
Monday 09/01/2023: I have been watching the Dakar which is in Saudi Arabia, and I would like to share some comments. Two of my dreams that will not be fulfilled are the two big D's -crossing the Darien and racing the Dakar. As mentioned above in the space of two years the Darien has changed from a wilderness to a wide track according to the Panamanian government, more than 151,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap en route to the United States between January and September 2022, up from just a couple hundred people annually a decade ago. Nearly twenty-two thousand of them were children. The cost of guides has also made it a financial impossibility. As far as the Dakar is concerned, time ran away, what with circumnavigating South and Central America and Covid. I am now 55. I was lucky enough to follow the Dakar in Africa and to film it in South America. It was a wonderful experience, the route constantly changing from desert, to Savannah, to mountains to sand, the most difficult sections lined with screaming fans. Fast forward to Saudi Arabia. It is devoid of spectators, devoid of atmosphere and the route is through sand dunes, sand dunes and more sand dunes. It is also turning out to be more dangerous than any of the other venues. Talking to an ex-Dakar finisher he told me "Spence, people have to realize that sand is one of the most unforgiving terrains there is on a bike. It is not a soft landing and there are also 'broken dunes'. A broken dune is one where the ascent is a normal gradient but on the other side it has collapsed. This leaves a cliff face up to three stories high. If misjudged it can be catastrophic. Sand is not like asphalt or dirt where you still have forward momentum. Sand will stop you instantly.
From a rider's point of view the Saudi Dakar is the most difficult and dangerous, but unfortunately this doesn't translate to good TV". Sadly, Saudi has the money to buy the event, but I personally hope it moves in the future. For those interested read Joey Evan's book as pictured.
Here you can find the unique Temazcal huts which are traditionally made of wood, cement or volcanic stone. Along the rounded walls are benches and hot volcanic rocks are placed in the centre, which produce a thick steam when mixed with water. Aside from the burning sage, copal, an aromatic tree resin, is added to assist in cleansing the body physically, mentally and emotionally. The claims of 'treatments' are that whilst seated in the huts and inhaling the steaming vapour it will flush out toxins and clear skin conditions. Also lowers blood pressure, cleanses and strengthens the respiratory system, lessens risk of dementia and Alzheimer, reduces anxiety and depression, increases attention span and balances mind, body and spirit!!! Seems like a magical cure all.
Monday 19/12/2022: As Christmas approaches markets are appearing selling craftwork and seasonal trinkets. These are known as Tianguis, generally translated into English as "flea market" or "bazaar." Coming from Nahuatl, it originally just meant "market," since during the Mesoamerican era, just about all buying and selling happened in public plazas and streets.
Over time, the word's meaning narrowed to indicate an itinerant street market that appears on certain days of the week or year. The most traditional are small houses and accessories to set up Nativity scenes, which are still a focal point in Mexican homes at Christmas. The little houses are populated with handcrafted or mass-produced angels, the Holy Family and animals, but one unusual twist is the large, sometimes life-sized, images of the infant Jesus. These have special roles to play on Christmas Eve, Epiphany and Candlemas (Feb. 2). The most visible items in tianguis, especially in larger cities, are Christmas trees, lights and ornaments, which have been gaining popularity since they were introduced in the mid-20th century. Other common items include advent candle holders, poinsettias and wreaths. Will be on the lookout for something unusual to purchase as a memento.
Thursday 22/12/2022: As this is a time of feasting for those lucky enough to afford to be indulgent spare a thought for what is the result of overeating and drinking. Usually, people suffer weight increase and hangovers from spirited imbibing, and this promotes advice appearing on what to do to prevent health damaging issues. Recent research has shown that brief bursts of activity offer health benefits for people who are careless about maintaining a beneficial lifestyle. Stepping up the pace of a routine walk for a few minutes a day may help lower mortality risk. Those who incorporated three one- to two-minute bursts of intense activity per day saw a nearly a 40 percent drop in the risk of death from any cause compared with those whose days didn't include such activity. The risk of death from cancer also fell by nearly 40 percent, and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease dropped almost 50 percent, research has proved. In a comparison with around 62,000 people who exercised regularly, including runners, gym-goers and recreational cyclists, the mortality risk reduction was similar. The researchers were looking for bursts of vigorous activity that met a definition determined in a laboratory study, including reaching at least 77 percent of maximum heart rate and at least 64 percent of maximum oxygen consumption. In real life, the signs that someone has reached the needed intensity level are "an increase in heart rate and feeling out of breath" in the first 15 to 30 seconds of an activity. This may be difficult to stomach for many but in the long run will enhance your enjoyment of an extended survival. So what about a New Year's resolution!
Saturday 24/12/2022: The day before Christmas and as we are marking dates a huge circular stone of the Aztec Calendar, also known as the Sun Stone, has been on display. It is a monumental sculpture which weighs a mammoth 24,590kg and slightly over 3ft thick. The circular front panel, which has a huge diameter of around 11.5ft, displays eight concentric circles, on which appear various symbols. These represent a selection of native animals, like crocodiles, jaguars and eagles; natural elements, including wind, water and rain; some rudimentary markers of civilization, such as houses; shared features of humanity, including movement and death. At the very centre is the haunting face of a deity or a monster. It is thought depicts the sun god Tonatiuh, one of the most important deities in the Aztec pantheon.
Sunday 25/12/2022: By the time you read this Christmas will be over, but I hope all had a very good one. Unfortunately, both Cathy and I had dengue fever so not so pleasant for us but coping as best we can. However, I leave you with a pic of our Christmas tree. The presents on the left are for Cathy, mine on the right. Christmas pudding and chillie cake to all. Have a beneficial 2023.
