Ajijic

Sundays on the Ajijic Plaza are always fun. Many times there are various art and craft shows and events on the plaza. It is a great place to meet up with friends. There is always music, entertainment and lots of fun to be had. Canadian Couple Enjoying Ice Cream on the Ajijic Plaza The Ajijic Society of Arts and Crafts had a show this past Sunday. I love to see all the beautiful things and paintings...

September 16th, Mexican Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays of the year here. The festivities started a few days before the 16th.  There was so much going on that it was impossible to see it all. Little Girl with Confetti in Her Hair There were festivities at the plaza, parades, and celebrations in the local restaurants, horse events, the shawl parade, private parties and many more...

The hot air balloon race is always held on the Saturday before Independence Day, which is September 16th.   It is held at the soccer field on Calle Revolucion. It is half a block down from El Torito grocery store and the movie theater in Ajijic. This event is the beginning of the Fiesta Season that lasts until after Easter. Life is very exciting at the Lakeside area during this time of the year....

The open markets are called Tianguis in Spanish. They are not to be missed. The best word I can think of to describe the market is ABUNDANCE.  There is an abundance of everything, including people. The Chapala market is not hard to find. It is at the top of the main street in Chapala, across the street from the Pemex gas station. Entrance to the Market You can easily catch a bus, either the large...

Mexico has more than it’s share of unwanted dogs and cats. Fortunately for the animals in the lakeside area, there are many hard working and devoted people associated with the Animal Shelter, doing their best to help alleviate this problem. Cat Shelter and Store Many towns in Mexico have mangy and starving animals wandering the streets. Because of the tireless work of the animal loving people...

The Chili Cook-off is the largest fund raising event of the year in Lake Chapala. It was started 33 years ago with just six participants, a banjo and a barbeque grill. It has grown since then. Now the expected paid attendance is 7,000 people with more than 100 vendors, scores of entertainers, and 30 cooks competing for awards. This year was the largest parade in cook-off history, and over 250 volunteers...

Mirasol (in Riberas del Pilar) is on the lakeside of the Carretera between Chapala (also San Antonio Tlayacapan)  and Ajijic.  Chula Vista is a little west of Mirasol and on the mountainside of the Carretera. Mirasol is a conglomeration of a pristine planned community and older homes next to empty lots. Mirasol Entrance I had never ventured to this part of the lakeside area before now. Every area...

I last wrote on January 7th.  Since then I have done many different things. I probably have a hundred photos to sort through. It is always difficult for me to choose my favorite photos because there are so many interesting people and places here.  This is a photographer’s paradise. Some of my favorite photos are taken at the Ajijic Wednesday market. Friends at the ajijic market Before I started...

D. H. Lawrence wrote a book titled Mornings In Mexico. It was first published by Martin Sacker & Warburg Ltd 1927 David Herbert Richards Lawrence. Born Sept 11, 1885. Died March 2, 1930. He lived in Australia, Italy, Ceylon, U.S.A., Mexico and the South of France. In the mid 1920s he lived in the Lake Chapala area. The home he lived in is now a Bed and Breakfast. The Quinta Quetzalcoatl Inn is...

I am an older, single woman. I am not telling you my age but I am getting social security. I have been living at the lakeside area for several years now. I love it here. Sometimes friends write to me and ask what I do here all day. It is hard for people to imagine life in Mexico. There are lots of fears floating around in the world about the dangers of Mexico. I want to share what it is like for me to be...