Mom & Eldon's Visit

I arrived home from our trip to Chiapas on a Monday afternoon and Mom and Eldon arrived Tuesday evening for 2 weeks.  They spent many days just relaxing on the terrace and soaking up the warm weather, but in order to maximize their appreciation, they frequently checked the weather report back home.  I printed off some articles from the Calgary Herald so Eldon could keep up with some of the news highlights, while Mom read or knit. Eldon has never eaten outside so much in his life - breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I think he might have come close to enjoying it in this pleasant weather without any bugs and a nice view.

Our first outing was to the town of Ajijic to the east, where the spring flowers are in full bloom.

 

Posing beside my favourite tropical flower - bird of paradise.  

A couple of days later we visited the town of Jocotepec to the west.  There was a wedding party being gathered for photos outside the main church on the plaza and it is local custom for them to be serenaded by mariachi musicians.  

 

 

I had to take our car into Guadalajara for its first servicing so Mom & I spent the day sightseeing in the historic centre.  Eldon chose to relax at home.  

Many cities have monuments to prominent historical or political figures.  I like this plaza in Guadalajara that has numerous statues honouring artists, musicians, teachers and humanitarians.  I don't know any of them, but like the idea of their accomplishments being publicly recognized.

Minerva statue roundabout with agave growing in front.  This is the plant that tequila comes from, but it's also decorative.  

Lunch on the plaza.

A visit to the temple (although we didn't attend a session).

Wednesday is market day in Ajijic so we strolled through the stalls.  Mom bought a few souvenirs, I picked up a few items, and Eldon carried our bags.  

 

On the way home we passed the man who is frequently seen prodding his loaded donkeys along the bicycle path.  

Thursday I was in charge of the Relief Society anniversary event.  We spent the morning preparing sandwiches and punch.  Then we went to the church to finish decorating and Mom agreed to be our pianist.  

Initially I said that they spent a lot of time relaxing, but as I'm writing this I realize that I kept them quite busy with activities almost every day.  Friday we visited Tlaquepaque, a suburb of Guadalajara, known for its traditional crafts and famous as the birthplace of mariachi music.  

What's with the attraction to interesting doors all over the world?

Brian came home Friday night so was able to enjoy the rest of their visit.  Saturday morning we headed further east to the bigger town of Chapala, and strolled along the malacon (boardwalk).

Saturday we drove south through the mountains to a German village named Mazamitla.  Along the way we stopped along the lake to see the pelicans that hadn't returned north and witnessed cattle being led down for a drink.  

A while ago a friend of Mom's had visited the ruins at Guachimontones (a local word meaning 'mounds') and shown her the photos.  When Mom realized they were not far from Guadalajara, she had asked us about seeing them.  The site is not as impressive as other pyramids in height, but they are fascinating  in their own design.  Circular step pyramids form the centre of twelve raised platforms that surround them.

Before returning home Mom did a bit of souvenir shopping, and we stopped for photos of more pelicans.  We made it back in time for a sunset dinner overlooking Lake Chapala.  

This should have been our last evening together, but Eldon decided to have another look at the view.  Unfortunately after take-off he passed out and the plane flew them back to Guadalajara.  After a few days, and numerous tests in the hospital, they spent another couple of days with us before flying home business class with an accompanying doctor.  Now that's going home in style!

Mom & Eldon hadn't been to our home in 9 years.  We were thrilled to have them come and enjoyed our time together.  We are anxious for their return.