Friday 09/12/2022: Have mentioned before that Mexico has a flora and fauna in abundance and on the prairie lands of Jalisco, on the central west coast of Mexico and not too far from our 'residence', you'll probably find cows eating the grass, but there is also 'nopales', prickly-pear cactus, and the medicinal plant cardo santo, St. Benedict's Thistle jimsonweed.
This poisonous plant, known to Mexicans as toloache and to scientists as Datura stramonium, is used as a love potion but it's also a drug that produces temporary insanity - I have probably encountered some individuals who have imbibed it to relieve themselves from hardship and misery. No pointing the finger!! In the Primavera Forest, there are 200 species of birds and 742 species of plants. You will also find 59 kinds of mammals, from voles to pumas, and in the desert regions Ringtail cats. The ringtail, Bassariscus astutus, is a mammal of the raccoon family native to arid areas. It is legally trapped for its fur and is also known as the ring-tailed cat, miner's cat or bassarisk, and sometimes called a cacomistle.
Saturday 10/12/2022: The festive season is with us and to celebrate in Oaxaca people have been searching for radishes!! Why? For the Night of the Radishes. If you're looking for an unusual Christmas tradition this is one from Oaxaca city. Every December since 1897, gardeners have competed to fashion the best Christmas scenes using carved radishes, some of these displays are works of art and highly intricate showing the skill of the 'carvers'.
Sunday 11/12/2022: Have been out and about and have managed to pick up a new protective helmet. Cool marketing for Shark gear!!
Friday 24/11/2022: Recently Ancient Maya art exhibits have been on display in New York. In the Maya tradition, some gods could die while others could be born anew, embodying the concepts of regeneration and resilience. Addressing those qualities, the exhibition features rarely seen pieces crafted by master artists of the Maya Classic period (A.D. 250-900) who lived in royal cities of what are now Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. The sculptures, which range from monumental to miniature, depict gods at all stages of life: from the moment of their creation in a sacred mountain, to maturity, old age and, in some cases, rebirth. Some transformed into blossoming flowers or fearsome creatures of the night. Other works, like finely painted ceramics, reveal the eventful lives of the gods in rich detail. Another item on display at the exhibition is an incense stand which depicts a jaguar god wearing a warrior headdress
Saturday 26/11/2022: It was a brutal ride to heaven. Dirt road to a series of 39 stunning cascadas in the jungle of Oaxaca. Obviously, being me I got a creature in my ear and a droopy eye, and a sting on my bum cheek, but all good. Cathy refused to suck out the venom. Think she thought I was a bit twisted!
After three days in the jungle, we returned to Escondido and civilisation. But since we have been in the wild perhaps some more info on the 'outback' of Mexico. OK! The country has 185 designated natural protected areas (ANPs) covering 90,958,494 hectares of land and sea and Mexico has it all: there's the lush Lacondan Jungle of Chiapas. The towering saguaros of the Sonoran desert.
Tuesday 29/11/2022: Staying with nature scientists have teamed up with tiger sharks to uncover the largest expanse of seagrasses on Earth. A massive survey of the Bahamas Banks has revealed 92,000 square kilometres of seagrasses which increases the estimated global area covered by seagrasses by 41 percent — a potential boon for Earth's climate. Beneath The Waves, a marine organisation, surveyed a seagrass field in the Bahamas Banks with sharks fitted with cameras. Seagrasses can sequester carbon for millennia at rates 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. The newly mapped sea prairie may store 630 million metric tons of carbon, or about a quarter of the carbon trapped by seagrasses worldwide. Sharks have potential to capture on camera other hidden natural assets.
Thursday 01/12/2022: Another month and soon to be a new year. Thought I would share with you a photo taken in my former homeland as a reminder of the magnificent creatures with whom we share the planet. It is a pity that this one has departed this earth.
Tuesday/15/11/2022: On to something more recent. For all the ex-cons amongst my readers, particularly for those who I have met on my travels in some dodgy places in South America but who treated Cathy and myself with respect, one such group as mentioned in my latest book in the chapter 'Chucky and the Triceratops'. 'Why do you all have those cuts?' I asked. 'Every time one of our gang gets in trouble with the police or the army, or with rival gangs, or gets killed, we cut ourselves,' he said, without looking up. I have found a culinary treat for all. Actually, you get two-for-one if you did long service.
Friday 18/11/2022: Back to the past. My brother started playing guitar before he was a teenager and one of his idols was Eric Clapton. Maybe not very well known is that Clapton fronted a huge gig in Eswatini in 1989 and top line performers, among them Johny Clegg, Savuka and Brenda Fasse, supported him in a three hour show over three nights. Even less well known is that my father and a friend, Tom Bayly, designed and produced the backdrops for the stage which featured a huge portrait of the young King Mswati who had invited the artists to perform for the King's Trust Charity.
Villa's plan began with an attack on a train in northern Mexico in January 1916, executing 16 U.S. businessmen on board. He carried out small a raid on the Texas town of Glen Springs, but it was his attack on Columbus, New Mexico that triggered U.S. reaction. In this attack more than 600 soldiers entered the border town, killing dozens of Americans and setting the town on fire. The actions had the desired effect: widespread anger in the U.S. and calls for a wholesale invasion. These were not the acts of a madman; Villa's aim was to draw the U.S. into a civil war and to make the Mexican people rise against American dominance. He is a hero in part because he challenged the mighty United States. Mexico eventually broke the yoke of the Americans.
I mentioned earlier in this log Richard E. Grant who I first knew at Waterford School. Recently I listened to a BBC radio broadcast called Desert Island Discs on which Richard was interviewed. For those interested in learning more about this 'A List Actor' who is an honest, straightforward, and sincere man. I provide a link. 
