San Antonio Tlayacapan

San Antonio is a small town about 10 minutes west of Chapala.  For those of you who want to experience the Mexican way of life, this would be a good place to live.  And you would still be close to your Gringo friends in Ajijic.  You would also be within walking distance of Walmart.

This is one of the main streets in San Antonio.  It leads to the Malecon at Lake Chapala.

The Malecon.  The mountains show that we are in the dry season.

This is a night club in San Antonio.  We meet friends here for dinner and dancing.

And of course the Church.

All towns and cities have Plazas.  This is one of the smallest you will see.  It still is charming.

If you lived in San Antonio, this is where you would buy your trees, plants and ground cover.

Most Gringos have P.O. boxes.  Ours is located in San Antonio. 

This small grocery store is where we go to buy American stuff that the Mexican grocery stores don't carry.

I am sharing a couple of Christmas pictures taken while I was in San Diego.  Me, Debbi and my father- in- law Chuck.

My grandson Cole.  What do you think his favorite present is?

Chapala

There are many communities in the Lakeside area.  Chapala has a population of 50,000 and is 30 miles Southeast of Guadalajara.  This is a vibrant town with lots of things to do.  The Gringo population is very sparse here.  So if you want to be part of the Mexican culture, this is the place you would want to live.

Mexican towns and cities have Plazas where people meet to socialize.  Bands play here on special occasions.

The fruit and vegetable market is right next to the Plaza.

Fresh flowers every day.

The white cross at the top of the hill is a shrine.  Most hills in the Lakeside area have them.  They are places to honor the passing of loved ones.      

The Chapala Police cruise the main street. 

The Spanish influenced architecture makes for Chapalas' beautiful Catholic church.

The Chapala Malecon with the pier in the background.

The Malecon is peaceful in the morning, but nightime brings out hundreds of people.

There are many nice restaurants on the Malecon.  These are a few of them.

Patron Saints

In Mexico, patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life.  These areas of life can include occupations, illnesses, churches, countries, causes-- anything that is important to us.  A patron saint can help us when we follow the example of that saints life.  San Nicolas celebrates its patron saint, San Nicolascito de Barri, the week of November 28th to December 6th.  There are bands at the Plaza every night for the 7 day event.  The fireworks go off  periodically from 6:00 a.m. to midnight!

Special decorations for the patron saint of San Nicolas.

Waiting for the patron saint parade to begin. 

Staging for the beginning of the parade.

This is San Nicolascito de Barri leading the procession.

There were about 15 Gringos who walked in the parade. 

The band loves to play their music very loud.

The Plaza is filled with vendors selling food and beverages.

The Plaza had rides for the kids also. 

There are 20 band members here with lots of brass and percussion.

Our little friend Joanna and her brother enjoying the festivities at the Plaza.

Our Dog Family

We arrived in Mexico with one dog.  We found Peso in a Yuma, Arizona Animal Shelter.  He is the best dog we have ever had.  Several months after we arrived, we rescued a dog from the streets.  We named him Diablo because he got into mischief all the time.  Most recently we rescued another dog from the streets who has a neurological problem.  Her name is Maya and she was days away from dying when we rescued her.  We have two other dogs who belong to the neighbors, but they spend most of their time in our yard with our dogs.  Their names are Blondie and Sparky. 

This is Maya the day we took her off the street.  She could barely stand.  We didn't think she would survive the night.

Three months later she is making a strong recovery.  She still has neurological problems.  But, we think she's going to lead a long life.  She is our special needs doggie.

This is Diablo.  He loves to sit in my easy chair.  He is 2 years old.  We rescued him from the streets of San Nicolas.

Blondie is a neighbors dog, but he spends a lot of time at our house.

Sparky is another neighbors dog.  He loves to tag along on our morning walks.

Peso is 8 years old, but he still keeps up with the younger dogs.

Our morning walk.  Maya in front, Diablo and Sparky, then Peso and Blondie bringing up the rear.

My next door neighbors keep Sparky tied up.  But, I release him every day so he can walk and hike with us.

All the dogs get along fine.  There has never been a problem.

Horses

One of my friends told me that he thought there were more horses than people in Mexico.  I hadn't thought about that.  But, it seems half the pictures I take are of horses.  So all you horse people should enjoy this blog.

Daniella, a young lady from the village and Debbi going on a trail ride.

These horses roam around for food.  You see a lot of them in the country.

These Charros are really proud of their horses.

Debbi with Diego at Lake Chapala.

The barn to the right of the house is adequate, but not as big as its counterpart in the U. S.

Some more of the free grazers.  There's a baby on the right.

The Thursday morning ladies ride. 

Debbi was asked to ride in the 2011 Independence Day Parade.

She got to ride with the Queen  Daniella.

Another Thursday ladies  ride.

Dia de Los Muertos

The Day of the Dead holiday in Mexico focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember the family and friends who have died.  November 1st honors children and infants.  November 2nd honors adults.  The celebrations are joyous and festive.  The mood is upbeat and you'll see very few tears.

This is downtown Chapala.  Notice all the Marigolds.  These are the official flowers of Day of the Dead.

Yours truly getting ready to have some fun with the local kids.  In a couple of hours these streets will be packed.

Every year, this street in Chapala is used for constructing altars to honor the dead.

More brightly colored altars

Skeletons are a big deal for this holiday.  They are considered to be good, not spooky.

Her family feels strongly that they will see her again.  I hope they do.

Our friends Joe and Sharon enjoyed the festivities.

The Chapala Panteon.  People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed.  They build private altars containing the departed's favorite food and beverage.

The intent is to encourage visits by the souls so the souls will hear prayers that are directed to them.

My first altar.  Grandma and Grandpa Robinson upper left.  Mom and Dad in the middle.  Below them, my niece Kelly. ( I'm getting a larger picture of her for next year.)  And my Grandma and Grandpa Gwin on the right.