Feliz Navidad from sunny Mexico.
A few days ago we helped the Pikes (a wonderful N.S.couple) give 22 kids a Posada (party) for Christmas. These are some of the kids we sponsor...the pix of the little girl with Jack and me is Daniella, the kid Meggie, our Grand daughter sponsors. (We do this instead of a Christmas present.....she agreed to this last year) Jack's daughter also sponsors a little boy but he was not able to come to this party.
The kids had a wonderful time. They played games, like musical chairs and balloons around their ankles.....ya know....kid stuff...but the favorite were the three pinatas. More about these later. We had the neighbourhood Mom's make Mexican rice, cole slaw and tortillas. Then we picked up b-b-que chickens and roasted potatoes. These are the BEST. Don't know what they do to the chickens here but ya know what? They taste like chicken. Like chicken used to taste when we were kids! Really. So after we fed 'em we sent them home with bags of gifts. All were happy. Especially us!
Now about those pinatas. I used to think they represented violence and greed....not what we want our children to learn. I was wrong. Here is the real deal:
The pinatas originated in China but travelled along to Europe and gained popularity in Spain just in time for the Spanish Franciscan missionaries to bring this simple clay jar to the new world (Mexico) . OK, OK enough of the history lesson!! But, here is what everything represents:
The clay jar represents Satan who often wears a disguise to attract us and to mask his intentions. Typical male!
The seven points of the star-shaped Christmas pinata represent the seven deadly sins.
The candy in the pinata"s inner clay " represents the pleasures Satan offers man to attract him to the underworld.
The blindfolded person represents blind faith, which is guided only by the voices of others to destroy evil.
The stick used to break the pinata is a symbol of Christian goodness.
The breaking of the pinata symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
The shower of candy and fruit is indicative of the unknown joys and rewards which the good and faithful will receive in heaven.
So there!!
Every home here has an seven sided pinata hanging outside their front door. The plaza is full of 'em too.
Since one pinata is never enough for any event, we had three at the Posada! The larger kids waited until the smallest kids had broken the first pinata. Next were the "middle kids" followed by the older children. There was no fighting. Just joy as each group had fun.
OK enough of pinatas.....more than you ever wanted to know huh?
last night we wandered over to the square and in the church yard there were many nativity scenes set up. This one was different though. Live people, mostly kids, babies and teens AND live animals. Sheep, goats. Really! This country continues to amaze me. The only thing funny about this was the "baby in the manger" was sucking on a pacifier! Don't think Jesus did that!
There is no Santa, so today is a family and religious holiday. Nice. The kids will receive gifts on January 5th. symbolizing the three wise men bringing gifts to the new born king.
Like nearly everything about life in Mexico, the traditions are very different from the caroling,yule logs, stockings hung by the chimney with care and the arrival of old St.Nick.
We have spent the day chatting with family and friends by Skype (VOIP) eating our meals outside, walking little Bijou , Jack doing his art on the terrace and now it is time to think about preparing Christmas dinner. Broiled salmon and tomatoes. Guacamole (which is served as a side dish here as well as a dip) and margaritas to begin. Fresh veggies bought at the street market yesterday along with fresh exotic flowers. (Birds of Paradise....3 for $2.00CAD...yeah really!)
So one set of traditions is not more right than the other-they are just different! What a joy to be able to experience both.
Feliz Navidad everyone. We miss you!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Our Second Christmas in Ajijic, Mexico
It is our second Christmas here and everyday there is something to delight in. We are dog-sitting Barb and Wally's little Bijou and while I was out walking her in the neighbourhood last evening I came upon a delightful scene. As is the custom here,from 16-24December in every village there are daily processions led by little children dressed as "Mary and Joseph" on a donkey, looking for a place to stay the night. It takes place early evening (and this was around six o'clock) that I came upon this group, just one block away. After being refused at several stops, a prearranged spot invites the weary travelers in and then it is PARTY TIME. But first the group sings several Mexican Christmas carols before the door opens. I stood with Bijou for quite a long time before the door opened. They sang at least six carols. Then they all piled into this house where there were pinatas and treats for everyone. Apparently, the traditional foods for this include a fruit punch and bunuelos,thin dough disks fried until crispy and then topped with sticky syrup or cinnamon and sugar. It was delightful to see this simple ceremony. I think Bijou enjoyed it also!
We miss our family and friends so much at this time of the season. There is very little of the commercial aspect of Christmas here although Christmas trees are gaining popularity across Mexico. However, the focus here is on family values and simple joys. The gathering of friends around bonfires in the cobblestone streets for music and dancing is a delight to come upon. I just love it! They cook tortillas and drink tequila and enjoy one another. So different from our frantic rounds of elaborate decorating, shopping, cooking and gift giving. Life here stirs up memories of our own childhood family celebrations and a time when life was simpler.These people live in the moment and celebrate the joy of being together. And that is more than enough.
This afternoon we are giving the children we sponsor, for school, a Christmas party. So I will report tomorrow on that!
Remember everyone.....KEEP IT SIMPLE AND ENJOY ONE ANOTHER TODAY!!
Kate
We miss our family and friends so much at this time of the season. There is very little of the commercial aspect of Christmas here although Christmas trees are gaining popularity across Mexico. However, the focus here is on family values and simple joys. The gathering of friends around bonfires in the cobblestone streets for music and dancing is a delight to come upon. I just love it! They cook tortillas and drink tequila and enjoy one another. So different from our frantic rounds of elaborate decorating, shopping, cooking and gift giving. Life here stirs up memories of our own childhood family celebrations and a time when life was simpler.These people live in the moment and celebrate the joy of being together. And that is more than enough.
This afternoon we are giving the children we sponsor, for school, a Christmas party. So I will report tomorrow on that!
Remember everyone.....KEEP IT SIMPLE AND ENJOY ONE ANOTHER TODAY!!
Kate
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
More Pictures of our "Digs"
The first two pictures show the view from our upstairs den. The church spire is at the Plaza, the center of this village. Takes us about eight minutes to walk there. Note the mountains and Lake Chapala. The other two shots show the outside of our place. yeah, that's me!
KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.
Art and Dinner.....
Last evening we had a dinner party with the Brunch Bunch from Halifax. See pictures! We have one indoor table which seats four and one outside table that seats four. So we split up and a good time was had by all....we hope. Note the last picture of Shirley....poor baby had a fall last week and she has a real shinier. (You should see the other guy!)
Jack has started art lessons again. Here is a picture of him doing his "home work". He is out on the second floor terrace enjoying the sunshine as he creates. He is really quite good.....his teacher is full of praise.
We have bought tickets for a series of concerts this winter. The Music Appreciation Society brings top notch performances into our local auditorium which is a five minute walk for us to attend. Last week we were treated to the symphony of San Luis Potosi from Mexico City. They performed "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi. Hard to believe that music was written in 1725 and is still appreciated today. On the corner of Spring garden Road and Dresden Row there is a violinist who plays Vivaldi's work all through the summer and fall. It made me a little homesick....
The next concert is on Tuesday and it will be three tenors and a soprano doing popular opera standards from Carmen, La Boheme, Tosca and Turandot. Our friends Marilyn and Del will be with us next week and we hope to get tickets for them too. These are our dear friends from Ontario, who winter in Florida. We miss them so much they decided they needed to see where are wintering this year. Am really looking forward to their visit. The Brunch Bunch from Halifax leave on Sunday and we will truly miss them It's been such fun to see their (positive) reaction to this very special place.
Well gentle readers, I shall not bore you silly any longer. We are being driven crazy with the noise of the festival. Fire works explode every morning, afternoon and night and we will be glad when it all ends on Sunday. Enough already!! Let's hear how life is in the far north. Warm wishes to ya'll.
Kate
KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
No Snow here!!!
While we receive e-mails and photos of the snow in Nova Scotia we want to assure you.....there is no snow here! The sun continues to shine every day. However, there is a little breeze this week, which is unusual and the mornings and evenings are starting to get cool. We can wear a sweater.
We have been looking at real estate. Mostly because the houses are so completely different here. No cookie-cutter developments. This morning we saw a couple of condos which were beautiful, very much like the one we are renting. Same German builder. Lots of white marble. Beautiful grounds. Beautiful views of the mountains and lake. Gorgeous. One house had a separate building for guests! Imagine that! We couldn't get in that one so we will go next week. Gawd knows what the price tag is......the condos were all under $300,000.00 for about 2500 sq.ft. Expensive but very high quality.
The Brunch Bunch are still here. They leave next Sunday and I think they are having a lovely time. We all go out dining and dancing this evening. The Saint Andres festival has started so the noise is increasing each day. Mexicans love "the big bang". We just patiently wait until it ends and we have our little village quiet once again. We are not bothered this year by rosters who have their internal clock messed up and crow all night long. We realize by not being in the centre of the town that we are rewarded with a quieter night. This is a good thing.
This morning we took the local bus to the wine shop. We were out of Scotch. This just won't do!! Anyway, we were rewarded with an entertainer, yes, on the bus, who played his guitar and serenaded us. When he passed the hat we realized we gave him more money than the fare was! Ah well, he was worth it. These Mexicans are an enterprising bunch. Where ever the stereotype of the lazy Mexican came from we don't know. They all work a six day week. We often stop to look at a construction site and are amazed at the work they do with only the most basic of tools. No machinery......just plain hard work.
So for those of you toiling under gray skies we send you warm thoughts and bright sunshine. Pay your dues so you too might enjoy your own paradise. For us it is here in this mountain village.
Kate
We have been looking at real estate. Mostly because the houses are so completely different here. No cookie-cutter developments. This morning we saw a couple of condos which were beautiful, very much like the one we are renting. Same German builder. Lots of white marble. Beautiful grounds. Beautiful views of the mountains and lake. Gorgeous. One house had a separate building for guests! Imagine that! We couldn't get in that one so we will go next week. Gawd knows what the price tag is......the condos were all under $300,000.00 for about 2500 sq.ft. Expensive but very high quality.
The Brunch Bunch are still here. They leave next Sunday and I think they are having a lovely time. We all go out dining and dancing this evening. The Saint Andres festival has started so the noise is increasing each day. Mexicans love "the big bang". We just patiently wait until it ends and we have our little village quiet once again. We are not bothered this year by rosters who have their internal clock messed up and crow all night long. We realize by not being in the centre of the town that we are rewarded with a quieter night. This is a good thing.
