Monday Monday

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Monday morning! I remember when I used to dread Monday mornings. But that was another lifetime ago when I worked at jobs I did not enjoy. Here in Mexico it’s a whole different story.

I usually wake up a few minutes before my alarm goes off at 5:30 am. It’s still dark outside but my mood is light. Now, if only the temperature would warm up in Guadalajara. The mornings are quite cool in the winter and the mercury frequently dips to 5 Celsius or less.

 

By 6:30 I am on the street corner waiting for a 275 or a 275B. These are interesting buses as there are no schedules here. Usually they show up two at a time and then begin to race each other as they head towards Centro. Drivers are not paid a salary. They receive a percentage of the take. So the more passengers they can cram on the better.

Twenty minutes later finds me in Centro. It’s a short walk to Plaza de Universidad, where I await a Tur bus. This second bus costs twice as much as the first one, but it’s very comfortable and not as crowded and gets me to within three blocks of the school in Zapopan.

Time permitting, I walk through La Estancia Park. I enjoy watching people walking their dogs or themselves. People are friendly and I am always greeted with “Buenos dias”. Such a wonderful way to begin my day!

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Time to head for school. I teach an Advanced ESL class with two adult students who are both accountants. They are delightful and are eager to learn English. They often surprise me with culinary treats. This morning they ordered in a delicious breakfast from a restaurant. On other days they have arrived with tamales or cookies or pastry. But what I like the best are the bright smiles and laughter that always pervade the classroom.

The two hours pass quickly and I am soon on my way back to San Pedro. The bus ride usually takes longer than it did earlier in the morning. The traffic in Guadalajara is unbelievably congested. To make matters worse, if an accident occurs, cars are not moved out of the way until the police arrive. This morning our bus took a completely different route to Centro, as traffic was backed up and our driver had no patience for traffic jams. Bus drivers here like to lean on their horns in an effort to keep traffic flowing. Not that it really helps. It just encourages cars to honk as well.

In San Pedro there is a street market on Mondays close to my house. It stretches for blocks and the variety of merchandise is astounding. Everything from pirated movies to tacos to fresh fish to clothing to tools can be found here. And the vendors love to haggle!

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I return home and begin the tedious task of washing vegetables in Microdyn. I store them in empty yogurt containers, which we laughingly call Mexican Tupperware.

While  the vegetables are soaking in the Microdyn, I take out my laptop and check emails and Facebook. And I begin writing a blog post.

I then take a walk to the park where I do some reading and journaling. I enjoy watching the children play in the playground and have fond memories of my own children at that age.

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Then it’s off to Jahanve, my favorite coffee shop, to meet my language partner. I definitely need to practice my Spanish, and he is eager to improve his English.

I leave for home at dusk, contemplating what I will have for dinner. By now many of the street food vendors are out, and the tacos, tamales and birria are quite tempting. But today I have decided to cook some of those fresh vegetables along with some chicken.

After dinner I visit with my housemates and often phone friends back in Canada. And then it’s time to read and head for dreamland.

Mondays are great days!

 

 

My Dad, My Hero, In Heaven

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My Dad, My Hero, In Heaven

On February 8, 1977 I was excitedly packing a suitcase. Four days later I was to leave for San Diego to visit my parents. They wintered down south as my dad had a heart condition and Winnipeg winters were far too strenuous to endure.

I fell asleep that night but was startled awake in the middle of the night by a pounding in my heart that actually caused me to sit up straight in bed. And I could not fall back asleep again. About an hour later my phone rang, and a voice at the other end informed me that my dad had passed away of a heart attack.

It was Wednesday, February 9th. And I would never see my daddy again. I would never hear his voice or the sound of his laughter again. I would never see him smile again. I would never feel a hug or a kiss again. My world was shattered and my life would never be the same again.

My dad taught me how to tie my shoelaces and how to ride a bike. He taught me how to drive a car. He impressed upon me the importance of getting an education.  And he taught me a lot about life. 

He left school at the age of fourteen as his own father became ill. He was the sole source of financial support to his parents and three younger siblings. His sisters and brother all went on to obtain a university education. He always put everyone else in his life first.

At home our freezer was always filled with ice cream, a treat he loved but had enjoyed so rarely as a child. Money earned was always for others, but never for himself.

