Julia's Mexico Saga

Sept 18th Update

2011-09-18T14:29:00.002-05:00

I have been staying here in Tucson visiting family and getting a few personal things done; one is visiting doctors I have been to see a cardiologist and had to wear a heart monitor for a day and later this month I am to visit with him again to get the results. I also have a visit planned with a dermatologist to get cancer screened, way past due on that topic. I did some house sitting for the family while they went on vacation and I guess I did a good enough job, nothing died and the house was still standing when they got back :)

Other than that things have been boring just waiting to get reports from the doctors and waiting for my property to sell in Texas which seems to be taking an awful long time to sell.

I have started a vegan diet ala Pres. Clinton to control the plaque in my arteries, so far I have lost five pounds which pleases me quite a bit. I have been wondering how I would be able to do that diet in Mexico.

Making plans (in my head)

2011-07-16T14:35:00.002-05:00

I keep thinking about how I will make my move to Mexico. There are many decisions to be made;
What to do with my RV is one and what vehicle I should buy and bring to Mexico is another, as I have pets driving to Merida is the best alternative even though it is a pain in the butt is driving 1200 miles through Mexico. Although I have done it before and it would be a grand adventure :)

Finding a place to stay that could be a problem. I could stay for a while at the same hotel I stayed at before if they still accept pets for a week or two or until I find a house to rent. Hmmm, lots to think about.

With the new Mexican Immigration laws coming into effect I should get a move on !

Dear me what to do ?

.

Still here

2011-07-14T11:34:00.006-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a long while and I feel guilty about that, but the deal fell through on selling the ranchito and I gave up waiting around to find a seller and left it in my real-estate agent's hands and hit the road. I am now in Idaho visiting family and having a wonderful time.

I have been studying Spanish and still it goes slowly when you don't have a teacher present to keep you on track and challenged and not being able to converse with Spanish speakers daily is a hindrance. From past experience I know that once I get into usage Spanish, even my limited version, I will improve once I am using it daily. To that end I plan to start using Spanish more in my daily life; listening to Spanish radio, TV and novelas.

I am thinking of returning to Mexico this idea has been swirling around my brain for weeks now and it is getting more and more intense as time goes on. What is it about Mexico that I like so much ? Why does Mexico pull at me like a magnet ? Something to think about. I keep looking at the real-estate ads for Merida and remember all the cute little old houses there in Centro and how things looked and all the places to visit and what the sounds are like there. If you can't stand noise don't go to Mexico there is plenty of noise all kinds of noise; fireworks, dogs, traffic, car/truck horns, music, construction noises, loud talking/yelling, animal noises the whole enchilada. I miss it.

My health has been good lately, knock on wood, no pain no discomfort not fatigue life has been good; I hope it stays that way....

Update March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T20:34:00.002-06:00

Been in the hospital again with chest pain no heart attack just Angina, found out that I have some scaring on the heart from some previous incident that I wasn't told about. Feel better now and I am back walking my dog and doing normal stuff. Now and then I have to pause to let the heart/lungs catch up but it doesn't seem to worry the Docs.

I have been spending time with family in Tucson Az and now that there is an offer on the house in Texas I am headed back there to make sure everything goes smoothly and sell my van. Hopefully all will go well and the house will sell without a hitch.

Damn

2010-12-07T21:06:00.002-06:00

The bug came back or wasn't gone so back to the doctor for more medication to fight the infection. This time he sent off for a culture to see what kind of bug I have to make sure that the medications will work. I sure hope it does as this being sick stuff gets on my nerves and when the medication doesn't work heightens my concern.

I sold my truck yesterday it was a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel with four doors. I am happy to have it gone one less thing to deal with and worry about, not mention the expense of insurance and registration. Good bye truck :)

New Plan

2010-12-01T09:33:00.004-06:00

Those that know me know I change my mind often. So after thinking about it I decided to wait on going to San Miguel and concentrate on going to someplace I haven't been and that I could go in my RV. My first choice would be the Baja. I have heard that RV'rs love going there and there is a lot of beach to walk the dogs and lots of seafood to enjoy. Sounds like a good idea anybody been there? My only concern is getting past the border areas safely seems all border areas are dangerous these days.

Bug is almost gone

2010-11-30T23:34:00.002-06:00

The bug that laid me low is almost gone and what a relief that is not to feel ill so much. I was getting concerned as the second day of taking the medication I felt a lot worse, but as the days wore on I felt better and better. Thank goodness for good medications they have kept me alive and healthy for decades ....

I am getting more and more crotchety as time goes by; I was emailing back and forth with a gentleman in San Miguel about renting his small house and he was getting fussy about me not having someone to look the house over before I got there and made me feel as though I was at risk for taking it and further more he was very busy. Hmmm, I said to myself, if he thinks it's best for me to have someone check the place out before I get there maybe there is something wrong with the house. I don't know what to think so I nixed the deal. Besides I have a nice old RV and can visit Mexico in it if I want to.

The weather here in Texas has turned cold and I don't care for that, (told you I was getting crotchety)now the heater in the house is acting up. Isn't that the way it is just when you need something it decides to cause trouble by not working properly. Just another PIA to deal with nothing to get my knickers in a bunch about.....

I checked out the old RV today, I started the engine and I think I disappointed the fur kids, I think they thought we were going on a trip. We will kids one day we will pull out of here and be on the road again to places you haven't peed on, LOL.

Laid low by a bug

2010-11-23T21:19:00.002-06:00

I have been under the weather for a week got a bug. I went to the doctor and he prescribed medication.
The medicine is taking its time to work. Our health is fragile and it doesn't take much to cause problems.
I also have had some blood work done, we'll see what that brings us soon. December I get a mammogram
not a fun thing to look forward to, but necessary.

I read the real estate ads for San Miguel everyday hoping to see something interesting that I could ask
about. I know most of the ads are priced way out of my league. I would have to be there to look for those
houses that are not listed with the big Real Estate offices.

Re-learning Spanish

2010-11-21T11:52:00.002-06:00

I purchased a Spanish course called Fluenz over the internet. It arrived in a classy red box and I immediatly set to the task of re-learning Spanish. I have taken Spanish courses before in San Miguel at the Warren Hardy School, I got to level three with some great effort. I used my Spanish while in Merida Yucatan and it was no where near perfect but good enough to go shopping get a cell phone, rent a house, buy furniture, and talk on a basic level with a mechanic fixing my car. I stumbled around quite a bit, but in the end usually got through okay. I want to do better than that, I want to be high functional as they say. So that is why I am taking this course.

The first level Fluenz Spanish is a quick review of the basics and it is going well from my point of view, the real test of the course is when I get into the parts of the language I am weak in and or don't know. Then we will see how well the course works for me. So far I am satisfied with the course, there are a few little bits that are annoying, but so are some teachers and tutors. When I get back to SMA I will hire a tutor to drill me on my pronunciation, and reduce my accent. Hopefully I won't be a bumbling gringa who needs help from english speaking Mexicans to often.

I long for Mexico

2010-11-15T20:21:00.005-06:00

I have been traveling in the RV off and on and trying to sell the ranchito. However no one has bought the ranchito and we are getting frustrated at the lack of interest in our little place. So we have made a drastic change in price to hopefully bring us a buyer and let us move on to the rest of our lives.

I have also had some health issues that have complicated my life. I had a blockage that caused me months of worry and fear until properly diagnosed and now I am the proud owner of another stent in one of my heart arteries, this makes three. I also noticed that driving at night was getting more and more difficult and electric lights looked dim and yellow to me. I finally admitted to needing cataract surgery and had that done just over a month ago at the Key-Whitman Eye Center in Dallas TX. I see much better now and can read some small print without help. For some print I need to use readers maybe as my eyes get stronger I won't need them. All of that is behind me now. The stent surgery and eye surgery I went through by myself, drove myself to and from the surgeries, everything worked out fine, but I don't recommend having surgery like that without someone there a bit too stressful.

I miss Mexico and its many charms, I read the blogs and search the net for information on a daily basis and try to stay informed on the situation in Mexico. Some of the news is bleak and very sad. All the time viewing photos brings back memories of mine about living in Mexico. I am eager to return to Mexico and get about learning to live there full time.

I have begun to review my Spanish and with the help of a computer program I hope to gain back what took me so long to learn. I haven't forgotten it all, when reviewing with my books I find the knowledge of the language coming back to me and I find that a joy. At my age finding that your brain works is more than a pleasant amusement, it is a happy revelation! The computer course I am going to use is Fluenz, it looks interesting. I will post about my experience with this product. At least my brain will be, hopefully, kept busy and learning Spanish to a level that will help me become functional in its use, that is the goal anyway.

My plan is to return to Mexico and search for a place to live, my first place to look will be San Miguel de Allende. This place, San Miguel, is still mostly untouched by the violence that plagues other parts of Mexico. SMA also has some of the things I find at my age to be necessary such as Cardiologists and hospitals. Sad to say, but age has its problems which must be dealt with such as cardiac disease.

Update from the Ranchito in Texas

2010-03-24T07:30:00.007-06:00

As you can see this is NOT Mexico

Snow on the truck and RV Brrrrrr

We have had our issues here since coming back to the Ranchito. While we were gone the weather tuned nasty with several deep freezes. This caused the pipes to burst under the house and if it hadn't been for the neighbors who knows what would have happened to the house!

I tried calling plumbers to come out and fix it, but their cost was prohibitive so I decided to try and do the repairs myself. Crawling around under the house in the mud and crud took its toll on me and after a couple of days of replaceing pipes I took the advice from the man at the hardware store in town and hired a local man to finish the job. Even this guy took longer than he expected to complete the repairs. The only saving grace was that his prices were very reasonable compared to the plumbers I called.

In all this work and other goings on the weather turned freezing cold again and it was a chore to stay warm. When coming back from Mexico we visited the RV dealer that was selling the fifth wheel I owned. Looking over the lot of RV's I saw a small class A that had low mileage and worked out a trade between the two RVs. I don't think I got a smok'n deal as the salesman was grinning to much. I drove the new to me RV back to the Ranchito and got back to work on the house.

So one would logically ask how does an RV and Mexico go together? Well, here is the plan; I plan to drive the RV to the Baja and spend next winter in Mexico at the beach. I'll have my own little place to live. I wont be so far south that I can't drive out to get my meds and pick up Samantha when she can visit. Let's see how all this works out.

The end of the Mexican saga blog?

2010-02-24T18:43:00.003-06:00

No, just a pause while we take care of some serious issues here in Texas. While I was enjoying the sights and lovely people of Mexico our home here just east of the Dallas metroplex was enduring the winter of a lifetime. The pipes froze and burst causing problems. I have spent the past few days crawling under the house, a ground set double wide manufactured home. Each time I think I have the pipes fixed and turn on on the water the water lines burst somewhere else, as if crawling through freezing cold mud and pooled water laced with fallen debris of insulation and God only knows what else is under the house the pipes keep breaking again and again.

So far the pipes are not working and I am waiting for the weather to warm up a bit and the standing water under the house to drain a bit ( ya like that is going to happen). Actually I ran out of work clothes and had to make a trip to the Laundromat and wash clothes.

Hopefully tomorrow the weather will cooperate and I will get the water pipes fixed. Oh, I forgot the reason why I am fixing the pipes and crawling on my old belly in the mud and crap is that I don't want to pay $130 hour for someone else to do it for me. Yes, I am a cheap old bitch :))

I have been able to refresh my knowledge of four letter words in English. Good old Anglo Saxon phrases to release pent up frustration and aggression. Seems stupid to be hollering such things while laying in a pool of mud and crap under an old mobile home while freezing my ass off, somehow it seems to help, a little.

The second reason for returning north is I am taking some special medication for a heart condition and two of the meds are not available in Mexico. Having my sister schlep the meds to me in Mexico is an expensive and uncertain way to do business. The best solution, for now, is to move somewhere closer to the northern border of Mexico so I can drive out on occasion and replenish my supply of medication and pay a visit to my cardiologist while there if needed.

The trip back to Texas

2010-02-23T13:20:00.007-06:00

First day going back Texas we got off to a late start as we had to turn in the
equipment for the cable TV and Internet service and the office didn't open until 10am. We did make good time on the road considering our late start. That night we picked a Mexican low cost hotel to stay the night in, we usually have a problem at the high priced places with the pets. This hotel couldn't care less if we had pets. After paying for the room we went walking, looking for a place to have dinner. We didn't find anything close to the motel so we walked back to the motel, on the way back I fell hard on the sidewalk and Samantha had to help me up. I knew that I would have bruises from this fall. I managed to get myself back to the van and we went looking for a restaurant and found a few, all closed. Just by chance we found a family restaurant that was open and even though it was raining we went in to see what the menu was like. We ordered dinner and it was a very nice dinner much nicer than many places we had eaten at this trip. Just as we were finishing our meal a group of young ladies showed up and their job was to publicise the local carnival week, they gave out party favors we got beads and a large plastic bottle with the local beer logo. It was nice to be included and we talked about the experience at the restaurant several times later in the trip. We seem to have better luck with food and accommodations using the businesses that are more for Mexicans than for the foreign clientele.
The following day we got off to an early start, but not before we got attacked by mosquitoes while loading the van, darn they were bad. however we got off bitten but not beaten...