This morning we took the local bus to the wine shop. We were out of Scotch. This just won't do!! Anyway, we were rewarded with an entertainer, yes, on the bus, who played his guitar and serenaded us. When he passed the hat we realized we gave him more money than the fare was! Ah well, he was worth it. These Mexicans are an enterprising bunch. Where ever the stereotype of the lazy Mexican came from we don't know. They all work a six day week. We often stop to look at a construction site and are amazed at the work they do with only the most basic of tools. No machinery......just plain hard work.
So for those of you toiling under gray skies we send you warm thoughts and bright sunshine. Pay your dues so you too might enjoy your own paradise. For us it is here in this mountain village.
Kate
Monday, November 17, 2008
Our Condo in Mexico.
More photos of our condo: Dining Room, Living Room and one of the terraces. We can follow the sun from one to the other.
It is a very light and bright place. But I would like to have more colour. I have just bought some pointsettas and an azalea (miniature) for the outside terrace and it looks so much better now. (I took these pictures before the purchase.) The fireplace is gas and I'm going to fill it with paper flowers rather than the silk ones that are there now. (Yes, I'll remember to remove them before using the fireplace!!)
Jack says he will put Xmas. lights on the fig tree and that will be festive.
Any suggestions would be accepted and welcomed.
Kate
KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.
It is a very light and bright place. But I would like to have more colour. I have just bought some pointsettas and an azalea (miniature) for the outside terrace and it looks so much better now. (I took these pictures before the purchase.) The fireplace is gas and I'm going to fill it with paper flowers rather than the silk ones that are there now. (Yes, I'll remember to remove them before using the fireplace!!)Jack says he will put Xmas. lights on the fig tree and that will be festive.
Any suggestions would be accepted and welcomed.
Kate
KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.
Our Mexican Condo
Hi Everyone,Thought it was time to show you all a few photos of our humble abode here in Ajijic, Mexico.
It is very "white" don't you think? Needs art. Just turn me loose....
These pix are actually of the guest bedroom and bath so you can see ahead of time if you want to come for a visit!! Love the German shower!
We are settling into a routine here. Right now Jack is off playing bridge for the afternoon. I haven't decided what I shall do but it is nice to have the luxury of doing nothing , like reading my novel, or exploring the village alone. Maybe, my friend Barbara, who lives here now full time, and I shall do something constructive.....or not. I love the slowness of living here. The village has it's own rhythm which is nice to go along with too. Right now the maid is sweeping the terrace with a birch broom, which really just moves the dust around. But she is singing as she works and that is what is important....
Last week a lovely gentleman from Ontario, he lives here now permanently, took us touring in his car. It was a delightful afternoon and we saw a side of Mexico that not many Gringos see. Abject poverty. However, the villages all had waving children and they seemed to be so clean. How the Mothers achieve this is beyond me! They don't have running water in their dirt floor houses and they seem indeed to have nothing. But somehow the children are well turned out and every village had a school bus dropping off the kids. School is free only until Grade 3. Then it gets very difficult for these families. However, they do seem happy.....
We are enjoying four members of our Halifax Brunch Club who are here for a month. Shirley, Estella, Nancy and Cheryl are seeing everything they can and experiencing the country their way! They have been off on bus tours and car tours, with Barbara and seem to enjoy the country. They shall have many a tale when they return to Nova Scotia.
It is a social whirlwind for us as we get in touch with all the folks we met here last year. So it is far to many evenings spent eating and drinking at the various restaurants. Hard on the waistline, if not the pocketbook. Eating out here is very reasonable.
Jack will start his art lessons next week. We are still trying to find a place to dance. So as you can ascertain, we are busy and happy. I am doing the "happy dance" as my shoulders, neck and back pain have all gone!! And...headaches seem to be clearly in my past! Hallelujah!
We are heading into the St.Andreas festival this week and so the racket begins. Firecrackers, fireworks, bells etc. at all hours of the day and night. It just has to be lived through as the locals love it. They save all year to buy this noise and who are we to question this "wisdom"?
Until next time I send you warm thoughts and sunshine.
Kate
KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Anothr Day .....
Tuesday, November 4, 2008At last we are back in paradise where the living is easy, but not without some concerns during our trip down here. It all started in Halifax where we had planned on flying to Toronto and staying at the Holiday Inn to overnight before catching the early morning flight to Mexico. However it seems that the flight to New York had been canceled and most of those passengers were transferred to our Toronto flight with the result that the flight filled up and we were out of luck since we were travelling on space available. we had already checked in our bags to Toronto but were assured that the bags would not go if we did not go. Kate and I decided that we would fly to Montreal instead and catch the early morning flight from there to Mexico, again we were assured that our bags would be transferred to Montreal, we cancelled our hotel in Toronto and booked into the airport Hilton then went to pick up our bags after arriving in Montreal. Guess what......no bags!Not to panic, we spoke to the girl at the lost luggage who gave us a 1-800 number plus a tracking number which we promptly called upon arrival at the hotel, we were answered by some clown stationed in India,who could hardly speak english and who told us that our bags had gone on to Vancouver from Toronto, after listening to his nonsense for a while,Kate hung up on him and phoned our friend Maggie in Halifax who got in touch with the powers that be and were told to check at the airport in the morning to see if our bags might be there...........Noooooooooo.We had to rush upstairs to check in for our flight that was leaving at 7.30am. we were a bit concerned because we knew it was a full flight, but we were called to take the last two seats and lucky us they happened to be in business class, so we travelled to Mexico city in style.Halfway through the flight the attendant told us that they had just received a wire to let us know that our bags had been found and they would arrive on the flight leaving from Toronto,which left half an hour after our flight.We went to the baggage after landing,and waited and waited.......guess what?.....no bags !Suffice to say ,we were really pissed off by this time and thought to hell with it, they would have to deliver them to our door if they ever did find them. But not to be outdone we again enquired with the little baggage lady who did a computer check and found that our bags had gone on ahead of us and would be waiting in Guadalajara..........which they were!....Halleluljah.Moving right along, we moved into our new digs which we love, on Sunday morning we met up with our friends Barbara and Wally along with the four ladies from our brunch club in Halifax,who are here for a month and we all had brunch at our favourite hotel,and tonight we are all dining out at a popular restaurant called Pedros owned by a guy from Toronto. Life is good. Posted by Jack.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Back in Ajijic For the Winter
Hello Everyone,
It has been a week since our arrival back to our beloved mountain village in Mexico. It is still a magical place for us. We love it. Some changes, progress some would call it but we are not impressed by Wall Mart coming to this small place. However, because these Mexicans don't have a lot of money at any given time (I'm sure they don't have a lot of money at ANY time) their custom is to shop daily for their needs. Perhaps Wall mart will be disappointed with the carts not filled to the top! Anyway, they are happy about it's arrival and so we should respect that.....they feel it will bring employment and I'm sure it will.
We love our new digs. It is not very Mexican however. This condo could be anywhere. But we have an on site manager, the builder's daughter, and she lives here too. That means that problems get looked after very quickly and efficiently. i.e. there were two TV s here and we only wanted one. (NO TV in Bedrooms is our rule, for ourselves.) So it took only a day and the unwanted set was removed, a technician came and connected up the DVD player and showed us how to use all the remotes. We have CBC and I'm thrilled I can go to bed every night with Peter Mansbridge! (Ya know what I mean......it is such a lovely link with home.....)
The condo has white marble floors everywhere. We have a downstairs terrace with fountain and roll down shades which protects us from the hot sun. Upstairs off the den and bedroom we have another fully screened in terrace with a view of the mountains and lake. The sunsets are spectacular! This is usually where we have "cocktail time" around 5PM . The other good thing about this place is the quiet. We were in the middle of the village last year and the bloody roosters crow all hours of the day and night! We do hear one here but he seems to have his internal clock in sync with the dawning light. What a treat as last year they drove me nuts!! The bird life is not great yet but we think it is because they are on their migration here. Hope so. We are about a five minute walk from the center of the village and so this location is perfect. We are not so near the lake this year but then we are rewarded with a fabulous view of it! All in all we are very happy with the place. The furnishings are all white too so my challenge is to bring some colour in. I will begin with flowers. Fresh and paper. See how that works.
Arriving on our tails last Saturday were four ladies from our Halifax brunch Club. They have rented a villa in the village and are putting up quite well with the dogs, roosters and traffic noise! They seem to be having a lovely time and we are glad they are here. Our friends, Barb and Wally who bought a house two days after their arrival last year, are being the perfect hosts. yesterday, we all trecked off to Chapala, a large town about 10km. away. barb drove the car and Jack, Wally and I took the bus. The Art Show and Sale was wonderful and we all got a treasure of two. Then we walked out to the pier and had Margaritas (our first since arrival) and dinner. 'Twas such fun. They are good sports and want to see everything. A real adventurous group!
I arrived from Halifax with a cold I contracted on the way down , or more likely from Jack. Anyway, I steadily became sicker so went to my doctor who gave me a shot in the you-know-where and prescribed some meds (not antibiotics, he said) and I was better in two days! Just like magic! So I'm back on track now and raring to go!
Tomorrow we go to "Open Circle" a group of like minded individuals who meet on Sunday mornings to socialize first and then meditate for about 60secs. nothing heavy....and then we listen to a speaker who gives an interesting talk....or not. After, Jack and I have gone to brunch, as we would do in Halifax every Sunday. It's become a tradition for us. Last Sunday there was eight of us from the Brunch Bunch (from Halifax) as there will be tomorrow.
I am testing your patience dear reader going on like this so I shall end the Blog today. Jack made an entry days ago but we can't find it! My good friend Wes, in Vancouver will come to the rescue no doubt!
Mucho Amor,
Kate
It has been a week since our arrival back to our beloved mountain village in Mexico. It is still a magical place for us. We love it. Some changes, progress some would call it but we are not impressed by Wall Mart coming to this small place. However, because these Mexicans don't have a lot of money at any given time (I'm sure they don't have a lot of money at ANY time) their custom is to shop daily for their needs. Perhaps Wall mart will be disappointed with the carts not filled to the top! Anyway, they are happy about it's arrival and so we should respect that.....they feel it will bring employment and I'm sure it will.
