Category Archives: Uncategorized

Nov9

Reunion in Toronto

Posted on November 9, 2015 by iamkaren23

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On my way to my daughter’s wedding in Punta Cana last month, my travels found me in Toronto. It’s been decades since I’ve been there. As a teenager I always loved this city and even at one point had aspirations of moving there, until a boyfriend and marriage intervened.

My friend Deb lives in Toronto and we hadn’t seen each other in almost ten years. Deb was my supervisor for a few months when we worked together at Hope Centre in Winnipeg. She left and pursued another career in a different city. We emailed and sent messages on Facebook, but it was great to finally get together again.

Deb and her boyfriend live in a charming apartment in Long Branch. They are only three blocks away from the lake in a a quaint neighborhood. We went for a walk and I realized just how much I miss autumn in Canada. The leaves were turning brilliant colors while others already fallen and crunched beneath our feet. That night we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner at The Keg Mansion. An additional treat was watching the Blue Jays win their game.

Deb and I sat up into the wee hours of the night, sipping wine and talking. Our lives had both changed so much since we worked together in Winnipeg. We had both pursued new careers. Deb had broken off an engagement and my marriage had come to an end. She had settled down in Toronto and I had moved to Mexico. We talked about our kids and how they had grown up, become independent and were now leading lives of their own. And of course we talked about the many adventures we’d had throughout the years.

The next day we went to a delightful Greek restaurant for lunch. We did a little shopping and then it was time for me to move to the hotel to be with my daughter. I was supposed to spend another night with Deb on the way back from the wedding, but Westjet had another idea when the plane had mechanical problems and our flight back to Toronto was delayed by a day. I arrived back in Toronto just in time to get my flight to Puerto Vallarta via Regina.

Deb and I never did around to taking a selfie together, and my purchases from shopping that day are still at her apartment in Toronto. But here are some photos and memories.

Nov6

Halloween Versus Day Of The Dead

Posted on November 6, 2015 by iamkaren23

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Halloween falls on October 31st and Day Of The Dead is close on its heels on November 2nd. While Halloween is celebrated in some areas in Mexico, Day Of The Dead is the more popular of the two.

Halloween began as a pagan ritual, and has evolved into a celebration including costumes and candy treats. It was also believed that Halloween, a day that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, was not only a transition between seasons but also a bridge to the world of the dead.

Day Of The Dead asserts that the souls of the deceased are allowed to leave heaven and reunite with their families on this day. Families gather in cemeteries and adorn their loved ones’ memorials with beautiful wreaths of flowers. This celebration also involves food, drink and music.

Although Day Of The Dead is a government holiday, restaurants and retail proceed as on any other day. I actually went grocery shopping in the morning and had dinner out with a friend on Monday.

When I lived in Guadalajara, this was Day Of The Dead central. In Centro in the Plaza Del Armas there was a huge display of Katrinas. In Tlaquepaque the streets were colorfully decorated and Calle Independencia was lined with altars. El Refugio also had an array of altars and Katrinas.

Here in Mazatlan there was a huge parade in the Centro Historico, and people flocked to Plaza Machado in elaborate costumes. There were also festivities at the Angela Peralta Theater. On Sunday a friend took me to the Municipal Cemetery and I was amazed by the activity there.

Instead of candy, sugar skulls and special bread are the norm.

I was disappointed that I only saw one altar here in Mazatlan. Families build altars in their homes and in the streets to honor their ancestors. Here are some pics from Tlaquepaque.

In Mazatlan I did see a few children in costumes going door to door in the Zona Dorada and they were quite young and looked adorable. Unfortunately we drove by them in a car and I was unable to get any photos. Where I’m from in Canada the streets are filled with young children and teenagers on Halloween but Day of the Dead is not celebrated. But here I have the best of both worlds!

Nov3

So My Baby Got Married…………….

Posted on November 3, 2015 by iamkaren23

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From the moment my daughter was born, I always envisioned my little princess getting married and dreamed of preparing for her wedding. My idea of a fairytale wedding and her idea were miles apart. Although we live in two different countries, thanks to What’s App, Facebook and Google Hangouts, Kimmy sent me photos of her gown and told me all about the many other plans for this celebration. My daughter planned a sensational week in Punta Cana for all of her family and friends. It was extra-special for me as I hadn’t seen her in more than two years and it was the first time our entire family had been together in almost seven years.

