It was the summer of 2015 and I was enjoying Clam Night at the Hotel Oasis along the Malecon in Loreto. I looked up from my plate full of clams and I saw a man walking towards me with a t-shirt with a big “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” on the front of it. Being a Kansas alum and a huge fan of the Jayhawks, I had to say hello and meet a fellow Jayhawk.

That first meeting was very brief and I didn’t even get his name. It was obvious that he was a Loretano. A couple of days later, I was shopping on Salvatierra near the Mision and I saw my Jayhawk amigo again. It was then I learned his name was Paco and he had a nearby store selling tequila and other souvenirs. He was also happy to show me a “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” wristband he wore every day.

When I returned to Loreto in 2016, I made a point to visit Paco’s store and learn more about him. His full name is Francisco “Paco” Dominguez and he and his father worked for many years at a blanket factory in Loreto. He opened his store in early 2015 selling textiles, curious and tequila. He has a nice online store where you can browse many of his offerings.

He has never been to Kansas. In fact, it is his dream to one day visit the United States for the first time. The shirt and wristband were given to him by some tourists he assisted and he was very frustrated that the wristband has broken. I’ll see what I can do about bringing him a replacement on my next Loreto trip.

You’ll find Paco’s Place on Avenue Miguel Hidalgo just about a block from the Mision. Stop in and tell him Foster said to tell him Rock Chalk Jayhawk!