We love our new digs. It is not very Mexican however. This condo could be anywhere. But we have an on site manager, the builder's daughter, and she lives here too. That means that problems get looked after very quickly and efficiently. i.e. there were two TV s here and we only wanted one. (NO TV in Bedrooms is our rule, for ourselves.) So it took only a day and the unwanted set was removed, a technician came and connected up the DVD player and showed us how to use all the remotes. We have CBC and I'm thrilled I can go to bed every night with Peter Mansbridge! (Ya know what I mean......it is such a lovely link with home.....)
The condo has white marble floors everywhere. We have a downstairs terrace with fountain and roll down shades which protects us from the hot sun. Upstairs off the den and bedroom we have another fully screened in terrace with a view of the mountains and lake. The sunsets are spectacular! This is usually where we have "cocktail time" around 5PM . The other good thing about this place is the quiet. We were in the middle of the village last year and the bloody roosters crow all hours of the day and night! We do hear one here but he seems to have his internal clock in sync with the dawning light. What a treat as last year they drove me nuts!! The bird life is not great yet but we think it is because they are on their migration here. Hope so. We are about a five minute walk from the center of the village and so this location is perfect. We are not so near the lake this year but then we are rewarded with a fabulous view of it! All in all we are very happy with the place. The furnishings are all white too so my challenge is to bring some colour in. I will begin with flowers. Fresh and paper. See how that works.
Arriving on our tails last Saturday were four ladies from our Halifax brunch Club. They have rented a villa in the village and are putting up quite well with the dogs, roosters and traffic noise! They seem to be having a lovely time and we are glad they are here. Our friends, Barb and Wally who bought a house two days after their arrival last year, are being the perfect hosts. yesterday, we all trecked off to Chapala, a large town about 10km. away. barb drove the car and Jack, Wally and I took the bus. The Art Show and Sale was wonderful and we all got a treasure of two. Then we walked out to the pier and had Margaritas (our first since arrival) and dinner. 'Twas such fun. They are good sports and want to see everything. A real adventurous group!
I arrived from Halifax with a cold I contracted on the way down , or more likely from Jack. Anyway, I steadily became sicker so went to my doctor who gave me a shot in the you-know-where and prescribed some meds (not antibiotics, he said) and I was better in two days! Just like magic! So I'm back on track now and raring to go!
Tomorrow we go to "Open Circle" a group of like minded individuals who meet on Sunday mornings to socialize first and then meditate for about 60secs. nothing heavy....and then we listen to a speaker who gives an interesting talk....or not. After, Jack and I have gone to brunch, as we would do in Halifax every Sunday. It's become a tradition for us. Last Sunday there was eight of us from the Brunch Bunch (from Halifax) as there will be tomorrow.
I am testing your patience dear reader going on like this so I shall end the Blog today. Jack made an entry days ago but we can't find it! My good friend Wes, in Vancouver will come to the rescue no doubt!
Mucho Amor,
Kate
Saturday, July 19, 2008
KATE AND JACK STILL IN HALIFAX>
It is now July 19th. and a lot of water has gone under the bridge!
Since coming home we have had absolutely no spring, and summer to date has been questionable.
Kate has made 3 trips to see her 97 year old father over in Newfoundland, plus a trip to Boston to visit with her grand kids. Jack on the otherhand just got back from a trip to Vancouver to visit with his sick daughter and carry out some minor home repairs for her !
Kate and I went down to Florida in May and spent 10 days visiting some dear friends whose acquaintance we made over the last 20 years, one of my close friends and ex business partners gave us the use of her condo on the beach which was a real treat!
After spending time in Florida we both realized how much we loved Mexico and wished we had discovered it years sooner, I can't wait to get back to see all our new friends again and my singing buddy Mike.
Kate's grand kids just arrived from Boston and are staying with us for a week, they are low maintenance, Matthew is 15 and 6 ft.4ins. Meghan is 12 and taller than Kate.
Kate and I planned going over to Edinburgh next month but have put that plan on hold for now.
But for now, life is good!
Jack
It is now July 19th. and a lot of water has gone under the bridge!
Since coming home we have had absolutely no spring, and summer to date has been questionable.
Kate has made 3 trips to see her 97 year old father over in Newfoundland, plus a trip to Boston to visit with her grand kids. Jack on the otherhand just got back from a trip to Vancouver to visit with his sick daughter and carry out some minor home repairs for her !
Kate and I went down to Florida in May and spent 10 days visiting some dear friends whose acquaintance we made over the last 20 years, one of my close friends and ex business partners gave us the use of her condo on the beach which was a real treat!
After spending time in Florida we both realized how much we loved Mexico and wished we had discovered it years sooner, I can't wait to get back to see all our new friends again and my singing buddy Mike.
Kate's grand kids just arrived from Boston and are staying with us for a week, they are low maintenance, Matthew is 15 and 6 ft.4ins. Meghan is 12 and taller than Kate.
Kate and I planned going over to Edinburgh next month but have put that plan on hold for now.
But for now, life is good!
Jack
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Back home in Halifax....
It is almost three weeks since we left Mexico, to return home (unfortunately).
We did manage to get on the flight to Montreal but sadly the lady sitting adjacent to Kate suffered a heart attack. Sometime was spent by passengers and crew trying to revive her by means of CPR. The Captain then announced that we would have to make an emergency landing in new Orleans to get medical assistance. However, the lady had died by the time we landed, she was only fifty nine years old. The paramedics removed the body and we were stuck on the ground for over three hours because of customs and red tape. So we were too late getting to Montreal to make our connection and had to overnight at a hotel and flew out the next morning. Our good friends Maggie and Brian were waiting to pick us up in Halifax. They also invited us for dinner at their place that evening.
I am still in a state of depression since coming back.....nothing but rain, fog, wind and cold. Today is a heat wave, the temperature is going up to 17C.....oh boy I'll be able to remove my second pair of socks. The worst part of it all is that I am back getting physiotherapy for my aches and pains, which had completely disappeared while in Mexico. Kate is also suffering. Also the culture shock of prices. We lived in Mexico for a quarter of what it costs to live in Canada. I am seriously going to go house shopping when we go back in November.
Our friends, Barb and Wally have left to drive down to Mexico to spend the rest of their lives there. Smart move. They are the couple who came to stay with us for a week and bought a house after three days.
We are late getting in touch with everyone, we have been busy shopping for a new lap top computer and camera to replace what we had stolen , so now we can catch up with e-mails etc.
So that's it for now. I have to go now and throw another body on the fire or else wear pants under my kilt. (Perish the thought)
Jack
We did manage to get on the flight to Montreal but sadly the lady sitting adjacent to Kate suffered a heart attack. Sometime was spent by passengers and crew trying to revive her by means of CPR. The Captain then announced that we would have to make an emergency landing in new Orleans to get medical assistance. However, the lady had died by the time we landed, she was only fifty nine years old. The paramedics removed the body and we were stuck on the ground for over three hours because of customs and red tape. So we were too late getting to Montreal to make our connection and had to overnight at a hotel and flew out the next morning. Our good friends Maggie and Brian were waiting to pick us up in Halifax. They also invited us for dinner at their place that evening.
I am still in a state of depression since coming back.....nothing but rain, fog, wind and cold. Today is a heat wave, the temperature is going up to 17C.....oh boy I'll be able to remove my second pair of socks. The worst part of it all is that I am back getting physiotherapy for my aches and pains, which had completely disappeared while in Mexico. Kate is also suffering. Also the culture shock of prices. We lived in Mexico for a quarter of what it costs to live in Canada. I am seriously going to go house shopping when we go back in November.
Our friends, Barb and Wally have left to drive down to Mexico to spend the rest of their lives there. Smart move. They are the couple who came to stay with us for a week and bought a house after three days.
We are late getting in touch with everyone, we have been busy shopping for a new lap top computer and camera to replace what we had stolen , so now we can catch up with e-mails etc.
So that's it for now. I have to go now and throw another body on the fire or else wear pants under my kilt. (Perish the thought)
Jack
Monday, April 7, 2008
The moment of truth has arrived !
The time has come for Kate and I to pack our bags once again and head back to that other place we call home! The thought of leaving paradise is leaving us with mixed emotions, we have made so many friends here, and of course we will be meeting up with them when we return again in November ,and return we will, we have already booked our rental for next winter.
Most of our friends have already gone back to the cold, three couples from Nova Scotia who we will be meeting up with on our return, we all got together last week for the last supper at our favourite restaurant owned by my Scottish friend Mike, needless to say we all got" hammered".
Starting this month, Mike is putting prime rib on the menu on Wednesdays only and has kindly invited Kate and I to be his guests this Wed. for a prime rib dinner.
We were up to the office this morning meeting the 12 year old girl that Kate is sponsoring to put through school on behalf of her grandaughter Megan, I also want to sponsor a young boy and a young girl on behalf of my daughter Jacquie. so many of those kids need help to get an education,
they come from families of 5 and 6 and whose father only earns approx. $400.00 a month.
Hard to believe, but so many similar cases, and yes, kids here only get free education until the 4th. grade, after that they have to pay.
So back to the packing, our plan is to leave here on Friday 11th.April depending on the flights and be in our apartment on Saturday.......Look out Pete`s, here I come !
Most of our friends have already gone back to the cold, three couples from Nova Scotia who we will be meeting up with on our return, we all got together last week for the last supper at our favourite restaurant owned by my Scottish friend Mike, needless to say we all got" hammered".
Starting this month, Mike is putting prime rib on the menu on Wednesdays only and has kindly invited Kate and I to be his guests this Wed. for a prime rib dinner.
We were up to the office this morning meeting the 12 year old girl that Kate is sponsoring to put through school on behalf of her grandaughter Megan, I also want to sponsor a young boy and a young girl on behalf of my daughter Jacquie. so many of those kids need help to get an education,
they come from families of 5 and 6 and whose father only earns approx. $400.00 a month.
Hard to believe, but so many similar cases, and yes, kids here only get free education until the 4th. grade, after that they have to pay.
So back to the packing, our plan is to leave here on Friday 11th.April depending on the flights and be in our apartment on Saturday.......Look out Pete`s, here I come !