My dad was truly a self-made man and worked long hours, successfully building up his company. He would sit at the kitchen table doing the accounting for his business and I would play the piano providing a musical background he enjoyed. Sometimes in the evenings he would go back to work to do some manual labor, and I would grab my homework and come along to keep him company.

When his health deteriorated, I often drove him to medical appointments or to go shopping. We spoke often on the phone and sent cassette tapes back and forth when he was in San Diego.

Sadly he never met his grandchildren. He would have adored them and loved them as only a grandfather can. My children have definitely missed out on not having a grandfather to dote on them and spend time with them.

I learned a lot from my dad, and I hope that I have instilled some of these values upon my own children. He always said “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” and that has been one of my mantras throughout the years.

Love you forever and always in my heart.

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May   1973

 

 

 

Monday Morning Musings

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Monday Morning Musings

Monday morning. Dull and gloomy here in Guadalajara. Dark clouds threatening yet more rain. It’s also Dia de Candelaria. And it’s Groundhog Day. It’s February 2nd and this cold, rainy weather is getting old.

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I went to the street market earlier and stocked up on veggies for the week. I’m contemplating cooking soup yet again. It goes well with the oatmeal I had for breakfast. This is my fourth winter in Guadalajara and I don’t recall it ever being this cold and rainy in the past. But then it’s definitely not snow.

I had an interesting What’s App message from my daughter asking me what name was on my passport. I actually had to pull it out of the drawer and check it before replying. It seems that since I have moved to Mexico, I now have a variety of names. The most common are my maiden name and my married name. But the name on my INAPAM card is my mother’s maiden name and my father’s surname. And when I go to IMSS they insist on calling me by my middle name. There are times when I feel like changing my name to “Amiga”, another way in which I am often addressed here in Mexico. 

 

I’m returning to Winnipeg this spring. Of course I have yet to make any definitive travel plans. I’ve gotten used to this Mexican way of life where long range plans seldom exist. I plan on teaching until Easter break, and then I want to do some traveling. So I have no idea exactly where I will be flying out of.  

There are so many places I want to explore. I’d like to head south to Oaxaca and Chiapas. I’d like to head to the coast to San Blas, Bucerias and Sayulita. But I don’t think all that will be possible in less than one month.

Just ran out to the tienda on the corner. The rain has started again so I think I won’t venture out again for a while. I did have some errands to do but they can wait. Although I will miss my favorite capucino at Jahanve.

So if the groundhog saw his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter up in the north. Does it mean six more weeks of rain here in Guadalajara?????

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Time to switch over to Duolingo and practice Spanish, a great activity for a rainy day.

Adios!

 

 

Museo Militar…………..Military Museum

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Museo Militar…………..Military Museum

I am totally against war. I have no use for the senseless killing of innocent people, especially children. If all the money directed to nuclear weapons was instead used for health services and education, the world would be a far better place. But there is no hope of that happening in my lifetime. Violence and terrorism are all too commonplace.

When I first arrived in Guadalajara over three years ago, I took a Tapatio Tour Bus for an overview of the city, and the Museo Militar was one of the sights highly recommended by the tour guide. 

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The front entrance and the rear courtyard are visible from the street, attracting the attention of anyone driving or walking by. The front entrance features aircraft, vehicles and statues. Here are three of the several on display.

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There are some magnificent displays of vehicles, artillery, guns, equipment,uniforms, flags and banners in the indoor area. There are also statues and artwork. Some of the rooms open up into the rear courtyard.

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On display in the rear courtyard were more aircraft and artillery. One of the aircraft was open to the public for viewing and I eagerly climbed aboard to inspect the cockpit and the interior.

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The museum also has a second floor of displays. But that will be for another time. The time passed by far too quickly, and it was time to head for home.

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INM IMSS INAPAM IRS

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I have faced a few challenges this past year. And four of them have something in common. They all begin with the letter “I”.

First came INM. Mounds of paperwork and unnecessary photocopies, redundant photos and fingerprints, and several visits to Migracion here in Guadalajara as well as a visit to the Mexican Consulate in McAllen, Texas.

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Several months later, I was the proud recipient of a residente temporal tarjeta. But that was only the beginning!

