edited 21 march 2014
Catemaco News is dead. I stopped publishing.
Catemaco Notes on Facebook is dead. I stopped publishing.
The major reason is that I am bored with talking to mostly myself, and having to suffer too many fools and wannabees.
Facebook:
I'll be keeping Facebook's Catemaco Noticias and its 4900 adherents open, in case I need them.
The real Internet:
The site www.catemaco.info stays open, but I am about 2-3 years behind in both updating information and correcting software errors. The English section of the site still get about 5000 hits per month, but mostly on obtuse subjects.
Eleven years ago, I thought Catemaco had a future for foreign tourists and residents. I was wrong!
Anything you need to know about Los Tuxtlas, still shows up on the sidebar and its links of this blog.
Adios, Que te vaya bién!
Sep 7, 2013
Apr 2, 2013
March 2013 - Catemaco
March rates # 3 to visit, and # 1 to live in Catemaco, Except for this year because of an extraordinary wave of cold spells with nasty cloudy days.
Tourism:
The big event this month was an early Semana Santa which pumped some much needed tourist pesos into the economy. Although government agencies fell all over themselves proclaiming the quantity of tourists, I did not notice any particular increase from last year.
Hotels:
Hoteliers were in clover, trying to get as close to 1500 pesos per night for a family of 6. A sporting event in San Andrés also helped the week before Semana Santa and jampacked the entire zone.
Beaches:
The road to the beaches is under repair, but many miles still suck. I snuck into Montepío and La Barra but found nothing remarkable.
Events:
The brujo event on the first of March was the usual farce with imported Indians and a dozen expensive palm huts, that were mostly unoccupied. The event was saved by by the first replay in years of an authentic Midnight Mass by a collection of brujos in the hills of Catemaco.
Semana Santa brought an amusement fair to the outskirts of Catemaco and drew no crows. Despite the Fliers from Papantla, a free dance concert and some other events, I think that venue has had its day and I wonder whether the next mayor will return the mess to the inner city.
Weather:
March fooled me this year. I would say half of it was not to my liking, cold and nasty. But as usual, some days were just absolutely gorgeous, clear and sunny with mild temperatures
Business:
No news that I noticed. EXCEPT - rentals for boat rides increased 45% to a minimum of 650 pesos per boat. Single fares are 100 pesos. Catemaco is basically a resort for low income people, and I think that increase will not help increase tourism.
Food:
The owners of Tepetapan opened a "Cevicheria & Beer" joint on the Malecón. It's attractively done and is worth a visit.
In honor of Semana Santa many hotels opened their dormant dining rooms. I expect them to disappear as soon as the spring doldrums hit.
Drink:
The Italians of La Ostería fame opend their huge second floor rock cantina on the Malecón. Food service is promised. Nice place to watch the lake in the late afternoon.
Cundo, a local collector of antiquities opened a cantina just off the Malecon stuffed with historic photos of Catemaco and has automatically become a "must" visit. Next to the Hotel del Lago.
Crime:
No significant crime as usual, except someone stole one of my 500 peso cactuses, and I have no idea how they did it.
Politics:
I'll repeat the quote from last month: "Elections are in July and the dozen wannabees are making so much noise in the press that it is hard to find nuggets of good news" Scuttlebutt says a former two time mayor and state deputy is the frontrunner. He is primarily famous for stealing Catemaco blind.
General
Tourism:
The big event this month was an early Semana Santa which pumped some much needed tourist pesos into the economy. Although government agencies fell all over themselves proclaiming the quantity of tourists, I did not notice any particular increase from last year.
Hotels:
Hoteliers were in clover, trying to get as close to 1500 pesos per night for a family of 6. A sporting event in San Andrés also helped the week before Semana Santa and jampacked the entire zone.
Beaches:
The road to the beaches is under repair, but many miles still suck. I snuck into Montepío and La Barra but found nothing remarkable.
Events:
The brujo event on the first of March was the usual farce with imported Indians and a dozen expensive palm huts, that were mostly unoccupied. The event was saved by by the first replay in years of an authentic Midnight Mass by a collection of brujos in the hills of Catemaco.
Semana Santa brought an amusement fair to the outskirts of Catemaco and drew no crows. Despite the Fliers from Papantla, a free dance concert and some other events, I think that venue has had its day and I wonder whether the next mayor will return the mess to the inner city.
Weather:
March fooled me this year. I would say half of it was not to my liking, cold and nasty. But as usual, some days were just absolutely gorgeous, clear and sunny with mild temperatures
Business:
No news that I noticed. EXCEPT - rentals for boat rides increased 45% to a minimum of 650 pesos per boat. Single fares are 100 pesos. Catemaco is basically a resort for low income people, and I think that increase will not help increase tourism.
Food:
The owners of Tepetapan opened a "Cevicheria & Beer" joint on the Malecón. It's attractively done and is worth a visit.
In honor of Semana Santa many hotels opened their dormant dining rooms. I expect them to disappear as soon as the spring doldrums hit.
The Italians of La Ostería fame opend their huge second floor rock cantina on the Malecón. Food service is promised. Nice place to watch the lake in the late afternoon.