Friday 28/10/2022: A precious piece of Mexico heritage is now on show at the Guggenheim Museum in New York which is a Maya screen fold codex manuscript of a pre-Columbian type. Long known as the Grolier Codex or Sáenz Codex, in 2018 it was officially renamed the Códice Maya de México by the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico. It is one of only four known extant Maya codices, and the only one that still resides in the Americas. It is an almanac that charts the movements of the planet Venus, and originally consisted of twenty pages; the first eight and the last two are now missing. The red frame lines at the bottom of pages four to eight indicate that the dimensions were once substantially taller, and that the scribe prepared a space for some text under the figure on each page. The document dates to the period between 1021 and 1154 CE. and is the oldest surviving codex from Mexico and the oldest book of the Americas. The codex is said to have been found enclosed in a wooden box in a dry cave in the highlands of Chiapas, along with a turquoise mask. Have a look at the codex by 
Tuesday 01/11/2022: Many of you will have seen the Bond film 'Spectre' which opens with an amazing tracking shot of 007 amidst the Day of the Dead festival crowds. Just under a year ago Cathy and I were also involved in the Day of the Dead celebrations that take place in late October and early November, the living remember, and honour their dearly departed, but with joy — not sorrow. In 2016, the government started a popular annual parade in Mexico City that concludes in a main square featuring altars built by artisans from across the country. The roughly three-hour-long affair features one of the holiday's most iconic characters, Catrinas. The female skeleton is dressed in elegant clothes inspired by the engravings of José Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican artist who drew satirical cartoons at the beginning of the 20th century.
Friday 04/11/2022: Those of you who have followed my log over the years will know that one of my favourite creatures are tarantulas!! Joke!! But they seem to keep skittering into my path. Pic of one in my previous log. Just learnt that the city of La Junta in Colorado is hoping to be given the title of 'tarantula city of the world'. The home where tarantulas roam. During the mating season thousands crawl across the town's streets and fields. They are known as Texas Browns, or Oklahomas, and grow to five inches long. Because many are killed by vehicles they now have tunnels and bridges to cross but it is difficult to direct them to these safe passing spots. The Mayor wants to encourage more tourists to join in a tarantula themed festival and to savour a tarantula burger. Any arachnid lovers want to sign up for the treat? 
Sunday 06/11/2022: Thirteen years ago today I left the UK to circumnavigate Africa. I have clocked up 200 000 plus kilometres and 136 countries. (Other bikes I had don't count), I have eaten some dodgy food including dog in Borneo (I didn't know), Guinea Pig in Peru, snake in Congo, cow cheek in Nigeria, worms, scorpions, spiders and the list goes on. My favourite travelling food is chicken foot soup and sardines.
I am at present in a tropical storm so I am holed up in my room in México, writing two books simultaneously, one on Central America and México. The other book is a surprise, which I hope will shock, enthral and challenge. So keep following the log and we will post some shots from the road. I am also planning on visiting the UK in May for three months. I will be touring and doing talks. I will post the venues closer to the time. Of course I will be at the ABR Festival on the 23rd of June. I have three cats and a crab in my room, keeping me company in the storm. On to next chapter.... Peace and respect. As my book on South America is available as a paperback and on Kindle, two versions, I include an extract from the chapter 'Tarantulas, Cane Toads and Hell Town'...
In 1925 Fawcett, his sixteen year old son, Jack, and a young man called Raleigh Rimmel, set off in search of the fabled lost city. But following a letter in which Fawcett announced he was venturing into unmapped territory, the group vanished without a trace. While conventional wisdom suggests the explorers were killed by hostile Indians, other theories blame everything from malaria, to starvation, to jaguar attacks. All are a possibility for their demise, which makes the Amazon so dangerous, yet so exciting. Some have even speculated that the men simply went local, and lived out the rest of their lives happily in the jungle. This is my favourite theory, but seems doubtful, considering Fawcett's love for his wife, Nina. Whatever the cause, the groups disappearance, captured the imagination of people around the world. In the years since Fawcett disappeared, thousands of would be adventurers have mounted exploratory missions. As many as one hundred people have died while searching for some sign of Fawcett, or the city of gold, in the darkness of the Amazon. Some may have had encounters with tarantulas from which there is no escape in the jungle! 
Monday 17/10/2022: I always like to include some interesting features on recent hypotheses that might be of interest and that are related to current events. I have discussed before the outbreak of Covid around the world but we have had similar epidemics before. The Plague, or Y. pestis. DNA in the teeth of individuals from an ancient Central Asian cemetery, who died in 1338 from an unspecified "pestilence'' has been analysed. Comparisons of DNA to modern and historic samples of Y. pestis indicate that the Central Asian people perished from a version of the plague bacterium that wreaked havoc in Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa until the early 1800s. Origins of the Black Death, or bubonic plague, have long been debated. What's certain is that Y. pestis is transmitted to humans by fleas that live on rodents. One current proposal holds that the plague originated in East Asia and was carried across the continent starting in the 1200s as the Mongol Empire expanded. That scenario is based on genetic evidence from European Black Death victims and written accounts of an unidentified plague outbreak encountered by Mongol invaders of Baghdad in the 1200s. It is likely that armies, travellers and merchants moving along trade routes from Asia brought the plague into Europe. Specifically, historians have speculated that the fleas on rats are responsible for the estimated 25 million plague deaths between 1347 and 1351. However, a new study suggests that rats weren't the main carriers of fleas and lice that spread the plague—it was humans. Always the most deadly of creatures.
Wednesday 19/10/2022: As I have three rescue cats I've decided to include some info that might interest them seeing as they are intelligent and also frequently run around in mad moments of activity. For many cats, a mere whiff of catnip, a plant of the mint family, with downy leaves, purple-spotted white flowers, and a pungent smell attractive to cats, can send them into a licking, rolling, plant-shredding frenzy. That destruction amplifies catnip's natural defences against insects and hence its appeal to cats. Compared with intact leaves, crushed-up leaves emit more volatile compounds called iridoids, which act as an insect repellent. The higher emissions also seem to encourage cats to continue rolling around in the remains of the psilver vine (Actinidia polygama), a plant common in Asia that has a similar euphoric effect on cats. As cats chew catnip or vine the damaged leaves release about ten times more iridoids than intact leaves do, and also changes the proportion of the chemicals released. The catnip, when crushed, releases more of its insect repellent so cats coat themselves in a natural insect defence!! I will look for the plant and try some as I attract insects. Could save me from nasty wasp stings. Might also keep Cathy away!!!