Many of us met at the Toronto airport early Wednesday morning, October 21st and flew to Punta Cana together. A few had arrived earlier, some were coming later, but there were forty of us who spent the week together and attended the wedding.

I live in Mazatlan which I call paradise, but I truly enjoyed the festivities in Punta Cana. The Now Larimar is a lovely resort. We had requested a main floor room and we had a delightful little terrace. We spent many happy hours around the pool and at the swim-up bar. The beach was nice although I still feel that Mazatlan is the most beautiful beach in the world.

On Friday Kimmy had organized a group excursion. It was awesome! We saw a school, a typical home, sugar cane plantation, coffee and chocolate processing and cigar making. Our guide showed us cinnamon and vanilla growing as well as several other fruits and interesting vegetation. We enjoyed a buffet lunch and many people in our group went horseback riding. The last stop was at another beach. On Saturday there was a bachelorette party that included dinner at an Italian restaurant and then dancing at a disco. Here is a pic of Kimmy at the dinner.

On Sunday there was a rehearsal dinner at a Japanese restaurant for the family and attendants. And then Monday arrived……………the big day! It was time for the wedding!

At noon I arrived at the bridal room in the spa and joined my daughter, her future mother-in-law and her maids of honor. We sipped champagne while having our hair and make-up done. Then it was time to get dressed and to help Kimmy get into her gown. The photographer arrived and the photo session began. I love this picture of Kimmy and me.

My daughter is gorgeous and she radiated happiness. I was overwhelmed with emotion and it was quite difficult to keep my tears in check. Mother of the bride is an incredible experience, second only to the day I gave birth to my daughter. Wherever have the years gone? And it was soon time to head for the beach for the ceremony.

The sky was slightly overcast and there was a light breeze. My son escorted me down the aisle, which on the beach was sand.

And soon my daughter made her grand entrance. This shot shows the lovely train on her gown as well as the guests standing amidst the colorfully decorated chairs.

One of Kimmy’s friends from Canada performed the ceremony. Another friend did a reading. Rings were exchanged and vows were made. And once again I struggled to control my tears.

Kimmy and Tarrant, I wish you all the best for years filled with happiness and good health. Los quiero y que Dios los bendiga!

Oct16

My Last Post For A While

Posted on October 16, 2015 by iamkaren23

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My daughter is getting married this month and I start my travels tomorrow night. When she got engaged and mentioned destination wedding, I was hoping it would be in Mexico where I live. But she has her heart set on Punta Cana in The Dominican Republic, so that is where I am heading. Tomorrow night I take an overnight bus to Puerto Vallarta. Saturday night I have booked a hotel room in Puerto Vallarta. Late Sunday afternoon I fly to Calgary. After a four hour layover I board a flight to Toronto. With the many time changes I arrive in Toronto at 6:45 am on Monday. I am looking forward to spending Monday with a friend and Tuesday with a cousin. Then early Wednesday morning I join the group and we all fly to Punta Cana together.

Then I can relax. Seeing as I live in Mazatlan which boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (pictured below), the beach in Punta Cana does not have the same lure as it does for the other guests from Canada attending the wedding. But I do intend to unwind for a week.

My daughter has requested that we all abstain from using the internet for the week that we are there. However I doubt that this is really possible. We have all become far too reliant on the internet. I check the weather and news daily and chat with friends on What’s App and Messenger. I submit contributions to writing groups. And of course I have my blog posts. I also practice my Spanish on Duolingo daily.

I have developed a strategy that I feel is a fair compromise. I will limit my time on Facebook and ignore Candy Crush. I will not submit any contributions to writing groups or write any blog posts. I seldom check email as to me it’s snail mail. But for my friends on What’s App and Messenger, I will be there both in English and in Spanish. And I will use Duolingo.

I vaguely recall vacations before internet. In many ways they were more relaxing because I could distance myself from the stresses back home. But I live in Mazatlan now and it’s paradise. And I don’t feel the need or have the desire to distance myself. I will be watching to see what others are doing, and I guarantee you that forty-three wedding guests will not be turning off their phones and tablets for a week. While it is an interesting concept, I highly doubt its practicality.

To all my readers and followers out there, have a great couple of weeks!

Adios y hasta luego!