Cundo, a local collector of antiquities opened a cantina just off the Malecon stuffed with historic photos of Catemaco and has automatically become a "must" visit. Next to the Hotel del Lago.
Crime:
No significant crime as usual, except someone stole one of my 500 peso cactuses, and I have no idea how they did it.
Politics:
I'll repeat the quote from last month: "Elections are in July and the dozen wannabees are making so much noise in the press that it is hard to find nuggets of good news" Scuttlebutt says a former two time mayor and state deputy is the frontrunner. He is primarily famous for stealing Catemaco blind.
General
A grader has been at work and improved some of the roads to the ecotourism hill communities. April is a great month to visit them.
Feb 28, 2013
February 2013 - Catemaco
I had some negative feedback on my best months to visit and best months to live in Catemaco.
Frankly I put a lot of time into this and it is damn difficult to rate 12 months. Of course there are other perceptions.
If you like beaches, August is number one to visit. If you live here, the month rates 8 because there are more visitors than beach, etc.
I live here year round except for my frequent escapes to other places. Would I recommend to live in Catemaco? Only for a chosen few! Would I recommend to visit here? DAMN YES, 12 months of the year, but as I am saying, some months are better than others.
Tourism:
A long weekend brought some relief from the doldrums, with the usual Mexican tourbuses and sprinkles of backpackers and foreigners.
Hotels:
I noticed nothing new, except for some discount offers.
Beaches:
This was one of the few times that I didn´t make it to the beach. I hear I did not miss anything. And the road still sucks.
Events:
A few parades, a huge funeral. That's it.
Today, Feb 28 begins the first Friday in March (Brujos) celebration and I'll save it for next month.
Weather:
I hate February. Frequently it is too cold for my taste, too many days are overcast with almost no rain, then a southwind whips through and shakes up every dust particle.
Business:
A small grocery chain is rasing walls behind my house. I keep scratching my head about where their business will come from.
Food:
Prashanti (of the hotel and beach resort clan) opened a primitive garden restaurant next to the monster by the ADO bus station. Maybe I'll drop in when I actually see someone eat there.
The small restaurant on the first floor of Hotel Berthangel has new owners and it is a nice place to people watch the laza in front of the basilica.
Drink:
Looks like BossaNova (by the kayak place) will reopen.
Rumor has it the Italians of La Osteria fame, will try again with a bar/restaurant atop the TEXX store (the old El Pescador).
Crime:
I know everyone is eagerly awaiting a body count, but no, nothing of significance happened, as usual, except some jerk stole my garbage can.
Politics:
Elections are in July and the dozen wannabees are making so much noise in the press that it is hard to find nuggets of good news.
The mayor of Catemaco died. That came as a shock, being barely 40 years old. He was a good guy and bought a house from us. He'll be remembered by the locals for the new pier, and by me for trying to get the sewage problem fixed.
General
My favorite local photographer did it again and issued part two of his Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas videos
Feb 24, 2013
Catemaco Brujos 2013
Brujo Festival in Catemaco
Thursday, Feb 28 / Friday, March 1, 2013
Read more about the brujo shenanigans, Q & A, videos, photos, etc.
Feb 1, 2013
January 2013 - Catemaco
On a scale of 1 to 12 months, I give January in Catemaco a 10 for visiting and a 6 for living here.
Tourism:
Lots of tourists showed up the first week of January and then went into hibernation.
Hotels:
Nothing exciting. The newest Del Cid Hotel has added a restaurant on its ground floor, and the Casa Rosa has a new website.
Beaches:
The winter storms, as usual, are nibbling on the beaches. But don´t worry, the sand returns by summer.
The crashing waves made for great beach walks, on the few days that were nice and sunny this month.
Events:
The enjoyable musical presentations on Saturday night in the central park seem to be occurring less and less- And that is a shame!.
Weather:
Typical yo-yo weather, from freezing (68f today) to sweating (88f tomorrrow).
Business:
The recently opened mega stores are flourishing with employees. Customers seem to be a rarity. In the US, by now, I think they would have "going out of business signs".
Food:
Several new or new owner taco stores have opened. I am sure that will make someone happy.
Drink:
Basically only the drunks in the Zona Rosa (by the boat docks) are holding their own.
Crime:
Nothing exciting, unless you want to read about a young women slicing up her lover.
Politics:
Hot Hot - a dozen pretenders that want to be future millionaires and live in Xalapa are now cluttering the local press, juggling for the July7 elections.
General:
Good time to be in Catemaco, if you can stand the coldest month of the year, average 68.9f. (Unfortunately I am hot blooded and become lethargic.)
Tourism:
Lots of tourists showed up the first week of January and then went into hibernation.
Nothing exciting. The newest Del Cid Hotel has added a restaurant on its ground floor, and the Casa Rosa has a new website.
Beaches:
The winter storms, as usual, are nibbling on the beaches. But don´t worry, the sand returns by summer.
The crashing waves made for great beach walks, on the few days that were nice and sunny this month.
Events:
The enjoyable musical presentations on Saturday night in the central park seem to be occurring less and less- And that is a shame!.