Friday 21/10/2022: As most of you know I have had close encounters with very scary situations, shot at in Kenya by Shifta bandits, when my bike was hit and had to hide in the bush. In South America, along with Cathy, held hostage by life threatening kidnappers in Panama so always best to be aware of the dangers and take precautions. Sensible, like the dude in the photo here.
The day also is marked by traditional dances which date back to the times of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, when Spanish priests tried to convert the indigenous Mixtec people to Catholicism. Organised dances represent events in Spanish history which had a strong religious significance, such as the battles to regain control of Spain from the Moors and impose Christianity. A mock battle shows the fighters for Christianity, led by Saint James, defeating their Muslim rivals. A dancer representing an injured Moor is given the choice to convert to Christianity. He refuses, saying he would rather be taken away by devils than betray his religion. It is then the dancers dressed as devils enter the stage and drag him away. Stand by your convictions at all costs!
Thursday 06/10/2022: Highly skilled artists change dull streets in to bright vistas of light and joy by their work as muralists in Mexico but at a different level is that of the artist known as Banksy. Why mention this English practitioner here? Well simply because there is an exhibition featuring more than 150 works by the elusive street artist in Mexico City. The Art of Banksy "Without Limits" exhibition, which is not authorized by the artist, has previously been shown in several countries including the United States, Australia, Chile, South Korea, Germany and Turkey. It has original works, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, murals and installations.
The reason why Banksy is so high profile is that his identity is not widely known and the fact that his work appears overnight on walls in many parts of the world. Also he is recognised for his whimsical and political street art, which adds to his enigmatic murals. Banksy is a political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain 'unconfirmed', actually it is known if you check out Wikipedia! Active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stencilling technique. Banksy's work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. He has 11 million social media followers. If you are looking for colour it's not Banksy!! The example of his art here 'Shop until you Drop' is a satire on consumerism. Check out 
She had quite a career and became well known as a fighter for women's liberation. As myth, perhaps, she had a young lover who was arrested and imprisoned and shot. She became enflamed with resentment and turned her wrath on the powerful of the time in the year 1872. She seduced her way into the company of Benito Juárez, the President and "la Carambada" 'They say, poured a few drops of a powerful poison derived from the leaves of blackjack (Asclepias linaria )' into his drink. The potion took effect just twenty-one days after being ingested. Well, history records that as fact, twenty-one days after that meeting, on July 18, 1872, President Juárez ceased to exist due to an attack of angina pectoris. It's up to you how much you take this as the truth the whole truth and nothing........! 
Now if you want another perspective of the 'bandit' 
Thursday 13/10/2022: Some, or many of you may know of the game of Pelota, still practised today in some parts of the world but research has revealed that some Maya rulers may have been incinerated and their ashes mixed with rubber to make the balls used in the game. Burnt human remains uncovered at the ruins of a Maya city have led to a new theory about the death rites of the ancient civilisation. An archaeologist Juan Yadeun Angulo found urns containing human ashes, rubber and roots at a Maya temple in Mexico and other archaeologists found 400 urns containing the mixture of human ashes, coal, rubber and plant roots at the Toniná archaeological site, an impressive complex built on a hill in the jungle of Chiapas. Among the constructions preserved to this day is the sunken ball court where the Maya played pelota. A carved stone disc found at Chiapas depicts the huge size of the pelota ball in the 6th Century and how players propelled it with their hips.
Tuesday 20/09/2022: First the drill then the earthquake!! Can you believe it? 
The cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, was linked to Hun Hunahpu, the maize god. Previous research found cacao in ceremonial vessels and elite burials, suggesting that its use was restricted to those at the top. Now 54 ceramic shards dating from A.D. 600 to 900 from jars, mixing bowls, serving plates and vases thought to be drinking vessels have been found in residential and ceremonial civic areas of varying sizes and status from city centres, foothills, upland areas and the valley around the former Maya city of El Pilar, on the present-day border of Guatemala and Belize. Have a 'chocolat' on me.
Saturday 24/09/2022: Good to learn that Mexican artefacts have been repatriated and among them, and most notable, an urn of Zapotec origin that was made between A.D. 600 and A.D. 900 and column fragments taken from a palace in the Santa Rosa Xtampak archaeological site in Campeche. The items in this recent batch were given to Mexico voluntarily by citizens of Austria, Canada, Sweden and the United States. They were handed over to Mexican embassies and consulates abroad as part of MiPatrimonioNoSeVende ("my heritage is not for sale") campaign, an effort to recover historical items that were stolen from Mexico or somehow ended up in foreign lands. This mask, which Christie's auction house said came from the Mexican pre-Hispanic site of Teotihuacán, sold in February 2021 for US $437,000. So far, nearly 9,000 pieces have been recovered over the past three years. Let's hope they are housed in secure museums for all to see.
Monday 26/09/2022: Post from the Great Bristol Run web site: "Hi Michael, Congrats on a fine run in the Bristol 10k. We hope you've still got that post-event buzz and have had a chance to recover. We still get goose bumps thinking about how you and thousands of other runners smashed the 10k and half marathon courses with determination and resilience." 
Friday 30/09/2022: Hurricane Blas only minor compared with Hurricane Ian which has caused many deaths and extensive damage in Florida. I have friends there who have lost their home, but survived. Take care buddies and I will be in contact. Nature is uncontrollable as you will see on the video...
