Chuburna's Childrens Apoyo Fashion Show!

This time we got to volunteer at something a little more glamorous than a spay and neuter clinic!

The 6th annual Apoyo (help) Fashion Show, in support of the Childrens' education in Chuburna Puerto, a town about 20kms west of Progreso is always a lot of fun!

And this year the theme was a 1950's high school dance!

There were records, and 50's at the hop music, and streamers, and even a great librarian who was our MC. Barb Harris is a professional speaker and a lot of fun anyways, so this was right up her alley!

AND... this was my modelling debut, and I had a blast!

All of the clothes are second hand, brought down from home by most of the local expats,

and items are modeled (a few of them), and they and many others are sold afterwards for amazing

low prices from 20 to 60 pesos a piece!

We, the 6 models, were all professionally coiffed and made up by a team of artists

who usually do the same for movie stars, but who volunteer for this one.

Robert Abuda and his team were amazing and made us real superstars!

We 6 models got to know each other a little better over the course of rehearsals and fittings, and I managed to meet a really nice new group of women.

Our friend Xochitl was taking pictures as Vic was working too, selling bar tickets!

Our grand finale was the lollipop song, and here we are below in our very colourful garb - 

I'm the one in the purple and red with the purple wig! :)

Vic's partner in crime, fellow "teacher" and bar ticket salesman, Deb.

A good time was had by all!! And we wait to find out how much money was raised by another great event!

Enjoying Valladolid

Vic and I decided to stay in Valladolid for a couple of extra days to further explore this wonderful city. At first we had thought to venture farther afield from here, but realized there was too much to see right in the town without having a few weeks to stay!

After the first day of the Clinic, all 120 of the volunteers were invited to supper at the home of John and Dorian, an amazingly generous and gracious couple, who fed the whole lot of us a sumptuous meal, as well as opening up their beautiful home to us!

This dinner was just one of the many things the couple do for their "southern" community.

Another is to open their home EVERY day of the year to people who would like to come view their amazing collection of over 3000 pieces of Mexican artisania.

They do this for the shear joy of sharing, but also collect funds from these tours, on an optional donation basis, to further their monetary donations to various charities of their choice in their city.

We had to pleasure of getting to know John and Dorian a little while there, and went back for their full tour the day after the campaign was over!

AMAZING!!

Many of the depictions of Day of the Dead characters are some of Vic's favourites!

From paintings, to paper mache, to glasswork and miniatures to full wall murals,

their house is a treasure trove to excite anyone!

Their home itself is over 400 years old, and when they had the renovations done, since they purchased it in 2000, they kept the original footprint, and built from there! Wow!!

In their home, they have 7 suites, for their friends, whenever they get the opportunity to visit!

Very luxurious each one!

And we were hosted by an amazing young lady, Tey, who put up with us for 2 extra days after the end of the campaign, sharing her home, car and bikes with us! 

It was a pleasure getting to know her, and we hope to see her again many times in the future!

Her wall mural was begun with her own artwork, and built on by a

local artist!

While in Valladolid, a very special presentation took place, called Momentos Sagrados de los Mayas,

a depiction of Mayan living and its sacred moments.

Over 270 Mayan people, from baby to senior, took part in this amazing play, which included some amazing dancing and acting.

And Vic and I took a ride on one of the local cycling trails on a beautiful morning

Later that day we were fortunate enough to visit 4 different cenotes in the area, including the 2 by Dzitnup where we enjoyed the refreshing 21 degree waters.

A great trip all in all! Successful spay and neuter campaign, many new and wonderful friends, and some very fun exploring completed!!

Now back home to recover!!!