Weather:
Typical yo-yo weather, from freezing (68f today) to sweating (88f tomorrrow).
January at times gets pretty foggy in the mornings
Business:
The recently opened mega stores are flourishing with employees. Customers seem to be a rarity. In the US, by now, I think they would have "going out of business signs".
Food:
Several new or new owner taco stores have opened. I am sure that will make someone happy.
"Tampiqueña" at La Casita
Drink:
Basically only the drunks in the Zona Rosa (by the boat docks) are holding their own.
Crime:
Nothing exciting, unless you want to read about a young women slicing up her lover.
Politics:
Hot Hot - a dozen pretenders that want to be future millionaires and live in Xalapa are now cluttering the local press, juggling for the July7 elections.
Dozens of political signs messing up the neighborhoods
General:
Good time to be in Catemaco, if you can stand the coldest month of the year, average 68.9f. (Unfortunately I am hot blooded and become lethargic.)
Yes, you can get your hat polished in Catemaco
Jan 1, 2013
December 2012, Catemaco
Tourism:
I live on the Malecón, Catemaco's most famous street, and I mostly judge the amount of tourism by how many people walk in front of my nose, steal my parking spot, and the number of boatmen shouting "lancha- lancha" on my corner. Looks like December turned out pretty good for Catemaco. Better than last year.
Hotels:
The first world Club Neyama, on the way to Ruiz Cortines in San Andrés Tuxtla, added 7 cabañas to its recreation center. They also have gocarts and a restaurant. Interesting place to visit when it is open. They are flakes and apparently only open when they feel like it. Nevertheless, this is not what you expect to see in Los Tuxtlas. http://www.clubneyama.com/
Events:
The celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose home is actually in Mexico City, attracted thousands, maybe even 10000, mostly day trippers, to the local Virgin version. The parades were endless and as usual mostly composed of taxis decorated with Virgin photos and blaring horns. Soon after, the customed "viejos" started strutting the streets of Catemaco until on New Year's eve, firecracker stuffed replicas were exploded. O Joy! After you have seen both events once, you may consider heading for the beach or the mountains instead.
One nice recurrent addition are the fairly regular jarocha music presentations in Catemaco's central park. I hope they keep them going.
Weather:
Running hot and cold, and most everyone I know laid down for a week with some really bad cases of the flu. I was lucky, I had mine a few months ago.
Business:
A Coppel department store opened where the Hotel Catemaco used to be. Two storied, with a little bit of parking behind it, it is a very welcome addition to Catemaco. I just wish they had built it on the highway instead of "beautiful" downtown Catemaco. Contino, a mostly dry goods retailer opened in the Bancomer building on the plaza. I think that is a future disappearance act in that jinxed building.
Food:
Nothing exciting, except households fall all over themselves preparing dishes you usually do not see in restaurants. Make a friend in Catemaco, maybe they'll invite to a holiday meal.
I had my first meal at Valentino's, (next to El Caballo). Not bad!
Drink:
The teeny bopper and above crowd is barely holding its own in Catemaco's pink zone (Malecón near the boat dock). Watch out for some of those gorgeous creatures that have 5 o'clock shadows!
Saturday night, Dec. 30th, started a party that was still going strong at 7 am this morning 1 Jan.
For adults, nightlife is pretty much limited to El Caballo and the increasingly popular Wahikini, both at the south end of the Malecon.
Crime:
Didn´t really notice any this month, except for some really nasty stuff in neighboring counties. Very heavy army and police sightseeing traffic.
Politics:
The Catemaco mayor, best known for his frequent absence from Catemaco, followed by a flurry of self praising pronouncements, did offer his 2nd annual computerized "state of the union" speech. A big let down from the pomp of last year, especially the absence of monetary figures that would give citizens a chance to understand where the money went.
General:
Good time to be in Catemaco, if you can stand the noise. If not, don´t worry. 95% of the rest of Catemaco stayed idyllic.
I live on the Malecón, Catemaco's most famous street, and I mostly judge the amount of tourism by how many people walk in front of my nose, steal my parking spot, and the number of boatmen shouting "lancha- lancha" on my corner. Looks like December turned out pretty good for Catemaco. Better than last year.
The first world Club Neyama, on the way to Ruiz Cortines in San Andrés Tuxtla, added 7 cabañas to its recreation center. They also have gocarts and a restaurant. Interesting place to visit when it is open. They are flakes and apparently only open when they feel like it. Nevertheless, this is not what you expect to see in Los Tuxtlas. http://www.clubneyama.com/
Events:
The celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose home is actually in Mexico City, attracted thousands, maybe even 10000, mostly day trippers, to the local Virgin version. The parades were endless and as usual mostly composed of taxis decorated with Virgin photos and blaring horns. Soon after, the customed "viejos" started strutting the streets of Catemaco until on New Year's eve, firecracker stuffed replicas were exploded. O Joy! After you have seen both events once, you may consider heading for the beach or the mountains instead.
One nice recurrent addition are the fairly regular jarocha music presentations in Catemaco's central park. I hope they keep them going.
Weather:
Running hot and cold, and most everyone I know laid down for a week with some really bad cases of the flu. I was lucky, I had mine a few months ago.
