December is around the corner and we have news that winter has settled in Toronto, with the first snow, the ice rink opening at Dufferin Grove, Santa's parade and the Grey Cup. If I was home I would probably be cooking something homy for the cold days, like a big pot of chili, or curry chicken. I would be putting the fall clothes away and pull out the hard core winter attires like the snow boots, mitts and scarves and hats. And we would probably enjoy our fireplace this weekend. Getting together with friends, and planning some Holiday gatherings. Our life in Toronto is filled with precious moments, and we will be very very happy to come back to them after being away for so long.
The boys made their Christmas list, and it triggered a discussion on giving - as opposed to receiving - and creative ways to make a difference for some kids who live in the great places we are visiting. We are letting the idea simmer... This motivated me to go for a little venture and Léo and I drove to the village today. We found the store for school supplies - it's entire inventory can be neatly placed on a kitchen table, but they have the essentials. I finally found some real printer paper - but here we buy it by the sheet because it's a rare commodity. I use every single sheet on both sides - something I should do at home too! While in town we also looked for fresh chicken, but it will be available only tomorrow (just like the gas, good old Mexican Ma ñana!), and we looked for a bakery - no such thing in Xcalak. Only the basic necessities. Only what we really need, and a little more (like cookies, and candies!)
We went for a nice snorkel today. We went out on the kayaks, found a great spot and dropped the anchors, and put our snorkel gear on. Just as I let myself in the water the bottom of by baiting suit got caught on a hook on the side of the kayak - and I was stuck in an impossible position, unable to reach and unhook my rear end... Dylan tried to rescue me, but it's Tim who finally untwisted the fabric. My Hero!
I started to look into an excursion we could take in this region, on the sea of course. Deep sea fishing is an option, or boating to Belize to spend a day in San Pedro, but I must say that the one I would like to do the most is going to the Chinchorro banks - about 20 miles off shore. It is said to be the last intact coral garden in the Caribbean, and is has a number of old ship wrecks. Very few people get to see this, and who knows how long it will remain healthy. The effect of global warming on warm seas like the Caribbean is causing the water to heat-up more than ever, and even a couple of degrees can be devastating for coral reef. It causes discolouring of reef formations, it is know as the 'bleaching' effect. A gray reef is a very sad sight. Just today, I was showing Léo to not look only at the fish, but also at the purple and pink and orange reef vegetation and their many different shapes, and the unique quality of the light underwater. It is so beautiful! Does he really see it? I hope so. And I hope that it's still there when he will want to show his children.
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