Oct14

It’s Complicated……………………..Part 6 and That’s It For Another Year

Posted on October 14, 2015 by iamkaren23

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It’s Complicated……………………..Part 6 and That’s It For Another Year

A week ago I went to the IMSS office for a renewal application. My insurance isn’t due until November 1, but I will be out of the country at that time and I want to be sure that my healthcare is in place before I leave this weekend.

My Spanish is well beyond survival although I am by no means fluent. The only real problems I encounter regarding communication are with government agencies here. No-one speaks English in these offices and iTranslate doesn’t quite cut it.

So last week I went to the office on Ave Del Mar. When I had changed my address at the clinic assigned to me, they informed me that renewals have to be done at this office instead. So I am now familiar with both IMSS locations here in Mazatlan.

At the registration desk I explain my situation to the receptionist. And I do this in perfect Spanish thanks to my friend Etziel, a native Mexican. The receptionist hands me a paper outlining all the documents that I require. I carefully repeat to her that I am renewing and am not new to the system. I show her my booklet and my documentation proving that I am already in the system. She is firm. I require all these documents and photos as well. Completely frustrated and uttering some of my favorite choice words under my breath, although I’m sure the receptionist understood those English words, I leave the building.

Etziel and I meet at Starbucks, and he offers to come with me to IMSS to straighten this out. No way do I require all the documents listed on that paper! Although I do feel like I have an albatross hanging around my neck, I am somewhat reassured knowing that Etziel is coming with me next time.

And this morning was next time.We arrive at the IMSS office and he tells the receptionist the same thing I told her last week. Of course he isn’t a gringa and he speaks Spanish much more fluently than I can ever hope to. This time we get a number. We sit down and our number is called after about 20 minutes. We show her the change of address document I had done at the clinic and the copy of my original registration from Guadalajara last year. And the first thing she does is change my address on the computer. I’m dumbfounded! It took 2-1/2 hours to change my address at my clinic. But apparently my clinic’s computer and the business office’s computer aren’t on speaking terms. More photocopies and forms to sign and we are told to get a second number to see the cashier.

Off we go to the cashier and wait our turn. She then prints more documents that we need to present at the bank in order to pay the fees. But not just any bank! Only certain banks are authorized to receive payments. Etziel had his car and a short drive later found us at a Banamex. The first stop is at the ATM outside the bank. We then go inside the bank and take a number and wait our turn. This was actually rather pleasant as the bank was air-conditioned.

A few minutes later we’re back in the car and we find a store that does photocopies. Yes, IMSS wants photocopies of a utility bill and the proof of bank payment. Mexicans love their paperwork! I have more documents on file here in Mexico in the past five years than I had in Canada in my entire life!!!!

We arrive back at IMSS and return to the woman that had begun the process for us earlier. More documents and then an official stamp! My insurance has been renewed and I will never have to see this office again for another year. (Yes, it’s an annual renewal.) And it only took two hours! On the plus side it provides many Mexicans with employment. And, as Martha used to say, that is a good thing.

Oct8

Three Bars in Mazatlan

Posted on October 8, 2015 by iamkaren23

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I was spoiled by all the bars on Calle Independencia within walking distance of my house back in Tlaquepaque. But the three bars I frequented in the past week are a short bus or car ride away as Mazatlan is not a large city.

Peggy introduced me to Edgar’s Bar on Saturday afternoon. Located a couple of blocks away from the mercado in Centro, it was a cozy place to hang out on a rainy afternoon. It’s also the home of the 18 peso cerveza. And in the evenings there is live karaoke. We were also the only females in the bar. Two flatscreen TVs hung on the wall. One featured bullfights and the other some type of musical variety show. The decor is quaint and relaxing. I felt transported back in time in this Mexican cantina as I sipped on cold beer and endulged in complementary botanas. Today it was some type of meat, refried beans, tortillas and spaghetti.

On Sunday ComicX at Galerias was the complete opposite. This is an American chain that has invaded Mexico and the theme is comic book heroes. Spiderman, Wonder Woman and Batman are just three of the large looming figures throughout the restaurant. The beer was twice the price of Edgar’s but it was air-conditioned, had great music and our server was most attentive. Steve, Etziel and I spent a wonderful afternoon here, practicing Spanish and English.

