Though a trip to Mexico wasn't on our plan months ago, that all changed when Paul's sister, MarLyn, moved to the village of Ajijic in August. Since the closest flights are out of LAX, we had a chance to get down to see her before we go east. We are both so glad we did!
Our flights started at the Santa Rosa Airport at 6pm Tuesday evening, just a 10 min drive from Charlie's. Then a long layover in LAX for our 2AM flight to Guadalajara. Arriving at 6:30 AM (4:30 to us) MarLyn and Randy met us at the airport and the 40 minute drive to their new life on Lake Chapala.
Before getting to the house we stopped at Casa de Waffles for breakfast outside on the patio. Paul's favorite: chocolate chip pancakes.
Then we took a look at their new location, a large guest house on a beautiful private property.
The main house looks out at the lake with the gardens separating it from the guest house.
This is the open air yoga room where the owner teaches classes, but we never were there when classes were held.
Looking back at the door to MarLyn's master bedroom.
View from our room
Water spraying into the large water pond filled with water lilies and papyrus.
After getting the tour of her new house we went to the weekly market just a short distance. The market had everything!!! Veggies, fresh fish, chickens, candy, clothing, jewelry, pottery...and on and on. It's held each Wednesday off a small plaza. We picked up some fruits and vegetables for the week and enjoyed trying out our Spanish. Weak though it is, it's always fun to give it a try.
Thursday Randy drove us into Guadalajara for the big Tonala Market held each Thursday and Friday. It was enormous and so much fun to see streets filled with small vendors and goods.
Even someone selling birds as he walked through the crowd.
Locals were eating at a variety of food centers. Knowing I wasn't ready for street food we found a darling small cafe for lunch. Fantastic, just to sit and take it all in.
Right next door to our cafe was a shop selling embroidered and hand painted cotton clothing. I could't resist this gorgeous 2 piece dress and scarf. The top is strapless and laces up the back, the skirt rises high and continues the flower pattern to the border of the skirt. I LOVED it, price was great, and she told me she could alter it and have it ready in an hour. It fit perfectly an hour later and I was thrilled.
Our long day in Guadalajara was fun but it felt good to be back in the little colonial town again. We walked along the developed lake front that evening. Dark clouds and the lush green mountains made a striking view. Lake Chapala is at 5000 ft so the temp is mile year round.
Paul took some photos of other tourists, here on a business conference from all over the world.
As is typical in the area, the house is surrounded by a metal fence so it's always a surprise when the gate is opened. MarLyn's house fronts the street and her bedroom and guest room we were using look out onto that fantastic yard. It was amazing! All that for $800 a month rent, which also includes a full time gardener. They are busy taking Spanish classes and getting acquainted with the area and both are so very happy with their decision to close up their house near Sonora and try a new life in Mexico. Ajijic has a very large ex-pat population and they've already met so many people, many from Texas and others from Canada.
On Saturday we spent the afternoon at nearby hots springs and had a blast!!! We used the 5 soaking tubs one of which was filled with bougainvillea blossoms, while another was a mud bath. So much fun to relax and do something so totally different.
Friday evening we had a fabulous dinner at Number Four4 Restaurant. Beautiful setting with a live band playing a little jazz, a little latin and of course so rock and roll.
A very fun evening together.
This photo shows our guest room on the right side . We had a beautiful view of the gardens and our bed had that pretty mosquito netting hanging from the ceiling so I felt like we were in a movie. I did get bites because I have a hard time staying inside especially about sunset when the biters come out.
The village of Ajijic is darling! Bright colored shops and cobblestone streets.
Not so easy to walk on.
Horses coming down the narrow street Saturday afternoon.
Colorful murals tell the history of the town and area are painted on the walls.
Like so many Mexican towns, there is a central plaza with shops and cafes where everyone comes to sit, eat and people watch. We were having a late lunch one afternoon when this darling child came along selling little candies. Couldn't resist the photo of her and MarLyn.
Paul waiting for dinner to arrive
Sunday morning I wanted to attend Mass in Spanish and went to the service at noon. Such a beautiful church!
Then coffee time on the plaza.
Sunday afternoon lunch was along the lake. There are about 8-10 restaurants in this stretch of the road south of the village. As you drive along the waiters are all out on the street waving napkins to get you to stop and eat at their establishment.
Not sure how we chose this one, but we had great food. Paul's was a surprise for him. Thinking he'd ordered a beef hamburger he was pleasantly surprised when a shrimp sandwich on a hamburger bun was served. He said it was delicious!
The iguana decor at the restaurant
View to where we were seated. Such a lovely peaceful afternoon, we were leaving just as the band was getting set up. Next time.
Paul and I did lots of walking to and from town just to see the beautiful architecture and variety of buildings. One thing we also noticed were the decorative sidewalks. This one was my favorite.
We were on the road to the airport Monday morning at 5AM. Randy & MarLyn drove us back so we could catch our 8AM flight, but as luck would have it, our flight was delayed due to fog in LA. That began a day long change of flights and plans. It did give me extra time to do some shopping at the airport and try out this fun chair.
But even though we had to take the airporter from SFO we still arrived back at Santa Rosa at a decent hour and Charlie picked us up on his way home from work. Can't wait to go back, it's a wonderful part of central Mexico.
Diane and I walked into Park City mid morning then the guys picked us up and we spent the afternoon at Sundance Resort. We had a late lunch at the warm and cozy Owl Bar then took the chair lift up the mountain for a fun 45 min ride up and back.