Business:
A Coppel department store opened where the Hotel Catemaco used to be. Two storied, with a little bit of parking behind it, it is a very welcome addition to Catemaco. I just wish they had built it on the highway instead of "beautiful" downtown Catemaco. Contino, a mostly dry goods retailer opened in the Bancomer building on the plaza. I think that is a future disappearance act in that jinxed building.
Food:
Nothing exciting, except households fall all over themselves preparing dishes you usually do not see in restaurants. Make a friend in Catemaco, maybe they'll invite to a holiday meal.
I had my first meal at Valentino's, (next to El Caballo). Not bad!
Drink:
The teeny bopper and above crowd is barely holding its own in Catemaco's pink zone (Malecón near the boat dock). Watch out for some of those gorgeous creatures that have 5 o'clock shadows!
Saturday night, Dec. 30th, started a party that was still going strong at 7 am this morning 1 Jan.
For adults, nightlife is pretty much limited to El Caballo and the increasingly popular Wahikini, both at the south end of the Malecon.
Crime:
Didn´t really notice any this month, except for some really nasty stuff in neighboring counties. Very heavy army and police sightseeing traffic.
Politics:
The Catemaco mayor, best known for his frequent absence from Catemaco, followed by a flurry of self praising pronouncements, did offer his 2nd annual computerized "state of the union" speech. A big let down from the pomp of last year, especially the absence of monetary figures that would give citizens a chance to understand where the money went.
General:
Good time to be in Catemaco, if you can stand the noise. If not, don´t worry. 95% of the rest of Catemaco stayed idyllic.
Dec 23, 2012
Dec 3, 2012
November 2012, Catemaco
What sticks out in my mind about November was the arrest of a guy while trying to screw a mare in neighboring Lerdo de Tejada. That news may give you a hint of my current mindset.
Tourism:
Except for 2 of those famous long weekends (Days of the Dead and Revolution Day - (make that week, this year), Catemaco's Malecón was a bowling alley cluttered only by shrieking boatmen and gypsies.
Snowbirds in their road hogs are now again arriving in transit to the south. Since I don´t talk to the Lard of Tepetapan anymore, I don´t know if business is good, but I doubt it.
Hotels:
Casa Rosa added a few rooms. Aside from being a friend of mine, that German lady literally will do hand stands to please her guests. If there were more like her in Catemaco, we might have a return tourism business.
The renovated El Cid, down the street from city hall is also doing well.
La Finca hung out its seasonal 689 peso sign (plus tax in small letters, on weekdays) which makes it a best buy in the overpriced "luxury" market.
Weather:
The chill arrived, and out came all those heavy comforters. Each year it is more difficult to survive when the temperature drops to the maximum subarctic 61 degrees F. A few rain storms hit, but overall, this season is relatively dry, and most of the days are simply gorgeous.
Business:
The mini Soriana supermarket opened with a great parking lot and not much else to brag about, still leaving me in the quandary of: if not here, then San Andrés, if not there, Veracruz.
Last month, I mentioned Tienda Lores as another "GAP" - wrong! It is another aggressive grocery chain, that temporarily halted its construction, because their architect screwed up their plans.
Over the next few years I think that will be marked as the death knell for the miserable central "mercado" that is still the heart of commerce in Catemaco.
Food:
No new major restaurants. Taco joints and food stalls open and disappear faster than you can say "tacos al pastor". I have not eaten there, but the joint next to Don Pedro's liquor store keeps attracting a crowd.
And somehow, great sweet ball tomatoes are now available. Love 'em!
Drink:
The hole in the wall "The Pub" is celebrating its first anniversary, and I think all 12 of its chairs are taken for the anniversary party.
The new "Caballo", near Gorell's on the Malecon is jam-packed on weekends, not necessarily because some raunchy bible thumping gringo is doing country music.
Crime:
What crime? Catemaco never really had any, except for the occasional hits here and there. But what can you expect from a county of almost 50 thousand?
Politics:
Actually this should be under the Crime header!
Between now and next July you may read a lot about this. The gist is that some of the same dinosaurs that I have never, ever, heard anyone saying anything good about, (granted!, my circle of spies is small), are all running again to be mayor of Catemaco. If this town spent as much effort on improving itself, as on political infighting, this might be a functional tourist resort.
General:
Tourism:
Except for 2 of those famous long weekends (Days of the Dead and Revolution Day - (make that week, this year), Catemaco's Malecón was a bowling alley cluttered only by shrieking boatmen and gypsies.
Snowbirds in their road hogs are now again arriving in transit to the south. Since I don´t talk to the Lard of Tepetapan anymore, I don´t know if business is good, but I doubt it.
Hotels:
Casa Rosa added a few rooms. Aside from being a friend of mine, that German lady literally will do hand stands to please her guests. If there were more like her in Catemaco, we might have a return tourism business.
The renovated El Cid, down the street from city hall is also doing well.
La Finca hung out its seasonal 689 peso sign (plus tax in small letters, on weekdays) which makes it a best buy in the overpriced "luxury" market.