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter in Ajijic, Mexico
You´ll have a hard time reconizing Christmas and Easter celebrations here in Mexico. They last much longer than they do back home and they are more festive, involving the entire community. We certainly felt free to join in the public displays of joy. It´s contagious. The locals are very welcoming. Life here is leisurely.
Good Friday.
Holy Week celebrations involved processions of Roman centurions, the blowing up of paper-mache Judas and a dramatic rendering of Christ´s suffering on the cross.
On Good Friday the town organized a Passion Play. In the churchyard Jesus of Nazareth was put on trial. Here he was crowned with a ring of thorns. The procession where a real life Jesus figure dragged his cross through the streets followed by the mourning Mary Magdalen and the saints and the ever present menancing Roman centurions. The young men of the village re-enact the whole story. It is a great honor to be chosen, Jesus for this role. He was perfect. Shoulder length hair. Clothed in a white robe with a rope at his waist. Serious. Very good looking! Strong. After the trial inside the church he had to drag this very heavy wooden cross (estimates were 200 pounds!) from the Cathedral , through the village streets and up the mountain to the chapel. He was accompanied by hundreds, maybe thousands of followers and stern-looking Romans. The spectacle was amazing! It commemorates the magnitude of Christ´s suffering on the cross. Once up the mountain there was a simulated crucifixion. There were also the crucifixion of the two thieves. Finally, Jesus was lowered from the cross and placed on a streatcher of some sort. He was completly covered in a white linen cloth and brought down the mountain and into the Cathedral where there was a Mass.
On Saturday after Mass, again, the townspeople gathered outside for some comic relief. There was a raucous burning of "Los Judas". Large paper- mache effigies, painted in eye-popping colours, represented Judas and other forces of evil, including the devil and unpopular political personalities. Yes. They have these here too! The figures are hung up in the street and the town plaza. They are ignited in quick succession and blown to bits, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. What fun!
So this is Easter in Mexico. What you won´t find is any sign of the Easter bunny! No jelly beans. No marshmellow chickens. No cellophane grass. No Easter baskets. These are "Gringo" customs that have failed to make it across the border. Yet.
Mexican schools are closed now for two weeks to celebrate Easter. All workers are granted time off with pay. There is a happiness in the streets you can taste! We feel so lucky to be part of it all.
Good Friday.
Holy Week celebrations involved processions of Roman centurions, the blowing up of paper-mache Judas and a dramatic rendering of Christ´s suffering on the cross.
On Good Friday the town organized a Passion Play. In the churchyard Jesus of Nazareth was put on trial. Here he was crowned with a ring of thorns. The procession where a real life Jesus figure dragged his cross through the streets followed by the mourning Mary Magdalen and the saints and the ever present menancing Roman centurions. The young men of the village re-enact the whole story. It is a great honor to be chosen, Jesus for this role. He was perfect. Shoulder length hair. Clothed in a white robe with a rope at his waist. Serious. Very good looking! Strong. After the trial inside the church he had to drag this very heavy wooden cross (estimates were 200 pounds!) from the Cathedral , through the village streets and up the mountain to the chapel. He was accompanied by hundreds, maybe thousands of followers and stern-looking Romans. The spectacle was amazing! It commemorates the magnitude of Christ´s suffering on the cross. Once up the mountain there was a simulated crucifixion. There were also the crucifixion of the two thieves. Finally, Jesus was lowered from the cross and placed on a streatcher of some sort. He was completly covered in a white linen cloth and brought down the mountain and into the Cathedral where there was a Mass.
On Saturday after Mass, again, the townspeople gathered outside for some comic relief. There was a raucous burning of "Los Judas". Large paper- mache effigies, painted in eye-popping colours, represented Judas and other forces of evil, including the devil and unpopular political personalities. Yes. They have these here too! The figures are hung up in the street and the town plaza. They are ignited in quick succession and blown to bits, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. What fun!
So this is Easter in Mexico. What you won´t find is any sign of the Easter bunny! No jelly beans. No marshmellow chickens. No cellophane grass. No Easter baskets. These are "Gringo" customs that have failed to make it across the border. Yet.
Mexican schools are closed now for two weeks to celebrate Easter. All workers are granted time off with pay. There is a happiness in the streets you can taste! We feel so lucky to be part of it all.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Palm Sunday in Ajijic, Mexico
What an interesting place this is. We went to "open circle", which is a non denominational service held under the trees at the Lake Chapala Society. As is our custom now we proceeded to brunch with Cathy and Gary, our Halifax friends. Bridge on their terrace followed this until four o`clock. We knew something magical was to take place at the square so we stared out treck...just a few blocks. We noticed bundles of Alfalfa sprouts tied up and lying by doorways. We knew these were decorations, but we did not know what would be done with them. meanwhile, the street was being swept and watered. This was to celebrate the entry of Christ`s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the week before he was crucified. This marked the beginning of Holy Week that culminates in Easter.
We were told the procession would start around four but it was almost seven before anything happened. This is Mexico!
So the residents scattered the Alfalfa leaves upon the streets, making a carpet along the entire procession route. A green carpet! Amazing. Children sold individual palm fronds which were torn into eight or nine strips and woven into intricate designs. Soon the procession arrived. Jesus rode towards the cathedral on a burro accompanied by his 12 deciples on foot, all dressed in period costume. Behind them the local priest and two clergymen all in red and gold robes! The rest of Ajijic folks and visitors followed carrying their palm fronds and singing hymns all the way down to the 500 year old church where the proccession terminated .The simplicity and the splendor and the joy of these people make our obsession with easter eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies seem garish and gaudy.
After Mass, the men with handmade brooms cleaned the streets of the trodden Alfalfa.
Then the food vendors, the musicians and diversions for the children came alive, in the decorated town square! What a feast! Fruit on sticks. Clay bowls of sweet rice pudding. Tamales. Every sort of Mexican food and candy. The older woman selling eggs, which have been blown out, painted for Easter and filled with confetti. These are broken over heads as a shower of wealth. Mostly it is just the little children who receive this but on Sunday everyone was surprised! The colours. The glee. The wonderful feeling of sharing in this simple tradition was lovely.
Funds are now being raised to pay for the Passion Play on Good Friday. Can`t wait for THAT!
Happy Easter......Kate
We were told the procession would start around four but it was almost seven before anything happened. This is Mexico!
So the residents scattered the Alfalfa leaves upon the streets, making a carpet along the entire procession route. A green carpet! Amazing. Children sold individual palm fronds which were torn into eight or nine strips and woven into intricate designs. Soon the procession arrived. Jesus rode towards the cathedral on a burro accompanied by his 12 deciples on foot, all dressed in period costume. Behind them the local priest and two clergymen all in red and gold robes! The rest of Ajijic folks and visitors followed carrying their palm fronds and singing hymns all the way down to the 500 year old church where the proccession terminated .The simplicity and the splendor and the joy of these people make our obsession with easter eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies seem garish and gaudy.
After Mass, the men with handmade brooms cleaned the streets of the trodden Alfalfa.
Then the food vendors, the musicians and diversions for the children came alive, in the decorated town square! What a feast! Fruit on sticks. Clay bowls of sweet rice pudding. Tamales. Every sort of Mexican food and candy. The older woman selling eggs, which have been blown out, painted for Easter and filled with confetti. These are broken over heads as a shower of wealth. Mostly it is just the little children who receive this but on Sunday everyone was surprised! The colours. The glee. The wonderful feeling of sharing in this simple tradition was lovely.
Funds are now being raised to pay for the Passion Play on Good Friday. Can`t wait for THAT!
Happy Easter......Kate
Monday, March 10, 2008
more info from us guys!
Nothing has changed here weatherwise, because the weather never changes, paradise every day!
It seems that kids here are only schooled until 4th. grade, after that they have to pay for all of their future education ,as well as supplying all of the school supplies and buying their school uniforms. Consequently an awful lot of kids dont go beyond 4th. grade because the parents cannot afford to educate them. a lot of the gringos here take on the task of providing for the kids, and this also includes getting them through university.
Kate spoke to her 11 year old granddaughter ,Meaghan, in Boston and asked her if she would like to sponsor a Mexican child here for school in lieu of getting xmas and birthday gifts, Meaghan was delighted with the idea and Kate already has an 11 year old girl by the name of Daniella ready to go back to school. We go to meet her and her family this week. So many gringos are doing this type of thing here, helping the deaf, the crippled and so on, it gives you a sense of purpose and well being.
We were up today booking our new residence for next winter, we have given a deposit ,and think we will be very happy in our new digs.
The only other news flash is that I started art lessons, for the first time in my life. Its never too late!
Adios from Jack
It seems that kids here are only schooled until 4th. grade, after that they have to pay for all of their future education ,as well as supplying all of the school supplies and buying their school uniforms. Consequently an awful lot of kids dont go beyond 4th. grade because the parents cannot afford to educate them. a lot of the gringos here take on the task of providing for the kids, and this also includes getting them through university.
Kate spoke to her 11 year old granddaughter ,Meaghan, in Boston and asked her if she would like to sponsor a Mexican child here for school in lieu of getting xmas and birthday gifts, Meaghan was delighted with the idea and Kate already has an 11 year old girl by the name of Daniella ready to go back to school. We go to meet her and her family this week. So many gringos are doing this type of thing here, helping the deaf, the crippled and so on, it gives you a sense of purpose and well being.
We were up today booking our new residence for next winter, we have given a deposit ,and think we will be very happy in our new digs.
The only other news flash is that I started art lessons, for the first time in my life. Its never too late!
Adios from Jack
Friday, February 29, 2008
Barb & Wally
Kate and Jack are wonderful hosts. We have had a great time, but a bit hectic. Their house is really special; it reminds me a bit of a mini Venetian palace. There is a curved stone staircase to the second floor. The atrium which is open for 2 stories and serves as a dining room, has a vaulted brick ceiling and a copula. The inside walls are about 10 feet high. It is in fact quite grand.
