The past week in La Bocana - headed to Alanya, Turkey soon

Hello all, I think everyone knows the story but just in case, here goes the background.

We were invited to stay at a condo in Alanya, Turkey by one of our hotel guests who said he bought it as an investment and spends 2 weeks a year there. We took him up on his offer and used it as home base. From there we traveled to Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Konya and we had already been to Istanbul 2 years ago. We loved it so much in Alanya, that we ended up buying an apt on the beach.

This was our last week in La Bocana and it was a FULL one. We sold all our furniture, tools, cars and more. The last items were kitchen things and this is how I laid them out LOL I was OVER sales!





We got internet installed for Tidiana/Abraham and the family so they can enter this Century. My friend from when we were 10 years old in Miami paid $200 for them to have one year service. Picture of Hanno who did the installation, holding the $200.





As soon as internet was up and working, we had our first whatapp video chat. I was so happy! This way I can see and talk to each kid to make sure Life is good for them.








Tutoring is happening every day and the kids are actually getting a little boost of extra material and reading so that they are ahead of the game.


Here are Sannia and Jireth Diana under the palapa behind our hotel. Since we moved out of the house and into the hotel for a couple days, I was able to photograph both tutors and students.









Then I had a very difficult decision to make. My cat Boots does not like cars and even though I took him around for over 2 weeks, it was not his idea of fun and the complaints were loud. Also, the vets in Vizcaino were not equipped to put in a chip. The icing on the cake was when they gave me tranquilizers for me to administer and said: No food. No water for 12 hours and be very careful not to overdose him.

I was given many pills since we had t0 drive from La Bocana to San Felipe and stay the night (where we are now), Sunday cross to San Diego, on Monday drive to Long Beach and thru all this, Boots would have had to stay in a cat hotel. Then our flight is going to be either 17 or 21 hours long! Too much for my kitty, so, hard as it was, I took him over to Tidiana and the 7 kids. They were thrilled, Boots' sis lives there and they began to play right away. Boots took one look at their cute little puppy of maybe 12 inches and did not even blink an eye. In other words, he felt at home.

So, my Boots has a new family. He is fine. I am a wreck.

Driving over there he is already giving me the evil eye for being in the car.









Here he is exploring the amazing garden.








Jireth Diana is enchanted to have him join the fam.








I taught Genesis the special under the chin scratch that makes Boots smile!







I did not get a photo of Duquesa (the Duchess) his sis but she is easily twice his size and not as warm as Boots is - she does not like to be picked up. However, I did get a family shot with 6 of the kids.






Their Aunt Sarahi is working hard to set up her salon. I pay for the 4 boys to get haircuts once a month.







and I myself was the first customer to ever sit in this hair washing station and get my hair washed. I was very stressed (giving away your cat is no fun) and asked for a super massage hair wash.







Here we are together. When the time comes for her to have her grand opening, my friend Julia will prepare balloons etc., Bertha can prepare some food and we have to have music.

Blanca and Sarahi 1/28/22






I also stopped by to see Bertha and she seems to be doing so well. Her restaurant has become a family business. Her dad and sis were all busy in the kitchen.


Bertha Dad and Sister








Of course I had to stop by church and check out the living room carpet I donated as well as ask God to protect everyone and to guide us on this new adventure.








Our friends Patty and Dave gave us a going away dinner! It was so good!! We cried saying goodbye but I fully expect they will visit us since they are world travelers.








And folks, that ends 16 years of Baja for these two fogies. We are leaving this view from our porch:







and here is the view we shall have from our living room in Alanya, Turkey.











As I think back on all the projects. for sure I get a knot in my throat....the surf competition, the skateboard club, the bike club, teaching English to over 200 students, the scholarship project with 19 students either graduated or about to (whew!!!!) and of course, Tidiana and Abraham have their place in my heart along with their 7 really smart, really personable kids. So much accomplished in 12 months - water to the house. electricity to the house, and a HOUSE and a couple days ago, internet. Thanks everyone, what a ride! You have all shared the struggles, the challenges of being in such a remote area of Baja and we came thru with flying colors.

We are not done! One more college scholarship recipient starts next August. And the 7 kids will need shoes twice a year, backpacks once a year and clothes.

I was not able to post photos when we were in Turkey last year. I hope I can figure it out once we get there! I am t hinking of starting a vlog - video blog. It seems to be the youtube thing to do and you cannot get more exotic than Alanya.

Thanks again! I will def keep you in the loop regarding Life in La Bocana.


BTW Nacho the neighbor is the manager now and reservations can be made thru husband Les and Nacho and me too! 619 337-5507

Les Heil 52 615 107-2400 whatsapp
email bajabocana@gmail.com
Nacho Arce Ibarra 52 615 107-9654

Bertha does have a big support group, the smiles on Dad's face tells it all. My message to her was that she has to prepare for her own future so that dad is not responsible for her forever. He said YEAH, that is a great idea. He has 4 daughters and none are married. Bertha has come a long way and I think she is loving her Life.

We boosted her up.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. What we did for Tidiana, Abraham and the kids was nothing short of a miracle. In 12 months, they got running water, they got electricity, they built a home, and all the kids have shoes, brand new uniforms and passed all grades with flying colors!

Paul, no text came thru. Can you try again?

VPN going to be installed right this minute. Thanks so much for the heads up <)