Grand Loreto

        Loreta is a major town on the Central Baja South coast which is actually on the Sea of Cortez while Santispec is on the Bahia de Concepcion or a bay off of the Sea of Cortez. It has a population of over 20,000 and for many years Northern Americans from Canada and the U.S have wintered her and many have established homes here. The fisherman discovered it in the 60's and it remains a destination for those in the Northern climes. Like Santispec, it is cool at night, heats quickly in the morning till about 2:00 pm then it cools with the breeze in the after and evening. At the grocery story we were among at least as many English speakers as Spanish. Many of the expatiates are bilingual as they spend more time here than in the North. We are able to find many services here, including a laundry, propane, banks and, of course, great Baja food. Must say, a couple of us had emoladas last night. It is like enchiladas but with a mole sauce. I have alway been intimidated by just the recipes for mole. At least 12 ingredients plus chocolate to make this sauce, not to mention the time. It was heavenly. It was at a place called Carmen's which had the most inviting interior space where 6 of us ended up for dinner. 

We are learning that the rustic look of a place has nothing to do with the quality of the food. It is about the devotion of the cook. Sometimes you just have to take a chance. 

After doing the errands which included propane, gas, bank, and groceries as well as exploring Loreto to find them we saw the old cemetery across from the propane shop and decided to have a look. It was such a tribute to the love of family of the people of Loreto. There were many remembrances on the graves from Dios de los Muertos. 

This area included a mix of children and adults. The size of the remembrance did not seem to be determined by the age of the person. Child who lived only a day or three months were remembered and given tribute. 

This tribute was to a person who lived a full life and who must have a family who revered. 

The picture above with the red posts was dedicated to an 8 or 9 year old boy who must have loved this cartoon character. Many of the children had candy left for them during the Dias de los Muertos celebration. It still remains for them, untouched. So many colors and so much love in this place of remembrance. 

One additional note for today, Liz and Bill and George and Mary took a drive up to the stretch of road the Baja Race is crossing and saw the go past. It is one of the places they are moving on the road but only at the speed limit. The road is very twisting and if they finish sooner they are penalized for going too fast!