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.