We fell in love with Ajijic almost immediately. Then after talking to a number of ex-pat Canadians who live there (they are very enthusiastic about their experiences), we started to think about going there too. Initially, we were just thinking about an extended visit next winter. However, as we looked around, soaked up the atmosphere and started looking at houses, we changed our approach to one of actually moving to Ajijic. As you have been informed by Jack on the blog, we took the bull by the horns and pulled the trigger (I’m not sure that those two sayings are appropriate together but you probably get the picture). We are buying a lovely house. Barbara did feel better with more energy in that high, warm, dry climate. However, I think that an even bigger consideration for us was that if we were ever going to do something different, this was the time to do it. Although there is an extensive ex-pat community, many of them do try to interact with the Mexican population and contribute. The Mexicans we met on the street were always friendly. This will be an enormous change in lifestyle for us, but we are looking forward to it. On the other hand, I think that I shall be able to continue to offer my courses over the internet from Ajijic.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
SURPRISE !!!!!
We were up at 5.30 this morning to send Barb. and Wally, off home to Canada after spending one week with us. And what a week it was, after reading our blog ,Wally wanted to come to Mexico to see if it was as good here as it sounded. Barbara was reluctant to come, after hearing so many negative remarks about Mexico, but she came anyway to keep Wally company! After being here only a couple of days they were both surprised at how much they loved the place, the people and the food, also how they felt healthwise.
So to cut a long story short, they got hold of a real estate agent, looked at six houses for sale and bought one of them, a beautiful home indeed in a nice area.
We were totally amazed, but the decision was given a lot of thought and consideration. Now they are on their way home to face their families, sell their house and belongings, pack up their car with stuff, and drive back down here in the next three or four months to live here permanently.
This is not an unusual scenario, Kate and I have spoken with dozens of people who have done likewise.
We have asked Wally to add his remarks to our blog ,once he is settled at home.
Jack.
So to cut a long story short, they got hold of a real estate agent, looked at six houses for sale and bought one of them, a beautiful home indeed in a nice area.
We were totally amazed, but the decision was given a lot of thought and consideration. Now they are on their way home to face their families, sell their house and belongings, pack up their car with stuff, and drive back down here in the next three or four months to live here permanently.
This is not an unusual scenario, Kate and I have spoken with dozens of people who have done likewise.
We have asked Wally to add his remarks to our blog ,once he is settled at home.
Jack.
Monday, February 18, 2008
At The Beach
Last week we felt like walking on the beach and smelling the scent of salt water again. So off we went on a five hour bus ride to Rancon de Guayabitos, about 50 miles north of Puerto Valluerta The weather was about the same as here but the salt water was too cool for swimming, as were the pools. So that was disappointing, but we enjoyed walking on the beautiful gold sand beach that went on for miles.(Like Florida beaches) The town was a little dirty, tourist trap....no charm not like our beloved Ajijic. Anyway, we drank silly rum drinks, ate lots of fish and were ready to come back at the end of the week. The one awful thing for me was the return of my migraine headaches. They stared as soon as I arrived and plagued me for the whole time. Twas too bad as we we were in an "all inclusive" resort and I could have been drunk the whole week!! I was hoping this was the end of my life with migraines but apparently not. I should live in the mountains I guess.....
We are off to play bridge for the afternoon. I`m a little nervous as these people are SERIOUS players. Scary huh?
On Wed. out pals from the Halifax Brunch Club, Barb and Wally arrive for a week`s visit. They need a break from winter no doubt and we are looking forward to their visit. I`ll see if I can "persuade" one of èm to make a blog entry!
Spring has sprung here which means new flowers and trees are in bloom. There are no more cool mornings and evenings. Just pleasant all the time. We will miss this climate.
So, ta ta for now. Until next time we send you warm wishes and wish it could be warm sunshine! Adios mis amigas/amigos........Kate
We are off to play bridge for the afternoon. I`m a little nervous as these people are SERIOUS players. Scary huh?
On Wed. out pals from the Halifax Brunch Club, Barb and Wally arrive for a week`s visit. They need a break from winter no doubt and we are looking forward to their visit. I`ll see if I can "persuade" one of èm to make a blog entry!
Spring has sprung here which means new flowers and trees are in bloom. There are no more cool mornings and evenings. Just pleasant all the time. We will miss this climate.
So, ta ta for now. Until next time we send you warm wishes and wish it could be warm sunshine! Adios mis amigas/amigos........Kate
Friday, February 8, 2008
We wuz robbed !
After spending a wonderful week with our near and dear friends ,Brian and Maggie,the time was getting close for them to pack up and head home, and face the challenges that the young and the poor must do. "go back to work" plus don those awful winter clothes again, and try to keep warm! ( I remember it well ).
On their last night with us we went out to a local restaurant and wined and dined under the stars. Actually it was Brian and Maggies treat to us as an early birthday present, Kate and I are both in March. It was a lovely evening, we walked there and back and since they had a cab booked for 7 am. we decided to have an early night and were all in bed by 10pm.
I got up at 6am. in order to make them tea and toast to get them going and at 6.30 am. I went upstairs to find that we had been robbed as we slept. All this happened outside of our bedroom door which is left wide open, the strange thing is that I am up almost every hour to the bathroom, especially after a night of drinking ! Kate said if they had seen me walking naked to the bathroom it would have scared the hell out of them ! Fortunately no one was hurt and I think they must have been disturbed because all the took was our lap top computer, a digital camera, an electronic organizer and battery charger, if they had reached in to my open bedroom door they could have picked up my pants with my wallet, cash and credit cards.
When the cab driver arrived at 7am. we got him to phone the police for us, the police arrived an hour later and took a statement from us, they were not interested in taking pictures and fingerprints and informed us that we habe to go into the next town to make a formal statement.
later on around lunch time two more policemen showed up and duplicated what we went through with the first two. However we went into the next town with an interpreter to speak for us, this was around 2.30 pm. and we were told to come back tomorrow as it was siesta time and they were about to close for a couple of hours. So next morning at 9am. we set of again with 5 copies of our passports and did the report ,we were also informed that they wanted photos of the windows where they entered and cut the screen, our interpreter, who works for our rental agency, said that he would get a camera and take the pictures and return them that day. we were also told to come back on Monday for a copy of the report to give to the insurance company.
Only in Mexico!
However, Kate and I are off to the beach in Porto Vallarta on Moday for a well earned 5 day vacation.........Till next time.
Jack
On their last night with us we went out to a local restaurant and wined and dined under the stars. Actually it was Brian and Maggies treat to us as an early birthday present, Kate and I are both in March. It was a lovely evening, we walked there and back and since they had a cab booked for 7 am. we decided to have an early night and were all in bed by 10pm.
I got up at 6am. in order to make them tea and toast to get them going and at 6.30 am. I went upstairs to find that we had been robbed as we slept. All this happened outside of our bedroom door which is left wide open, the strange thing is that I am up almost every hour to the bathroom, especially after a night of drinking ! Kate said if they had seen me walking naked to the bathroom it would have scared the hell out of them ! Fortunately no one was hurt and I think they must have been disturbed because all the took was our lap top computer, a digital camera, an electronic organizer and battery charger, if they had reached in to my open bedroom door they could have picked up my pants with my wallet, cash and credit cards.
When the cab driver arrived at 7am. we got him to phone the police for us, the police arrived an hour later and took a statement from us, they were not interested in taking pictures and fingerprints and informed us that we habe to go into the next town to make a formal statement.
later on around lunch time two more policemen showed up and duplicated what we went through with the first two. However we went into the next town with an interpreter to speak for us, this was around 2.30 pm. and we were told to come back tomorrow as it was siesta time and they were about to close for a couple of hours. So next morning at 9am. we set of again with 5 copies of our passports and did the report ,we were also informed that they wanted photos of the windows where they entered and cut the screen, our interpreter, who works for our rental agency, said that he would get a camera and take the pictures and return them that day. we were also told to come back on Monday for a copy of the report to give to the insurance company.
Only in Mexico!
However, Kate and I are off to the beach in Porto Vallarta on Moday for a well earned 5 day vacation.........Till next time.
Jack
Monday, February 4, 2008
Brian & Maggie is Ajijic
BRIAN AND MAGGIE IN AJIJIC MEXICO
This is day 6 of our 8 day visit with Jack & kate and we'er still in awe of the place, the climate and the people! Every morning is like the best June mornings we have at home; coolish but bright and sunny and without any biting insects. The Canadian ex-pat community is very open and welcoming and the locals are all polite and friendly. Locals are largely labourers and masons who seem to hold to values of the 1950's. Except on the weekends when the Guadalaharan's arrive to party by the lake and fill up the bars. Typical middle-class folks.
And for me (Brian) the bird life is phenominal; many dozens of species of which we have identified 36 so far of which 23 are new siteings for me. Even counted one wild parrot among them. All seen within three blocks of J&K's place! I could spend weeks here and still not get bored.
Now that our feet have gotten used to the cobblestone streets we have been wandering about through the evenings and really enjoying the place. Typical Spanish style town; 99% of the beauty hidden away within walls running out to the sidewalks. Though no one (yet) seems to mind us peeking into their doorways.
Yesterday PM Maggie talked me into taking in the local Mexican rodeo and we had a ball. Turns out the rodeo is managed just like the country; somewhat organized chaos. 8 or 10 cowboys in the old bullfighting ring showing off their horses, 12 or 18 local young hombres strutting their stuff then suddently a bull & rider are released among them. All is rediculous for about 5 minutes while one guy attempts to ride and all the cowboys try to rope the bull?? Lots of laughs and shared drinks of tequila-lime-salt from the locals ( I figure the alcohol would outdo the potential bac-t. We'll see.).
Restaurants are fabulous, some even a match for Jack's cooking. And the prices are amazingly low. Hardly worth cooking at home.
I think that's all for now. Only two more days to enjoy paradise then back to the reality of home.
Brian
This is day 6 of our 8 day visit with Jack & kate and we'er still in awe of the place, the climate and the people! Every morning is like the best June mornings we have at home; coolish but bright and sunny and without any biting insects. The Canadian ex-pat community is very open and welcoming and the locals are all polite and friendly. Locals are largely labourers and masons who seem to hold to values of the 1950's. Except on the weekends when the Guadalaharan's arrive to party by the lake and fill up the bars. Typical middle-class folks.
And for me (Brian) the bird life is phenominal; many dozens of species of which we have identified 36 so far of which 23 are new siteings for me. Even counted one wild parrot among them. All seen within three blocks of J&K's place! I could spend weeks here and still not get bored.