The second day on the road we noticed that there was more rain than before and lots more potholes in the road. The traffic was getting heavier and the GPS was sending us on wild goose trips. Just north of Veracruz we stopped for a night at Marty's Motel and restaurant. This is another pleasant surprise. They let us keep the animals in the room and we arrived just before they closed the restaurant. We had another wonderful Mexican dinner, great food, I loved the beans and the tortillas were fresh and hot. We told them we would return for breakfast in the morning. The next morning we packed up and waited for the restaurant to open. We weren't disappointed the breakfast was great I had heavos rancheros, loved those beans and the eggs were done to perfection the sauce was perfect. Two good meals in a row. So off we went with satisfied tummies.

Third day was more rough roads more GPS problems and in Tampico we had our first run in with a cop on the take. We had just made a left hand turn at a signal and had waited for the green arrow so we knew we hadn't run the red light. He pulled us over and accused us of running the light and said he could give us a ticket that would cost $200. I faked that I didn't understand Spanish and told him in English that he could take us to the police station. He didn't like that idea, but inferred that things could be forgotten for a price so he got me for $20. It was either that or sit there and argue for who knows how long and still end up paying a fine.
We left there a little disturbed but none for the wear and found the Best Western Motel on the road out of town. Best Western doesn't allow pets in the rooms, so I didn't say we had any and later in the evening after the help left I snuck them into the room. I know I was naughty doing this, but I just couldn't leave them out there in the van all night in the cold rain, I wouldn't have been able to sleep thinking about them.

The following day the roads improved still a few big potholes, but most were easily avoided although with all the potholes we had hit on this trip I was getting concerned about the tire situation on the van. The damn GPS made some obvious errors so we turned it off and made our way north on our own. We finally made it to Metomoros on the border with Texas and did the usual ride around town until we found a bridge to cross. With usual luck we got in the wrong parking lot and picked the wrong official to ask to take our vehicle sticker back. With trial and error and persistence we got the job done and were on our way back to the U.S..
When we got to the other side we had to give up our lunch meat, hot dogs and pay for our liquor no big deal, got the usual twenty questions from the boys in blue and the rain continued. After we got released we drove around and eventually found the La Quinta Motel and went to dinner at Denny's. We both thought it was amusing that at this Denny's we heard as much Spanish as when we were in Mexico. I had a piece of apple pie something that I wanted since we started the trip.
So we are back in Texas ......

Born Under A Wandering Star

2010-02-05T10:09:00.005-06:00

In the musical Paint your wagon there is a song sung by Lee Marvin called Born Under A Wandering Star.

I was born under a wandering star
I was born under a wnadering star
Wheels are made for rolling, mules are made to pack
I've never seen a sight that didn't look better looking back
I was born under a wondrin; star

Mud can make you prisoner and the plains can bake you dry
Snow can burn your eyes, but only people make you cry
Home is made for coming from, for dreams of going to
Which with any luck will never come true
I was born under a wanderin' star
I was born under a wanderin' star

Do I know where hell is, hell is in hello
Heaven is goodbye forever, its time for me to go
I was born under a wanderin' star
I was born under a wanderin' star

When I get to heaven, tie to a tree
For I'll begin to roam and soon you'll know where I'll be
I was born under a wanderin' star
A wandrin' wandrin' star

The story goes Lee Marving couldn't sing to save his butt and had at best three or four notes in
his voice so the song only has those notes he could, sort of, sing. From my memory it was a hit song for a while anyway.

The reason I bring this up is that I have that wanderin' feeling again. I just can't abide staying in one place for long. I have to have an exit plan. I don't know what I am running from or running to; I am always on the move, packing, unpacking, planing, thinking about where to go next.

I am ready to break camp, pack the wagon, hitch up the horse and head over the hill to the next camp. Just the thought of moving on gives me peace. I should have been a Gypsy Queen except I dance funny, although I like the earings and skirts :-)

A little excitement

2010-01-28T22:17:00.003-06:00

I was getting a little bit of cabin fever yesterday, well actually I was going out of my mind, being stuck in the house trying to get over the outhouse trots, so I decided to drive to the beach and give the dogs and me a walk on the sand. When we got there the dogs were all excited about getting out of the van and playing in the sand, well peeing in the sand any way. When we unloaded I notice two men using those surfing kites, there was a stiff breeze blowing in from the Gulf and they were zooming around on their contraptions. One of the men made it to shore and the other was in the water yelling, with the sound of the waves and wind he was hard to hear. As he made his way closer to shore I could hear him holler that he had broken his leg. His buddy seemed to have a hard time understanding the situation for some reason as he was standing close to me, I couldn't figure why he didn't drop his kite and go help his friend.
When the man with the broken limb got closer to shore it was obvious that his was in pain and had a compound fracture of the left lower leg. I asked what I could do for him and he asked me, not his companion to call for an ambulance. I gathered up the dogs and went to the nearest hotel across the street, I knew the manager there and asked him to call the ambulance. I went back to the victim and told him the ambulance was coming. His kite buddy was no where to be seen. I told the man that I was going to the road to make sure the ambulance could find him and walked back to the road. In short order the ambulance showed up and the police too. Seems the victim was a spanish speaker and could communicate well with everyone. At that point and with the growing crowd of folks gathering I left.
I had watched these kite surfers before and thought to myself what a wonderful way to damage your body with shoulder problems, back problems, neck problems etc. It is a dangerous if thrilling sport for young strong people who heal well and fast not for old ladies with plenty of problems already.
This kind of added a little spice to my otherwise dull day.
I forgot to mention that the dogs behaved extreemly well, obeying voice commands like well trained fur companions that they are, that helped a lot in the situation. They got extra treats for their good behavior, of course they don't care about anything but love, fun and food. Hmm, not bad.

Once again I am

2010-01-25T13:57:00.002-06:00

Laid low by some intestinal bug. No matter where I am in the world this happens to me. I end up doing the outhouse two step for a few days. I have gotten it in the states so I think it is my system that has a problem. My digestive tract may not be growing powerful enough bugs to resist intrudures and when they come along I get to do the dance so I don't soil my pants thing. Sorry for baring such distastful news, but that is a slice of my life here in Mexico. Believe me one gets to know the walls in the bathroom very well going through this situation. Sigh

Damn cars

2010-01-20T12:19:00.002-06:00

there always seems to be something wrong with vehicles. Either they need repair or need maintenance. I called my landlord for a recomendation on getting a mechanic to come by and check my van. The motor over heats in about twenty minutes and it was leaking water/antifreeze. I couldn't find the leak and feared that the water pump had failed. The mechanic took his time about coming over to look at the van. He found the leak right away it was the lower radiator hose.
I talked with the mechanic in my broken spanish and I thought we agreed that he would return later the same day to guide me to his repair shop across town. He was supposed to meet me at four pm. Those of you who have Mx experience know what happend next, he didn't show up at
the appointed time. What's more the card he gave me didn't have the correct cell phone number either. When I called his number I got a message in spanish saying they couldn't complete the call. I thought that was my fault that I had not dialed correctly or that I had done something else to cause the error. I figured that either way the mechanic knew he had a paying customer waiting for him and he would show up with out prompting. Nope he didn't show so I called my friendly landlord again and had to leave a message. Finally, hours later, I get a mesage from the landlord that the mechanic will show up at four and he did, much to my surprise.
Because my car is american plated he can't drive it so I had to drive it over to his shop following him and of course being the end of the day and the car was now hot they couldn't work on it till the following day if they can find a hose that will fit it.
So when someone says make sure you pack your patience when living in Mx they know of what they speak. Now I'm waiting for the mechanic to show up to take me to his shop ....

Stopped by the Cops

2010-01-17T16:00:00.002-06:00

I was almost home and was driving through a check point manned by the state police,
when they pulled me over. I guess they were bored. Anyhow they asked for various documents for the car and don't you know I couldn't find the registration right off? I had it, I just couldn't find it quickly. They wanted to know the names of my dogs and whether I was married or not etc. I know I mixed up my spanish on them several times. Finally they had all the documents they needed and gave them back to me and all is well. This is the biggest excitment of the day save one.
When I got home and parked the van and got out I noticed that my coolent was leaking, I may have a problem with something will have to keep an eye on it. Maybe take it to a mechanic and get it checked out.
The dogs and I had a great time walking on the beach and playing, a beautiful sunny day all morning and early afternoon. Now it has clouded over, still warm though and that is a relief.

As time goes on

2010-01-12T09:45:00.004-06:00

I am settling in here in Merida. I can find my way to the two plazas, the cable company (sometimes) the airport, Fedex, Mega super store, Walmart, Home Depot and Merida Clinic. Sounds like a lot doesn't it? well it isn't, this city has a lot of one way streets and streets that are two way all of a sudden turn into one way against the direction I am traveling in so that causes me confusion. Also there is a lot of traffic and the use of horns is frequent and annoying. I keep remembering France and the prohibition of horn use in many of the towns and villiages, how wonderful that seems now.
I am planning to apply for my FM-3 rentista visa; a rather buerucratic process of letters, forms, photos, and procedures. One of the letters requires the names of two Mexican citizens with their addresses and phone numbers, some say you need their signetures as well as this information. I don't kow two Mexicans that would give me that information. I asked my landlord and he brushed me off saying he didn't understand. Well, he understands just doesn't want to get involved with Immigration. Who knows what they will do with this information? Also I have recieved conflicting information about whether to apply for an FM-2 or an FM-3. I don't plan to work here just live here full time. Very frustrating, trying to figure this all out and find my way around the city at the same time. Add that the weather has been very cold for here and I am ill prepared for such cold weather and my frustration level has increased. I suppose it all will work out eventually.
Today I hope to find the local Post Office and mail a letter to my grandson in Marine boot camp, I don't want him to think that I forgot about him.
Well, I accomplished what I set out to do, I found the Post Office, not without a bit of driving around lost as usual. Now let's see how long it takes for him to get the letter.

The New Years Eve Bash

2010-01-02T15:46:00.003-06:00

I don't usually go out on New Year's Eve, too many memories of years gone by loves lost, tears shed, sadness endured. This year I made an exception to my rule of monastic behavior on the eve of the new year. I bought a ticket for a New Year's Eve dinner at a hotel in Progresso. I have eaten breakfast there and enjoyed it very much, so I had high hopes for the dinner. I drove down to Progresso early in the afternoon so I could get a hotel room at Casa Izadora. I got my room and took the dogs for a walk on the beach. The beach walk was very pleasant, a light breeze from the gulf and hardly anyone on the beach so I let the dogs off leash. The dogs had a wonderful time trotting to and fro along the waters edge chasing shore birds and sniffing new smells of who knows what on the sea weed and junk that washes ashore. The sea is and has been a garbage pit for man's waste for a very long time, now a days one sees an unending supply of trash on the shore and out to sea. Sad.

I went back to the hotel and had a nap, at my age naps are important if your planing a late, late dinner, it beats slumping over in your chair at an awkward moment and snoring louder than the DJ's music ....makes for a horrible scene.

I woke and got dressed, I had only one dress with me and regretted not bringing something else to wear, but this is a beach community so I figured what the heck I'll look formal with my black shoes against those wearing flip flops.

I got to the appointed party place, another hotel, and noticed right off that someone had anticipated this event and had most of chairs leaning against the tables in the time honored tradition of saving them for friends. There were few other seats available, already I was feeling a little out of place. I found a table in the corner, the traditional grandma, spinster section and had a seat and ordered a coke. The other guests arrived rather quickly and there was much ado about greeting one another; hugs and kisses and much loud talking and laughter. I felt even more out of place.

The DJ began his music and the talking got louder a couple sat one table over from me and after a while they took pity on this poor soul and invited themselves over to the table I was sharing with my coke. We made pleasant small talk and they would get up and dance to their favorite tunes.

The night wore on and eventually, for me, the big moment came when dinner was served. Everything looked delicious and I took a bit of each item so I wouldn't miss anything. My fellow guests oohed and ahhed over the food. I on the other hand found the meat impossible to chew and had to descreately remove it from my mouth behind a napkin. Either my dentures are dull, my jaw weak or the meat was tough as shoe leather. I got enough to eat even without the meat just wish I had taken more chicken. I was so proud of myself I didn't spill anything on my front or lap. I almost wanted to shout "Look No Stains This Time", but I resisted the urge.

Later came the usual midnight affair, when the count down begins and one is supposed to exchange well wishes with fellow party goers and trade kisses; once again granny came up dry I guess you have to bring your own grapes to these things.

After that there was the burning of the old man ceremony where a pinata looking like an old man was hung out on a tripod in the street and set afire and after it got going the fireworks inside started banging off to the joy of the crowed of merry makers. The first fire didn't set off all the fireworks so another was set to use up the remaning explosives. My fell0w table mates said good night at that point and I got into my car and waited for the fireworks to end so I could drive down the street, my car was to close to the merrymakers to turn around and the street was blocked. Eventually all the merryment came to an end the road cleared and went back to my hotel and bed.

So ends my New Years merry making at least the dogs got a good walk.

