Sanka is a short colloquial word in Spanish that means a crutch. It is widely used here in the Zihuatanejo area for a term of friendly endearment. This new section serves to introduce you to the Sankas living here who are not only colorful characters, but beloved residents.
I was first fascinated with the woman profiled here when I had the honor of lunching with her. She told me about her moon water (water placed under a full moon which can clear up vision problems with a few drops) and I was hooked on her every word after that. Anita Chimalpopoca was born in Sacualpan in the state of Mexico to an Indian mother and a Swiss father. She was sent to Switzerland at the age of five to live with an aunt. She returned to Mexico shortly before WWII and made a life for herself. She came to Zihuatanejo in 1970 when there were only 5,000 inhabitants and acquired the Bungalows Pacifico on La Madera Beach. Not just another hotel owner, Anita is bundle of energy and a source of ideas. She is a very active member of the ecological and environmental group in the area. She says “the ocean is the fountain of everything, we must keep our fountain alive.” She is a very wise woman and tries through all means at hand to get her message across. Perched high over the rocks of La Madera she watches the currents of Zihuatanejo Bay flow and keeps her eagle eyes watching for anything out of order. Her main focus right now is to stop the cutting of the trees from the surrounding mountains. And, after five minutes of talking to Anita, you know by the fire in her eyes that it will be done. This woman knows Zihuatanejo. She has been entertaining guests and dealing with the day to day operations of living here. She is a well of information.
Anita has so many stories and so many anecdotes to share. She is an avid bird watcher and as actually spotted a green toucan (a very rare sight indeed) up in the surrounding mountains. She is the mother to four dogs and has more energy than an eighteen year old. She is slight woman with shocking white hair and mischievous eyes, but it is her contagious smile that keeps you wanting to have another cup of coffee and keep on chatting.
-January 2000