Now that our feet have gotten used to the cobblestone streets we have been wandering about through the evenings and really enjoying the place. Typical Spanish style town; 99% of the beauty hidden away within walls running out to the sidewalks. Though no one (yet) seems to mind us peeking into their doorways.
Yesterday PM Maggie talked me into taking in the local Mexican rodeo and we had a ball. Turns out the rodeo is managed just like the country; somewhat organized chaos. 8 or 10 cowboys in the old bullfighting ring showing off their horses, 12 or 18 local young hombres strutting their stuff then suddently a bull & rider are released among them. All is rediculous for about 5 minutes while one guy attempts to ride and all the cowboys try to rope the bull?? Lots of laughs and shared drinks of tequila-lime-salt from the locals ( I figure the alcohol would outdo the potential bac-t. We'll see.).
Restaurants are fabulous, some even a match for Jack's cooking. And the prices are amazingly low. Hardly worth cooking at home.
I think that's all for now. Only two more days to enjoy paradise then back to the reality of home.
Brian
Friday, January 25, 2008
almost a week later!
Yes ,it will be a week come Sunday since my last entry, and what a week it has been!
I have been recovering from a head and chest cold, most of the week, and now Kate has taken over from me, and will have to spend the next two or three days resting. She was fine yesterday and attended her line dancing class, which she does twice a week, I had met her afterwards for a cappuchino and then we did a little shopping. I attended my Robert Burns supper today(Friday) and performed a toast to the lassies, which I had been requested to do, I was a little nervous, but managed to draw a few laughs, I was told it went well, and some said it was the best ever, but I think they were trying to make me feel good. It was about a 10 minute toast, and I tried to do it without notes, but I fumbled a couple of times.
We don't have any plans for the week end, I made a big pot of homemade chicken soup, so we will live on soup and sandwiches for the next few days!
The maids come again tomorrow, they were just here yesterday, you would think we were a couple of piglets! But we are not clearing out of their way this time, they will have to work around us.
Till next time, adios
Jack
I have been recovering from a head and chest cold, most of the week, and now Kate has taken over from me, and will have to spend the next two or three days resting. She was fine yesterday and attended her line dancing class, which she does twice a week, I had met her afterwards for a cappuchino and then we did a little shopping. I attended my Robert Burns supper today(Friday) and performed a toast to the lassies, which I had been requested to do, I was a little nervous, but managed to draw a few laughs, I was told it went well, and some said it was the best ever, but I think they were trying to make me feel good. It was about a 10 minute toast, and I tried to do it without notes, but I fumbled a couple of times.
We don't have any plans for the week end, I made a big pot of homemade chicken soup, so we will live on soup and sandwiches for the next few days!
The maids come again tomorrow, they were just here yesterday, you would think we were a couple of piglets! But we are not clearing out of their way this time, they will have to work around us.
Till next time, adios
Jack
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The morning after the night before.
It really is the morning after another night of debauchery!!!
We showed up at our friends house and were surprised to meet another couple,originally from Halifax,who now live here full time. It turned out that this couple used to be my next door neighbors when my ex and I lived in Dartmouth, they are Duncan and Mary Kiely and used to own and operate the "Country Stove Store" on Windmill Rd.
There really is a lot of Canadians who have moved here permanently,but I am surprised by the amount of Nova Scotians that are living here. Will the last person to leave please turn out the lights!
Jack.
We showed up at our friends house and were surprised to meet another couple,originally from Halifax,who now live here full time. It turned out that this couple used to be my next door neighbors when my ex and I lived in Dartmouth, they are Duncan and Mary Kiely and used to own and operate the "Country Stove Store" on Windmill Rd.
There really is a lot of Canadians who have moved here permanently,but I am surprised by the amount of Nova Scotians that are living here. Will the last person to leave please turn out the lights!
Jack.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Another Week Gone!
Before I know it I will be back in Halifax complaining about the cold!
As Kate mentioned, I am working on a "Toast to the Lassies" which I was asked to do for a Burns supper on the 25th. of Jan. I am trying to inject some humour (english spelling) into my toast without hurting feelings.
Yes,we were out dining on Wed.night with our four men friends at a new restaurant on the corner of our street, the owner of this restaurant hails from Alberta originally, and whose father was from Scotland, the owner,Mike,loves to practice his Scottish on me, he sits at our table and he and I go through our repertoire of Scottish songs and sayings and no we don't get a standing ovation, in fact it may lose him some customers.
Getting back to the evening with our gents, they arrived at our house at 6pm. where we started with a round of drinks and polished off a large dish of gaucamole made by Kate, we eventually made it over to the restaurant where we had a variety of dishes, plus copious amounts of red and white wines. It's a good thing we only had to walk home from the corner!
Two of the boys had to go home as they had tennis games in the morning, and the other two decided to come into the house and polish off more wine...we got to bed late!
The following day ,Thurs, we met with our N.S. friends,Gary and Kathy and walked up to the movie theatres and saw an excellent movie called "Love in the time of cholera" ,the cost to get into the theatre is only two dollars, we will be going more often!
We finished that day off by coming back to our house for a drink and snacks and going out for dinner to the Tango resaurant. We have to cut back on this "drinking"before it becomes a habit.
Tonight, Saturday we have been invited up to another couples house for a drink before going out for dinner, this couple is also from Halifax and have been living here permanently for ten years,
We have been to their house before and it is like something out of Hollywood, neither Kate or I have witnessed such opulence. They want to introduce us to another couple who moved here permanently from Bedford, and whom kate thinks she knows the lady from her air Canada days.
So that's another story to be continued !
As Kate mentioned, I am working on a "Toast to the Lassies" which I was asked to do for a Burns supper on the 25th. of Jan. I am trying to inject some humour (english spelling) into my toast without hurting feelings.
Yes,we were out dining on Wed.night with our four men friends at a new restaurant on the corner of our street, the owner of this restaurant hails from Alberta originally, and whose father was from Scotland, the owner,Mike,loves to practice his Scottish on me, he sits at our table and he and I go through our repertoire of Scottish songs and sayings and no we don't get a standing ovation, in fact it may lose him some customers.
Getting back to the evening with our gents, they arrived at our house at 6pm. where we started with a round of drinks and polished off a large dish of gaucamole made by Kate, we eventually made it over to the restaurant where we had a variety of dishes, plus copious amounts of red and white wines. It's a good thing we only had to walk home from the corner!
Two of the boys had to go home as they had tennis games in the morning, and the other two decided to come into the house and polish off more wine...we got to bed late!
The following day ,Thurs, we met with our N.S. friends,Gary and Kathy and walked up to the movie theatres and saw an excellent movie called "Love in the time of cholera" ,the cost to get into the theatre is only two dollars, we will be going more often!
We finished that day off by coming back to our house for a drink and snacks and going out for dinner to the Tango resaurant. We have to cut back on this "drinking"before it becomes a habit.
Tonight, Saturday we have been invited up to another couples house for a drink before going out for dinner, this couple is also from Halifax and have been living here permanently for ten years,
We have been to their house before and it is like something out of Hollywood, neither Kate or I have witnessed such opulence. They want to introduce us to another couple who moved here permanently from Bedford, and whom kate thinks she knows the lady from her air Canada days.
So that's another story to be continued !
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Social Butterflies !!
Our social life here in Mexico is really quite busy. Everyday there seems to be a commitment or another reason to enjoy each others company. On Sundays we go to "The Society" for something called "Open Circle"....it is always interesting and this weeks speaker was a poet. Haiku poet. (Not so simple) This is a Japanese style with rules, of course. It must only be three lines. Five syllables in the first line. Seven in the second. As if this is not difficult enough this guy made each one funny!! He was very entertaining. An ex-pat who lives here permanently and writes for the local paper as well as publishing his short stories. He provided a laugh-a-minute and we did enjoy him. After this we ran into friends (This is a small town and you always meet someone you know) and invited them to come along to the Nueva Posada for brunch. This elegant dining room overlooks magnificent gardens and the lake and serves a wonderful brunch for about $6.00 Cdn. Then Sandra and Walter (a couple in their eighties, from Toronto) dragged us along to meet more folks from Nova Scotia. This place is crawling with 'em! Anyway, this lovely couple Kay and Paul Fraser from Kentville were basking in the sun when we arrived. We all sought the shade of the porch and stayed for hours chatting. (This is how the day runs away from you here.) We got home just in time for the cocktail hour which we had on the terrace. Life is tough here......
Yesterday it was time to have Darleen and David Pike, also from N.S. in a weird sort of way. She was born in Winnipeg, moved to Victoria when she was young. David's father was a Newfoundlander who was in Scotland during the war and married a Scottish lassie. When he was about seventeen Dad moved the family back to Nfld. David was not impressed with a small fishing village there and left for the west coast sometime later. There he met and married Darleen..how they came to be in N.S. I'm not sure but their best friend lives right above us at the Martello! Small world isn't it? Anyway, they have been very kind to us here and so we took them out for dinner after nibbles and drinks here. I even had a glass of red wine and NO migraine!!!
Today, we are out with Cathy and Gary for an early dinner followed by a Cuban concert. Hoping to see some Argentine Tango too. We really miss dancing. That is the one thing we don't have much off here....or we just don't know where to go!
Tomorrow....more entertaining. The two Bobs and the agent, Daymen (who found us the guest house ) and his partner John will come here for drinks etc. before dinner and then we will take all of them to our favorite new restaurant "Mis Amigos". I know this all sounds expensive but really it's not. You can have dinner out with wine and coffee for under $15.00 a head. Our kitchen is very ill equipped and quite small so Jack cannot do much cooking. Really, by the time you buy all the food it is just as economical to go out!! This will be a shock when we get home!!
I've been "gardening" most of the day. We have a tiny-teeny front garden which is a jungle! Needed to thin out and top up the pots with new topsoil. Then the downstairs patio plants were looking a bit sick so I gave them a trim, good watering and some top soil added. I hope they respond by growing like crazy now! The bamboo is about 20feet climbing to the second floor.....yes this is in a pot too! Gardening here is fun because everything grows so well. It's tropical. We have a huge palm tree out front. I've planted red,pink geraniums for some colour. The coleous is about four feet growing in small pots. Quite amazing really but the climate is so temperate.
