Friends

The hardest part of moving is leaving behind the comfort of good friends.  It takes awhile to not only meet people in a new place, but to re-establish that comfort level.   I've been fortunate to meet a very nice group of ladies at water aerobics, and today I had 6 of them over for lunch.

Back - Joy, Cristina, Amal, Me

Front - Judie, Gabrielle, Erika

Excursions with Paul's

Everyone else left on New Year's Day, but Heather, Trevor and Ryan stayed on with us for 4 more days.  We took full advantage of the opportunity to explore some areas nearby.

Tonala and Tlaquepaque

On the first day we visited suburbs of Guadalajara called Tonala and Tlaquepaque (try saying that one correctly the first time).  The weather had turned cool and rainy which is unusual for this time of year, but we had a good time anyway.  Mariachi music originated in this part of Mexico and we enjoyed a performance while eating lunch.

When the musicians asked for a request at our table, Heather requested a song for Trevor.  When she went to give them a donation, they required $15 - for just 1 song.  That was an expensive Mexican Hat Dance!

Chapala

About 45 minutes to the east of us is the town of Chapala on Lake Chapala.  Trevor had been wanting to visit a hardware store so that was our first stop.  Then we spent the day wandering along the lake front and through the town.  

 

Opal Mining

When Heather & Trevor were on their honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta they learned about Mexican opals.  Trevor had told Brian he really wanted to find some, if possible so Brian made the arrangements.  We drove  for about 2 hours and in the highlands northwest of Guadalajara we found fields of the blue agave plant that is used to make tequila.  The red organic soil is well suited for this plant and 300 million plants are harvested each year.  Just beyond the town of Tequila we met the mine owner who must have been disappointed we didn't buy anything in his shop, but we were hopeful prospectors.  

Trevor's smile reflects his success!

Brian hasn't forgotten the skills of his early career as a hard rock geologist.  

 But his hands have gone soft!  (Notice the blister in all that red dirt)

Meet the real miner

  

Brian, Trevor and Heather are holding bags of their day's treasures.  My treasures are found in the camera.  

Guadalajara

We spent our final day together in downtown Guadalajara, second largest city in Mexico.  From there we took them to the airport for their flight home.  

 

Now that's a Christmas tree - made from pots of fresh poinsettias.

AJIJIC - aahh-hee-heek

Our home is located on a hillside overlooking Lake Chapala, between two small towns named Ajijic and Jocotepec.  The village between us and the lake is San Juan Cosalá.  Many expats call Ajijic home, especially during the winter months, so it caters to that population with some trendy boutiques yet distinctive Mexican flair and bright colours.  We visited the town a couple of times.

The Lake Chapala Society is the local 'Gringo' organization that offers a variety of classes and interest & support groups.  Their grounds are a quiet respite in the village.

 

An important aspect of any visit to a different culture is to sample the local foods.  Some of our group wanted to try typical snacks.  

 

To walk along the malecon on the lake front is a pretty view and relaxing experience, especially at sunset.  

Ryan got totally relaxed, but then being a tourist is hard on the nap schedule.