Next it was time to apply for health insurance. What? That long complicated number on the tarjeta is not my CURP number? I need another number? Of course! More photocopies and photos! And then I magically receive this number on the internet days later.

On to IMSS. CURP number, documents translated from English into Spanish, photocopies, photos, malfunctioning computers in government offices…….. I think that about covers it. 

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If you want to read more about these experiences, check some of my past blog posts. The “It’s Complicated” series address the health insurance issue. “Finally” deals with the visa process.

In Mexico you can apply for an INAPAM card when you reach the age of sixty. This card entitles you to a variety of discounts, the main one being transportation for me. And they even gave me a new name on this card! And it has a lovely (not) photo of me as well as a fingerprint. By the way Kyle, your name and phone number appear on this card as an emergency contact. Please don’t change your number. I don’t want to go through this ordeal again either anytime soon. Too much paperwork and translated documentation. Oh, and thank you for being my number one son!

The fourth hurdle is the IRS in the USA. I have published two books with an American company. But I am a Canadian, a foreign author. Changes in legislation necessitate that I apply for a tax number or my publisher will withhold a ridiculously high percentage of royalties. A nuisance, but no problem. The form is completed and then submitted.

Weeks later I receive a letter informing me that they require additional information confirming my identity as a Canadian citizen. The two pieces of identification must contain photos. And they request original documents. No photocopies for this country. And the documents are my passport and my driver’s license.

So here I am living in Guadalajara and they expect me to forward these original documents to them. Anyone who lives in Mexico will clearly understand how ludicrous an idea this is!

The letter also provided a phone number in the contact info. But it’s Friday! Apparently the weekend starts early in Austin, Texas. Oh well, there’s always Monday………..

 

The Ocean The Moon And Chocolate

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I was walking through Centro this morning on my way home from school and decided to treat myself to a donut at Croissants Alfredo. It’s not a Tim Horton’s Boston Creme, but it was a tasty sugar donut and still warm from the oven. I then parked myself on a bench and observed the people around me.

On a blanket sat a group of inflatable penguins, guarded by an old man in a baseball cap, cigarette dangling from his mouth.

Next to him was another blanket watched over by two men gobbling down tacos. Their treasure was several bottles of knock-off perfumes and colognes.

And then a child no older than ten years approached me selling candies and gum, followed closely behind by an old woman hobbling on two canes.

Yes, Guadalajara is a fascinating city. Apparently there are no laws or regulations regarding what you can sell and where you are allowed to sell it. Claim a space on the sidewalk and display your wares.

And this applies to buildings as well. There are no zoning bylaws. Pay the rent and do whatever you want. A restaurant, a pharmacy, a laundromat, a school, a gift shop, a clothing shop, a church…….above, below or next to a house.

Aside from teaching ESL here in Guadalajara and people watching, I am an aspiring writer. Although I have kept personal journals off and on throughout the years, I actually published a book six years ago.

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And my second book will be live as soon as I can figure out how to download the sign-off forms and master an electronic signature. Actually I thought I had done this. But hours have passed and several emails have been sent back and forth. And one form stubbornly refuses to download and be electronically signed. Grrrrrr……….. Those of you who know me well are probably laughing by now. Especially my friend Laura, my computer guru back in Winnipeg, and my friend Craig who is somewhere between here and Cambodia right now. People jokingly refer to me as technologically challenged or technologically impaired. But I prefer the way in which one of my current housemates expressed it today. I am just not computer savvy!

However, it turns out that I have been unable to download and electronically sign the form because it is locked on my publisher’s end for viewing only. So that means that I really have mastered the art of downloading and saving PDF files and electronically saving them. After all it did work for one of the forms. Hah!

I think it’s time to vent my frustration, or become more frustrated, not exactly sure which. Candy Crush Saga here I come! And if anyone has some tips on how to pass Level 765, please pass them my way……..

 

 

Tennison Miller

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Who is the world is Tennison Miller and why am I writing about her? She hinted at it one day, so here it is.

I live in shared housing here in Tlaquepaque and it is an amazing experience. We share far more than a house together. My housemates come from all over the world, bringing their culture and languages along with them. Stimulating conversations abound and we have incredible adventures together here in Mexico.