We have a "severe winter storm" today. Some cloud. A little wind. Still warm.....about 25C but usually everyday it is sunny from about seven in the morning until sunset at about six thirty. I think this "steadiness" of the barometer is why my migraines have cleared up.
OK so I think this is enough for one day. It was Jack's turn but he is busy working on a "Toast to the lassies" for a Bobby Burns Day dinner on the 25th. There will be about 300 people there so he wants to be amusing.....you know Jack!
We are counting the days now until our dear friends Maggie and Brian (Muise) arrive from Halifax. Fourteen more sleeps!
Yesterday it was time to have Darleen and David Pike, also from N.S. in a weird sort of way. She was born in Winnipeg, moved to Victoria when she was young. David's father was a Newfoundlander who was in Scotland during the war and married a Scottish lassie. When he was about seventeen Dad moved the family back to Nfld. David was not impressed with a small fishing village there and left for the west coast sometime later. There he met and married Darleen..how they came to be in N.S. I'm not sure but their best friend lives right above us at the Martello! Small world isn't it? Anyway, they have been very kind to us here and so we took them out for dinner after nibbles and drinks here. I even had a glass of red wine and NO migraine!!!
Today, we are out with Cathy and Gary for an early dinner followed by a Cuban concert. Hoping to see some Argentine Tango too. We really miss dancing. That is the one thing we don't have much off here....or we just don't know where to go!
Tomorrow....more entertaining. The two Bobs and the agent, Daymen (who found us the guest house ) and his partner John will come here for drinks etc. before dinner and then we will take all of them to our favorite new restaurant "Mis Amigos". I know this all sounds expensive but really it's not. You can have dinner out with wine and coffee for under $15.00 a head. Our kitchen is very ill equipped and quite small so Jack cannot do much cooking. Really, by the time you buy all the food it is just as economical to go out!! This will be a shock when we get home!!
I've been "gardening" most of the day. We have a tiny-teeny front garden which is a jungle! Needed to thin out and top up the pots with new topsoil. Then the downstairs patio plants were looking a bit sick so I gave them a trim, good watering and some top soil added. I hope they respond by growing like crazy now! The bamboo is about 20feet climbing to the second floor.....yes this is in a pot too! Gardening here is fun because everything grows so well. It's tropical. We have a huge palm tree out front. I've planted red,pink geraniums for some colour. The coleous is about four feet growing in small pots. Quite amazing really but the climate is so temperate.
We have a "severe winter storm" today. Some cloud. A little wind. Still warm.....about 25C but usually everyday it is sunny from about seven in the morning until sunset at about six thirty. I think this "steadiness" of the barometer is why my migraines have cleared up.
OK so I think this is enough for one day. It was Jack's turn but he is busy working on a "Toast to the lassies" for a Bobby Burns Day dinner on the 25th. There will be about 300 people there so he wants to be amusing.....you know Jack!
We are counting the days now until our dear friends Maggie and Brian (Muise) arrive from Halifax. Fourteen more sleeps!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Climb Every Mountain.....
Yesterday we went higher into the mountains. We are already pretty high up but we climbed (by car) to 7,300 ft. to see a Swiss Village with the very un-Swiss name of Mazamitla. This very charming town is high in the pine-clad mountains, It has cobblestone streets (I'm finding them less charming) adobe walls, wooden balconies, old carved doorways and red tiled roofs. This is a very old town.....dating back to the 12th. century. As in every town we sought out the "town plaza" ...square where everyone conregates. This plaza had beautiful wooden balconies surrounding the buildings. Of course there is always a church. This one was interesting because while it's interior was very simple the exterior was Norwegian in style. Appropiate for the mountains I guess.
We had a very tasty , home cooked Mexican meal. However, we did not try their claim-to-fame, a drink called "pajarete"- a powerful combination of milk, "aquardiente" (firewater!) brown sugar and chocolate! We did need to navigate the road down the mountain so we settled for beer with lunch.
The road down offered outstanding views of the lake. We tried to identify Ajijic and Chapala from that side of the lake but weren't sure at all that we had! On the side of the road there were meadows full of black-eyed Susans. A blaze of colour making the drive more enjoyable. As we got lower and lower the landscape changed to agriculture and we saw miles and miles of crops. Corn for sure but tomatoes, beans and greens. All of which we buy daily and consume with little or no transportation. No wonder everything tastes so fresh!
The only irrating part of the drive were the speed-bumps (sleeping Policemen) on he highway every few kilometers or so. Tis the only way to slow down the cowboys in the pickup trucks we figure.
So it was a great little trip and we are grateful our Nova Scotia pals, Cathy and Gary asked us to go along. We are now on our way over to their place to have a game of bridge and dinner at a little Italian restaurant they have discovered. Life is good in Mexico.
We had a very tasty , home cooked Mexican meal. However, we did not try their claim-to-fame, a drink called "pajarete"- a powerful combination of milk, "aquardiente" (firewater!) brown sugar and chocolate! We did need to navigate the road down the mountain so we settled for beer with lunch.
The road down offered outstanding views of the lake. We tried to identify Ajijic and Chapala from that side of the lake but weren't sure at all that we had! On the side of the road there were meadows full of black-eyed Susans. A blaze of colour making the drive more enjoyable. As we got lower and lower the landscape changed to agriculture and we saw miles and miles of crops. Corn for sure but tomatoes, beans and greens. All of which we buy daily and consume with little or no transportation. No wonder everything tastes so fresh!
The only irrating part of the drive were the speed-bumps (sleeping Policemen) on he highway every few kilometers or so. Tis the only way to slow down the cowboys in the pickup trucks we figure.
So it was a great little trip and we are grateful our Nova Scotia pals, Cathy and Gary asked us to go along. We are now on our way over to their place to have a game of bridge and dinner at a little Italian restaurant they have discovered. Life is good in Mexico.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Three Kings Day
Yesterday was old Christmas Day (as my Granny called it) Here in Mexico it is an exciting day for the children, as this is the day they recieve their gifts....not Christmas morning. So there were parades galore and adults dressed up as the 3 kings showering the children with candy as they stood in the back of a pick up truck, music blaring! We were up on the second story terrace, playing bridge, but we and waved to the passing procession and they threw candy to us too! What fun. It is the delightful unexpected things like this that makes Mexico feel like a new day every day! These people "live in the moment" and we do too!
Last evening as Jack told you, we went up to the main plaza to an outdoor restaurant for dinner. I ove going to the plaza on Sundays as it is always filled with Mexican families enjoying one another. They have these eggs.....I don't know what they are made of....but the custom seems to be to break these eggs over the children's heads and a shower of confetti falls over the children! They love it. Everyone laughs and hugs and life goes on. Such joy in simple things. How unspoiled these people are. It is refreshing to see.
Well, those are my impressions of "Three Kings Day". I wonder what will happen tomorrow?....
Kate
Last evening as Jack told you, we went up to the main plaza to an outdoor restaurant for dinner. I ove going to the plaza on Sundays as it is always filled with Mexican families enjoying one another. They have these eggs.....I don't know what they are made of....but the custom seems to be to break these eggs over the children's heads and a shower of confetti falls over the children! They love it. Everyone laughs and hugs and life goes on. Such joy in simple things. How unspoiled these people are. It is refreshing to see.
Well, those are my impressions of "Three Kings Day". I wonder what will happen tomorrow?....
Kate
love this weather!
Hi from Jack,
We decided we needed a vacation ,we saw an ad in the local paper about a trip to the beach, you have to understand that we are miles away from the beaches,we are in a Mexican village which is 5000 ft. above sea level,the reason why we have perfect weather. so we booked a trip which leaves on Feb.11th. called Valentines day at the beach, for 4 nights, 5 days, we leave here by luxury bus and believe me they are luxurious! It is an all inclusive, all meals and drinks plus daily entertainment and nightly shows all for the price of $279.00We had another interesting day yesterday with our new found couple from Nova Scotia,we met in the morning at the weekly open circle ,after the meeting where we listened to the guest speaker giving a talk and advice on health issues. We then set off to a new restaurant which just opened last week, half a block from our house,and had a nice brunch under open skies. We then had a little walk along the lake front and watched the Mexican families picnicking along the shore. Gary and Cathy,our friends,had not seen our place so we invited them in for an afternoon drink and a chat to get to know them better. I asked them if they played bridge ,which they didn't,but both said they would like to learn, so I proceeded to get a deck of cards and give them their first lesson, after about an hour we had our first game, they loved it ! so now we also have bridge partners. After cards and beer and wine we thought we would walk up to the square and have supper at one of our favorite restaurants, which we did ,and parted company about 9pm.
All that since 10am. Truly a great day all round.
Jack
We decided we needed a vacation ,we saw an ad in the local paper about a trip to the beach, you have to understand that we are miles away from the beaches,we are in a Mexican village which is 5000 ft. above sea level,the reason why we have perfect weather. so we booked a trip which leaves on Feb.11th. called Valentines day at the beach, for 4 nights, 5 days, we leave here by luxury bus and believe me they are luxurious! It is an all inclusive, all meals and drinks plus daily entertainment and nightly shows all for the price of $279.00We had another interesting day yesterday with our new found couple from Nova Scotia,we met in the morning at the weekly open circle ,after the meeting where we listened to the guest speaker giving a talk and advice on health issues. We then set off to a new restaurant which just opened last week, half a block from our house,and had a nice brunch under open skies. We then had a little walk along the lake front and watched the Mexican families picnicking along the shore. Gary and Cathy,our friends,had not seen our place so we invited them in for an afternoon drink and a chat to get to know them better. I asked them if they played bridge ,which they didn't,but both said they would like to learn, so I proceeded to get a deck of cards and give them their first lesson, after about an hour we had our first game, they loved it ! so now we also have bridge partners. After cards and beer and wine we thought we would walk up to the square and have supper at one of our favorite restaurants, which we did ,and parted company about 9pm.
All that since 10am. Truly a great day all round.
Jack
Friday, January 4, 2008
Warming Up.....
It's currently 22C which is comfortable but tonight the low is 1C . Now THAT'S cold for here. Funny. Everyone is complaining about the "severe" winter weather. Can you believe it? However, we don't have heat in the house so it is pretty cold in the evening.