Also Prince Charles, as he was known, had a chat with my parents when we lived in Eswatini whilst he was on a state visit. My father, sporting a beard, and mother gazing admiringly at the Prince when he commented on my mother's hat!! Won't say what he said.
This year the city broke the Guinness World Record for the world's longest sawdust carpet, nearly 4 kilometres long and created by 240 artisans with 80 tonnes of coloured sawdust. The record was previously held by Guatemala City with a carpet just over 2 kilometres long. Visitors come from around the country and the world to witness the massive work of collective art. The designs incorporate flowers, religious motifs, geometric shapes, and some intricate images of the virgin herself. Some of the most complex designs are created in the atrium of the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity where the statue of the virgin resides for most of the year.
In Tom Edison's 'Shaggy Dog', a short story by Kurt Vonnegut, Thomas Edison discovers that dogs are intellectually superior beings. They're so smart, in fact, that the canines found the easiest possible way to survive: endearing themselves to humans. When Edison confronts his own dog about this revelation, the dog says, "Look, Mr. Edison. Why not keep quiet about this? It's been working out to everybody's satisfaction for hundreds of thousands of years. Let sleeping dogs lie." My daughter, Feaya, has a dog and the family has had many in the past.
In ancient Greek mythology, Hercules captures Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the gate to the underworld. Myths like this might shed light on the history of dog domestication. Folktales about dogs stemmed from Central and Eastern Asia and spread to Europe, the Americas and later Australia and Africa. This mythological travel route parallels a proposed path of dog domestication borne out by genetic and fossil evidence. But when did we start calling our dogs Rover, Millie or Pepper we do not know!! Or 'Stop that!' or 'Come here!' 
It has been sometime since my last Log so I start with an update on things personal. My new book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' is available as a paperback on Amazon and very recently is now in Kindle store as an e book which can be downloaded to all electronic outlets, for example to tablets and i phones. This can be purchased world-wide and once located by Googling the title and Spencer Conway in Kindle Store one can click on a country ref to learn the price e.g. US or UK etc. 
I have had customs who were too drunk to serve me, others who have predicted my imminent death. In Senegal my welcome by the Custom's Officer began with, "If you go to Mauritania you will die, fast. We in Senegal are nice, but there, you are to be killed!".
Mayan Mariners 
Don't Look Now
The Tourist Site of Monte Alban 
Olmecs were the first to occupy the site and may have carved some of the stones known as Los Danzantes (The Dancers). That civilization influenced their depictions, since some of the faces have distinctive Olmec traits, such as large heads and thick lips. It's generally agreed that the Zapotecs arrived around 500 B.C. At that time, another Zapotec city now known as San José Mogote was the largest city in the valley.
Peanuts and nahuals to you. Love from Cathy and Spencer 
Their noses hold between 200 million and 1 billion odour molecule sensors, compared with the 5 million receptors estimated to dwell in a human nose. And dogs' olfactory bulbs can be up to 30 times larger than people's. This fact enables dogs to track very small traces of odour through a variety of urban areas and landscapes. If dogs are taken to a location far from home they are able to trace their way back over a route previously walked.
The giant hornets slaughter and then carry back the bodies as food for their larvae. Raiding parties literally leave heaps of headless honeybees around a hive during a takeover to steal the young. Researchers have found that just one full sting would have a 50 percent chance of killing a decent-sized (270-gram) rodent. Though very painful 10 times more so is the sting of bullet ants. I have experience both and I can vouch for the severely painful bite of the ant!!
I leave you with a short extract from the book from the Chapter 'Barrio of no Return'... 
Think of frozen fingers in the winter. Ranulph Fiennes amputated frozen fingers himself with a hacksaw. But there is much more research needed to use the technique on humans. However it could lead to the relief for sufferers of chronic pain. Don't think I will be pulling out my offending teeth myself, perhaps after freezing with a bag of frozen peas. The fingers pictured are for eating.
Scientists have shown that sea turtles are important in many ways for healthy oceans, performing roles as varied as maintaining delicate coral reefs to transporting nutrients from the oceans to beaches. Every year thousands of sea turtles come to the shores of Mexico to lay their eggs and then head back into the water to continue their global migration. Of the world's seven species of sea turtles, the most common species on the Manzanillo beaches are the Olive Ridley sea turtles as well as leatherbacks and green sea turtles. Long threatened by poachers, many organizations along Mexico's Pacific coast work to protect turtles and their eggs. Even with the assistance of their human partners, there is only a 1 in 1,000 chance that sea turtles released back into the ocean will survival the perils of their adolescence in the ocean, but if they make it they can live up to 150 years.
Sunday 10/07/2022: It is the season for lychees and Rambutans but how did these exotic fruits, native to China, end up in Mexico? In 1900, several hundred Chinese immigrants were given visas to work building Mexico's railways. Their contracts allowed them to stay on, and those that did moved throughout the country. In Sinaloa, they found the climate, soil conditions and altitude to be similar to China, and some took up agriculture - especially fruit-growing. It was these Chinese migrants who introduced the lychee to Mexico. Rambutans, while similar in taste, are the lychee's rather wild-looking cousin, covered with short and flexible red, pink and golden spikes, called spinterns. Inside is the same white globe of sweet flesh as lychees, but with a slightly different flavour. They're grown mostly in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. One can see cart loads of these fruits in the streets and are very cheap. Pleasant taste, similar to grape, and refreshing.