Christmas day trip

2009-12-27T10:28:00.006-06:00

On christmas day we followed the coastal road out of Progresso for about an hour passing through smaller and smaller towns we finally turned around and headed back to Progresso. We had seen this little restaurant on our way out and on the way back we stopped and had lunch.

And it was a very nice lunch and it turns out the restaurant is large inside it could hold a very large group of people.

How I spent christmas

2009-12-27T09:30:00.004-06:00

We went to Progresso for a planned dinner with a large group of expats from the U.S., Canada and a few other countries. We had turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, greenbeans and for dessert we had a choice of pies pumkin or pecan. Very nice dinner met some new people and got more information about living in that area from Linda she is on the right.

That night we spent at the hotel Izadora. In the morning we got up before dawn and went to take the dogs on a walk at the beach and the gate was locked so we had to wait till the man came to unlock the gate and let us out of the hotel. Gee one time we are kicked out of hotel and another we are locked in, T.I.M. this is Mexico to funny some times. We just waited with the dogs on the patio and when the man (Tony) came and let us out we went to the beach and let the dogs off leash so they could feel like real dogs for a change.

Yea, we can run !!!

Later we went to breakfast at another hotel and what a nice breakfast it was very nice, very peaceful.

This and that

2009-12-22T08:35:00.002-06:00

The weather has turned cool and cloudy for a few days with some rain showers. Between the dampness, gloom and cold it has not been comfortable. I am sure the weather will turn for the better soon. Sleeping with an electric blanket is to much like being in Texas for me.

Having never visited Merida before I am not familiar with a lot of things about the city and the Yucatan and most of what I do know is from the web and what I have read in books. The reality is that a city like this with over 700 thousand people can be overwhelming with its traffic and thousands of people on the streets. Compared to other cities it is very peaceful. Still it is a city with confusing street patterns and pollution.

One of the disapointing things so far has been the food. We have eaten the local Yucatacan food in restuarants claiming to be authentic and bought food in the market prepared for the locals and to me it is rather bland, no distinct flavor, no sparkle. I find it hard to remember what it does taste like. I have seen other people dig right in with gusto and wonder what they are finding so enjoyable. All the prepared meats done in the local style so far have been dry and tastless. The local version of tamales steamed mesa in banana leaves has two varieties one is bitter and the other is bland. I prefer the northen style of tamales, I don't think the corn husk makes that much difference, it is what is inside that makes the difference.

Speaking of restuarants most here are chain restuarants both Mexican and North American and the main ingrediant in the Mexican dishes here is cheese. There is hardly a dish with out cheese. If you are lactose intolerant your in trouble as cheese is used in everything even sushi, yes sushi ! Thay have sushi in Walmart and you can clearly see cheese in it. I think that the local cooks feel cheese gives the dish a little more flavor, but cream cheese in sushi is not improving anything.

I guess I got spoiled while in San Miguel Allende, the variety of restuarants is outstanding and the local dishes are full of flavor.

Seems we are having trouble with our wireless server so I am going to take it back to the internet/cable provider and try and get another one. Maybe it just needs a little adjustment.

We got thrown out

2009-12-20T08:36:00.002-06:00

Of a hotel. Here is the story we decided to go to Playa del Carmen for a couple of days and see the beach etc. Samantha got a reservation over the internet with an inexpensive hotel in the central part of town. It was a long drive there on some very good toll roads. We knew going in that they didn't accept pets, but we had come across this before with Holiday Inn and we had kept the dogs in our van over night going out to check on them several times during the night to make sure there were no problems, so we didn't think this would be a problem with this place doing the same thing. When we got there to the hotel there was this guy there and he was kind of odd but we got checked in and went to check on the room. The room was much, much smaller than it looked on the internet and the bed was not very big at all. We thought we could make do with the situation for one night and decided to stay. When we came back with our bags the same guy was upset that we would leave the dogs in the van overnight he thought that was in humane. Crap, I felt like staying in the van after seeing the room myself I would have had more room to sleep sharing with two dogs!!! So he told us we couldn't have the room after our signing in and using a credit card. Samantha was upset and I was too. We did get two possible addresses of other hotels who might help us, but one wouldn't accept pets the other was to creepy looking to ask. So we went back to Merida, a long drive in the dark going through military check points and police check points then trying to find our house in the dark coming from another direction.
When we got home we found that the electricity was off, so there was a scramble to find the curcuit breakers I got half the house lights on but the upper half and kitchen wasn't working. So back outside I go looking for more breakers. I found breakers on the patio wall and flipped them on and off several times, suddenly there was lights in the upstairs rooms an kitchen. However more trouble loomed as Samantha's bedroom door had slammed shut and locked its self. The key in the door did not unlock it. Turns out that key fits another lock and there is no key for this door. In desperation Samanatha broke the door in to get into her room.
Then we tried to us the internet, no connection, thinking that it might be the internet service provider's problem we left it for morning. In the morning we tried several ways to connect to the service and couldn't do it. We have our own wireless router so we replace the one from the service provider and it worked! So we have another chore to do and that is to get the router replace at the service provider's office this week. Enough all ready with the problems.

Houses in the neighborhood

2009-12-17T19:39:00.003-06:00

A store in a home a few streets over from ours.

Walls lots of walls

Newer house

More walls

This is a mixed neighborhood there are no zoning laws as far as i can tell. Next to a mansion is a huble home with chickens and maybe a horse, none of this seems to cause problems. Newer planned communities have rules and don't have the differences then again they look sterile and well....planed.

Nice day

2009-12-14T20:12:00.003-06:00

The dog groomer's store where we took our shit-zu for a hair
cut and bath.

Next door is the laundry place where we dropped our clothes
off to be washed and folded.

We had several tasks today one was to find the FEDEX office and the DHL office they are located out on the road going by the airport. Figured that somehow we would get lost again, but to our surprise we found both offices and managed to get the information we needed. I was trying to ship medication from Texas but both places said they didn't do that.

Our next task was to find a place that was recomended for curtians for our windows. Seems that packaged curtians are not readily available here in Merida so they have to be made. We found the store and got a lady who spoke some english to help us as I don't know many words that have to do with making curtians. It seems they send a man out to do the measuring and later you pick the fabric and they make the curtians and call you when they are ready.

After ording the curtians we went across the street to Bodega a supermarket and did a little shopping. We felt so good we went for lunch at a restuarant. A lovely day we didn't get lost or frustrated just a good day.

2009-12-14T19:34:00.003-06:00

This is the restuarant we went to one night, from what we hear
this place is famous for its Yucatan food.

The two of us at dinner, we went to a restaurant that serves food of the Yucatan. It was good hard to discribe though, not nearly as spicy as nothern Mexico's food.

Another view of the restuarant.

Living room furniture as you can see the Siamese cat of ours

seems to like the new furniture.

Another view of our new living room set

Kitchen sink area small but serviceable

Fridge and stove both small just enough to do the job.

These are just some random photos of our first few weeks in Merida some of the house and a resaurant we went to for dinner.

Progreso Birds

2009-12-13T17:41:00.004-06:00

Good shot of a flamingo

As we drove along the roads near Progreso we saw a few

Interesting birds Some I knew of and some I have yet to

identify.

I think these are flamingos having their lunch

More flamingos

Her is a nice picture of flamingos

This is the land of pink flamingos and at times there are large flocks of them here in this part of Mexico. It seemed we had only a few for our enjoyment this time of year. There are other birds; pelicans, cormerants, ibis, and others I don't know the names of, plus shore birds of various types.

A visit to the beach

2009-12-13T15:15:00.004-06:00

Having a chat

Boats up on the beach waiting for the fisherman

The beach at sunrise

The hotel we stayed at in Progresso

Not far from Merida is the town of Progreso and near this town are beaches one or more on each side of the town. We decided to visit the beach this weekend and enjoy the beach and the town. It isn't a long drive from Merida where our house is located to Progeso, maybe forty-five minutes or so on a nice four lane highway with little or no traffic coming or going. The town of Progeso is small and still has fishing port atmosphere. There is a long pier that goes way out in the water for cruise ships to dock. The cruise ships come in about two or three times a week filled with tourists which livens things up a bit for the folks involved in the tourist trade. While we were there we didn't see any cruise ships. We went to a local hangout for expats called Buddy's we had lunch there, fish tacos. A lady who was there told us about another place that that evening was going to have live music that night and a happy hour.

We took a little driving tour along the beach road going out of town, we drove for 28 kilometers and turned around and came back to Progreso and Buddy's where we had dinner.

We decided to stay over night and got a hotel room at the Casa Izadora, we got one of the big rooms with its own patio, AC, and TV nice beds. We went shopping at the local super market where we got some pet food for our dogs and a few snack items for us and just looked around to see what they had for sale. I got a garden hose that I was looking for to wash the big dog.

Later that evening we went to the other hotel to listen to music and meet a few people. We got to meet some folks we had talked to on line and got to share lost in Merida stories. The music was oldies I guess they knew we were coming there that night. We got to try some of the snack items they put out for happy hour, but to soon we were tired and left the party vowing to come back again the next day for breakfast.

Sunday morning we got up got dressed and took the dogs for a walk on the beach, early in the morning on the beach was nice the sand was nice by the water line firm enough to make easy walking and soft enough for a pleasant walk. The big dog loved walking into the water and chasing the little shore birds she had a wonderful time our little shit-zu wasn't thrilled with the waves and stayed out of the water.

Progress

2009-12-08T14:58:00.003-06:00

This is where we had breakfast at the mercado (market). We had scrambled eggs, black beans, rice, tortellas, fresh orange juice for two for about $9.00 couldn't finnish it all.

In the Yucatan it is common for folks to use hammocks, so we bought two of them at the central market so far the vote is out about comfort, but they are cool and in the summer that is a plus.

We had to buy our own gas tanks for the house and then the gas man cam to trade them out for full tanks. In other cities the truck goes around with a loud speaker calling GAZ, GAZ

We got our internet, telephone and cable TV today so far everything works fine.

We have been looking for a deal on used furniture and appliaces and haven't found what we want yet. We will keep looking and eventually find all the things we need.

New house 2

2009-12-05T18:38:00.003-06:00

We started moving in today got an appointment for cable, internet and phone all of which is supposed to be put in tuesday... we shall see. Did a little shopping at Walmart for a few neccessities the house needed. We tried to follow our own of the house but lost him in traffic so we didn't get to find the store he was talking about that has good deals on furniture and appliances. I guess we will find out next week.

Here are some daylite photos of the house. All the running about and having a head cold has left me tired

We may have found a house

2009-12-04T15:27:00.005-06:00

Looking up at the house

Me waving

front of the house in the dark

The restaurabt we had dinner at

This morning as we were getting ready to take the dogs on their morning walk the phone rang and a man on the other end asked me if I was Julia Arnold the one interest in his 2 bedroom house ? Of course I was :) It turns out he speeksperfect english and has a two bedroom house for rent with ample parking and a small but nice yard that is inclosed for the dogs. We talked about all sorts of things; it needs a stove and fridge and furniture of course but has fans and is cable ready and he will show us were to get furniture and appliances for less.

We meet this evening to sign the contract and make the payments. More to follow.

We did meet with the owner and when the lawyer arrived, a fashionable half hour late we signed the papers and handed over our money. We were shown which keys unlock which doors and door guards, what light switches work what and so forth. It sure has been a long day. We stopped at a local restaurant and had dinner at 7pm the place was almost empty by 8pm it was starting to fill up and we were ready to go back to the hotel room. The only problem was it was dark and we didn't remember all the turns back to the land marks we were used to, so we had to fumble around until we did find the right way. When we got back to the hotel there was a bit of manuvering to get the car parked now I have a cracked rear bumper ... oh well.

Progresso trip

2009-12-04T09:18:00.003-06:00

We took a trip to the town of progresso and had lunch and walked the dogs on the beach, got lost getting out of town the usual stuff. We are going back there and get to know the place much better.

Chichen Itza trip

2009-12-04T09:00:00.002-06:00

This is where we had lunch

Samantha by the snake head

Pyramide

Old Mayan style house

We took a trip to Chichen Itza yesterday and we got the guided tour of the site. It was interesting to hear the stories that they tell of what the Mayans did, although I think the guides add a little BS to make it more interesting. Although with all Mexico has been through who knows what realy happend. I suggest you Google the name and see what you come up with and make up your own mind.

How things are going

2009-12-02T18:23:00.003-06:00

Well, not well turns out that the houses we picked to see were either taken or didn't want pets. And that the agency didn't have any other houses in our price range available either and sent us to another agent who also didn't have a house that accepts pets. We found another agent on our own and when we made an appointment to see the house it was cancelled because it had already been rented. So we are back to square one. Not a happy situation feeling frustrated right now. However, we are going on a tour tomorrow to see sone ancient Mayan sites and Friday we are supposed to see another house maybe two, don't have anything solid yet. Like I said very frustrating.
I've got to keep my chin up and keep at it until we get a place.

