Quimixto, Mexico

[kccollbran]

I wanted to talk to you about something we do a couple of times a year, in a little village in Quimixto (pronounced, Key Meese Toe), Mexico. Located on the South side of Bahia de Banderas.

While it is very small, and close to Puerto Vallarta, Quimixto is very poor. The peoples main source of income is the horseback rides to the waterfall in the jungle and the little beer stands that cater to people on booze cruises from PV.

The people are very friendly and willing to barter or sell fresh fruits and fish at very reasonable prices. I visited this village first as a tourista, then as a photographer and videographer, this May will be my first time sailing there. Every time we visit we take clothes (especially for the children) and school supplies. The Mexican government does not provide any school supplies.

The only way to Quimixto is by boat or overland by horse or burro. The anchorage there is okay, somewhat a mix of sand and rock. A sand bar extends out from the Quimixto River, depending on season and storms, from 150' to 300' out from the beach.

We will be making a trip to Quimixto sometime between May 10 and May 15, taking school supplies and clothes. There is a Walmart and Sam's Club in PV where we usually buy needed items.

I've enclosed a picture of our trip last fall, my wife is handing out clothes at the school. I've made an attempt to show that not all gringos are bad, and hopefully make this a very friendly anchorage.

If you would like to contribute to this cause, please contact me.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Stillraining]

That link didnt work for me...

I like your attitude...Years ago this was common practice and still is to some far off beaten track Islands to give a gift to the Chief...As civilization as we call it took over may areas this has disappeared...now they steal it from you...

Keep up the good work...

[kccollbran]

I uploaded the picture, it is in the members gallery.

[Valiente]

Originally Posted by Stillraining

That link didnt work for me...

I like your attitude...Years ago this was common practice and still is to some far off beaten track Islands to give a gift to the Chief...As civilization as we call it took over may areas this has disappeared...now they steal it from you...

Keep up the good work...

Funny you should bring this up. As we hope to go at some point to "off the beaten track" locales without the usual amenities (including much in the way of cash), I hope to do a little barter for goods and services. It's third or fourth on the list of "why get a luggable genset?" and my information states that "trade goods" in New Calendonia, Micronesia and parts of Papua/New Guinea are not frowned upon.

T-shirts, boxes of nails, packs of D-cells, flashlights, wind-up radios, rare treats for the kids or drilling a few holes for the locals mean nothing to me, but arriving at a "traditional" place with the idea of bartering AS EQUALS (even if I don't always want what they've got) is perhaps good tourism, and in a broader sense, good seamanship in the idea that if you trade with them using acceptable and known goods, you establish a relationship that neither embarrasses nor exploits them.

And it's in no way a hand-out, which in my mind has wrecked some places like Samoa.

[Freesail99]

The local dollar store here, often have 3 copy books ( black & white cover ) for 1 dollar. Is cash the only donation you are looking for ? I liked your post very much.

[ianhlnd]

Val, I carry about 3 dozen pairs of reading glasses. Dollar store. Not much, but for a 12 yr old who can't see to read, it's everything. I don't barter, sell, or even let people know I have them until I see a need to.

The eye test is simple, try on til you can see the print. Not so much a need here in Mexico, but in the Marquesas invaluable. I still receive notes from those kids. Payment enough.

[uspirate]

Ian, thats touching. also good cruising prep idea! makes the wheels upstairs start to spin

[kccollbran]

If somebody wants to make a contribution, cash or otherwise, contact me for details. DHL is the primary courier in PV, so if you want to send goods, I can give you and address to send to and I will make sure the items are delivered to Quimixto.

Kevin

[sailingdog]

Ian-

Never realized you were such a softie... a big marshmallow.

Originally Posted by ianhlnd

Val, I carry about 3 dozen pairs of reading glasses. Dollar store. Not much, but for a 12 yr old who can't see to read, it's everything. I don't barter, sell, or even let people know I have them until I see a need to.

The eye test is simple, try on til you can see the print. Not so much a need here in Mexico, but in the Marquesas invaluable. I still receive notes from those kids. Payment enough.

[artbyjody]

Just a suggestion - but Good Will and the other non-profit run shops, usually throw out more than they can keep. You maybe able to grab items from there as all kinds of things are donated....