Tennison arrived here three weeks ago, along with her bubbling personality and contagious enthusiasm. She hales from Noosa, Australia and has always lived only moments from the beach. Now how awesome is that?

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Her first morning here off we went to Jahanve for breakfast. Then we strolled through Centro Tlaquepaque and the Jardin Hidalgo. In the evening we went to an Advent and Carol service at a church.

The next day Tennison began her four hour days of studying Spanish at a language institute, in preparation for her five month university program in Queretero beginning this month. That’s right. “Uni” as she calls it. Tennison is only 19.

While here Tennison attempted to explore Tonola and museums in Centro Guadalajara. Yes, attempted. Not all buses marked 275B go to Tonola. Instead Tennison found herself in St. Martin. And one day in Centro both museums she had chosen were closed. But she did strike up a lively conversation with a Viet Nam war vet, so all was not lost.

And Tennison actually did make it to Tonola. She was on her way back home from the old bus station and missed her stop and wound up in Tonola at night when the markets were closed.

Kidding aside, we sipped many a cappuccino at Jahanve together and I introduced her to authentic Mexican churros. She told me a lot about her life in Australia, and introduced me to extremely useful jargon such as “budgie smugglers.”

Tennison was delighted with the decorative Christmas tree near El Parian, and I took this selfie.

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We also went to El Lugar Secreto to hear a Mexican band singing British rock. And Tennison ventured out to Ajijic one day on her own.

On New Years Eve we prepared a great dinner for our housemates and friends and rang in 2015. Here she is serving up her yummy brownies.

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And all too soon her time in Tlaquepaque was up and it was onward to Queretero. But there was more drama here too. After unsuccessfully purchasing a bus ticket on the internet, Tennison went to Oxxo. To her dismay, when she examined her ticket when she got home it was for 1:30 am not pm as she had requested. So off she went to Central Nueva to exchange her ticket, as Oxxo wouldn’t do it. She returned home later in the day, happy as a lark, clutching her new ticket.

The next day we walked to the corner and along came an empty taxi, unusual for this neighborhood. And Tennison was soon on her way to Central Nueva.

Hours later I received a What’s App message from her. The bus had arrived in Guadalajara late, and it was also oversold. There was no seat for her! So she had to wait another two hours for the next bus.

And the house is so quiet now. I miss her infectious laughter and bright smile. And I will definitely have to go and visit her before she returns to Australia. Tennison is beyond a doubt one of the most fantastic housemates I have ever had.

Have a fabulous time in Queretero Tennison! Many more adventures await you here in Mexico.

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New Years Eve Nostalgia

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New Years Eve Nostalgia

Another new year has begun with the arrival of 2015. This is a time when people reflect upon their lives and propose various resolutions for the future. It’s also a nostalgic time of year for me.

I remember vividly New Years Eve of 1996. We were in San Antonio, Texas. We had a lovely dinner at Marie Callenders and brought a pie back to our condo. We had one of our friendly family card games. At midnight we toasted 1997 with champagne and watched on television a hotel in Las Vegas being blown up. But it’s a bittersweet memory as it was the last winter vacation we took together as a family. It was also the last time we all rang in a new year together. My children were now teenagers and wanted to spend New Years Eve with their own friends instead. 

My first New Years Eve in Mexico in 2010 marked the end of my train trip through the mountains up north. Our tour group had a delicious dinner in the dining room of the hotel in El Fuerte where Zorro was filmed. We then watched some amazing fireworks.

The next year I was back in Culiacan with my Mexican family.

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The following year I was in Mexico City with Angie and her family. I met these wonderful people when I was on my train trip two years before.

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Last year I welcomed 2014 with my neighbors. And this year I rang in 2015 with my housemates and friends.

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We had a lovely dinner together, chatting and listening to music. And at midnight we toasted 2015………Mexico, The Netherlands, Australia and Canada represented.

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As for my own resolutions, I have but one. I am determined that 2015 will be the best year ever. I eagerly anticipate the many adventures that lie ahead in the future. I will not stress over the past but will remain rooted in the present.

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Feliz Ano Nuevo! Happy New Year!