Monday's adventures

2009-11-30T18:50:00.002-06:00

So today we decided to visit a real estate agent first thing in the morning it
was only 12 blocks away, right? So off we go seems that the map we have
of Merida is not the best map to use as some streets are not depicted as
they actually are in real life. We made it to the office just one block of the
Avednida Montajo with only a little bit of sweat. After discussions with
the agents there we made we decided to let them try and contact some
owners for us and see if we could see some houses tuesday.

Later in the afternoon we tried to find Walmart using an on line map.
Once again we were foild by a map. We just couldn't find it. We returned
to the hotel and got a taxi to take us to Walmart. No problem we went
right back there where we were driving around and there it was just where
it was supposed to be. Still we couldn't find the parking lot until we followed
shoppers going down under the store and there was the parking lot, we had
driven past it not knowing it was there. Another adventure in Mexico.

Hotel Doloras Alba

2009-11-29T16:15:00.002-06:00

Enjoying a litle refreshment in a nook at the hotel

Pool

Under the arches

Reception foyer of the hotel

The front door

Nice hotel in the center of the city, best part is the dogs and

cat are with us in the room.

Arrived Merida Yucatan

2009-11-29T15:25:00.005-06:00

Boats in del Carmen where we had lunch

View on the way to Merida

Palapa on the shore going to Merida

On the patio at the hotel

It was a long, long drive to Merida. The first city we stopped in was Tampico where we stayed at the Best Western had a nice dinner and nice breakfast. We then went to Veracruz where things went awray. We got there late and the GPS wasn't reading correctly, but we didn't know it at the time. we kept getting led around and around into the nightime traffic. We tried a few hotels on the beach but none would allow pets in the rooms. We, in desperation, rented a room in one of those hotels for lovers who needed privacy. The room came with a garage and they didn't care if we had dogs or a horse for that matter and the price was right 300 pesos. We had pizza delivered and went to bed looking up at a mirrored ceiling. Neither Samantha nor I were amused.

The the following day we went to the city of Villahermosa. We got there early and past a few hotels, thinking there were more on the other side of the city we proceeded on through town. There were no other hotels and we didn't want to try and return through town during rush hour traffic so we contiued on to del Carmen. That made for a very long day. We got to del Carmen after dark and found the Holiday Inn. The Holiday Inn doesn't allow dogs in the room either so they stayed outside in the van all night. The next day we drove first to Compeche where we had lunch on the malecon (beach front walk) some nice shrimp and rice.

By that afternoon we had made it to Merida and to the Hotel Dolores Alba. It is a nice hotel with off street parking, laundry, and breakfast in the morning. We spent Sunday resting, shopping for food and laundry. Monday we plan to search for a place to rent.

Update on trip to Merida

2009-11-25T18:32:00.002-06:00

It was a longer drive to Brownsville than I thought it and was boring. By the time we got to Brownsville and found a motel it was dark. We tried to find a restaurant off the GPS but it wasn't where the GPS said it was so we found a Denny's after trial and error. Just as we were finished with dinner the lights went out in the area. We waited for the electricity to come back on but tired of waiting paid our bill in the dark and went back to the motel.

In the morning we packed up and went to Walmart for a few last minute things, gassed up and got directions to the border. Before crossing we stopped and exchanged money then continued on to cross the border.

Crossing the border was almost a none event. We went inside the building just as you cross the border to find the immigration office and conducted business rather easily. Samantha decided to take some photos of the office and outside with the soldiers standing around and just as we got to our car an official came up to us and told us in spanish that we couldn't do that and would have to delete the photos. We complied and departed with smiles all around. Then it got interesting.

We were trying to follow the GPS and we got lost and I didn't see a stop sign and blew past it and had to turn around as we were going in the wrong direction. As we came up to the intersection where I had run the stop sign a man in a semi-uniform stopped us and gave us a talking to about blowing stop signs. He said he was a tourist guide and would direct us to the highway out of town and he did by getting in and showing us the way. We had a little excitement as we were stopped at a light about three cars behind the lead car and suddenly police trucks with lights and sirens going came out of all directions headed back from where we came from I counted at least a dozen trucks with police in back holding for dear life. It looked exciting, I wonder what happened. Shortly after we were on the road and our guide had us drop him off. Of course he needed to be compensated for his guiding and we were happy to pay him as were were headed for trouble for sure.

Then started the journey to Tampico, what a boring trip. The scenery was similar to the desert in Arizona and I had seen enough of that plus getting used to driving in Mexico was a bit trying. The way Mexicans pass on the highway is sort a dare-devil sort of thing. They pass on curves and pass long lines of cars with no problem. We finally got to the outskirts of Tampico and when I saw the sign for Best Western we pulled in and got a room then we went to dinner. We picked Maximo's Buffet and it was pretty good a little more expensive than advertised but okay. We went back to the Best Western and set up for the night. I never asked if pets were okay, I figured it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. So far so good.

Tomorrow we head to Veracruz, let's see what happens then.

Plan coming together

2009-11-17T18:36:00.003-06:00

I finally received the title for my van and today I went to the Mexican Consulate in Dallas and with no problem at all got the vehicle sticker. I also got Mexican auto insurance. Earlier this past weekend I got reservations at a hotel in Merida. It now feels like things are working towards a good trip. I was worried about the temporary import trip sticker as the title took its sweet time to arrive from Texas DOT. Without the title it is questionable one could get the sticker, no sticker your not bringing that vehicle into Mexico and if you do you could lose it.
We have the sticker, the insurance, and a place to stay so far so good.

Getting ready

2009-11-03T20:38:00.005-06:00

I started sorting stuff to take to Mexico. I have two boxes now one with food stuff, canned goods etc and one of books. The books are mostly on learning Spanish. I hope they will do me service when I get to Merida. I have studied over and over and still don't feel confident with Spanish. I know I speak it like a Gringa in a bad movie I screw up the tenses, word order and use inappropriate terms or forget how to say things altogether. (Sigh)

I stopped by the cardiologist's office today and got new prescriptions for my medications so I can get refills before I leave and take three months supply with me. Hopefully that is how it will work out for me.

I stopped by my mechanics place this afternoon and had him show me how to open the cap on the power steering pump I had tried to open it, but the darn thing wouldn't come off and I was afraid I would break it an then I would have to search for a new one in junk yard-not a happy thought. Joe the mechanic showed me that I wasn't using enough pressure on it.

I called Dish TV today and seem there is no problem with suspending service when I leave which will be a good thing. I have the water company on auto pay as well as the mortgage and electricity so that is taken care of. Got to get the pets up to date on their shots and get a certificate to take with us to the border just in case we get checked. Hopefully the local Vet will cooperate.

There is still a list of things to do some can only be done just before leaving for Mexico. Hope I don't forget anything.

2009-10-31T17:21:00.003-06:00

I am missing another Day of the Dead celebration, hopefully next year I will be in Mexico and enjoy the festival. Many people north of the border don't understand the holiday and confuse it with Halloween, Day of the Dead has more to do with Memorial Day than with Halloween. I like the idea of once a year remembering those we have loved who have passed on. It is a way to keep the memories alive and to give respect to life. Hopefully one day someone will remember me when I have passed on. Although I doubt it.

Anyhow, I will celebrate in my own way for those gone before. Not as well as a Mexicana would of course. But I will remember them.

A watched pot ....

2009-10-29T12:57:00.004-06:00

Never boils. I have sent a message to the real estate agent in Merida, but no reply yet hopefully I will get a reply today so we can get this deal completed and we will have a house in Merida.
Oh well, keep checking I guess. Sorry for the fuzzy photo Samantha had to take a photo of a photo to get it. This is the house that we hope to rent.

Finding the Mexican Consulate in Dallas

2009-10-23T18:11:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we decided that we would visit the Mexican Consulate and get the straight story on what was needed for the FM3 visa for retirees in Mexico. The first task was getting the proper
address. We searched the web and found an address and phone number both turned out to be wrong. We called the Consulate in Houston who also gave us a wrong number. Just by chance Samantha found another address and number, we called that number no answer. Just betting on a hunch today we took off for Dallas early and tried to find the elusive Consulate.

At first I was doubting the GPS as it was following a familiar route to Love Field. I feared we were heading there by mistake caused by the GPS going to sleep on us several times and then coming back to life with directions. But, the GPS was correct we found the building and a parking space and just like Mexico it had its guides trying to induce you to their businesses that help with all sorts of things like copying, photos, auto insurance and other services one might need in dealing with the inner workings of the Mexican Consulate. We succumbed to getting some copies and some photos that we may never use and then found the entrance to the Consulate. After a quick search of our purses and bag we were directed to the visa office for foreigners. There we met with a nice young lady that informed us about the procedure for obtaining an FM3 and clearly stated it would be easier to get one in Mexico than at this office.
So all the searching and digging and we should get it the visa in Mexico. Sigh.

We also had a mission to get the title for our car as we had just bought it two weeks ago and we are uncertain as to if the title will show up before our trip to Mexico. One needs proof of ownership to get permission to take a car into Mexico and that usually is the title. Well, we didn't get the title. We got a letter from the DMV saying we applied for the title and we are supposed to present that at the border in place of the title unless it does appear before our trip.
I don't get a warm fuzzy about this, I sure hope the title shows up pronto. Sigh.

Making Plans

2009-10-20T09:22:00.003-05:00

My goodness there is a lot to do in moving to Mexico. We have to get the car/van ready to travel and we also have to get our RV sold, decide what to take with us and what to leave
here, for now. Also who will keep an eye on the place? Seems like we have a lot to do.

We hauled our RV to Houston Tuesday and turned it over to a consignment lot for them to sell. It was a long haul and we just got there about forty-five minutes before closing. Fortunately the procedure went smoothly and we turned over the RV and went to dinner. Then there was the long haul back to Wills Point, we got home about 1 am. We were both very tired the next day, so we got little done towards our moving to Mexico, also our Internet was slow and that caused some concern. Tomorrow we hope to find the Mexican consulate and get the requirements for a visa to live in Mexico and if we can get the procedure moving on that issue.
We also have to get a copy of the title of our vehicle to take with us so we can get an importation sticker at the border, one has to have documentation for everything and everyone. Later we will have to get health certificates for the pets.

We'll be adding to this entry as we go on.

Merida Yucatan Mexico

2009-10-18T13:43:00.004-05:00

We are planning on moving to Merida an old city in the state of Yucatan Mexico. We are looking into renting a house there for six months to see if we like it and if we do this may be our new home.

Why Merida in the Yucatan? Why Mexico?

There are many reasons for our choosing Mexico one is we like Mexico because it is Mexican, we like their culture and find Mexico's history fascinating. Why Merida in the Yucatan? Even more exotic and interesting the cost of living is reasonable the possibilities of travel are many, flying in and out is easy and there is a lot to see and do there.

We have contacted a couple of real estate agents and waiting for their reply and have joined Yolisto a message board for the area to gather more information about Merida and the surrounding area. It is exciting to making plans again to travel to Mexico and more adventures.

Update

2009-09-27T18:47:00.004-05:00

I am sorry for not keeping up with the blog. I don't think I have to many people waiting for my pearls of wisdom about Mexico or anything else for that matter. But, if you have been waiting for another entry I am sorry for the long delay.

A lot of things have gone on since the entry previous to this one. One is my best friend told me she can't move to Mexico as her company wouldn't like it and wouldn't pay her for traveling to and from Mexico. This has put a crimp in my plans to move to Mexico. I also tired of living in a 5th wheel RV and with my best friend we bought a small ranchito about forty-five miles east of Dallas.

Life has had a few twists and turns since buying the ranchito. First I was very ill since moving to the ranchito. The illness was a feeling of being very tired, extremely tired I couldn't work but for a few minutes a day outside in the Texas heat. I felt very frustrated and scared. I had no idea what was wrong with me. Before moving here I had many tests and visits to two doctors who found nothing wrong. On the weekend of July 4th I went outside to feed the animals and I had a sharp pain in my chest. I was doubled over in pain, I was really scared. I slowly made it inside the house and could only get as far as the couch and I laid down because I couldn't go any further. I couldn't reach my cell phone or my nitro tablets in my purse either. I just laid there and waited for ..... well to see if I would live or not. After what seemed a half an hour I felt the pain slowly recede. I made it to my purse and took some medication and shortly felt better, not great but better. I had an uneasy night; worrying myself about what was happening and wondering what to do.

The following day I talked it over with my neighbor across the road-he is an EMT. He said he would have called 911 and sent me to the hospital. He suggested that if it happened again to do that. As my luck would have it the following day I felt pressure and a little pain in my chest. I didn't call 911, I drove myself to the local hospital. they did tests found some blockage in my heart arteries and kept me over night. They called my cardiologist and made an appointment for me.

When I saw the cardiologist he did some test right away and confirmed a blockage. He told me I was being set up for an angioplasty at Baylor Heart Hospital in two days time. I had just enough time to have my pets put in a kennel and make arrangements with the neighbors to take care of the live stock. The angioplasty went well and I am now the proud owner of a stent in my heart artery, that makes three stents so far. I have been in recovery since the angioplasty July 10th.

