They Tore Down the Russell Hotel: A Story of Change in Small Town Mexico

La Peñita de Jaltemba, Mexico is a community in transition. It's a town where you still might see a woebegone donkey tied in the back of a rusting pick-up truck right across the street from a ritzy, new Italian Restaurant.

Once a small fishing and farming town, it now lies at the heart of Riviera Nayarit, a picturesque tourist destination the Mexican Government is keen to promote. Dave and Anne, two Canadians with a strong sense of adventure and a very necessary sense of humor choose La Peñita as their retirement home. The people of the town slowly welcome them into their little piece of paradise as the two newcomers gradually adapt to the Mexican way, adopt a beach dog they name 'Amarillo' and eventually go from being visiting beach bums to active, and enthusiastic, volunteers in the community.

This collection of funny, and sometimes moving, short stories follows Dave and Anne's adventures in trying to adapt to a very different way of life. Over their time there it is not just La Peñita that changes, Dave and Anne change too.

- What a great story. I admire Dave and Anne's sense of adventure, envy their new way of life, but most of all I love the humour in this collection of riotous short stories. Such fun to read. ... Ann O'Farrell, Author of Norah's Children and Michael.

- Dave captures the essence of our community ... fun and poignant... shows how to make retirement meaningful. ... Johan Nielsen, Editor, Jaltemba Jalapeño