Weather:
The chill arrived, and out came all those heavy comforters. Each year it is more difficult to survive when the temperature drops to the maximum subarctic 61 degrees F. A few rain storms hit, but overall, this season is relatively dry, and most of the days are simply gorgeous.
Business:
The mini Soriana supermarket opened with a great parking lot and not much else to brag about, still leaving me in the quandary of: if not here, then San Andrés, if not there, Veracruz.
Last month, I mentioned Tienda Lores as another "GAP" - wrong! It is another aggressive grocery chain, that temporarily halted its construction, because their architect screwed up their plans.
Over the next few years I think that will be marked as the death knell for the miserable central "mercado" that is still the heart of commerce in Catemaco.
Food:
No new major restaurants. Taco joints and food stalls open and disappear faster than you can say "tacos al pastor". I have not eaten there, but the joint next to Don Pedro's liquor store keeps attracting a crowd.
And somehow, great sweet ball tomatoes are now available. Love 'em!
Drink:
The hole in the wall "The Pub" is celebrating its first anniversary, and I think all 12 of its chairs are taken for the anniversary party.
The new "Caballo", near Gorell's on the Malecon is jam-packed on weekends, not necessarily because some raunchy bible thumping gringo is doing country music.
Crime:
What crime? Catemaco never really had any, except for the occasional hits here and there. But what can you expect from a county of almost 50 thousand?
Politics:
Actually this should be under the Crime header!
Between now and next July you may read a lot about this. The gist is that some of the same dinosaurs that I have never, ever, heard anyone saying anything good about, (granted!, my circle of spies is small), are all running again to be mayor of Catemaco. If this town spent as much effort on improving itself, as on political infighting, this might be a functional tourist resort.
General:
Nov 24, 2012
Nov 7, 2012
October 2012, Catemaco
The rains that were promised during the previous months of the "rainy season" finally hit!
But surprisingly, almost no obstruction in coming or leaving Los Tuxtlas.
The new Soriana is almost ready to open, give them another 30 days!
Meanwhile, supposedly CONTINO, a hardware dealer is supposed to occupy the space behind Bancomer on the plaza.
Day of the Dead festivities ran their course, as usual. and the local mayor tried to turn it into a mega event. He flunked, I think, despite some nice presentations! I think local yokels are switching their kids to Halloween. Bad news, I guess, for pure-ists.
The construction mania in Catemaco continues. Within a month I expect a SORIANA subsidiary to open along the carretera and eat the local Walmart's shorts. (o goody, their ice cream section sucks, both here and in San Andrés).
The new Coppel, on the side of the municipal "palace" is going gung ho at American speed. I expect it to be open for all the impoverished local Christmas shoppers, eager to receive credit cards with up to 55% interests.
The famous Caballo, formerly on the edge of the basilica, now in a rat hole on the edge of the Laguna, is again being threatened by EVICTION. I hope he finds another locale, better than the great gringo doc Ganzoni who left for greener pastures in Tulum, QR.
After 7 days of almost being a model city, because the local mayor tried to impress some friends, the city reverted to the usual. But, it strikes me a little cleaner, less cluttered than usual.. I know that it will not last.
Catemaco no longer is a one traffic light hick town. Now we have four hicks, three of them evenly spaced to make crossing Catemaco a 15 minute experience. Take photos of some of the side street vendors. They will be remarkable!
The new TEXX (imitation 7-11) is now operating at full speed on the Malecon at 14 of 24 hours, except weekends. (Incompetent assholes).
There is no food news, except the Fool on the Hill keeps bragging about better than prime, rib eye steaks being delivered in Catemaco and disappeared faster than I wrote this from Casa Lost.
Did I miss something?
Oh yeah, the mystery building on the highway is still a mystery. Looks like a shack being converted into a mansion with a few store fronts in front. O yeah, a new hardware store with probably less than what you were looking for, is opening on the carretera.near the Tepetapan turn off.
And yes, they tore down half a block of historic Catemaco behind my home, planning to erect a Tienda Lores, the equivalent of Mexico's Gap for extremely low income earners.
After a few weeks of permanent rain, the weather today is magnificent! A little chill, almost 79 degrees, but very welcome.
We are now in the absolutely dead touristic season in Catemaco. What a great time to visit!
But surprisingly, almost no obstruction in coming or leaving Los Tuxtlas.
The new Soriana is almost ready to open, give them another 30 days!
Meanwhile, supposedly CONTINO, a hardware dealer is supposed to occupy the space behind Bancomer on the plaza.
Day of the Dead festivities ran their course, as usual. and the local mayor tried to turn it into a mega event. He flunked, I think, despite some nice presentations! I think local yokels are switching their kids to Halloween. Bad news, I guess, for pure-ists.
The construction mania in Catemaco continues. Within a month I expect a SORIANA subsidiary to open along the carretera and eat the local Walmart's shorts. (o goody, their ice cream section sucks, both here and in San Andrés).The new Coppel, on the side of the municipal "palace" is going gung ho at American speed. I expect it to be open for all the impoverished local Christmas shoppers, eager to receive credit cards with up to 55% interests.
