La Loma Neighborhood in Jocotopec

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La Loma is a three hundred year old Mexican neighborhood on the outskirts of Jocotopec. The woman who took me there said that her family lives in many of the houses. They have been in this neighborhood for several generations. She said that three hundred years ago, the bandits hid out in the hills there. They had the road blocked off so the police couldn't go into it. But now it is very safe.

Barber Miguel Diaz in the Bugambilia Plaza

Miguel Diez has had this barber shop for a year in the Bugambilia Plaza. He lived in the United States for a long time and speaks very good English. He can do old school styles and more. His days open are Monday through Saturday nine am to five pm. Haircut is only 50 pesos. You can drop in or call him at 333 406 6749.

My last Weds Market Photos before going to the States

A New Restaurant East of Chapala, Gran Salon

Tammy and I visited Tom Sumner's new restaurant east of Chapala. It opened July 22nd. The days and hours are: Monday through Friday 1 pm to 8pm.  They have a different special every day. On Thursdays there is karaoke. It is really a nice place. When you drive on the road towards Mezcala, it is not far out of Chapala, on the lake side, just before San Nicolas. You can't miss it. There is a huge sign in front.

Cesar is pointing to the sign.

Morning Thoughts--Friends

Yesterday was a very strange day for me. It was more like a dream than an actual experience. This is because I ran into just about everyone I know yesterday. I went to take photos of the Catrina Dolls on the malecon in Chapala with Loretta and Tammy. Then Loretta and I stopped at Wal Mart. This is something I rarely do but I must have been fated to go yesterday because I ran into these friends.

Carolina is on the left in front of me. Loretta is across from me and Stacey is on the right in front. Then another friend showed up at the next table. And I saw the man I write for on Accesslakechapala.com and his wife inside Wal Mart. To top this all off, I ran into an ex boy friend walking down the street to my house. Now how much like a dream can that be? I spend most of my time alone. I have always been a loner. Seeing eight people whom I know fairly well in one day is rare.

It was an exciting week end. I was feeling badly because I had forgotten about this being the biggest holiday in Mexico and I had booked my flight before the Day of the Dead. I leave for Portland on Thursday, October 31st. The big Day of the Dead celebrations are on November 1st and 2nd.

 But I didn't miss the Zombie dance on Saturday and the pumpkin carving contest and the life sized Catrina Dolls on the malecons. I have hundreds of photos to sort through and post. Sometimes during these next few days of obsessing about my packing, I hope to get them on the blog.

The plaza was packed on Saturday and I ran into a lot of people I know there too. But mostly acquaintances.  Another blogger took a photo of me taking photos and he sent it to me. For someone who was supposed to be having fun, I sure looked serious. Of course, I am serious about taking photos.

My thought when I saw the photo was, Maybe I should lighten up.   I have already started worrying about what to pack on my trip to Portland. I am even having nightmares about losing my computer on the trip or missing the plane.  Maybe I saw all these friendly people yesterday to remind me to stop and smell the roses.... Life doesn't have to be so serious all the time.

Am I having fun yet?

 I remember something I said to my mother when I was a little girl. I was worrying about growing too fast and not having clothes that fit so I could go out and buy more clothes. She just laughed and said, "You don't grow that fast. Stop worrying."

And in the eighth grade I worried so much about my homework that my dad would say to me, "If you don't stop worrying, I won't LET you go to college."  Sometimes it is hard to be me...... Mexico is good for people like me with it's Manana attitude.  Manana, meaning tomorrow, or maybe next week or next year or maybe never.....

The Church at San Juan Tocomatlan

A visit to San Juan Tocomatlan

 

 

This town is also east of Chapala. It is very small but beautiful, like something out of a movie. We arrived on the day of a celebration so there were balloons and streamers all over town.