Janice Higgison

A flight from Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca (pronounced whasaca) then busses towards the coast for 3 hours, followed by a collectivo taxi for a total of 4 hours of windy roads and I reach my new destination up in the mountains. A welcome change from the increasing heat of Mexico as the nights cool off up here to 4 blankets and wooly hats.My new home for 3 weeks is an adobe hut and a helpx exchange with other volunteers in a great community.Time was spent learning adobe house building and how to mix sieve, prepare and blend the clay and pine needles to create the adobe. Then we all got to work repairing the fire oven in the volunteer house so we could cook our food and warm the houseOther tasks included learning to create a grey water system, Walking goats in the mountain to forage for food, composting and gardening, creating seedling covers, making puppets and repairing kitchen cupboards.Days off were spent walking over the hill to stay at the next village, meeting wonderful village weavers, artists and cooks. Being part of tamazcal ceremonies ( sweat lodges) yoga classes and full moon groups and music jams were all delightful highlights

A Collectivo ride. ( the group taxi system)…..Followed up by the bus…Followed up by a local bus… Followed up by a taxi….And we arrive at the top of the world!(well so it seems like it after living down on the ocean shore for a month.)We are lucky enough to have a bed in the old city of Puerto Vallarta. Built on the side of a hill with rocks and steep steps weaving into the shape of the cliffs. Its a great place to tighten up the goat legs. There are stunning views from friend Karin’s condo. A birds eye view to sunrise music of those winged creatures habitating in the trees alongside, and sunsets where you melt away at the end of a day with the setting sun.

Volunteering at the local music festival that has been running free for 10 years was a priveledge and inspiration. Such great talent giving their time and creativity for an awesome event. 3 days of dancing, singing and live talent is amazing soul food. Hanging out with the canadian crew that had escaped the winter snow for some warm days was a really special bonus.

San Pancho (aka San Fransisco), is an hour drive north of Puerto villarta

Mexico. Music. Movement. Magic.A month in a quaint village 2 hours out from Puerta Villarta gave me my first taste of the dry heat and colours of Mexico in winter.Lo de Marco has a large influx of Canadian and American visiters escaping from their snowy cold winter and replacing it with relaxing beach vibes. They contribute generously to the local community and sponsor music events and fundraisers from their holiday energy. Its wonderfully be in the midst of this healthy partnership and participate in the magic and dance that is every where.

Wandering the sunset beaches to Monday night open Mic performances or sauntering along the streets for fresh local food and organic produce. It is easy to wander through time and space within the relaxing vibes.

Freddy at his sunset best. Heart n head of gold!!

When nature becomes brighter than brightand flowers have more orangethan the butterfly itselfand magic seems to happen.that’s when you knowhow stunningyou could glowas life is but a giant reflection.