The snow is falling and the temperature is dipping down. What better time to curl up with a good book about a warm place and pretend you’re there.
My reading of choice is “The Gringo’s Guide to Acapulco” written by Charles “Carlos” Winkler, who kindly sent the book to Husband Joe and me. The author is an attorney, a former Riverside resident with an office in North Riverside and, since 2000, a Cook County Circuit Court judge in the Domestic Relations Division.
Winkler first penned the book, now in its third edition, after he and his wife, Pat, began to spend leisure time in Acapulco and found themselves answering questions about the vacation spot. What better way to answer the queries than to write a book? Traveling to Mexico since 1964 and making the trek two to three times a year, Winkler has become quite versed in the area and traditions.
Using the word “gringo” is affectionate, he says, describing it as a term meant to mean anyone from the United States or Canada; a chapter in the book even gives the derivation of the word. The book is only about 170 pages and can be tucked into a purse or pocket for easy reference.
The third edition will help the novice traveler to Acapulco on what to pack, customs and whatever you will need to make your trip more enjoyable. Winkler includes where to stay, what and where to eat, entertainment, sightseeing, and, my favorite, shopping. There is even a section containing maps to orient the traveler to the area.
As a convenience there are phone numbers, addresses, and e-mails of various restaurants and venues. Included are descriptions of many of the recommended places of interest and historical facts. One section even gives those who have forgotten their high school Spanish useful terms, like “el bano,” or ones that help with ordering in a restaurant-“Una cerveza por favor!”
Winkler’s book is one where the writer brings first-hand knowledge of the subject, and it’s fun reading whether you are going to Acapulco or not.
One of Winkler’s recent trips to the Acapulco brought him to an orphanage supported by the American Legion. The Acapulco Children’s Home houses 60 children, girls and boys from the ages of 6 to 18. The government gives no financial support, so Winkler and his fellow gringos purchased sports balls, candy and crayons for the children. Book sales are helping to provide items for the children at the three orphanages supported by the American Legion.
Copies of “The Gringo’s Guide to Acapulco” is available at local libraries and can also be purchased at The Savvy Traveler, 310 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Remember a portion of the sales will be donated to Acapulco orphanages.
The book is affectionately dedicated to Winkler’s sons, Chuck and Mike, who have traveled to Mexico with their parents for years and are now joined by Winkler’s grandsons.
Take the time to read Judge Charles “Carlos” Winkler’s book and you be the judge. A note to Husband Joe and I inside the book read “Salud, dinero, amor y el tiempo para gastarlo” and I pass it on to you. The translation can be found on page 160 in the book, or you can ask me when we meet.