Tuesday 12/07/2022: Onto an aspect of life in Mexico which frequently hits the news headlines. On July 7, the Defence Ministry announced it had seized over half a tonne of fentanyl in powder form from a property in Culiacán, the state capital of Sinaloa. In recent years, most of the clandestine fentanyl labs destroyed by Mexican authorities have been located in Sinaloa. 542 kilograms of fentanyl were seized. Alongside the fentanyl, 555 kilograms of methamphetamine, 31 kilograms of cocaine, 19 kilograms of opium gum, and almost 7 kilograms of heroin were seized. Furthermore, over 70,000 kilograms of chemical precursors and almost 68,000 litres of chemical substances used to make synthetic drugs were also found. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid and as little as 2 milligrams can be lethal for most users. This means that just 1 kilogram of pure fentanyl could produce around half a million lethal doses. Fentanyl illegally produced in Mexico is commonly mixed with other substances to obtain higher yields in production. Fentanyl, is of course, a powerful pain killer and is used under medical supervision. It can become addictive.
Thursday 14/07/2022: Mexico gets a bad name because of the drug cartels and the human misery that is caused by drugs, especially in the States but the majority of Mexico is drug free and promises a very pleasant life style. In fact, Oaxaca, near to where we live, has been voted the world's best city. It is only small with a little over 250,000 residents and sits among the rugged terrain of the Central Valley region of southwest Mexico. Known for its moles and mezcals, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of maguey. The word comes from Nahuatl mexcalli, which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl and ixcalli. Oaxaca has become one of Mexico's most popular destinations in the last decade and not just for visiting as many ex-patriates have decided to live permanently in the city, as many as 20,000. I can vouch for it being a welcoming and attractive place with well-kept, colourful streets and architecturally varied buildings and houses.
Friday 15/07/2022: At risk of turning the log into a science manual some information on a truly amazing minute creature. The tiny tardigrade. It can survive being frozen at -272° Celsius, being exposed to the vacuum of outer space and even being blasted with 500 times the dose of X-rays that would kill a human. The creature can endure conditions that don't even exist on Earth. Researchers are looking to the microscopic animals, about the size of a dust mite, to learn how to prepare humans and crops to handle the rigors of space travel. It lives in cool, wet clumps of moss that hang on a garden wall. But moss frequently dries out and along with it the tardigrade, but as it does so its cells produce several strange proteins that are unlike anything found in other animals. In water, the proteins are floppy and shapeless. But as water disappears, the proteins self-assemble into long, crisscrossing fibres that fill the cell's interior supporting the cell's membranes and proteins, preventing them from breaking or unfolding. At least two species of tardigrade also produce another protein found in no other animal on Earth. This protein, dubbed Dsup, short for "damage suppressor," binds to DNA and may physically shield it from reactive forms of oxygen. The tardigrade survives and regenerates when the moss regains its moisture content. It seems that sci-fiction of freezing humans and bringing them back to life is not so far-fetched.
Sunday17/07/2022: I have remarked many times on the creative talents of Mexican craftsmen and so to end this rather science oriented log something related to art and craft. One enterprising local from Xilitla, Sr Munoz, has been inspired to build "burrow houses," based on homes created by lowland pacas, rodents that live in excavated burrows. Taking advantage of the steep incline on part of his land, with its stunning views of Xilitla below, 'houses' have been dug into the cliff side and then enclosed with a circular front door. The rooms have more than a passing resemblance to the houses of the hobbits of "The Lord of the Rings." In fact, Mexican media simply refers to them as the "hobbit hotel." There are 15 "burrows" built in a span of only six years. All have one or more beds, a fireplace, bathroom, climate control and Wi-Fi, but no television. They have spectacular panoramic views, and the newest overlook an artificial pond with two small waterfalls. Although Muñoz insists the hobbits had nothing to do with the design, he does not mind the comparison, finding it rather amusing. They are by far more appealing than the accommodation Cathy and I have 'endured' on our travels.
One buyer is Super Gran, Janet, 101 years and still lively and enthusiastic. Has a super caravan to match her superness.
In Mexico City flutist Elena Durán also performed in a concert for Paul McCartney's 80th Birthday on July 14. Duran's parents were from Aguascalientes, Mexico. She has made concerto appearances and recordings with many major orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, The Moscow Virtuosi, many orchestras in the U.S. and virtually every orchestra in Mexico. She has also played regularly for members of the British royal family including two televised Royal Galas from the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has twice had the honour of appearing before Queen Elizabeth II. Since the 1990s Duran has been artistic director of the International Flute Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon, the largest annual flute festival in Europe. One of the world's top flutists, she also recorded a hit single with other British 'royalty' - the Beatles' own Paul McCartney, and is putting on the concert to coincide with McCartney's 80th birthday. She played with an orchestra and the programme include some of McCartney's songs.
Saturday 02/07/2022: Sorry to say my stay in the UK has come to an end and deeply sad to say good bye to my father, Michael, with whom I have been staying for the month. Had a great time and talked over memories of our lives in Africa, Seychelles and elsewhere. Broken heart still over the death of my mother, Wendy, and miss her daily. Staying with Dad in a house full of mementos brought deep sadness. It will never lessen. Farewell Biddenden, bye Dad, lots of love. Back to Mexico.
Saturday 11/06/2022: Although now in the UK news from Cathy who has remained in Mexico has told me that an Oaxaca community remains cut off 10 days after hurricane struck with the road washed out, the nearest city is a 15-hour hike away. The citizens of San Mateo Piñas, a town of about 2,000 people, say that because authorities and various government agencies have not done anything to help, they are now asking the federal government to take action, as they are still without sufficient food, drinking water or housing. Don't think Biddenden will be cut off any time soon.
Sunday 12/06/2022: Back in the thriving metropolis of Biddenden after the Rover 75 being towed home all the way from Sudbury!!! Car suffered cam problems. Super AA man who drove faultlessly for nearly three hours to deliver myself and car. Now need to get it to a garage for repairs. Also had news from Sam Manicom that his vehicle collapsed on the motorway on his return to Exeter. Eleven hours to get home!! There is a curse in Sudbury. Avoid.
