The Best of Worlds!

Happy New Year & Feliz Año Nuevo!

I was supposed to go to Guadalajara today with another Buddhist friend to join the New Year celebration at our center.  So even though it was a challenge for me, I was up early and out waiting for the bus at 7:45, so I could catch the bus that would get me to Chapala.  I waited, waited and then waited some more, knowing I had an hour's ride to Guadalajara.  I needed to be there no later than 10:30.

Well, it didn't happen.  Needless to say, I was bummed, wondering why my day was already messed up.  My friend G called and let me know she found out that since there were no customers for the 8:45 bus, there was no bus going to Guadalajara! At least I was saved from going into Chapala only to return home disappointed.

It would have been easy for me to fall into thinking, "This sucks" and having a bad day.  Instead, G and I met up and walked to the malecón in Ajijic and spent the day together eating, talking and most of all, laughing.  Another reminder of an important life lesson:  we choose how we see the events that happen in our lives.

If it's Wednesday - It's Tianguis Time

Strolling

Fresh, Fresh, Fresh

The Ajijic market is held every Wednesday and it's fun to stroll through and see what's there - everything from great "street food" to parts to fix your blender, shoes and clothing and lots and lots of remote controls for sale!

Fresh produce is a highlight of the market.  There's a lot that's grown locally. This is Rafael's stand and if you only need 3 scallions or 5 mushrooms, no problem.

Chapala holds their market on Monday and it's about 20 times bigger than the Ajijic market.  There's also an organic market held Tuesdays.  It may not be Alice's Restaurant, but you definitely can get just about anything you want!

Spinning Down

A few weeks ago, I spoke to an American who's been living in Mexico for a couple of years.  I told her I was still coming to grips with not having to be anywhere or do anything.  Her response was "Yes, it takes time to spin down."  I looked at her with the obvious question - what is "spin down?"

Language, Language, Language

I'm struggling to recall the Spanish I learned in high school, all those many moons ago.  The people in my small town smile graciously when I murder the language.😀😀

Hello All

This is a new start for me as a blogger.  I wanted to set up a blog about traveling and tell about the places I've visited and the wonderful people I've met over the years.  I'm currently living in the Lake Chapala region of Mexico.  It's about 25 miles south of Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico.

This blog will be a collection of some of my stories and adventures.  I'm also a Nichiren Buddhist and have been practicing this wonderful philosophy these last four years.  I wake up every day determined to find the joy in this wonderful small speck of dust we call Earth and my practice makes that possible.