I sold the live stock it was just to much for me to take care of, the idea of being a rural gentlewoman farmer/rancher faded fast with my medical problems. I discussed our choices with my best friend and partner in the ranchito and we decided to take a trip to Florida and get away for a while, also to see if there might be a house there that we could buy and move there. My reasoning at the time was I would have a wider choice of doctors and hospital that these facilities would be closer to my residence and I could have a better social life there. We found such a house and put down earnest money and waited for a reply from the lien holder. and heard nothing after a month, not even an acknowledgement of our offer. Both of us got a little upset with this attitude from the lien holder. Short sales are a pain in the ass. We soured on the deal-nice house, but not that nice. We terminated the offer.

So where does that leave me/us now ? I have an RV that I want to sell so I am not responsible for it. I am not using it and every year I keep it the less it is worth, time to get it sold. Then what ? Good question. I keep thinking of Mexico and San Miguel. In my minds eye I can see every corner of the the Jardine and the streets and sidewalks leading there. In my mind I can hear the rockets going off and see them burst in the air and feel/hear the drums of the marchers parading the streets celebrating their culture robustly. I miss sitting at my favorite table in a restaurant facing the Parrish church and Jardine watching the lights twinkle on the church and hearing the bells ring the hour. I miss the musicians and singers on that little park singing old and new standards and enjoying life. I miss it all .....

Problems at Check Point Leon Airport

2009-02-04T16:08:00.011-06:00

I am back in Texas, back to the hum drum life not much exciting going on here. The weather has been almost nice considering what it has been prior to my return. Returning and getting back into my life in the states is always a bit of a shock to the system. The extent of the differences from San Miguel and Texas are profound and many. The pace of life in Texas is faster and more
demanding. However, everything is more convenient.

My trip from Sam Miguel to Leon was almost dull, I did get to listen to some interesting conversation as we traveled toward the airport. Sometimes one shouldn't listen to closely: afterwards I felt in one way more poor in another way lucky. I don't get to play with the rich guys, but I get to play in their town and enjoy their amenities sometimes.

Some times knowing a bit of Spanish can almost ruin your day. As I was passing through the x-ray check point there were three people manning the x-ray point two females and a male. For some reason the male took a dislike to me and told the ladies something derogatory about me and to emphasise his dislike he came close to me as I was putting my stuff back in my purse and said it again. I could have done a lot of things all of them may have delayed me and I may have had a problem catching my flight. I fumed a bit but no blood drawn. So beware tall ladies using Leon Airport what is being said to you by security officers may not be complementary.

Last full day in Mexico

2009-01-30T12:44:00.009-06:00

I am getting ready to leave Mexico the van will be here about 8:30 in the morning to take me to the airport in Leon Mexico to catch my plane to Houston. I am ready to go even if I am in armored with San Miguel it is time to go back and take care of business there.

I had breakfast out; eggs Benedict and they were good with French Press coffee and I shared a table with a lady from Connecticut. She has traveled quite a bit and we had a fun time talking about our travels and the adventures that we had in various countries.

I came back to the apartment and started packing my stuff for the trip tomorrow.

The real estate agent sent an email and she has a house for me to look at today so I will go house hunting for an hour or so. I will tell you about it later.

I met with the real estate agent and I got to see a house. This house is just up the street from my apartment and is advertised as a two bedroom one full bath and half bath with living room and dinning room. The house in actuality has a small entry way that leads into the living-room and kitchen. The dining room is off of both the living room and kitchen. Off the dinning room is a stairwell going to the upper levels.

The stair well is open to the sky, on the second level there are two bedrooms and one bath, the bath is entered from one bedroom if someone was to be using the other bedroom they would have to walk through the other bedroom to use the bathroom. There is a spiral iron staircase going to the roof garden and surprise there is a bedroom with bath and storage located there not mentioned in the listing. So during cold and in climate days one has to go out side to go to the bedrooms. That is a big drawback also there is no patio or parking for a car. The location is fine close to everything.

A day in the life....

2009-01-27T13:08:00.005-06:00

Mexicans love to have birds as pets here I am admiring
some canaries.

Today started as any other day; I finally gave up on my dreams and dragged myself out of bed of course it was in reality a call of nature that got me vertical and mobile, well at least in my stumbling sort of way I made it to the kitchen and poured last night's coffee into the fake coffee maker to heat and started the kettle. Today I chose to have hot cereal for breakfast and coffee. I turned on the telly to the CNN news station to get my daily sanitized politicized spoon fed version of what passes for news in the U.S.. While spoon feeding myself my breakfast the talking heads spoon fed me the latest news of the financial disaster in my 'home' country. The collapse of the mighty Juggernaut of the American economy has had the fascination of a slow motion film of an accident. When will the downward spiral slow or hopefully stop? None of the talking heads knows that is for sure.

I checked my email and found nothing of interest and nothing actually for me just mail from various sites I had an interest in at one time or another. I was poking at the computer when I noticed that the housekeeper and the fix it man had arrived and here I was still in my pajamas and my bed not made. I scrambled about like an I love Lucy production making the bed and gathering my clothes to change into after my shower.

Ha, the shower, yesterday the fix-it man drained the small gas hot water heater to get the debris out of it so it would provide more than a few minutes of hot water for the shower.... no such luck! Now I know that the hot water will run out I am a bit quicker with my bathing procedure and endure the last few minutes of colder water as just something to be put up with to get bathed.

Today I had an appointment with a real estate agent. We talked about my interest in living in San Miguel Allende and what I can afford. As I suspected my meager savings won't allow much and I will have to live some distance from the center of town if I wish to own property here. We agreed to meet tomorrow to visit some of the listings and get to know some of the neighborhoods to get the lay of the land so speak. The meeting was brief and I found myself out of the office walking along the portal beside the Jardine where I purchased a map of San Miguel as the tourist map that I had did not have much detail outside of the historic area. I found myself at loose ends; to early for lunch and I had, had my breakfast so what to do? I figured I might as well have some more coffee and walked over to Starbucks and ordered a pot of French Press coffee the cost is more but the amount of coffee is greater and you get to use this fancy French Press pot I think it makes one look like your a real coffee aficionado! My encounter with the staff in Spanish was less than glowing; for some reason when at Starbucks I don't seem to connect with them as well as people in other places. I wonder why?

I choose a chair close to the window where I could see out to the Jardine and the cross streets, lots of folks cross here which amuses me to watch and wonder about their comings and goings. A nice lady asked to share the seat opposite me and I welcomed her company. She was having her coffee and reading what looked like her mail. I later asked her how long she had been in San Miguel. She said she had been there a year and loved it. I told her about my plans to look at houses for sale and that I was thinking of moving to town. We discussed her situation; she rents and is quite happy with her casita. Which is close to downtown not to far from the activities of the town center. We found out that both of us had lived in Kentucky and her son and grandchildren live in Boston, I resisted saying "what a small world".

After we parted company I thought maybe "if" I decide to move to San Miguel I would be wise to rent a place first so in case this life in Mexico was not for me I would not be tied down with a house that might not sell for a year or more.

I later went to the bank to use my debit card from Wells Fargo the bank machine wouldn't allow me to use it. I had called the bank before I left Texas and told them my plans and that my card was running out and I hadn't received my new card. The nice folks assured me that the card I had would be valid to the end of the month, well guess what it isn't! This could have been serious, however being a doubting old bi** I had brought sufficient cash with me; "Just In Case" something like this should happen and it did happen, grumble, grumble, mumble, mumble :

So after the disappointment at the bank machine I returned to the apartment and made lunch a ham sandwich and a beer the beer tasted so good I had two. The sandwich wasn't bad either :)
The fix it man is hard at work fixing and repairing all sorts of things around here as with any property there is a a constant need to fix or replace something and with the constant use of these apartments as short term rentals there is always something that needs to be done.

I went to my meeting with my Spanish tutor this evening. We met at a local restaurant and I feel that we had a productive session. With help I talked with her in Spanish for an hour and a half. There were rough spots where I couldn't recall a word or I had the tense of a verb incorrect at times I didn't know how to express myself and need assistance to complete a thought. How ever the overall feeling I had was that I was communicating in Spanish about everyday things and telling a story about what I did in the past.

Classes come to an end

2009-01-23T12:59:00.005-06:00

The formal Spanish classes are over, at least for now. I have a few sessions with my tutor. One on one is very intense, but one learns a lot. I will need more tutoring later on to improve my knowledge of Spanish and correct my pronunciation. I have the usual bad gringo accent no native speaker would mistake me for a native speaker. With help and use I hope to lessen the accent and move up in my abilities.

Week three

2009-01-18T14:40:00.005-06:00

This is the beginning of week three. Last week was frustrating as I was having problems with my remembering the various tenses and spellings of irregular verbs in Spanish. I am studying sixteen of these verbs and find it hard to recall them. Hence the frustration. At first I thought
it was that I was losing my short term memory, a very bad sign, then I recalled incidents through out my life when my memorization was impossible. I told I am a right brain dominate
person and that we learn differently from left brain people. That bit of information does not help me remember anything, but makes me feel better.

This is Sunday and I went out to brunch at Cafe' Monet a local restaurant and had eggs Benedict with French press coffee served in a delightful dining room, about $6.50. I shared a table with a couple from Southern California that were here for just a few days. They had been here thirteen years ago and were glad to see that San Miguel was still quite similar to how they remembered it. They were taking the home tour today and were in a hurry to get to the Library to get their
tickets for the tour. I hope they had a good time.

I plan to do a little touristy stuff today myself, I will report on that later.

I have adjusted my work load

2009-01-12T12:03:00.005-06:00

I felt that taking three classes would be to much so I
dropped the class using the Soap Opera approach. I
liked the idea and the class was interesting, but it
devertated my attention from the other two classes.
Instead I have contracted to have a tutor help me
learn Spanish. We shall see how that goes.

Dinner and a movie

2009-01-12T11:59:00.003-06:00

I got a lucky break Sunday I went out in the evening looking for a place
to have dinner and found a place open that was having a special Dinner
and a Movie for one price. Dinner included wine, dessert and coffee as
well as the maine course. The movie was the 1997 version of Richard
the third, rather pecuilar version sort of art deco Shakespear.

The firewood man

2009-01-12T11:57:00.003-06:00

Saturday afternoon the firewood man showed up at the gate with his two burros and a load of firewood. I bought the load of firewood and took pictures of the man with his burros.

What have I done?

2009-01-06T17:25:00.005-06:00

Today I went to my other class in Spanish language and I arrived early.

I must have gotten the times wrong in my memory and so there I was

in time for a different class. This class was using the Soap Opera style

of instruction and was totally in Spanish with the class playing actors

parts in Spanish. I was asked if I would like to sit in on the class, so I

did and had a good time.

Then it was time for the class in the one I signed up for which is a class

in conversation Spanish also given in Spanish with the students asking

each other questions in Spanish and answering in Spanish.

Phew! From 12:30 to 5:30 solid Spanish instruction.

I don't know if I can keep this up or not, but I would like to try to do

take all three and see what happens. We shall see.

What have I done?

2009-01-06T17:25:00.000-06:00

2009-01-05T20:22:00.003-06:00

I have returned to Mexico. I have rented a one bedroom apartment near the Warren Hardy Language School in San Miguel Allende Guanajato Mexico. It is nice to be back here in San Miguel and walking the narrow sidewalks shopping at the same stores I have before and listening to the language that hopefully I will one day be able to use.

This is Monday and I just had my first lesson for level three and I am excited; the lesson went well and my partner for the class appears to be amiable. The class is small less then ten persons, so the feeling is rather close and should add to the instruction. I am surprised by what I have remembered and what I have not remembered. I had dinner last night at a restaurant across from the Jardine and while I was eating I could hear the sound of the church bells as the windows were open and it was a warm evening in January. Very pleasing indeed.

I went grocery shopping this morning so that I could have some meals here at the apartment and save time and money. My purpose here is to learn Spanish and I endeavore to keep on target and achieve my goal of speaking Spanish easily and not stumble around and make gross mistakes, a lofty goal, but this is why I am here.

Return to San Miguel

2008-12-04T10:22:00.004-06:00

I have started the process of returning to San Miguel. I have registered for the course and have begun to look for accommodations, this time I am spending almost a month there so I can have additional time to take more tutoring to expand my knowledge of Spanish and maybe a side trip or two. I am excited about returning to San Miguel and especially Mexico!

I have no grasp of why Mexico excites me so much. Is it the sense of adventure, the process of learning new things, the foreignness of Mexico with the sights and sounds the rawness of living so close to the surface? I just know I get a thrill out of knowing I am returning to Mexico. Happy me, I have travel plans and more to learn, what joy :)

The last day

2008-11-27T20:06:00.004-06:00

One morning there were hot air ballons over the city

It is rare to see any aircraft over the city do hot air
balloons count as aircraft?

One of the many passageways in hotel

The door to my room

As with everything there is the end. Today was the last day of class for level two and it was Thanks Giving Day too. We had a productive class and got another lecture on the remaining seven tenses of Spanish, it seems that the most difficult part is the one we just completed the next course has fewer exceptions and follows a logical pattern that is much easier to learn and remember.

I almost wish I could start the next level right away, but that is not possible I have to return to Texas to take care of our pets while Samantha goes back to her ship. I will have lots to keep me busy until I do get to take the next level. I have books to read, a workbook to complete, Cd's to listen to, and of course many more verbs to learn and other words and idioms. Happy me I have something to learn :)

I just got a surpise ... the staff here gave me a momento of my visit and they said how they liked having me here and respected me. Wow that was nice ...very nice never had that happen before ....ever !

