Lake Chapala Society

It was cool in the morning. Cool enough for me to put on a long sleeved cotton shirt over my tank top. Later in the afternoon I had to discard the shirt as it got hot. By mid afternoon it must have been eighty degrees in the sunshine. I wore my three quarter length pants because I was riding my bike in the morning to the Lake Chapala Society, referred to as LCS by the locals. It is in the heart of Ajijic, close to the lake. I moved to my casita because it is only a few blocks from the LCS which is the social center for the expatriate community. I joined and now I have a card so I can use their library, video library and attend their functions. The yearly fee is a little less than fifty dollars. Not bad for all the perks it offers. They are even going to have a Thanksgiving dinner on the grounds. I am looking forward to it.

There is an outdoor coffee shop on the grounds and a large garden. The fifty year old garden has two koi ponds and many places to sit and relax.

There are exercise classes in the garden, yoga, dancing, always something happening. But I like to just sit by one of the koi ponds, watch the butterflies, listen to the birds and the church bells. The church and the central plaza are only a few blocks away.

I have been in town a little over a month and I am beginning to recognize some of the faces. Many people come here every day to meet friends, take classes, get books or videos or just check out the bulletin board. LCS is the social hub for the foreign community.

I brought down art supplies, thinking I would paint or draw. So far I have done neither. But I am preparing to settle in for some serious art work. I have been preparing for fifteen years. One of these days I will get out those paints. For now, I just like to sit among the flowers and trees. Life is good. Lucky for me, no one is around to criticize me when I change my plans and decide to do nothing. One of the advantages of living alone.

The bike ride from my casita to LCS along the narrow cobblestone street is a bit bumpy. Those cobblestones can be hard on the body. Maybe that is why so many of the expatriates bring their cars down. I would rather not have one. I like walking and biking. It forces me to exercise. I have a lazy streak. I could just bask in the sunshine for hours like a giant sunflower. My desires are simple. I like the slow life here. But that is my choice.

I have met people who are on the go all the time. I have noticed that many of the expatriates here are older than I am which is a nice change for me. I am used to looking around a room and having the realization that I am the oldest one there. I think I could be happy growing old here. I don’t consider myself old yet. Age is in the eyes of the beholder. Right? This community is filled with active, vital, retirees. I admire them for their courage to step out of the mold and come to Mexico. I think I can learn a lot from them. If I can bring myself to go out and become a joiner…….But this sunshine feels so good. I don’t want to leave this beautiful garden.

Lake Chapala Society