We went to the rental office this morning and complained about the cold. Told them it was in our contract that the house had a gas fireplace. We were told by the owner it would be installed by our arrival. It was not. Then he went away for a "week" to San Francisco . That was way before Xmas. He is still not back. We were then told by the rental agency they had an e-mail from him saying the installation would be "after Xmas.". Well, it is after Xmas. and it is after the New Year so we decided to put a little pressure on this morning. Jack was VERY good. Said we would be looking for another rental. So they called the gas company and they promised they would come at 4 o'clock on Monday ..... or Tuesday. This is as good as a commitment that you get from Mexicans. We'll see.
I am feeling much better today. Love drugs. (antibiotics). We walked up to a new area scouting places (if we come back next year) found a huge house with a swimming pool that is in our budget. Maybe a little to isolated, but certainly quieter. Did I tell you about this "quiet" Mexican village?? With the rosters crowing at all hours of the day AND night, the dogs barking, the firecrackers and fireworks whenever there is a festival, which seems to be every week. Well this morning we experienced a new noise. There , right over our back wall, was a bloody horse sounding very distressed. Rightly so because we were distressed! Wonder if it is a visitor or a permanent fixture. Oh gawd......
After our sojourn we found a delightfl, local, WARM restaurant for our comida.....lunch. We sat in the sun and were toasty while the barman corrected our Spanish, told us the local gossip and complained about the cold weather! We were the only customers. This bottered me at first.....like what is wrong with this place? Our fears were groundless as I had a big grilled piece of salmon that was fresh and cooked to perfection. Jack had a Thia dish and loved it. He called the barman (we are not sure if he was the cook too as we saw him watering the garden while we waited for our meal) over and asked how his dish was made. Fish sauce, he said was the surprise ingredient! Yuck. But it was so good. They have live music every night and dancing! We asked if it was ball room and he said, "Only on Romantic nights." Then he sang a few bars of "besame mucho ". I think we got the message. And this is how we communicate! Really. It's fun.
So this is another day in the life and times of Kate and Jack in Mexico.
By the way we are on "Skype" if anyone wants to talk to us. Our "skype name" is kateandjack2
Adios mis amigos and amigas (female)
Kate
We went to the rental office this morning and complained about the cold. Told them it was in our contract that the house had a gas fireplace. We were told by the owner it would be installed by our arrival. It was not. Then he went away for a "week" to San Francisco . That was way before Xmas. He is still not back. We were then told by the rental agency they had an e-mail from him saying the installation would be "after Xmas.". Well, it is after Xmas. and it is after the New Year so we decided to put a little pressure on this morning. Jack was VERY good. Said we would be looking for another rental. So they called the gas company and they promised they would come at 4 o'clock on Monday ..... or Tuesday. This is as good as a commitment that you get from Mexicans. We'll see.
I am feeling much better today. Love drugs. (antibiotics). We walked up to a new area scouting places (if we come back next year) found a huge house with a swimming pool that is in our budget. Maybe a little to isolated, but certainly quieter. Did I tell you about this "quiet" Mexican village?? With the rosters crowing at all hours of the day AND night, the dogs barking, the firecrackers and fireworks whenever there is a festival, which seems to be every week. Well this morning we experienced a new noise. There , right over our back wall, was a bloody horse sounding very distressed. Rightly so because we were distressed! Wonder if it is a visitor or a permanent fixture. Oh gawd......
After our sojourn we found a delightfl, local, WARM restaurant for our comida.....lunch. We sat in the sun and were toasty while the barman corrected our Spanish, told us the local gossip and complained about the cold weather! We were the only customers. This bottered me at first.....like what is wrong with this place? Our fears were groundless as I had a big grilled piece of salmon that was fresh and cooked to perfection. Jack had a Thia dish and loved it. He called the barman (we are not sure if he was the cook too as we saw him watering the garden while we waited for our meal) over and asked how his dish was made. Fish sauce, he said was the surprise ingredient! Yuck. But it was so good. They have live music every night and dancing! We asked if it was ball room and he said, "Only on Romantic nights." Then he sang a few bars of "besame mucho ". I think we got the message. And this is how we communicate! Really. It's fun.
So this is another day in the life and times of Kate and Jack in Mexico.
By the way we are on "Skype" if anyone wants to talk to us. Our "skype name" is kateandjack2
Adios mis amigos and amigas (female)
Kate
Thursday, January 3, 2008
COLD,COLD, Coldess Day on Record
03January 2008.
Well take comfort my dear friends in the north. Winter has come to sunny Mexico too. OK, not as severe as you are having but still it is the coldest day on record here in Ajijic. This morning when we awoke it was in the low 40'sF. Now that may not seem cold to you but here the houses have no heat and no air conditioning. Not needed we are told. Well, today we could have used some heat. Although it was sunny as usual there was an easterly wind and that too is rare here. So it seemed colder than ever. Poor us huh?? Apparently this "cold snap"lasts for three days and if this is as bad as it gets we will be laughing! Plus we still have our electric blanket to snuggle under. And Jack made a big pot of beef broth to warm the cockels of our hearts. Life is good. We had planned on going dancing tonight but have decided to stay home and read some of the great books we received as Xmas gifts. Jack has already read "Half Broken Things" by Morag Joss which Scott and Tanya gave him and now I have stared it. I just know it will be a good read. Scott and Tanya gave me , "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky which Jack now has commandeered! So we are set for a pleasant evening. Our TV is very poor, both the reception and the programing so we are grateful to have a few good books to read.
I was at the doctors this morning as I have had a sore throat now for several days. Seems I have an ear infection. Imagine at my age!! Anyway, the doctor let Jack have a look as it is only in one ear. More information than I think he needs about me!! Anyway, not to be mercenary, but the visit cost $15.00Cad. and the drugs $50.00 Johnson Insurance will love this! For $2,300.00 in insurance premiums this year we have truly wasted money. Who knew??
While I took advantage of my "illness" and had a nap Jack went off to the market. He bought a huge papaya, several large onions,carrots, green beans and bananas. All for $2.00!! The butcher supplied him with several large meaty bones for soup which set him back $1.50! So the cost of living is quite low here and because food is cheap the restaurants are too. This is a good thing Martha.....
OK, so I think I have babbled enough for one day.
Let's hope tomorrow is warmer for all of us.
Kate
Well take comfort my dear friends in the north. Winter has come to sunny Mexico too. OK, not as severe as you are having but still it is the coldest day on record here in Ajijic. This morning when we awoke it was in the low 40'sF. Now that may not seem cold to you but here the houses have no heat and no air conditioning. Not needed we are told. Well, today we could have used some heat. Although it was sunny as usual there was an easterly wind and that too is rare here. So it seemed colder than ever. Poor us huh?? Apparently this "cold snap"lasts for three days and if this is as bad as it gets we will be laughing! Plus we still have our electric blanket to snuggle under. And Jack made a big pot of beef broth to warm the cockels of our hearts. Life is good. We had planned on going dancing tonight but have decided to stay home and read some of the great books we received as Xmas gifts. Jack has already read "Half Broken Things" by Morag Joss which Scott and Tanya gave him and now I have stared it. I just know it will be a good read. Scott and Tanya gave me , "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky which Jack now has commandeered! So we are set for a pleasant evening. Our TV is very poor, both the reception and the programing so we are grateful to have a few good books to read.
I was at the doctors this morning as I have had a sore throat now for several days. Seems I have an ear infection. Imagine at my age!! Anyway, the doctor let Jack have a look as it is only in one ear. More information than I think he needs about me!! Anyway, not to be mercenary, but the visit cost $15.00Cad. and the drugs $50.00 Johnson Insurance will love this! For $2,300.00 in insurance premiums this year we have truly wasted money. Who knew??
While I took advantage of my "illness" and had a nap Jack went off to the market. He bought a huge papaya, several large onions,carrots, green beans and bananas. All for $2.00!! The butcher supplied him with several large meaty bones for soup which set him back $1.50! So the cost of living is quite low here and because food is cheap the restaurants are too. This is a good thing Martha.....
OK, so I think I have babbled enough for one day.
Let's hope tomorrow is warmer for all of us.
Kate
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
The start of another new year.
Well, Kate and I (Jack) saw out the old year with two new friends who we had just met the previous day. We didn't plan on going out to celebrate, maybe watch a movie and get to bed early,but as Kate previously said,these friends had booked us in for dinner and celebrations at a local restaurant. The idea was to go to their house first, to view their house ,have a drink and walk along to the restaurant. The couple, Gary and Cathy,came here for the first time last year and within two weeks bought a house, with the inside and outside space it looked to be the size of a football field! so after the viewing we sat and drank a bottle of wine between us and then headed along for dinner.
The restaurant had two levels for dining and dancing and was not overly crowded,we were on the main level and there was approximately 10 tables on the floor, each floor had its own entertainers for music and dancing, Kate and I actually managed to do some dancing!
Before we knew it, midnight came around and champagne was poured all round,this after the four of us having drunk another 3 bottles of wine between us. Outside on the street the management provided a display of fireworks which was quite spectacular, but all good things must come to an end ,so we took our leave and sauntered off home. It was a beautiful warm evening and along the street the locals were doing their own celebrations, they were sitting along the sidewalks with their families and friends, some of them had little bonfires going and were cooking up things to eat. and as we walked past we would call out to them in our broken Spanish
"Prospero Ano Nuevado" All in all it was a good end to the old year ,and hopefully a good start for the new year........Kate is in bed recuperating !!!
The restaurant had two levels for dining and dancing and was not overly crowded,we were on the main level and there was approximately 10 tables on the floor, each floor had its own entertainers for music and dancing, Kate and I actually managed to do some dancing!
Before we knew it, midnight came around and champagne was poured all round,this after the four of us having drunk another 3 bottles of wine between us. Outside on the street the management provided a display of fireworks which was quite spectacular, but all good things must come to an end ,so we took our leave and sauntered off home. It was a beautiful warm evening and along the street the locals were doing their own celebrations, they were sitting along the sidewalks with their families and friends, some of them had little bonfires going and were cooking up things to eat. and as we walked past we would call out to them in our broken Spanish
"Prospero Ano Nuevado" All in all it was a good end to the old year ,and hopefully a good start for the new year........Kate is in bed recuperating !!!
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