The last week of Spanish School

2008-11-24T18:54:00.005-06:00

Main entrance courtyard of the hotel

Another courtyard

Courtyard view going towards the dinning room

Viw from my level of parking and other rooms

I was wondering how they managed to get their cars out

never found out.

This is the last week of Spanish School at the Warren Hardy School in San Miguel Allende Mexico. We sure have covered a lot of material in the past few weeks. Mr. Hardy is a very good teacher and enjoys his work. My problem is my old brain is working overtime to keep up with the material. When you get older it is harder to learn new things because your not used to the learning atmosphere. I have tried my best but I have not learned as much as I would like however with time I may learn what I need to converse in Spanish.

Another week glides by

2008-11-22T20:56:00.004-06:00

The church in the center of town lit at night

The little park across from the church is always busy even
late at nite and during the weekends it is bustling with activity

The sitting area at school

The refreshment area at school

Friends dining out, meeting others at shool was a

lot of fun.

I am deep into the Spanish course now, some parts I find easier than others. I can see where I am gaining some knowledge about the language and also where
I need to improve. I have hired a tutor to help me with the parts I need improvement on. Belive me when it is one on one you learn a lot and a lot faster
too.

It has become cold here and there is no heat in my hotel room or in the classroom and us old folks feel it. This cold weather is a surprise for this time of year. Usually the weather is mild with warm days and cool nights not one cold front after another.

I have gone to two movies while I have been here. One was a view of Mexican history as Mexicans see it, it is a bit poetic. One begins to understand the Mexicans better by understanding how they see their history. Us gringos don't come out looking so good, neither do a lot of Mexicans. The other movie was on the artist Frida Kahlo, a photo biography she had an unusual life quite extraordinary and her contemporaries where well known figures in art and politics of the era. Both movies were well done.

So besides daily classes and homework every day I have gotten out for some amusement.

Friday update on Spanish class

2008-11-14T17:56:00.003-06:00

View of the classroom

The school

The church across the street from the school

The lady I would get my breadfast from in the mornings
I didn't have breakfast at the hotel

We had a nice lecture on the core values of the US vs Mx this morning and in my humble opinion our lecturer was right on.
The US core values are; we look forward and not back (not interested in our history), we value time constantly managing it, talking about it, saving it, using it, spending it. We are obsessed with our watches and schedules; the clock is our tyrant. We also are obsessed with success believing that all one needs to be a success is to work harder than the next guy and we will be rewarded.

The Mexican core values couldn't be more different they are; Respect giving and receiving respect their social manners were institutionalised and are taught to every child. Family and friends come next they want to spend time with them and organize their life and work around them. The next most important core value is free time, they want more of it to spend with their family and friends. They value their history and remember it in many ways.

After the lecture we had another class and quite frankly I didn't do so good, I think I have reached a saturation point or a wall or something. My brain just is not thinking properly. I hope I get over this spell of dumb so I can get on with learning the language instead of being frustrated with my brain. These spells can come over one when the learning is rapid and intense. Otherwise everything is fine. Tomorrow is Saturday and I have another class hope I am more able to cope tomorrow.

Spanish School

2008-11-13T19:51:00.003-06:00

Mexican Cowboys on their way to celebrate their Saint's
day in San Miguel

One of the youngsters in the group of Cowboys headed
for thier Saint's day celebration.

I have returned to Mexico for Spanish training. I am taking a course at the Warren Hardy Spanish School in San Miguel Allende Guanajato Mx. I have been here taking the course and I must say it is a good course he drills the
information into you. His course is tailored for more mature adults and he
has abilities to teach the course. Four hours a day you spend in class with
one break and then four hours of homework to reinforce the class work. Lots
of flash cards workbooks Cd's and classroom participation. When he is through
with you, you will know some good Spanish.

I will post some photos of the school later and bring up to date on the goings on with the course, so far I am impressed and I have made progress. Now I can screw things up at a much higher level and I have only been here four days :)

Parades and Fiestas

2008-10-02T18:02:00.006-05:00

In San Miguel Allende there are a lot of parades and fiestas more than anywhere else in Mexico. Here are some of the photos of the parades.

Julia gets sick

2008-09-28T13:53:00.003-05:00

Well I got the tourista, diarrhea, the trots, GI' sand I was sick for a couple of days so there is a gap in my posts. I finally made it to pharmacy and with my bad mixed up Spanish and their limited English I got some medication. The medication seems to be working and I am able to travel. Glad I learned some Spanish it helped me get what I needed to get over whatever bug I caught.

Update on San Miguel Trip

2008-09-26T08:46:00.006-05:00

Here is an update on San Miguel trip.

We took a private tour to Dolores Hildago, which was nice as we had our own guide and he gave a quick explanation of Mexican history and the importance of this town to the revolution of 1810.

Prior to all these visits I was confused about Mexican history and now it is coming together for me. Mexico has had quite a turbulant past and the present is no piece of cake for some Mexicans either.

The Mexican American war is clearly remembered here as they lost half or more of their territory and if some Americans had had their way they would have lost it all. In some areas there is still resentment about that war.

We had a lovely lunch at a very nice restaurant and then a tour of a ceramic factory where we got to see the artists drawing and painting the designs. We bought a couple of small items to bring home.

Sunday

2008-09-21T19:28:00.007-05:00

Some of the folks going on the tour

Stairway to the roof

The kitchen I liked

Patio floor

Colorful living room

We had heard about a tour of houses arranged by the local expat community for the benefit of a children's education fund and decided to attend. We caught the local bus and rode it towards the center of town. The bus driver let us off several blocks from the center of town and we had to make our way to the Library and using the map provided by the tourist bureau we had some difficulty in finding the place by the time we got there there was a huge crowd.

It seems that twice the number of people showed up for the event than was expected. The previous scheduled tour was cancelled due to the national Independence day celebrations so there was more people than usual wanting to take the tour.

I have been on these house tours before, this is the first time here in San Miguel. Usually you have a guide that gives you details about the house the owners and all the features. With this tour they were short guides and there was little information.

The first house was being used as a B & B and it had some unique features like a wine cellar / media room. The fountain and flower garden were nice. The second home was modern single story and had a lot of art that the owners had collected, this house was for sale and it felt more like an open house for the real estate agent who was there passing out business cards. The third house was more unique it was in a Mexican neighborhood and inside it had vivid colors Mexican style furniture lovely interior patio and upstairs bedroom with a huge floor to ceiling window overlooking the patio. There was a roof garden with a view. The kitchen had a huge window over the sink so one could look out to the interior patio. The most impressive part was the use of color bright greens, blues, pinks and orange. As you can tell I liked the place.

The bus let us off near the center of town but not near enough. We walked around for quite a while looking for a place to have lunch and finally settled on a restaurant close to the Jardine the local plaza.

My First Bullfight

2008-09-21T18:02:00.007-05:00

The Bullring

We had heard about the scheduled Bullfight on Saturday and decided to go, neither of us had been to a Bullfight before so this was our opportunity to see one for ourselves.

The event was advertised to start at four in the afternoon. Not being sure how long it would take us to get there and what difficulties we might encounter we arrived to early for the event. So we got to the bullring about forty-five minutes early and we were some of the first customers to arrive and for a while the vendors outnumbered the customers. Eventually people started to arrive and most were Gringos/North Americans and Europeans, we were wondering when the or if the Mexicans were coming to this event. In the mean time we watched the preparations for the fight. Three men prepared the ring by wetting it down and in doing so got it to wet and had so move the water away from the over done spot. Then the men began to lay a circle using a rope and some lime and this caused some difficulty because the rope didn't move well enough so they got another rope and the three of them made two circles one inside the other and big white spot in the middle. All the photos and movies I had seen about bullfights I had never seen these white rings, did the movies leave out some important details?

At about four fifteen some Mexicans started coming into the seating areas and a band showed up and made preparations for making music for the event. The vendors started hustling their wares and it looked like something was going to happen. The parade of Matadors came out with all the other characters involved in the bullfight. There the featured Matadors and behind them the assistant Matadors the horsemen carrying spears on horses that were padded and then a team of work horses driven by men on the ground, behind them were the other workers who had prepared the arena.

Every one marched around and saluted the box where the officials were and took their places with all but the Matadors leaving the arena. Then with a music playing the gate or door was opened and the first bull came charging out into the ring, he already had a short spear like thing stuck in him and he looked ready to fight. Several of the Matadors went into the ring and with their big capes got the bull to charge them, this went on for a little while and then the horsemen came out with their spears. Eventually the bull charged the horse and while the bull was doing its best to ram the horse the horseman drove the spear into the bulls back drawing blood. The Matadors got the bull away from the horseman and the horsemen departed the ring. At this point one of the Matadors got two small spear like sticks and after charging the bull stuck them into the bull's back the Matador did this several times till there were six or more of these sticking in the bull's back. The the featured Matador came out and with a smaller cape made the bull charge him again and again. After the Matador did this numerous times he was passed a sword and the Matador faced the bull and with a swift run ran towards the bull and shoved the sword into the bull's back the other Matadors came out with their big capes and made the bull move back and forth until it fell to the ground. Then this other Matador came around the back of the bull with a dagger/knife and stabbed the bull just behind the bull's head and the bull laid down and didn't move. The fighting Matador removed his sword and walked around with it and the guys with the work horses came out and dragged the bull out of the arena. If it has been a good fight the officials award ears and rarely a tail to the Matador and he gets to parade around and show off his award to the pleasure of the crowd who if they like the performance throw things at the Matador like their hats and in one case their boot.

So this goes on and on with various Matadors showing their skills and in the case of what we saw not measuring up very well. There was one Matador who was quite the showman and was a crowd pleaser he got so close to the bull he got the blood of the bull on his costume, he actually made the performance look like a legitimate skill. The rest were less so.

The crowd was as interested in themselves and who was there and what was going on between their friends as to what was going on in the arena. A lot of liquor was drunk and the smell of cigars was notable in the air.

In the end the bull dies and gets dragged off

We arrived early and we left early. When we got outside to the street we encountered lots of police, I suppose they were there to prevent the drunks from getting out of hand.

My thoughts on the subject are; Hemingway was full of it, there is nothing glorious or metaphoric about a bull fight the bull dies, the bull is going to die anyway that is where hamburger and steak comes from, sometimes the bullfight can be performance art when you have a good bull and good Matador, most of the time in small out of the way places it is less so. I am not so sure I would go again then who knows ?

My thoughts on San Miguel Allende

2008-09-20T08:07:00.004-05:00

Here I am at the back door to Casitia de las flores on my way to explore San Miguel.

Here are a few of my thoughts about San Miguel. My reason for coming is two fold; one this is an important historical place in Mexico and gives some life to Mexican history anyone interested Mexico should visit, two I am looking for a place to live in Mexico and after reading about SMA I thought maybe it was for me too.

First off, when reading about SMA I got the impression that it was a small town that was growing, it isn't, it is a small city that is growing with the central portions protected from development to preserve the historical places and protect the traditions of the Mexican people.

Within this city is a modern society that has all the noise, problems and motor traffic that comes with it, then add in thousands of tourists and expats from all over the world and you have a crowded, expensive. urban setting. There is a lot to do here and some of it is inexpensive, finding it takes a bit of persistence and I am sure with time one would be aware of where to look for those inexpensive events.

The number of English speaking people from north of the border has a major effect here in SMA. English speaking assistance is available and makes it easier for the non Spanish speaking tourist in tourist areas of the city.

My first impressions of the expat community are not favorable, to me they seem cold, unhappy, and closed off to all but their own, if the don't know you they won't acknowledge you. They remind me of the same kind of folks I have met in other places like Martha's Vineyard, all of Cape Cod, and various destinations in Sonoma California, etc. to much money not enough manners or sense.

Of course my opinion is based on only a few first impressions and you have to consider my working class background. For what it is worth I wouldn't live here. I am sure there are lots of lovely expats who live here and are a credit to themselves and their adopted city, just that the snobs and ill mannered expats stand out more, they also get my dander up.

Day two of our trip to SMA

2008-09-20T07:35:00.004-05:00

Here I am on the hill over looking San Miguel

A parade

Pretty dresses

View of the city

A view from the hill of the city showing the church and
in the for ground almost to the bottom the edge of the bull ring.

On day two we got up early and got ready for the day and fortified with a cup of tea and prepackaged donut we headed down the hill towards the main thoroughfare. Instead of walking in the same direction we did yesterday, when got to the main street we went in the other direction. Just as we were about to give up and turn around we saw MEGA which is a large grocery and dry goods store we had read about. This store is a modern, clean, well organized business. Except for the obvious language differences on the products and signs one would think you were north of the border. I think it is better than some stores NOB.

We trekked back to Casita de las flores our B&B and after a short rest we went to lunch at a local restaurant and for about $4.50 each we had a hearty lunch and soft drink; I had chicken enchiladas with rice, and vegetables Samantha had something similar with a sauce on hers.