The famous Caballo, formerly on the edge of the basilica, now in a rat hole on the edge of the Laguna, is again being threatened by EVICTION. I hope he finds another locale, better than the great gringo doc Ganzoni who left for greener pastures in Tulum, QR.
After 7 days of almost being a model city, because the local mayor tried to impress some friends, the city reverted to the usual. But, it strikes me a little cleaner, less cluttered than usual.. I know that it will not last.
Catemaco no longer is a one traffic light hick town. Now we have four hicks, three of them evenly spaced to make crossing Catemaco a 15 minute experience. Take photos of some of the side street vendors. They will be remarkable!
The new TEXX (imitation 7-11) is now operating at full speed on the Malecon at 14 of 24 hours, except weekends. (Incompetent assholes).
There is no food news, except the Fool on the Hill keeps bragging about better than prime, rib eye steaks being delivered in Catemaco and disappeared faster than I wrote this from Casa Lost.
Did I miss something?
Oh yeah, the mystery building on the highway is still a mystery. Looks like a shack being converted into a mansion with a few store fronts in front. O yeah, a new hardware store with probably less than what you were looking for, is opening on the carretera.near the Tepetapan turn off.
And yes, they tore down half a block of historic Catemaco behind my home, planning to erect a Tienda Lores, the equivalent of Mexico's Gap for extremely low income earners.
After a few weeks of permanent rain, the weather today is magnificent! A little chill, almost 79 degrees, but very welcome.
We are now in the absolutely dead touristic season in Catemaco. What a great time to visit!
Oct 7, 2012
September 2012 - Catemaco
To keep this blog alive, I will publish a monthly update of beautiful downtown Catemaco and its surroundings.
Nothing of importance happened in September.
Because of some stupid event, supposedly promoting the adventure tourism of Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas, to which the governor but almost nobody from Catemaco was invited, the downtown of Catemaco miraculously cleaned up itself, disappearing almost all loud mouths screaming "lancha, lancha", painting anything that held still, either green or yellow, and constructing some fabled figurines and a boat dock for some political VIPS.
The road work on the Catemaco - Sontecomapan highway continues to be a fool's paradise. It amazes me how many workers and machines produce rubbish instead of a highway.
Progression of the the new commercial centers of Soriana and Coppel are zipping along at US speeds. Expect openings within the next two months.
Another mickey mouse chain "Tienda Lores" also purchased an antique half a block in downtown Catemaco and expects to adds its cacaphony to the local environment, a la Doctor Zimi. Unfortunately, I live 2 lots away from them and I need new ear plugs..
Tourism is next to nil, as expected during this time of the year.
Rain has been surprisingly mild during the last few months. Despite a few storms, I expect Catemaco to present a relatively dry profile for the year. Remember that the higher altitudes report up to 15 feet of rain per year! One of the wettest places in the universe.
Amazingly, another two rip off offices of loan sharks opened in downtown. Where 5 years ago there were none, now there are a more than a dozen pawn shops and "personal" finance companies. And still only one bank with lines, at times, around the block!
Food has not improved. The Aurrera (Walmart) store maintained a freezer full of rotten ice cream for 2 weeks before anyone apparently noticed. The pizza in the "pizzeteria" has deteriorated. and the egg rolls in the new chinese joint are yesterdays.
I had some very nice lunches, as usual, in the Playa Cristal, La Finca, and some hole in the wall that apparently has no name. YET! My first venture to Valentino's on the Malecon was a bust because they "ran out of gas". And I am damn tired of the Coney Island Hot Dogs at Casa Lost. (I wish that beautiful joint would increase their menu).
That is pretty much the attitude of local restauranteurs. (Here I will sneak in a recomendation for a rib eye steak proffered by the Fool on the Hill at Merendero's in San Andrès). Of course I know you all want typical Mexican food. I DO NOT! I like Texmex.
Catemaco's Malecon has actually reverted into a pleasant place to walk after dark, after the local government abided by the state law to prohibit drinking alcohol in public. Overnight, dozens of loudspeakers on wheels and hundreds of underage drinkers disappeared. Now the few rent paying joints are fighting for customers.
Oh yeah, a BIG TEXX convienence store opened on the Malecon, Almost none of the conveniences of any self respecting 7/11, including the absence of 24 hour service.
The hole in the wall "Caballos" on the Malecon, after deservedly getting kicked out its premise below the basilica, is holding its own. Also, the offshore La Panga seems to attract customers. I have yet to go, because I still have to digest my opinion of its current lessee.
The gringo haven Tepetapan, after suffering a drought, is now again enjoying mostly full capacity of retirees pumping a few bucks into the local economy.
There is nothing new on the beaches except for complaints about the roads on how to get there.
A recent article reported that 40% of the annual 15,000 visitors to the community museums of Santiago Tuxtla, Tres Zapotes and San Lorenzo were foreigners. Since I suspect that less than 2% of visitors to Los Tuxtlas are foreigners, that figure both indicates that most Mexicans prefer their heritage on TV or wherever, while gringos, or whatever, prefer to walk it.
More gringos would be welcome.