Biddenden is a village famous as the birthplace of the Biddenden Maids, a pair of Siamese twins who were joined at the hip and shoulder. Marie and Eliza Chulkhurst were born in Biddenden in 1100 and lived here to a respectable age (for that era) of 34. When they died they left 18 acres of land, the income from which was to provide an annual dole of bread and wine to the poor of the parish. This 'Biddenden Dole' is distributed each year on Easter Monday, along with biscuits imprinted with a likeness of the Maids, to anyone who requests it. The Biddenden Maids were quite famous during their lifetimes, and are remembered in the village sign on the small, triangular green. The village High Street is lined with some extremely attractive half-timbered medieval and Jacobean buildings, aligned on either side of a cobbled pavement. Many of these are old weavers cottages, as weaving was the core economic activity of this area of the Weald for many years. This clothing heritage is remembered in the impressive Cloth Hall, just north of the green. The church of All Saints at Biddenden is mainly 13th and 14th century, with a collection of interesting memorial brasses. The funeral for my mother was held in this attractive church.
That's all for now looking forward to meeting some more friends in the next week. Off for a cream tea. English speciality. Spencer. 
Looks like I will be on my way late today. Cathy has decided to stay in Mexico so will be travelling solo once again!! Not on my new Tenere however. But one last piece of info relevant to Mexico. As you know from previous logs Mexico has many species of wildlife both on land and in the coastal seas. It has been discovered that Great white sharks may have helped drive megalodons to extinction in this location. For millions of years, megalodon sharks were top ocean predators — and then came the great whites. New analyses of teeth hint that competition for food from great white sharks may have helped give the megatoothed giants an extra shove toward extinction. Scientists reconstructed shark feeding habits by analyzing zinc in the teeth of 20 living shark species and 13 extinct species, including megalodons (Otodus megalodon). Megalodons and great whites occupied a similar ecological niche, devouring marine mammals such as whales and seals but the megalodons could not compete with the great whites and so slowly died out.
Saturday 04/06/2022: The parade of Trooping of the Queen's Colour very impressive yesterday on Horse Guard's Square but evening concert disappointing and too long. Sorry organisers. 
Monday 06/06/2022: Now preparing for bike show at the end of the week at the Adventure Bike Shop where I will be joined by Sam Manicom and Globebusters. Saturday 11th June. My new book will be on sale along with my Africa book and DVDs. Hope for a good turnout form you guys out there. Turnip soup will also be available. See pic of poster below for details. 
I also include here a pic of my super Web Master celebrating the Jubilee, John 'delipps' at a popular blues and jazz festival. Thanks John for design and uploading of the LOG for many years and for cover design of my books. 
Tuesday 24/05/2022: Well it is time to say goodbye!! After nearly two years in Mexico and thwarted plans we will be leaving Central America on 2nd June to return to the UK to not so hot climes as the temperature here is now 38 degrees. A little too 'warm' at the moment.
Incredibly it has only 12 400 kilometres on the clock. Totally spotless with GPS tracker from Garmin, extra crash bars, LED spotlights for night time off road, tank bag, Michelin Sirac racing tyres, Brembo brakes, added height, jacked suspension, top box, immobilizer, alarm and tracker. Marzocchi shock absorbers, and specially made screen for wind resistance. OK. Enough of the boring. It is a beast.
Friday 27/05/2022: Would you Adam and Eve it? Nothing to worry about but I am in Hospital again in La Ventana in Chiapas. I got stung on the neck whilst on the way back to Puerto Escondido having picked up the new bike. Miles from anywhere and lying on the side of a deserted road. Cathy injected me with the epipen but it didnt work. Massive swelling of chest and great problems breathing. Cathy contacted the The Green Angels, a volunteer group who help those in an emergency situation who got me to hospital on my own stretcher. Now on a drip and apparently I cannot ride so will only be able to head to Puerto in a couple of days. Vomiting, diarrhea, swollen throat and chest. Breathing difficult but not in any danger now.
Monday 30/05/2022: Looks like Mexico does not want us to leave. Have made it back to Escondido but in a couple of hours we are going to be hit by Hurricane Agatha, not Christie, but a mystery as to why so early in the season for such weather conditions. The first hurricane of the season formed off Mexico's southern Pacific coast on Sunday and rapidly gained power ahead of an expected strike along a stretch of tourist beaches and fishing towns. Hurricane Agatha could make landfall at close to major hurricane force today in the area near Puerto Escondido and Puerto Angel in the southern state of Oaxaca. The first named storm this year in the eastern Pacific is hurtling toward the southwestern Mexican coast, which it threatens to lash with storm surges and potentially fatal floods and mudslides. A Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour has just been updated to category 3. There are diggers on the beach making channels from the storm drains. Workers are shoring up shops and putting sandbags in doorways. Boat owners bringing them in from the shore. The Army is everywhere. All roads closed. All shops and Supermarkets have Army guarding against panic buying. 
We have been told to prepare as per the following:
Tuesday 31/05/2022: Yes. IT HIT, but not as severely in Escondido as expected but very sorry for those who lost their lives and those whose houses were destroyed. The beach has largely disappeared and some fairly deep flooding, trees down and vegetation in the streets. Otherwise have escaped but electricity out so no power which will cause discomfort and loss of frozen food stuff. Relief mainly. Now have to hope that our flights in two days' time are not cancelled. So with the wind behind us will be in the UK by the end of the week and in future will not be so melondramatic. See you soon. 
Tuesday 10/05/2022: Still on related police matters thieves are being hunted who have reached new 'heights' after 300 drones were snatched in a highway robbery. More than 800 advanced technical items worth about US $320,000 were stolen. A technology company has asked customers for patience after thieves cleared out a truck carrying a variety of products. The company made a statement stating that as well as the drones 500 cameras and mounts were also stolen from a truck transporting the products to their warehouses. The thieves were probably using one of the company's drones to track the truck, maybe!!
