Trip to Zitácuaro in Michoacán, México for Viewing Monarch Butterflies

Another highlight of our very first consulting period:

 It was quite a treat when Agustín and Carmen took us after our patio breakfast, to this Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Zitácuaro in the state of Michoacán.

It was a good two hour drive and quite a climb into the mountains.

The trail we followed was also steep at certain segments.

Taking a 'good' photo was nearly impossible as those butterflies don't sit still...

There are state rangers watching, it is prohibited to smoke and you are not allowed to be noisy!

Incredible to see those Monarch butterflies EVERYWHERE!

Millions of them make the migration every year from Canada and the USA for the winter.

The Monarch butterflies seek refuge in the protective Abies religiosa, Oyamel fir trees,  known as Oyamel in Spanish.

Pieter, Carmen and me in front of the trees with yellow flowers on which the Monarchs feast and they drink water.

Carmen and me with a butterfly on the flap of my cap.

Carmen trying hard to stand still, not using her camera and one is right on top of her hat!

Pieter has one on his cap...

Millions of Monarch butterflies...

Pieter standing quiet (which is very hard for him to do!) and he is surrounded by lots of them.

Just walking quietly everywhere...

It sure was a once in a lifetime adventure!

Patrimonia de la Humanidad = World Heritage Site and since 2008 also added as UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle click for info

Both of us feel privileged for having them as our own garden critters: Monarch Butterfly on Citrus Flower ←click for my short video

Related link:

Relaxing Weekend at Valle de Bravo, Mexico | we arrived at the sanctuary from Valle de Bravo

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site In Mexico | link for info

Millions of monarch butterflies flutter to the mountains in Mexico every October | link to short video

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve | UNESCO World Heritage Center

{Monarch Butterfly - Danaus Plexippus} | previous post by me about Monarch Butterfly in our garden

{Fall is the Spring of Winter} | previous post where I also show a Monarch in our garden

Relaxing Weekend at Valle de Bravo, Mexico

 Our first week at work ended with a royal treatment at the owner's lake house in Valle de Bravo

Pieter, happily standing outside with the spectacular view of the lake and mountains!

During our 2nd stay there on January 15 of 1995, Pieter did sail on the lake with Agustín; his first time ever.

Breakfast outside, on the patio... Eco friendly without any paper napkins, plates or cups!

It can't be more romantic than that!

Agustín and Carmen always were such gracious hosts. They have over those twelve years of working for the company, and even far beyond that, become great friends!

View from the patio over the lake...

Such a lovely place to come to with their family and friends...

We sure didn't mind being here Friday late afternoon through Sunday!

View from the pool area.

View to the other side, as seen from the pool area.

Settling a Dispute in SPANISH with Disgruntled Customer

My 6th period of consulting in Mexico, May 1997. 

Only being my 2nd day on the job as consultant, I got involved in solving a customer's dispute...

Trying to convince a disgruntled customer of our intention to grow, pick and ship top quality mushrooms...

Quite a language test!

Looking inside the truck at product that was refused; wrongly in my opinion because it was quite good.

Yes, we do have quality on the beds and harvesters are quite well being trained and educated.

The dispute has been settled.

Earned me a cup of coffee!

Yes, it was an impromptu Spanish practice but I've always loved this language and the people.

Manager Luis Astier next to me and Agustín one of the owners of Monteblanco.

Great friendships over the years and fond memories.

On Friday evening, three days later, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a well known fish restaurant in Mexico City where also was a kind of an antique bowling alley.

Agustín, one of the owners with his wife Carmen.

Related links:

Pleasant Environment in Mexico with Great Team | previous post

Consulting in Mexico Brought us Again to Mountainous Areas | previous post about this very farm