Actually, anyone, wanting to spend more than 3 hours in Catemaco would be welcome (the average stay of a Mexican tourist). I can provide an itinerary of 7 or 365 days of local adventures without getting bored!
Aug 22, 2012
Catemaco, the beautiful!
Yeah, I know Catemaco News is kinda dead!
It is just so much more fun to publish junk in Fuckbook, duh, Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/CatemacoNews
https://www.facebook.com/CatemacoNews
This is a local photographer who every once in a while gets off his ass and publishes stunning photos of Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas.
http://www.facebook.com/Catemaco.Fotos
http://www.facebook.com/Catemaco.Fotos
Jul 3, 2012
Catemaco Walkabout
Those wonderful folks from DEMATAC, the Defenders of the Environment of Los Tuxtlas, have scheduled their annual exploration of the Catemaco wilderness for the 28th & 29th of July. Come along!
See their page:
May 22, 2012
Catemaco Crocodiles
Republished from January 2009,
because I saw a bunch of crocs at Nanciyaga the other day. But none on their menu.
Also saw a live one at Laguna Amolapan (see link below) and I have photos from visitors with some huge crocs around Las Margaritas.
As you lazily float on Laguna Catemaco on your way to visit monkey behinds, consider that there are crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) in the lake. The last time anyone officially counted them, there were 5 in 2002.
Crocodile fat and oil is supposed to be a reliever of bronchial problems when rubbed over the neck and chest. Local healers say it works best when you catch your own croc. Crocodile tails are delicious when sauteed and taste somewhat like chicken.Guess why there are no more crocs in the laguna?
Nanciyaga, the ecological disney world of Los Tuxtlas, has a small crocodile breeding facility. Nobody knows what happens to the hatched eggs, because as said above, there only supposedly remain 5 swimming free.
The nearby Laguna Nixtamalapan supposedly was previously used as a crocodile experimental farm and had as many as 40 of these delicious critters. The same counter in 2002 reported 8 remaining, and rumors of a woman having been eaten. On a personal climb down to the laguna, I saw none, probably because a neighboring gravel mine has destroyed the lake's environment..
En 1995 Casas reporta 40 individuos para la laguna de Nixtamalapan Veracruz, una población de más de 20 individuos en el lago de Catemaco, y menciona que hay otras poblaciones no estimadas en Nanciyaga y Catemaco...Pérez-Higareda (1989) señala que en la Laguna de Nixtamalapan, Veracruz viven 36 cocodrilos de Morelet adultos (14 machos y 22 hembras), de los cuales 24 (14 machos y 10 hembras) ya se encontraban ahí, los 12 restantes se introdujeron en 1986 para balancear los sexos (1 macho por 2 hembras al menos), no se conoce el número de juveniles porque es difícil observarlos, al menos se sabe de 12. Gracias a ocho años de estudios por investigadores de la estación biológica tropical Los Tuxtlas, la laguna de Nixtmalapan en Veracruz de 4 has, es ahora una reserva natural para la protección, la cría y el estudio de los cocodrilos así como un ejemplo de conservación y ha creado entre la población una actitud de respeto hacia los cocodrilos (UNAM 1992). Conabio
because I saw a bunch of crocs at Nanciyaga the other day. But none on their menu.
Also saw a live one at Laguna Amolapan (see link below) and I have photos from visitors with some huge crocs around Las Margaritas.
As you lazily float on Laguna Catemaco on your way to visit monkey behinds, consider that there are crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) in the lake. The last time anyone officially counted them, there were 5 in 2002.
Crocodile fat and oil is supposed to be a reliever of bronchial problems when rubbed over the neck and chest. Local healers say it works best when you catch your own croc. Crocodile tails are delicious when sauteed and taste somewhat like chicken.Guess why there are no more crocs in the laguna?
Nanciyaga, the ecological disney world of Los Tuxtlas, has a small crocodile breeding facility. Nobody knows what happens to the hatched eggs, because as said above, there only supposedly remain 5 swimming free.
The nearby Laguna Nixtamalapan supposedly was previously used as a crocodile experimental farm and had as many as 40 of these delicious critters. The same counter in 2002 reported 8 remaining, and rumors of a woman having been eaten. On a personal climb down to the laguna, I saw none, probably because a neighboring gravel mine has destroyed the lake's environment..
En 1995 Casas reporta 40 individuos para la laguna de Nixtamalapan Veracruz, una población de más de 20 individuos en el lago de Catemaco, y menciona que hay otras poblaciones no estimadas en Nanciyaga y Catemaco...Pérez-Higareda (1989) señala que en la Laguna de Nixtamalapan, Veracruz viven 36 cocodrilos de Morelet adultos (14 machos y 22 hembras), de los cuales 24 (14 machos y 10 hembras) ya se encontraban ahí, los 12 restantes se introdujeron en 1986 para balancear los sexos (1 macho por 2 hembras al menos), no se conoce el número de juveniles porque es difícil observarlos, al menos se sabe de 12. Gracias a ocho años de estudios por investigadores de la estación biológica tropical Los Tuxtlas, la laguna de Nixtmalapan en Veracruz de 4 has, es ahora una reserva natural para la protección, la cría y el estudio de los cocodrilos así como un ejemplo de conservación y ha creado entre la población una actitud de respeto hacia los cocodrilos (UNAM 1992). Conabio
a local croc delivered to Dematac to be released who knows where
A user, affectionally called "Fool on the Hill" made this comment:
Wrong!