Tuesday afternoon the venue was in Sabalo Country at La Casa del Cameron. Renowned for its cheap beer, it was also all you can eat shrimp night for a low price. Steve and Etziel each ate four platters of shrimp, definitely guys with big appetites. I nibbled on a burger as I’m allergic to shrimp. An interesting decor and music from a birthday party made the experience most enjoyable. This is a popular hangout for expats, and a horseshoe pit is in the wings along with daily card games.

Three bars in four days. Now I’m sipping a Jaztea.

Oct6

Monday Musings and Memories

Posted on October 6, 2015 by iamkaren23

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A memory showed up on my Facebook page today. Four years ago today I had just arrived in Tlaquepaque and had begun teaching at Culturlingua. One night after class I went to a bar called Otro Nivel with some other teachers. There was a fabulous Mexican band playing awesome English rock music from the 60s and the cerveza was 2 for 1. I live in Mazatlan now and that night at the bar still seems like yesterday although years have passed by.

Life is for living. There are so many adventures out there just waiting in the wings. Of course the hitch is that this involves change, and many people thrive on routine and the security that it provides. I’ve come to the conclusion that I thrive on change, not on routine. Otherwise I would never have arrived in Tlaquepaque in October of 2011.

In July of 2011 I returned to Winnipeg after teaching in Culiacan. I halfheartedly began searching for a job. But Mexico had stolen my heart, and I knew that I no longer wanted to call Winnipeg “home.” I received a job offer from a school in Irapuato and a month later I was on a plane headed for Leon.

I was excited to be back in Mexico although life in Irapuato was definitely different from life in Culiacan. A sleepy little pueblo where the highlight was the soccer stadium didn’t have much appeal. The school was a disaster as the actual job in no way, shape or form resembled the promises on the Skype interview. But my supervisor Pilar became a good friend. The last Saturday in September, Pilar and I were sipping cappuccinos at The Italian Coffee Company when my phone rang. I glanced at it briefly and Pilar asked who I knew in Mexico City, as that was the area code on the call display. I remarked that it must have been a wrong number or a telemarketer as I didn’t have that number stored in my contacts. My phone rang again a few minutes later and the same number showed up. Annoyed, I turned it off.

I returned home several hours later and turned my phone back on. That Mexico City number had called another four times! Intrigued, I decided to call that number. After all, what if it was an emergency or someone was dying and they were frantically calling my number in error? But it was no error. Instead it was a job offer.

Greg was the owner of Culturlingua in Tlaquepaque. A teacher had left unexpectedly and he was looking for another teacher. He’d seen my resume up on Dave’s ESL Cafe and had been calling me all day. I told him I needed some time to think about it. He gave me until later that evening. I hung up on him and tried calling Pilar but got voicemail.

And I pondered the situation. I was dissatisfied with my job. My housemates were less than desirable. The school had yet to provide me with promised health coverage. But the best was that they had not provided me with a contract either so there really was nothing tying me down to Irapuato. I called Greg back and accepted his offer. And I left a message for Pilar.

It was now after 8 pm and I had a lot to do. I had to pack and that was complicated by the fact that I had two heavy suitcases that I needed to somehow get down the stairs. Nate and Margie came to my rescue. They were teachers from Hawaii and were as disillusioned with the situation in Irapuato as I was. They agreed to meet me early in the morning and help me with my suitcases. I was so excited that night I could barely sleep!

Early the next morning before anyone in my house was up, Nate and Margie arrived and helped me with my suitcases. We had to walk a couple of blocks down the street until we found a taxi. I felt like I was fleeing a prison! Did I mention that the director of English at the school lived next door to me in the same house as Nate and Margie? He was pretty livid when he realized I was AWOL. But by then I was on a bus headed for Guadalajara. I should add that Nate and Margie made their own escape shortly thereafter.

I have never looked back. Moving to Tlaquepaque was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I have met some amazing people, have taught awesome students and have had incredible adventures.

My move here to Mazatlan was far less dramatic. I miss Guadalajara and the friends I have left behind. But I am drawn to the beach, to the calming azure waters and the smell of the salty sea air. And I know that more amazing people and incredible adventures await me here. Life is about living. Life is about change.

Oct2

My Dream Theory of Life

Posted on October 2, 2015 by iamkaren23

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They say that cats have nine lives. My dream is that we have three. We need one life to nurture a family, one life for education and a career, and a third life for travel. Wouldn’t it be great to focus on only one area at a time rather than having to juggle it all together?

