Real local artesania in Melaque

The first foto is of a Cuastecomate fruit on the tree I took 5-6 years ago in Ranchito. The owner said something about medicinal qualities and you could make bowls of the shell. I've not seen the tree, the fruit or anything related since. One of the local gringos recently found this young guy that carves the shells into really nice pieces of art. It takes a couple hours of carving but can take over half a day in the hills looking for the trees. I waited until I spoke with the artist and bought some of his wares before I posted the related fotos and video. Still would like a little more info on the process ... like what is inside and how do you get it out.   Also are they seasonal and you can only work with them at this time of year.

I forgot from my original post with the older photo the fruit is actually a Tecomate and Cuastecomate means coastal Tecomate. Other common names for the tree are Calabash tree and Jicaro.   The Jícaro Artist in Costa Rica

Cuastecomate fruit in Ranchito

The "piggy bank" I just bought

A variety of designs and ages

Artist tools

Langostino on the beach in Cuastecomate

I'll trade a ride to the beach any day for a fresh lobster dinner. Nine of us total including four kids and two sets of parents piled into my van and headed to Cuastecomate. We went to the restaurant on the far end where Hugo has been working building a deck. They asked me earlier if I liked langostino but I had no idea what was coming. Friends had given them about 10 of these caught the day before. So much better than the frozen ones you get in local restaurants.

We brought everything needed and only had to buy caguamas (quarts of beer) from the restaurant. I bought a bag of those beach toys and the kids made sand castles and figures. Even went swimming even tho the water is a little chilly. Had a beautiful sunset just before we left.

Langostinos a la diabla

My plate

The girls and sunset

Summer vacation almost over

Well this is the last week of summer vacation in Mexico and the beaches will get quiet again. It's been a pretty busy summer here in Melaque despite (or because of) the heat and humidity.

I got back from 3 weeks in Seattle not long ago and this weather has made me not want to do anything - including Blogging. Even before I left we had a month of overbearing weather - but no hurricanes yet. September is usually the worst month for bad weather so we'll see how global warming effects the west coast.

I walked the beach to Barra de Navidad the other day and that place is getting fancier by the month - and more expensive. Taking the local bus back is the best way to survive unless you make the walk in the morning. Only cost 4.5 pesos.

We have a friend building a shipping container home in Cuastecomate and that has been a very interesting project to watch develope. I've posted comments and some fotos on our Costalegre Message board - Container Living thread

My newest project is to build a ramada (palapa) off the back of our house for shade and rain protection. I got the wood (palm) framework from neighbors who just took down a palapa in favor of brick walls. Will have a couple of local guys do the palapa 'thatching'. Hope to put a brick patio underneath it and have a second outdoor area with privacy. Cool!