Laguna Amolapan was used as an experimental croc farm, not Nixtamalapan. They screwed up, or did not know the correct name – common occurrence. I was there, dude. In ’86 – and after. I helped unload crocs. I loaned ‘em a canoe. They even had a f’ing sign. Don’t tell me, pinche gringo newcomer. They are also wrong for ’95; there were not 40 individuos then. Somebody doctored the books.
Also see: Laguna Amolapan in Spanish -
Also see: Laguna Amolapan in Spanish -
May 15, 2012
Catemaco's Carlos Fuentes
Carlos Fuentes, Mexico's Panama born author died today.
His novel "The years with Laura Diaz" is partially set in Catemaco. His grandmother was born in Catemaco to a German/Mexican couple and his great aunt, Marìa Boettiger, also born in Catemaco, is the area's best known poet.
Read his obituary:
Read the book:
May 14, 2012
The Puntiagudo Cross in Catemaco
Looks like the Olmecs are back in Catemaco.
Without official support, appparently hundreds of local citizens are joining to construct a new cross atop Cerro Puntiagudo.
You can see more photos and text in Spanish here:
May 9, 2012
World’s Largest Tegogolo Cocktail
republished from july 27, 2006
Sitting here in beautiful soaked downtown Catemaco I am thinking of what could make Catemaco more famous.
AND IT DAWNED ON ME:
The World´s largest Tegogolo Cocktail, better known as THE WORLD’S LARGEST FRESH WATER SNAIL COCKTAIL.
Judging by the Guinness Book of Records, at present there are absolutely no entries in that category.
So, we would not want to insult them by serving one of those miniature cups served on the Malecon. Instead, we could use theabondoned garbage dump on the Coatzacoalcos entrance to Catemaco.
The surroundings could be cleaned up, the circular repositary could be filled with a plastic liner from Lopez Miranda, and the Maxacapan crowd could be urged to provide Tegogolos at wholesale prices. Around 200 kilos should do (maybe 450 pounds). Since tegogolos are supposed to be aphrodisacs, that quantity is just enough to give an erection to the state of Veracruz.
500 US dollars publicity via REUTERS or YAHOO would possibly attract thousands of erection seekers to Catemaco.
Hotels and the carretera whore houses would flourish. Brujos would flinch because they never promoted the substance.
And hopefully, all those tegogolos would have gotten big and fat after eating all the effluent discharging from the Catemaco sewer lines which at present lead directly into Laguna Catemaco.
Reference: How do I become a Guiness world record holder?
Sitting here in beautiful soaked downtown Catemaco I am thinking of what could make Catemaco more famous.
AND IT DAWNED ON ME:
The World´s largest Tegogolo Cocktail, better known as THE WORLD’S LARGEST FRESH WATER SNAIL COCKTAIL.
Judging by the Guinness Book of Records, at present there are absolutely no entries in that category.
So, we would not want to insult them by serving one of those miniature cups served on the Malecon. Instead, we could use theabondoned garbage dump on the Coatzacoalcos entrance to Catemaco.
The surroundings could be cleaned up, the circular repositary could be filled with a plastic liner from Lopez Miranda, and the Maxacapan crowd could be urged to provide Tegogolos at wholesale prices. Around 200 kilos should do (maybe 450 pounds). Since tegogolos are supposed to be aphrodisacs, that quantity is just enough to give an erection to the state of Veracruz.
500 US dollars publicity via REUTERS or YAHOO would possibly attract thousands of erection seekers to Catemaco.
Hotels and the carretera whore houses would flourish. Brujos would flinch because they never promoted the substance.
And hopefully, all those tegogolos would have gotten big and fat after eating all the effluent discharging from the Catemaco sewer lines which at present lead directly into Laguna Catemaco.
Reference: How do I become a Guiness world record holder?
Apr 24, 2012
Catemaco Cross
Until a few years ago, when the day was clear, a small cross was visible from Catemaco City on the top of one of its major surrounding ex-volcanoes, Cerro Puntiagudo. Probably constructed with the same techniques that they use on the local roads, the cross collapsed a few years ago.
There is now a local grass root effort to replace the cross. SEND MONEY! Because it will need about 750 people from Catemaco to carry 20 pounds each, up hill several hundred feet, to build a new cross.
Let's see if there are any Olmecs left in Catemaco!
continuing....
Apr 13, 2012
Mar 7, 2012
Catemaco Oywey
More than 3 months ago, my web hosting server, Yahoo Sitebuilder, destroyed my website because of conflicts between Windows XP and Windows Vista/7/8.
Dozens of my 1200 pages in English and Spanish now lack photos, words and titles.
Dozens of my 1200 pages in English and Spanish now lack photos, words and titles.
It took me 5 years to build the site to show my love for the paradise of Los Tuxtlas.
At the moment I have neither energy, nor love, to make all the necessary corrections.
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