Sunday 15/05/2022: There are many snakes in Mexico, 381 species to be exact, and one is the Boa constrictor. The notion that constrictors slay by preventing breathing turns out to be wrong. These snakes don't need limbs, or even venom, to bring down an animal of their own size but are extraordinary hunters. Speed matters with prey flailing claws, hooves or other weaponry the snake lacks. Embracing prey into heart failure is faster than suffocating which is what boas do. Ambushing birds, monkeys and a wide range of other animals from Mexico and south to Argentina, the iconic Boa constrictor attacks by cinching a loop or two around the upper body of prey, pressing against its victim hard enough to starve organs of oxygenated blood. The rainbow boa, Epicrates cenchria, kills its prey by cutting off its captive's blood flow, not by suffocating it. Circulation falters and fails. Boas release their grip after about six minutes on average. Then the boa swallows the catch whole. Moveable bones in the head help the snake make the gulp, as does a dimple of stretchy cartilage that lets the chin open wide. So next timje you hug your partner in a tight embrace make sure the you donn't cut off the blood supply. Could lead to a sad occurrence.
Sunday 22/05/2022: Finally will be leaving Mexico in just over a week and hopefully will see some of you at the up-coming bike shows. My new book will be available and would love to have a chat with anyone who wants to do so about South America and the adventures that both Cathy and myself experienced. I include a map of the route around that vast, and magical continent. My next log will be posted probably after I have left this incredible country and I will be saddened to leave here. Farewell Mexico and Mexican friends and I hope all stay well and find peace and joy. Dreaming of the future.
A figure of the Devil became the most popular, with the idea that it represented Judas after the betrayal, rather than trying to depict what he might have looked like in life. The second adaption made in Mexico was to "burn" the figure not by setting it alight but by setting off a bunch of fireworks attached or embedded into the figure, essentially blowing it to pieces and destroying a finely crafted artwork that took hours to make. But a third tradition with the Judases nearly wiped out the entire Holy Saturday ritual in the 1950s: that of making Judases in the form of living public figures who for one reason or another had prompted the ire of the community - in particular, authorities. During Mexico's decades-long one-party rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), such mockery of political leaders became common so Artisans' workshops were checked in the run-up to Holy Week to see if any Judases representing the president or others were being made. The tradition was prohibited. But now they are permitted and in most communities where Judases are "burned," the brightly painted figures are hoisted into a tree or suspended in a way that allows them to dangle, much like a piñata.
Monday 18/04/2022: Here in Mexico the Mayan dynasty is represented in artefacts and monuments across the country and it is now possible to put a date to some of the remains across the region. Buried within the Las Pinturas pyramid in San Bartolo, Guatemala, thousands of painted plaster mural fragments offer a window into ancient Maya civilization. Two of those fragments form the earliest known record of a Maya calendar, created between 300 and 200 B.C. The fragments depict the date of "7 Deer" from the 260-day sacred calendar common across ancient Mesoamerica and still used today by indigenous communities in Guatemala and southern Mexico. From 400 B.C. to 100 A.D., the Mayas razed and rebuilt their pyramids several times, creating a series of discrete time capsules stacked on top of each other. By radiocarbon dating both the material in the layer where the calendar fragments were found and the material used to bury that layer meant researchers can determine when the calendar was produced which was once common across Mesoamerica. Thirteen numbers and twenty signs are mixed and matched to represent 260 specific dates in the history of the Mayan dynasty.
Wednesday 20/04/2022: History has a habit of repeating itself and here in Mexico foreign nations have invaded the country in an effort to colonise them over several centuries. The Spanish, of course, but also the French, along with the British, who invaded Mexico in 1861 after the then president Benito Juárez stopped making foreign debt repayments. The British left the country after receiving a guarantee they would receive the money they were owed, but the French remained. Mexican forces defeated the French army at the famous Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, but the city fell to the French just over a year later. There are remains of a person who probably died from a bullet wound, as well as elements such as buttons and bullets that can give us information about the battle, which occurred in the streets of Puebla to defend the sovereignty of the country. Does that sound familiar? The Mexican victory is celebrated yearly through a festival on the same date as the battle. It is primarily held in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the holiday is celebrated as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla. In the United States, this holiday has evolved into the very popular Cinco de Mayo holiday, a celebration of Mexican heritage. If Ukraine succeeds in surviving the Russian invasion I am sure there will be similar celebrations.
Friday 22/04/2022: I am regularly in contact with scorpions and quite like the creatures. They often creep into shower rooms and can be found under stones and in crevices in garden areas. They are silent assassins and can be quite pesky and also adept at hiding in any clothing left lying around. Word of warning!! Have just learnt that the smaller the scorpion the more severe the sting. They can inject highly toxic poison which can kill an adult. Children often die from a tiny scorpion sting. Large scorpions are not so deadly. Beware and aware you don't know where they lair, lurk.
Sunday 24/04/2022: Today I have to celebrate as after weeks of writing and editing my next book 'The Zimbabwean Psychiatrist's Hat' it is now at the printers and should be available in the middle of May. It has been difficult to liaise with my editor in the UK, particularly as it has been logistically a nightmare to organise contact from Mexico with intermittent wi-fi contact. But all is now done. The book is 364 pages and has 80 photos, with 26 in colour. It is not an account of a circumnavigation but a book of 23 chapters of accounts of the culture and historical events that shaped South America. On our journey through the continent we experienced extremes of life for the inhabitants of the countries we travelled through and encountered people who survive on the fringes of what is termed 'society.' We met with mafia gangs, prostitutes and drug addicts but also with the most engaging of people and the best of this exotic and beautiful continent. A wonderful, exciting and unforgettable journey. We also did have to contend with extremes of terrain and weather and temperatures from below zero to 40 celsius. The book does not delve into this aspect but for an example I include a short extract of what came our way. This is after struggling through a thunderstorm along a muddy track for several kilometres in search of a place to rest up and regain strength.