 

 

Christmas Break 2014

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I’m on Christmas break here in Mexico. And the first week has flown by way too quickly. Christmas has come and gone, and 2015 is just around the corner.

In Tlaquepaque the Christmas tree near El Parian shines brightly at night.

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But this year I spent Christmas in the quaint little pueblo of Tototlan, about an hour away from Guadalajara. One of my former housemates has a home there on the outskirts of the town.

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We spent a relaxing few days visiting and watching movies. I also cooked a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with turkey and stuffing.

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I took a walk one afternoon to a nearby park, marvelling at the scenery along the way.

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Surprisingly there was just a handful of children although there was an abundance of play structures and basketball courts.

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There were some men working on a wall.

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There was also a man working on an interesting metal structure.

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We walked down to the plaza one morning and had delicious gorditas for breakfast. We strolled through the plaza afterwards and I was delighted to see several pinatas hanging.

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There was a beautiful nativity scene outside of the church.

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But all too soon it was time to head for the bus station and bid adios to Tototlan.

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I returned home Friday afternoon with the intent to spend a quiet evening at home. Instead I wound up going to El Lugar Secreto to hear my favorite band play. I met the lead singer when I first came to Tlaquepaque three years ago when I was in need of an immigration lawyer. A lawyer by day, a musician at night and a great friend!

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Week two of Christmas Break is sure to fly by just as quickly as the first week. My housemates and I are planning a dinner for New Years Eve, complete with a pinata to smash to welcome 2015. We’ve also invited other friends over as well.

We will go along with the twelve grape tradition, but we won’t be walking the streets after midnight with suitcases. And the red underwear? Yes, there are some pretty strange customs around here. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the fireworks!

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Yes, Christmas break is certainly different now that I’m in Mexico. Frigid temperatures and drifts of snow back in Winnipeg are becoming distant memories. New traditions and new adventures are what life is all about. And I eagerly look forward to 2015 and what lies ahead.

Happy New Year!

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2014 The Year That Was

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It seems like just yesterday I wrote about the year 2013, and now 2014 is drawing to a close. Once again the months have flown by, and I am now into my fifth year here in Mexico.

January began cloudy and blustery. Despite the cold temperatures in the  wee hours of the New Year, throngs of people still crowded the streets smashing at pinatas and carrying suitcases in hopes of travel, both Mexican traditions at this time of year.

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I took advantage of afternoon sunshine and warmth and headed for Parque San Rafael. After an enjoyable half hour walk, I arrived at the park. The swimming pool was drained, but several joggers were on the track. There were also soccer and raquetball games in progress. It may have been a cold winter day, but the park was just beautiful.

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Winnipeg…….you have competition. There was a watermain break just around the corner from my house.

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One Saturday afternoon we heard music and the boom of fireworks. We went outside to investigate and were amused to see a crowd of people throwing eggs filled with confetti. A woman with a huge wicker basket was handing out bags of candies and nuts. She explained to us that it was the celebration of the baby Jesus and that new godparents had been chosen. The couple pictured below received that honor. And no, that is a doll, not a real baby.

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We also had a party at our house in January, complete with dancing and beer pong. Here is one of my housemates dancing up a storm.

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The weather in February was considerably warmer. On Groundhog Day I ventured out to Lake Chapala and Ajijic. I played tourist and took a ride on the tram.

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The following weekend I spent the day strolling the streets of Tonola.

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Another day trip later in the month found me in Tequila. Samples were mandatory on tours.

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My thoughtful housemate Omar surprised me on Valentine’s Day with this bouquet:

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The Virgin of Guadalupe parade in my neighborhood found the streets covered with alfalfa as the procession made its way to the church.

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Renovations in our house were finally complete and all the debris was hauled away.

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March was highlighted by my daughter’s announcement that she and her boyfriend were now engaged. They are planning a wedding in 2015 in The Dominican Republic.

Kimmy & Tarrant Engaged!

I stayed in Guadalajara the entire month teaching and writing. Spring was definitely on the way, along with some gorgeous flowers.

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April arrived and I remained in Mexico rather than returning to Winnipeg as I had in past years.. Instead I made a quick trip to Texas as my tourist visa was about to expire. Upon my return to Guadalajara I visited Hospicio Cabanas and was delighted with the amazing murals, statues and other artwork on display.