After lunch we proceeded down town by foot and found the tourist office that gave us directions the ticket seller for the local trolley tour. The trolley tour was very informative and does give a lot of information and an idea of where things of interest are located.

After the tour we started walking about and ended up at Mama Mia's restaurant and bar where we had drinks and a pizza. After leaving Mamma's we came upon a parade; some of the people parading looked like clowns one was juggling fire sticks and there were dancers in typical Mexican dresses. We never found out why they were parading.

We called it a day and walked back to the B&B to spend the night.

San Miguel Day 1

2008-09-18T21:48:00.006-05:00

Banner for Indepenence Day

Top of the church in the center of town

Samantha and Kay Julia at dinner

This was our view

This is a view of one of the neighborhoods

Sign left from the Independence Day celebration

View of the church

Miracles never cease we got to Mexico!

We got up in time, had enough fuel to get to the airport, got to the airport on time without incident, got on our plane with out a problem. We arrived at Leon airport and our driver was there waiting for us as we left the immigration and customs area and for the most part the drive was uneventful. After checking in at the B&B we went to a local restaurant for lunch and had a nice lunch; lunch was about $11.oo for two and it was good.

After our nice lunch we walked down town, I of course had the wrong shoes on and my feet hurt. We found our way to the center of town the Jardin in front of the church. We also found the bank open and we changed dollars for pesos and used the machine teller to get money (pesos). No problem, I even used my funny Spanish to ask for smaller bills with the teller again no problem. We went to a cafe beside the jardin and had some coffee while discussing our next move. We left there for a return trip to the B&B and while walking back checked out a restaurant with a great view of the church and did a little grocery shopping at a local shop, we got the essentials tea, snacks, beer, sodas, fruit juice, and goat cheese for breakfast.

Later in the evening we went to dinner at the restaurant we checked out earlier and had a wonderful dinner. I had pecan soup and baked fish with coconut sauce and Samantha had a salad with goat cheese and grapes with chili relleno with beef, everything tasted wonderful. After dinner we walked back to our room and did a little work on the computer.

Problems Caused By IKE

2008-09-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

We were all set to fly out of Houston on Friday when Hurricane Ike decided that Houston and parts north were his target. We followed the news and weather reports with great interest and thought we had it figured out that by the time Ike appeared in our area the winds would be greatly diminished. We were wrong. We got hit by category one hurricane winds and rain and accept for sheer dumb luck missed being thumped by falling trees.

The whole area from Galveston/ Beaumont all the way up to Nacodoches Texas was effected by the hurricane winds. The whole area was without power during the storm and after and wireless communications was also out. Just before the storm hit we were informed by the airlines our flight was canceled and we forwarded that information on to the B&B we were staying at and even though they got the message in time to rent the room they say they didn't and charged us for the room. I get a little uptight about money and don't forgive losses easily. Unless the Casita de las flores is something very special it will be the last time we do business with them.

We have our tickets and we will be on our way to San Miguel Allende, hopefully we will have a fun trip.

Trip Plans Coming together

2008-08-27T14:05:00.004-05:00

The above photos are from Casita de las flores where I am staying in San Miguel Mexico

This is what I have accomplished so far; I have the plane reservations made and paid for we will be leaving Houston on Continental at about 1230hrs arriving Leon airport about two and half hours later where we will be picked up by a van and driven from Leon to San Miguel which should take about an hour and a half. I have arranged for someone to pet sit my animals while I am on the trip. We will be staying at the Casita de Las Flores, hopefully this will be a good experience.

The biggest surprise is the cost of airfare. The cost to fly to Mexico has risen steeply in my opinion and I grumbled about the price. If I visit again I might try taking the bus from Nuevo Laredo across the border from Laredo Texas. The bus leaves in the evening and arrives in the morning in Guanajato Mexico where one changes buses to San Miguel. Sounds like an adventure to me. Although riding all night through Mexico sounds exhausting, but people do it all the time and survive.

My plan is to travel light, I'll see how that works out. I always take to much of the wrong stuff. My concern now is taking comfortable shoes, most of the streets in San Miguel are cobblestone and the sidewalks are uneven and narrow, sometimes the walk way is obstructed and the curbs are high and difficult to manage for an old lady like me. San Miguel has been nicknamed the City of Fallen Women, so many women have taken such hard falls there because they were so distracted by the views they tumbled off the steps, sidewalks, or cobblestones and hurt themselves. I hope I don't do that, I bruise to easy and being large would most likely hurt something badly.

I am toying with the idea of buying a new camera for the trip just haven't committed to the idea with money.... yet. From the photos I have seen by others this is a beautiful town with lots of photo opportunities. We will be there for a national holiday so there will be more photo opportunities with the fiestas and parades going on to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. I hear it is a noisy and joyful occasion.

Plans for visiting Mexico

2008-08-26T21:34:00.007-05:00

We have made plans to visit San Miguel Allende Mexico. For a long time I have heard about this town located about four and half hours from Mexico City. I have wanted to visit there and see for myself what it is like and not just depend on the opinions of others who have visited there.

I have gleaned a lot of information from the book Falling In Love With San Miguel by Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair. However, there is nothing like verifying for yourself the reality of being there. Their reality and my reality may not be the same. Although I have been to Mexico before and so far enjoy the quirkiness and sometimes to this Gringa and other Gringos the baffling ways Mexican's go about doing things. I just go on the assumption that it is their country and they get to do it their way, it is up to me to adapt.

I will update this blog as to our plans and help keep you informed as to our plans and adventures.

So I haven't Posted in a while

2008-08-10T21:19:00.004-05:00

I have been busy, I sold my farm in Kentucky and bought an RV.
I have been traveling a little been to Texas first to become a Texan to save on taxes and I have traveled to Idaho to visit family and to Branson MO to see what that was like and I plan to return to Branson to see more shows.

I think I will do this RV thing for a while and get the travel'n urge out of me and then re-think about Mexico. Mexico is always on my mind. I went to lunch at a local Mexican restaurant here in Livingston Texas, it isn't one of those commercial places this is just like the little family run Mexican restaurants in Mexico, simple furniture nothing glitzy or fancy, but is the food good oh ya it is good just like Mexico, lots of Mexicans eat there so you know it is good. When I stepped outside I wished I was back in Mexico. So you see Mexico is never to far out of my mind, what is the saying "once the dust of Mexico settles on your heart you cannot find peace in any other land".

So who knows maybe next year I'll be back in Mexico writing more about my adventures there :)

Tagged

2007-12-02T07:35:00.000-06:00

There is a blog game called Tag. In this game when you are tagged you are supposed to reveal eight things about yourself that nobody knows, then tag someone else. Cute? Guess what I have been tagged.
So here goes;
1) I was in the Army yup wore combat boots before they were cool and dog tags then weren't jewelry circa,1961.
2) Can't dance for the life of me, although I am good at polishing a cowboy's belt buckle :)
3) I retired from Law enforcement. Nuff said.
4) Worked for the Dept. of Corrections Arizona as a corrections officer, no wonder I have trust issues.
5) I was an art major in college, still think a lot of modern art is baloney.
6) Owned and sailed my own 27' sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay.
7) Brought up five children, two were step children, four boys and a girl. With the boys it was like living in a locker room with the girl it was like living in a soap opera.
8) I once belonged to a nudist camp, at this advanced age we won't be doing that again, although it was fun to go skinny dipping :)
I have to tag someone else so watch your email :)

Rent, Own or Build?

2007-12-01T09:22:00.000-06:00

One of the questions I had was where and how to live. Should I rent a house first or buy a house? The question of building a house was immediately rejected as to complicated and risky. That left me with two choices renting and buying.

In my mind renting seemed the best alternative for the first year. I didn't want to buy a place and find out later that Mexico wasn't for me and be stuck waiting for a house to sell so I could buy another somewhere else. Also selling my place north of the border is going to be enough of a trial as it is and what if I find some place else other than Lake Chapala that I like better? So renting, I feel, is best for me.

Guadalajara

2007-11-22T10:20:00.000-06:00

The last few days of our visit to Mexico were spent in Guadalajara. Mexico's second largest city. We stayed at the Holiday Inn near the old town area. The hotel was nice, and more posh than we had been in Lake Chapala. After a couple of hours of watching the news on television I came to a conclusion or two. Television news is depressing, rarely is it good news, the other thing is here in the U.S. we rarely know what is going on in our neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico. We know more about some problem in Bangladesh than what is going on with the terrible flooding in southern Mexico. I don't understand it, in the U.S. we have millions of people with very close ties to both countries and yet Americans know little about what is going on in Mexico or Canada. Our ignorance is profound.

I wanted to see the murals in the public buildings of Guadalajara. I had heard of the mural painters of Mexico for decades and this was my chance to see the paintings in real life. The ones in Guadalajara painted by Orozco (sp) were in particular of interest because when they were painted there was a lot of discussion about the meaning and intent of the painter. His murals are political and contain images of the world leaders at the time and have bold graphic images and symbols of the Nazis, and war etc. I did get to see them and for their era I am sure they upset some folks. Some of the symbols I don't understand so I will have to do some research and find out what they mean.

Guadalajara is a busy, noisy, bustling city. Sometimes the crowds of people in the downtown area are a bit over whelming to this simple country woman. I am sure many Mexicans from rural areas would feel overwhelmed too. I found the stores where one's heart's desire would be filled all you need is money. The department stores rival those north of the border. I could see that a shopping trip to Guadalajara could be satisfying and if one is not careful expensive. On the other hand bargains are to be found.

The public buildings and churches are impressive as are the many plazas in the city. I have included a few photos of them. I think my next trip to Guadalajara I will make some changes and stay at a Mexican hotel and get more information as to where to dine and shop. This large city needs time to learn its finer points.

Done Did It

2007-11-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Well, for better or worse I have put my place up for sale. I got in touch with the real estate agent that sold me this place and figuring that he had the luck and savvy to sell me this once maybe he could sell it again.

I felt a little trepidation about signing the agreement to list the property it is making a commitment without knowing what will happen. Yes I know that is the usual thing with listing a property, but here we have plans that are complicated by my move to Mexico. So many other steps and possible complications are involved. However as usual I just go with it and figure it will all work out somehow. Wish me luck, I think I am going to need it.

The photo is the Town Hall in Jocotopec Jalisco Mexico, every town has one and it usually is located in the central part of town and close or one the town plaza.

Remember the sixties?

2007-11-18T13:21:00.000-06:00

Just by chance one day we found a restaurant that had a sixties theme. We were having breakfast at a small restuarant known for its American style breakfasts when we started talking to a lady about finding clothing. She operates a small boutique in her and her husbands restaurant, her boutique is named Heidi's Fashions and she makes most of the clothing she sells including a very interesting tie on pants you just have to see.

Both Heidi and her husband are the nicest people very warm, friendly and open. Their restaurant is a little jewel and it serves excellent food and milk shakes that put places north of the border to shame. The music is fun and the decorations bring back lots of memories. So when visiting Ajijic Mexico stop in to their restaurant at Hidalgo 10, Ajijic, just up the street from the bank on the plaza.

Horses and other animals

2007-11-18T12:45:00.000-06:00

I have heard form other sources about the so called abuse of animals in Mexico. I being an animal lover was a bit concerned. Not over wrought just a bit concerned. In my travels about the villages on the south side of Lake Chapala I began to notice animals of all kinds being kept as pets and lovingly taken care of by their Mexican owners.

I would often see a Mexican man and his dog walking, no leash just voice commands and obvious affection between the two. In many shops I entered there were one or more pet dogs of the shop owner lazing about looking for all the world as a spoiled and well loved pets. There are dogs kept as watch dogs on the roofs of some of the houses and businesses and that can seem to be a bit strange to a foreigners eyes. The I remembered there are a lot of junk yards and other business that employ guard dogs in the states, what is the difference? Now and then I would see a stray dog, cats are hard to tell if they are stray or not as they are more independent.

The horses I saw were well cared for and healthy looking all were of the pleasure riding variety. Seems it is not unusual for someone to have horse to ride about town on and they all seem to be well cared for and treated well.

Here in the photo above are two canine companions waiting with the horse for their owner to finish his visit and when he finished he mounted up and without a word quietly rode away with the dogs following happily behind.

Man on a horse

2007-11-18T12:26:00.000-06:00

While visiting Mexico I was fascinated one by the appearance of a man on a horse. Even these days a man on a horse in Mexico is no big deal. Men women and children are riding horses through town everyday even a touristy place like Lake Chapala.

This particular man grabbed my imagination he was riding his horse through town and had this big hat and his boots were.... er, ahh, how should we put it painted gold. Now right there has got to be a story, here is this Hemingway looking gent riding his horse down an old cobblestone street with two compadres following him dragging some sort of paraphernalia making a racket with their white bearded, sombrero wearing leader with the golden shoes on his horse with his dog following the horse.

Oh, how I wanted to run up to him and say something like "you've got to tell me your story" or " who are you are you a character out of a novel?" Thank goodness I didn't make a fool of myself, in this case, and kept my mouth shut and my memory banks open and recording.

Ya just never know what or who your going to meet in Mexico. I bet he has one Hell of a story to tell :)

What am I looking for in Mexico?