While I was busy raising a family, I furthered my education and pursued a career, albeit not the one I would have preferred. But that did give me the luxury of staying at home with my children when they were young. I was there to hear their first words, see their first steps and enjoy the blessings of motherhood. I was able to do this because I moved my office to my home and was able to work while my babies napped. I was able to combine family and career. Of course it meant a great deal of strategic planning when I went back to school as I was the main chauffeur, and it was a great help when my son was old enough to drive and could transport himself and his sister around for me. Yes, I was very fortunate. I didn’t have to worry about daycare. But most importantly I was THERE for my children. So many women today miss this opportunity.

But the third life I’d like to dwell on is that of travel. We traveled a fair amount when my children were younger. My son was only four months old the first time he flew on an airplane.By the time my youngest was seven, she had been to Disneyworld three times. We also saw The Alamo in Texas, plantation ruins in South Carolina, Rawhide in Arizona, The Riverwalk in San Antonio, as well as numerous zoos, aquatic parks, theme parks, museums and beaches all over the USA. We were at The Mall of America the week it opened. And there were all those weekend trips to Fargo and Grand Forks. Alas my children became teenagers and our days of family vacations came to an end.

Since I have been living in Mexico, I have met so many young people in their twenties and thirties traveling in Mexico and Central and South America. How I envy them! I would have loved to have thrown a backpack on and traversed through these countries when I was younger. Many have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia as well. What an education they are receiving! There is no better classroom than THE WORLD! So education can easily be combined with travel. Of course you do need the money, so that’s where a career comes in as well.

I would have preferred three lives; the first and most important being the one devoted to family, the second being a life where we devote ourselves entirely to education and a career, while the third being travel, where we have the unlimited freedom to go where we want whenever we want.

I know I’m dreaming. We only have one life and we need to juggle all three at the same time. But without dreams, life would be just a narrow road leading nowhere.

Sep19

I Love You

Posted on September 19, 2015 by iamkaren23

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I haven’t written anything heavy in a while so I guess I’m due. I’m hurting right now. I know I’ll get over it. I always do. But I just haven’t been able to shake this feeling all day. Maybe by writing about it, the healing process might be easier. We’ll see.

I had a wonderful conversation with my daughter this morning. I haven’t heard her voice since last April when I left Guadalajara. Here in Mazatlan I don’t have access to long distance phone calls, and my daughter doesn’t Skype. Finally, she suggested last week that I meet her on Google Hangouts. So I promptly downloaded the app, in Spanish, and began to familiarize myself with it.

I messaged my daughter that I was on and she called me. Of course it took two tries as I had to find the Spanish words to answer the call. But hopefully we will do this again soon before I forget entirely how to use this app.

My daughter had to tell me something she knew would upset me. I know how difficult it was for her. But I did have to express my feelings. She accused me of prodding her with a guilt trip. My reply was that if she felt guilt, it was her own conscience speaking to her.

This is where love comes in, more specifically, a mother’s love. My children know that I love them unconditionally. There is nothing they can ever say or do that will change that. There are no strings attached to my love. Of course, along with this, they know that if someone has to be hurt, it will be their mother. She is the one person in their lives who will always be there for them, no matter how much she has been hurt.

Is it because a mother carries a child in utero for nine months? Is it because she breastfed instead of bottle fed? Is it because she was a stay-at-home mom? I think that all of these are factors that certainly strengthen that bond.

I think back to my own childhood. My parents provided a safe and secure environment with love bouncing off the walls. Sadly my own children did not have this experience when they were growing up. My children often remarked that I was like a single parent to them. The three of us were a triangle, with my husband loitering on the outside. I feel badly that my children did not have the experience I had as a child. While they now have some type of relationship with their father, it cannot make up for time lost in the past. But I am happy that they do have some type of relationship with him today. I am a firm believer in the present and the future. While memories are nice, we don’t live there anymore.

I will be somewhere up in the sky a month from now en route to my daughter’s wedding. I’m feeling a myriad of emotions about this occasion. My daughter has done considerable planning and organizing to ensure that all the guests coming from all over Canada and the USA have an exciting and memorable time in Punta Cana. I am so very proud of her and all that she has accomplished.

