Blogs from Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, North America - page 2

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North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 20th 2019

In the United States, we tend to see certain types of Mexicans. The honest truth is, to most US citizens, anyone who speaks Spanish is a "Mexican." Thankfully, anyone with at least half a brain knows that not to be true. We are getting the full immersion experience here in Lake Chapala. Both Rose and I speak Spanish, and I note that I am getting a lot more comfortable using the language. Many of the gringos here never bother to learn anything more than "buenos dias" or "gracias." They really don't have to since this is a place with a huge expat community and most of the folks in the service industry can speak passable English. I love seeing their faces light up when we respond to them in Spanish they can actually understand. But let's ... read more

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 19th 2019

Today is Good Friday and that day is a big deal in Mexico. We decided we would avoid the crowds and possible drunk drivers by staying off the roads today. Instead, we took a nice walk UP the hill from our house. We had to sneak away from the dogs and we were successful in doing that. So, Lake Chapala is about 5200 feet elevation, on a tropical latitude. It is not very humid at all which accounts for the title they claim of the "Second Best Climate on Earth." The lake moderates the temperatures. EVERYTHING grows here. We started walking up the hill and it was not long before we were sucking wind, literally. It was difficult for our corpulent little bodies to get enough oxygen. But on we pressed, until we came to a ... read more
The intrepid hiker, lost in the roots of a giant tree.
The view from the road.
Catching my breath under a shade tree.

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 18th 2019

April 15, 2019 We have this feeding routine down to a science. First, the hummingbirds have to get their daily fix, two feeders full of 4 to 1 sugar water, 2 bottles. Then, the pups remind us vociferously that it is time for their chow. In the morning, it is all dry and the predicted response is – meh. In the evening, they get canned food mixed in and I have yet to see a speck go to waste. So, today, we are meeting the folks that we are replacing for our second house sit. Actually, while writing this, we have already met. What delightful people. I will post a link to their blog if I can get some Internet later tonight maybe.(https://reidsontheroad2018.wordpress.com/ ) It is not cooperating with us today and I am writing this ... read more
The Photog Never Gets in the Pic
Inside Viva Mexico
Group of Ladies Planning a Function

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 18th 2019

With this blog, I don't seem to have much control over picture and text placement, either that or I just haven't figured it out yet. Anyway, this is a collection of miscellaneous photos of the pups we are watching right now, some of the foliage around the house, me cleaning the patio table where we eat most of our meals, and some random shots of the Lake Chapala Society grounds and the cafe menu.... read more
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North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 18th 2019

This is Semana Santa in Mexico (and probably a bunch of other places, as well), and we hear it gets pretty crazy in town during this time. The folks from Guadalajara are all off and one of their favorite places to vacation is Lake Chapala. I don't believe I have previously mentioned that Lake Chapala is the largest lake in all of Mexico. I have even heard stories that they shut off the water in Guadalajara during this time to clean the water transport system since everyone is gone. Anyone who stays knows to fill their tinaco (roof storage) and aljibe (underground storage) and maybe even their bathtubs. The Tapatios (people from Guadalajara - and you thought it was just a hot sauce!) overrun this area, so we plan on spending the next few days at ... read more
What you see upon entry.
Verduras - Produce Dept
Slicing Sandias (Watermelons)

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 15th 2019

April 11, 2019 We took off from Las Vegas and landed in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Our first homeowner (We are house/pet sitting) was waiting for us in the reception area at the airport. Customs and immigration was super easy and our luggage was waiting for us. I have to say, the overall flight experience was easy and efficient. We met (Let's call her Susie) Susie and drove straight from GDL to her house near Lake Chapala, JAL, Mexico, a pretty simple route and we had a nice conversation the half hour or so that it took us. We arrived at the house and were met by four very exuberant pups, all happy to see Susie and very interested in us. The home is a very nice two BR, two and a half BA at the top ... read more
Jerry Brown
Lori Here!
The Meet Up

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic April 15th 2019

We are house/pet sitting in (or near) Lake Chapala, JAL, Mexico. So the cleaning gal is coming this morning so I jump out of bed and into the shower. So far, so good. Reach for the towel and, hmmmmmm, what is that burning sensation on the left side of my belly? I was at least bright enough to move the towel away and give it a good shake. Although I did not see it at the time, when I told Rose about it she looks on the counter top by the sink and there is the largest scorpion we have seen so far. We immediately sent him to scorpion heaven (or preferably hell). You are probably aware that scorpion stings are not pleasant but I am here to tell you, these little bastards HURT. Not only ... read more
Getting Her hair Done
Table Vendor
Catching Dinner

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic September 25th 2017

My husband suffers from anxiety and PTSD. He learned about a natural substance called Ayahuasca which is found in the Amazonian rainforest. When mixed with DMT as a tea of sorts it produces hallucinations which has been proven to help with anxiety, stress and addictions. I was intrigued by this concoction and decided to join my husband in a series of experiences. And instead of traveling to South America we experienced Ayahuasca in our own space at home. The first night we drank an introductory dose. The "tea" is a thick dark brown liquid with a bitter taste reminding me of middle eastern cuisine. Our guides suggested we take the first dose alone for the purpose of total immersion without distraction. The liquid's odor made it difficult to drink without gagging but I managed to get ... read more

North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic December 3rd 2014

===English version below===We halen de Touareg uit de garage en trekken er op uit. Er is veel te zien om en rond Chapala. Het meer van Chapala om te beginnen. We lopen mee in de processie van San Nicolas met Javier, de stalmanager. Wij zijn wellicht de enige heidenen in het dorp. De grootstad Guadalajara voelt aan als een dorp, een héél groot dorp weliswaar. Johan zijn dochter heeft hier een restaurant, een lekkere biefstuk slaan we niet af. Tlaquepaque, een koloniale stad die deel uitmaakt van Guadalajara, laat een diepe indruk na. En bij een tocht rondom het meer ontdekken we hoger gelegen bosrijke gebieden met naaldbomen. Leuk voor een daguitstap maar het is daar wat frisjes. Hier gaan we geen huisoppas doen. Het folkloristisch ballet van Mexico is onbeschrijflijk mooi. Heel professioneel maar wel ... read more
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North America » Mexico » Jalisco » Ajijic November 23rd 2014

===English version below===Chapala is niet toevallig de favoriete (overwinterings)plaats van de Amerikanen. Dankzij het enorme meer is het klimaat er vrijwel het ganse jaar perfect, er zijn vele voorzieningen op maat van de expats en voldoende goede restaurants om niet snel in herhaling te moeten vallen. Wij hebben het geluk dat we er meer dan 7 weken op een Rancho mogen passen. We hoeven er enkel voor te zorgen dat de stalmanager, de tuinier en de kuisvrouw tijdig betaald worden en dat we tijdens het weekend in de namiddag de 8 paarden naar de stal brengen. In ruil krijgen we een luxe villa ter beschikking met cinemazaal, jacuzzi, VW Touareg, etc. Daarbovenop hebben we het geluk dat we Johan leren kennen. Deze leuke Nederlander zijn paard Meinke staat gestald op de rancho en hij zoekt iemand ... read more
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