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I also participated in a Via Crucis before Easter where we walked approximately 5 kilometers in San Pedro and visited twelve churches.

Another day trip found me in Zapotlanejo, a small town renowned for its clothes shopping. Many of the stores featured live models. But the town also has a beautiful as well as very old church.

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And of course I visited my beloved Parque Mirador.

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May began with a bang with celebrations for Day of the Holy Cross. Around the corner from my house was a festival complete with rides, food , music and, of course, fireworks.

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I visited my friend Omar in Tototlan, a small town close to Guadalajara. It was very relaxing and also a treat to have someone cook breakfast for me on Mother’s Day. Here is a view of the church in the plaza.

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I celebrated my birthday in May as well with my friends and housemates. My actual birthday fell on a Friday, my day off, so I was also able to spend a relaxing afternoon at Parque Mirador, my favorite place in all of Guadalajara.

May was also Teacher’s Day in Mexico. Below is a photo of two of my students who presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

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I spent the month of June checking out churches, squares and statues in Guadalajara. I also went to the Regional Museum and marveled at the artifacts, statues and art throughout the building.

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July began with a fourth of July celebration at St. Mark’s Church.

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It was also another touristy month for me here in Guadalajara. I visited churches, admired statues and checked out more museums. Templo Espiatorio is an amazing church not far from Centro.

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At the Museo De Las Artes I was overwhelmed by the magnificent Orozco murals.

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And of course I visited my beloved Parque Mirador again. I also spent a relaxing afternoon at Parque Agua Azul. The fountains were not flowing, but the scenery is lovely and it’s a peaceful place for reading.

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The end of the month found me in McAllen, Texas for my interview at the Mexican Consulate.

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August was highlighted by reunions with two dear friends. When I lived in Culiacan, Carmen and I were neighbors. We had brunch together when she came to Guadalajara for a conference.

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Miriam returned from Norway and we went out for pizza, along with her boyfriend Cristian.

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I continued exploring Guadalajara. I visited more churches, returned to the canyon, and found this delightful elephant at Centro Magno, a shopping mall.

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September was an exciting month here in Mexico as Independence Day is celebrated on the 16th. A friend and I sat at The Parian sipping tequila and had an awesome view of the government building. The gritto was followed by fireworks and music.

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September was also exciting as my work visa finally came through after months of documents, visits to Immigration and waiting.

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October in Tlaquepaque means preparing for Day of the Dead. The streets are colorfully decorated and extravagant altars are displayed in El Refugio.

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But the highlight of October was traveling to Culiacan to spend Halloween and Day of the Dead with my family. I also was delighted to meet my newest nieto.

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My next stop was Mazatlan, my favorite beach. Although Hurricane Vance stopped by for a brief visit, I still had time to bask in the sunshine on the beach.

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And then November arrived with blusteringly cold temperatures. Overnight lows of 0 and 1 convinced me that it was time to buy some gloves.

But there was lots to do indoors when the temperatures plummeted. El Refugio was a haven from the cold when the Oaxaca exhibit was held. An abundance of music, dancing, food and vendors prevailed.

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In Centro a multitude of vendors set up in stalls to display their Christmas items.

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Around the corner from my house a neighborhood celebration was held with music, magicians, luche libre, and rides for the children. And on another evening these characters came to visit courtesy of Coca Cola.

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December has passed by quickly in preparation for Christmas. My favorite coffee shop, Jahanve, has these festive angels on the tables along with the usual sugar and serviettes.

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I went to Sueno Magico at Clover Lawn Mansion, an amazing winter wonderland with a magnificent display of lights and awesome entertainment. Rides and activities for the children as well as a visit with Santa Claus were also featured here.

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Just blocks from my house in Tlaquepaque this amazing tree shines brightly.

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Tomorrow I am off to Tototlan to spend Christmas with a friend. It will be interesting celebrating this holiday in a small Mexican town. We are preparing a traditional dinner complete with turkey and all the trimmings, different from the usual pozole and ponche which is the norm here in Mexico.

As this is my last post before Christmas, I would like to wish my family, friends and blog followers a Merry Christmas. Enjoy your holiday celebrations wherever in the world you may be. May they be filled with family, friends and fun.

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