2007-11-18T11:45:00.000-06:00

I have asked myself that question several times. I get different answers every time I ask.

Mexico is not all beauty and marvelous sunsets and Mariachis strumming guitars. Mexico is also graffiti on walls, dog shit on sidewalks, people pushing you in line or just cutting in line. It is also poor people, living in terrible conditions without running water or sewers living hand to mouth. Even with this mental picture in my mind there is something about this country that pulls on one's imagination or (dare I say it) heart strings.

I don't know if some people are preprogrammed to feel affinity for other cultures or is it a subtle education process that begins early in life and is reinforced by successive experiences that prepare you for a time when you want to experience a place like Mexico a totally foreign place to people north of the border.

The question still remains, what am I looking for? In a way, a new life, a new home different than anything in the past. I feel I must not tarry and get on with this new life as quickly as possible there is only just so much time. I am hoping that this time, in this place, I get the life I always wanted .... what ever that is going to be. To quote a famous movie "life is like a box of chocolates ya never know what your going to get" this time it is Mexican Chocolate.

What are the houses like?

2007-11-08T19:10:00.000-06:00

The houses have many styles some are Mexican colonial and others Mexican Modern, others can be American ranch or European Villa. The styles are often mixed and clearly a house starts with a basic core and is added on to as needs arise and money becomes available. The use of tile knows no limits it seems. At times it appears that the only wood used is for decoration or for furniture. There is also a use of metal especially in decoration and lighting fixtures.

In rental units sometimes there is very little left by previous occupants. The owners don't usually include lighting fixtures, appliances or window coverings. In some cases even the water heater is removed. However if the price is right some things can be made available. The big exception to the norm is if the house is being rented furnished then everything down to the coffee pot is included. Sometimes a gardener is also included in the rent. Having a gardener is not considered an extravagance, not only does he take care of the garden but will other chores as needed. The pay they receive is modest about six or eight pesos an hour and having him work for a few hours a week is only about forty or fifty dollars a month to keep everything neat and clean outside in some cases his pay is included in the rent.

For inside the house one can employ a maid, sounds rather posh. However, quite a few Gringos employ them. The reasons are many, not only do they do the house cleaning, the can do the laundry and if you want the food shopping. Most only employ maids for house cleaning. From what I hear maids can be a source of information about how things are done in Mexico and help one to learn Spanish. Still seems strange to me to employ someone to clean up after me, as I feel I should do this myself, the guilt trip thing, as my mother was a maid. In Mexico being a maid for some Gringo/Gringa is not a put down it is a position to take pride in, it brings much needed income into the family. Many who say they won't employ a maid end up doing it after they have been living in Mexico for a while.

Where did we stay?

2007-11-07T08:40:00.000-06:00

I searched the web for places to stay in Mexico specificly in Ajiijic, Chapala area. There is a trait of mine that you should know; sometimes I can be rather frugal (Cheap). So I was looking for an inexpensive place to stay. I found a B&B for a modest sum that served a full breakfast. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day followed by lunch and supper :) So I booked us a room sight unseen.My best friend, Samantha, went with me and she booked the flights to and from Mexico.

We arrived at the Guadalajara airport on time and with our baggage. This being a first for us as when we traveled before our bags went off on a trip of their own, another story to tell. We exchanged some dollars for pesos and as directed took our directions to the taxi booth and purchased our ride to the town of Ajiijic and the B&B.

The taxis at the airport I found out are unionized and there is a strict order of assigning a taxi to a customer. We were directed to our taxi where the driver loaded our bags and us into his vehicle. Then with our Spanish directions in hand he headed off to our destination, I thought. We were headed out of the road from the airport when the driver turned into what looked like an abandoned fast food place. This is where he handed in our ticket we had purchased, I imagine that this is some sort of accounting control of the union or government and we sped off.

Did I say sped off? I live in a very quiet rural area and it had been a long time since I rode in a foreign taxi. Holy Smokes hang on !! We weaved in and out of traffic and charged down the highway flitting in and out of lines of traffic with other vehicles doing the same thing coming at us! I just held on to the strap and hoped for the best, I couldn't say anything; no Spanish words worth a damn would come to mind, the only English words were from a bumper sticker "Buckle UP,Shut Up, and Hold On". Within a relatively short space of time we were in a small Mexican town and pulling up to a sign proclaiming that we had indeed arrived at our B&B. I tipped the driver and we dragged our bags inside the gate of establishment where for the next ten days would be our home away from home.

To our pleasure there was a courtyard with lots of shade trees and plants and within a moment we found our room and a note welcoming us to the B&B. We went to the office and soon were talking with the staff who are also real state agents. We went back to our room did a little unpacking and decided to find a place to eat and see little of the town before dark.

To our surprise it began to lightly rain as we walked about the village. We went into a restaurant and the waiter explained that all the seating was outdoors, in the rain! We looked sorrowful about sitting in the rain and the next thing you know he and others were moving chairs and tables into a room and we were seated with a menu and a cold beer. Great service, wonderful food and the atmosphere was wonderful as we ate, we listened to rain on the roof and watched it splash on the patio and fountain outside our own little dining room.

After dinner we slowly made our way back to our room, walking in the rain passing people on the tiny sidewalks and crossing cobble stoned streets. A nice start to our exploratory trip to Mexico.

The adventure has begun.

Why Mexico?

2007-11-07T07:50:00.001-06:00

Why Mexico?
To most of my friends and family the idea is either a wonderful idea or a misguided adventure of an old lady who should know better than to run off to some country that is full of danger and bafflement. "Don't you know that Mexico is full of.... well Mexicans and Banditos"," don't you read the the news?"

Well, yes I read the news and it seems no more scary than most places in the U.S.A. . I find the fact that the U.S. is filling its jails and prisons as fast as it can build them to be sign of our times, not a good sign either.

There are many Mexicos, there is a Mexico of legend, geography, climate, history, cinema, culture, drama, and many other classifications. My Mexico is what is in my mind and heart, an ever expanding vision as I learn of her history and culture. Will she fascinate me for ever? Let's face it when your past sixty your forever is not that long.

Maybe someday I will tire of the church bells and rockets going off at dawn, and the roosters crowing. Until then I will take it as it comes one day at a time and see where this leads me. So far the journey has been very interesting. Learning new things has almost always been a thrill for me, so Mexico is a country full of new things to learn and wonderful people to meet and stories to tell.

First I have to get there.

Lake Chapala

2007-11-06T15:58:00.000-06:00

Lake Chapala located less than forty-five minutes from the second largest city in Mexico Guadalajara. The lake is about fifty miles from end to end and twelve miles across at the widest. This large body of water helps mediate the temperature of the local towns and villages around the lake at an altitude of about five thousand feet or so. Reportedly the area enjoys some of the finest weather in the world with only a few days a year getting into the forties and a few over eighty. Of course when I show up the weather gets into the forties and I didn't bring enough warm clothes so I had to buy a Mexican lady's poncho to stay warm. Then the next day it warms up, go figure.

There are mountains on both sides of the lake. The village I stayed at the mountain was rather close. This mountain and lake area gives some dramatic views. The vegetation can be dramatic, at various times of the year different trees are in bloom and flowers seem to bloom all year around. This is the first place I have been where the poinsettia when planted in the ground can become a beautiful tree. Avocado trees are plentiful as are orange and mango trees, fresh coconut is sold at roadside stands by machete wielding vendors, a common snack is coconut meat with chili powder, I prefer coconut milk and rum :)

The bougainvillea vines are every where and cascading over garden walls in bright colors adding to the beauty of the area. When plants bloom in this area they are very colorful and profuse in their blossoms. Geraniums are planted in the ground like perennials as well as in pots, Lantana grows like a weed, a beautiful weed and blooms the year around. So many plants grow so well that gardening must be a joy.

The end of the day, the sunset, is watched by natives as well as visitors as slowly the sun sets at the west end of the lake and the mountains turn various shades of blue and purple than shadows cover the lower parts of the mountains and the last of the sunlight shines on the water with the lights twinkling from the villages across the lake. Such a tranquil scene as the light fades and the birds fly by in large flocks heading to their nightly roost. Then it is time for the cocktail hour in preparation for the evening meal with friends, life is good at the lake.

I have returned from Mexico

2007-11-04T12:13:00.000-06:00

I have just gotten back from Mexico. The trip was a success, I had a wonderful time enjoyed my
stay got to explore around the Chapala, Aijic, Jocotopec side of Lake Chapala.

The good news is that Mexico is fun, nice people, good food, relaxing atmosphere, and very different than North of the Border. I got to see how the Gringos live there at the Lake and some live very well indeed. There are lots of pictures to post to show what it looks like in and around Lake Chapala and a little of Guadalajara.

It was nice to meet some of the local foreign residents living in the villages around the lake, there lots of foreigners living in the area some only seasonally and others on a more permanent basis.
Most of the residents looked happy, with a few grumps thrown in for good measure. Many locals shared information about the area willingly and their advice was very helpful.

I walked several hours a day in and around the villages trying to get to know the neighborhoods as best I could in a short time. There are areas that are more expensive and have wide streets and lovely homes, although one drawback of the style of home in Mexico are the walls that prevent casual observation of the homes. With persistence one can get an occasional glimpse of what is behind the walls and in some cases it is stunningly beautiful. The plainest of walls could conceal a beautiful home. The use of columns, arches, domes, copulas and tile was prevalent.

The use of bright colors was a welcome change from the the predictable color north of the border. After a while seeing an orange or purple house didn't raise one's eyebrow one bit, so encountering a deep red wall was not the least bit disturbing. The style of the less formal planned communities would best be described as eclectic. Businesses sharing the same block or even sharing walls were common place. This does not seem to cause much problem for either property owner and maybe having a mechanic next door is a good thing when you need your car fixed.

Speaking of cars there are plenty of cars both Mexican and foreign however there are those who live there and don't own one or don't use it much as most businesses are within walking distance and parking can be a problem in the older part of the villages.

During our visit the Mexican population was preparing for the Day of the Dead celebration. This is a time when the Mexican families remember their departed loved ones and celebrate their lives. In homes and businesses altars are erected in memory of the departed friends and relatives. The graves are tended and visited candles are lit and set around the grave, meals are shared and music is played even in the cemetery. There are special foods for the holiday, bread with skulls and candies shaped into skulls and decorated. There are decorative skeletons posed in various costumes displayed. This is not a particularly sad time as the Mexican people look upon death with a different point of view. Death to them, from what I have learned, is part of life and not to be thought of as macabre or scary. Hence seeing tiny chocolate coffins made just for the holiday seems to fit in, as does the local coffin maker on the plaza square, just stop by and get fitted for one (eh,eh your going to need it one day:).

This holiday is not a quiet holiday as is our memorial day in the north. This is a holiday that start weeks before with daily Masses at the local church preceded by lots of bell ringing and fireworks at 4 AM ! Depending on who is setting off the fireworks there could be one bang or a series of KABOOMS that set off the local car alarms that upset the local dogs who bark and howl at being blasted out of their sleep at such an early hour. The actual night of celebration there are even more fireworks set off at the local church lots of rockets and showers of sparks and color and a tremendous noise, all expected and enjoyed by the Mexicans and others.

This all fits in with the usual cacophony in the neighborhood; roosters crowing, dogs barking, music of all kinds and sounds of things being built and repaired. Mexico is not a quiet country, it is loud, boisterous, lively, joyous and did I say loud? There are moments of peace and quiet and then an avocado drops off a tree and crashes on the roof and falls to the metal table, one gets used to it and even anticipates it. Like hearing the gas delivery man going up and down the street hawking his gas with a recorded voice loudly proclaim BLAAA GAZZZZZ, BLAAAH, GAZZZZZ, eh, eh, it is all a part of the fabric of life in a Mexican town. If noise bothers you bring earplugs. I rather enjoyed all the sounds after a while.

I have pictures to post they are being edited and when the editing is completed I will add them to this post.

How it all started sort of

2007-09-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

This blog is my diary of what I hope will be my Mexican adventure/saga. I have had this idea of living in Mexico off and on running through my mind for years and years. Now I feel is the time to take that bold step and make the idea a reality.

Let me introduce myself I am a retired lady who is living on a farm in Kentucky. This farm has been my project for a couple of years and now I am close to having done all I can do with it and I am looking towards a new adventure.

My family is used to my strange (to them) ideas and Mexico I think may actually seem tame in their minds when I mention it. So first I am doing my research on Mexico using mostly books and the internet. I have also started studying Spanish, which is difficult when you don't have any Spanish speakers around to correct your pronunciation and word usage. That can be corrected once I am in Mexico. The next phase is the initial trip to Mexico to compare the reality with the idea.

Why Mexico? That is a good question, I think for me because it has lots of history, a very different culture than in the U.S. and the customs, way of life, attitude is .....well Mexican. I also like Mexican food and some Mexican music. The colonial towns and villages both fascinate and please me. The colonial style homes seem so right to my mind, the layout is comfortable and pleasing to eye as to the mind. I also like fireworks and there are lots of fireworks in Mexico. Will I like everything in Mexico? I don't think so, there should be some things I won't like the question is will it make a difference.