I Love You Kimmy.

Sep13

Collections: Treasures and Memories

Posted on September 13, 2015 by iamkaren23

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A friend of mine is moving back to Canada after having lived in Mexico for a year and a half. Although he’d prefer to stay here, his life is complicated and necessitates returning to Canada for a while.

When he first came here, the intent was to remain here. He had a sizeable collection of DVDs and CDs, as well as computer and game equipment driven down here for him. However he is flying back now and the cost of shipping all this is prohibitive, so he is liquidating all of his treasures. Of course he is not receiving anywhere even remotely close to the value in terms of money.

I think back to my own collections and how I was in the same position a few years ago. In another lifetime I had an enormous collection of lighthouses that once filled an entire room. I had bookshelves with hundreds of cookbooks. And I had a small collection of sewing machines including a vintage treadmill. Unlike my friend, I had few CDs or DVDs as I never got custody of those when the marriage ended. The loss of these was solely because my children had given me some of these as gifts over the years. It wasn’t the actual music or movies.

Over time I have dealt with the heartbreaking memories. I sometimes recall with fondness where I acquired some of these items on my travels. Many were gifts from family or friends who have left this world, and those are the ones that tug at the heartstrings the most.

Right now my friend is most concerned with the dollar aspect. He needs to raise enough money to fly back and find an apartment where he can settle down for a while. His employment options are also limited. There will be time for the memories later on.

My situation was similar. I needed to raise enough money to support myself while I was back at university finishing my degree. I also needed money to enable two knee replacement surgeries and a lengthy recovery after each. My financial situation was precarious and life was stressful.

I first came to Mexico five years ago with one suitcase. My possessions have now increased to fill three suitcases. My biggest collection consists of a shelf of books. Everything is portable and can be moved easily, with the exception of a used crock pot that I have recently acquired.

However our lives are filled with more important collections that are not measured by things or possessions. Relationships with people and life experiences form other collections in our lives. Although intangible, these are the real treasures in life, providing us with precious memories that live in our hearts forever. I am so very grateful for all the people who have shared and been a part of my life. I love you all.

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On my way to my daughter’s wedding in Punta Cana last month, my travels found me in Toronto. It’s been decades since I’ve been there. As a teenager I always loved this city and even at one point had aspirations of moving there, until a boyfriend and marriage intervened.

Deb and I never did around to taking a selfie together, and my purchases from shopping that day are still at her apartment in Toronto. But here are some photos and memories.

Halloween falls on October 31st and Day Of The Dead is close on its heels on November 2nd. While Halloween is celebrated in some areas in Mexico, Day Of The Dead is the more popular of the two.

Halloween began as a pagan ritual, and has evolved into a celebration including costumes and candy treats. It was also believed that Halloween, a day that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, was not only a transition between seasons but also a bridge to the world of the dead.

Day Of The Dead asserts that the souls of the deceased are allowed to leave heaven and reunite with their families on this day. Families gather in cemeteries and adorn their loved ones’ memorials with beautiful wreaths of flowers. This celebration also involves food, drink and music.

Although Day Of The Dead is a government holiday, restaurants and retail proceed as on any other day. I actually went grocery shopping in the morning and had dinner out with a friend on Monday.

When I lived in Guadalajara, this was Day Of The Dead central. In Centro in the Plaza Del Armas there was a huge display of Katrinas. In Tlaquepaque the streets were colorfully decorated and Calle Independencia was lined with altars. El Refugio also had an array of altars and Katrinas.

Here in Mazatlan there was a huge parade in the Centro Historico, and people flocked to Plaza Machado in elaborate costumes. There were also festivities at the Angela Peralta Theater. On Sunday a friend took me to the Municipal Cemetery and I was amazed by the activity there.

Instead of candy, sugar skulls and special bread are the norm.

I was disappointed that I only saw one altar here in Mazatlan. Families build altars in their homes and in the streets to honor their ancestors. Here are some pics from Tlaquepaque.

Many of us met at the Toronto airport early Wednesday morning, October 21st and flew to Punta Cana together. A few had arrived earlier, some were coming later, but there were forty of us who spent the week together and attended the wedding.

On Sunday there was a rehearsal dinner at a Japanese restaurant for the family and attendants. And then Monday arrived……………the big day! It was time for the wedding!

The sky was slightly overcast and there was a light breeze. My son escorted me down the aisle, which on the beach was sand.

And soon my daughter made her grand entrance. This shot shows the lovely train on her gown as well as the guests standing amidst the colorfully decorated chairs.

One of Kimmy’s friends from Canada performed the ceremony. Another friend did a reading. Rings were exchanged and vows were made. And once again I struggled to control my tears.

Kimmy and Tarrant, I wish you all the best for years filled with happiness and good health. Los quiero y que Dios los bendiga!

Then I can relax. Seeing as I live in Mazatlan which boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (pictured below), the beach in Punta Cana does not have the same lure as it does for the other guests from Canada attending the wedding. But I do intend to unwind for a week.

To all my readers and followers out there, have a great couple of weeks!

Adios y hasta luego!

A week ago I went to the IMSS office for a renewal application. My insurance isn’t due until November 1, but I will be out of the country at that time and I want to be sure that my healthcare is in place before I leave this weekend.

My Spanish is well beyond survival although I am by no means fluent. The only real problems I encounter regarding communication are with government agencies here. No-one speaks English in these offices and iTranslate doesn’t quite cut it.

So last week I went to the office on Ave Del Mar. When I had changed my address at the clinic assigned to me, they informed me that renewals have to be done at this office instead. So I am now familiar with both IMSS locations here in Mazatlan.

Etziel and I meet at Starbucks, and he offers to come with me to IMSS to straighten this out. No way do I require all the documents listed on that paper! Although I do feel like I have an albatross hanging around my neck, I am somewhat reassured knowing that Etziel is coming with me next time.

I was spoiled by all the bars on Calle Independencia within walking distance of my house back in Tlaquepaque. But the three bars I frequented in the past week are a short bus or car ride away as Mazatlan is not a large city.

Three bars in four days. Now I’m sipping a Jaztea.

I have never looked back. Moving to Tlaquepaque was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I have met some amazing people, have taught awesome students and have had incredible adventures.

They say that cats have nine lives. My dream is that we have three. We need one life to nurture a family, one life for education and a career, and a third life for travel. Wouldn’t it be great to focus on only one area at a time rather than having to juggle it all together?

I would have preferred three lives; the first and most important being the one devoted to family, the second being a life where we devote ourselves entirely to education and a career, while the third being travel, where we have the unlimited freedom to go where we want whenever we want.

I know I’m dreaming. We only have one life and we need to juggle all three at the same time. But without dreams, life would be just a narrow road leading nowhere.

I haven’t written anything heavy in a while so I guess I’m due. I’m hurting right now. I know I’ll get over it. I always do. But I just haven’t been able to shake this feeling all day. Maybe by writing about it, the healing process might be easier. We’ll see.

I messaged my daughter that I was on and she called me. Of course it took two tries as I had to find the Spanish words to answer the call. But hopefully we will do this again soon before I forget entirely how to use this app.

My daughter had to tell me something she knew would upset me. I know how difficult it was for her. But I did have to express my feelings. She accused me of prodding her with a guilt trip. My reply was that if she felt guilt, it was her own conscience speaking to her.

Is it because a mother carries a child in utero for nine months? Is it because she breastfed instead of bottle fed? Is it because she was a stay-at-home mom? I think that all of these are factors that certainly strengthen that bond.

I Love You Kimmy.

A friend of mine is moving back to Canada after having lived in Mexico for a year and a half. Although he’d prefer to stay here, his life is complicated and necessitates returning to Canada for a while.

Over time I have dealt with the heartbreaking memories. I sometimes recall with fondness where I acquired some of these items on my travels. Many were gifts from family or friends who have left this world, and those are the ones that tug at the heartstrings the most.

Right now my friend is most concerned with the dollar aspect. He needs to raise enough money to fly back and find an apartment where he can settle down for a while. His employment options are also limited. There will be time for the memories later on.

My situation was similar. I needed to raise enough money to support myself while I was back at university finishing my degree. I also needed money to enable two knee replacement surgeries and a lengthy recovery after each. My financial situation was precarious and life was stressful.

I first came to Mexico five years ago with one suitcase. My possessions have now increased to fill three suitcases. My biggest collection consists of a shelf of books. Everything is portable and can be moved easily, with the exception of a used crock pot that I have recently acquired.

Saludos!