We just returned from our beach break in Isla Mujeres Jan. 16-24. We had mixed weather with rain and wind, clouds and sun, and a fairly constant temperature of 27C. That suited us fine as Cancun can be unbearable hot with searing sunshine. The photo above shows both Playa Norte and Playa Centro, which are truly beautiful and excellent for swimming. Playa Norte is better as it doesn’t suffer from boat traffic and offers some shade most of the day.

I visited Isla Mujeres for a day in the early 80’s and don’t remember much, but I’m sure it has changed radically in 40 years. I would say a ruined paradise as the development attracts hoards of people, the prices are high, and the feel of the downtown core is very modern. The laid-back side of the island still exists but requires exploring to encounter. We stayed in a low-end Airbnb at the south end of el Centro, a great location with the necessary comforts.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, especially the natural beauty and excellent beaches.

We have been in Guanajuato one month now. Besides the good weather we have enjoyed Cervantino, Día de Muertos, and a three week visit by Blair & Jennifer. CineClub resumed yesterday with the start of the French Film Festival and the OSUG concerts have also returned. There will be lots of entertainment available until the end of the year. Aimeé is busy with family and personal projects, including driving lessons.

We returned this morning from our beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The restaurant in the picture served the best tacos I have ever eaten in Mexico. The place is small and unpretentious but in the heart of the Romatic Zone and around dinner time every day one has to line up and wait for a table. While in line you indicate your order on a paper form so you have ordered as soon as you sit down.

We ate well every meal in a different restaurant and the options seemed endless. Prices are of course higher than in Guanajuato but still less than in the USA/Canada. PV is a very popular destination for all ages and in particular for gay men giving the street scenes lots of colour. There are tons of activities including shopping and night-life for those so inclined.

Besides eating we focussed on getting to know the place by walking around and taking the bus. The beach at Boca was our favourite as the ones in PV were either packed or too wavy. The weather was perfect 25-29C there and it is a cool 21C back in Gto today.

Wishing you a fresh start with renewed energy and confidence throughout the New Year.

With 8 billion people in the world, and living in Mexico for five months of the year, I realize how fortunate I am. I have excellent health, personal security, financial independence, and a loving partner. At my age (68), looking forward to the future means the rest of my life, and looking at the situations of contemporaries and elders for perspective and guidance.

Back to the here and now, I enjoy the annual review and objective setting for the coming year. Near the top of my list is to figure out what to do with myself here in Guanajuato as I often wish I was in Garden Bay, despite the weather there, where it is easier to fill my day with satisfying activities. Our return flights have been booked for March 20.

We are going to Puerto Vallarta Jan 4-11. A trip to the beach will be a welcome change of routine. I plan to make a beach escape an annual part of our time in Mexico and hope that PV becomes a favourite destination as it is just a one hour flight from BJX.

We arrived in Guanajuato the day that Cervantino started and the city is packed with visitors. You can see selected performances on YouTube here. We have tickets for a number of events starting next week after Blair & Jennifer arrive.

The photos below are of a display around La Alhondiga summarizing the history of the Cervantino Festival. Click on a photo below to expand in another tab.

We have flights booked to return to Vancouver on March 16, and hope to be home in Garden Bay the next day. Fortunately entry requirements have been eased but it could still get complicated if one of us tests positive for COVID.

As usual I am eager to get back to my house and garden. There is so much to do and I enjoy being productive. I will miss the sunny days, my running routine, and eating out here, but I am tired of the idleness of being on vacation.

Omicron vs Moderna The latest COVID variant is top of mind for most. Being out of country is not comfortable and I can’t help thinking about the requirements for re-entry in March. I doubt that I’ll be able to receive a booster here in Mexico.

Anyways, we are healthy and happy to be passing the winter in Guanajuato.

We arrived in Guanajuato in the morning of October 18 and it has taken a couple of days to settle in to our new abode. The change in climate is envigorating, the change of culture stimulating, the Mexican food delicious, the Cervatino festival entertaining, and the change in lifestyle relaxing.

Flying in the time of COVID was somewhat uncomfortable with the masking requirement. I felt a bit guilty but just this week Canada lifted its advisory against international travel. Here in Guanajuato most people are wearing masks in the street and in some places you must pass a temperature test and sanitize your hands to enter. I wish I could just flash my COVID vaccine passport.

Guanajuato is Aimeé’s home town and we are staying in the new basement apartment in the family home very close to La Alhondiga. The apartment is luxurious compared to where we have stayed previously, and it is fantastic for Aimeé to reunite with her family. For me, Guanajuato is a second home and we have been visiting our favourite restaurants and street food vendors.

It is a healthy joy to walk everwhere, and the weather and vacation lifestyle is conducive to wanting to go for a run every day.

Noche Vieja brought to a close a good year for us, and we anticipate 2020 with optimism. The year started at midnight with fireworks in Plaza de la Paz here in Guanajuato, followed by a good night´s sleep and dinner with Aimeé´s family later on the 1st.

The weather in December was much better than last year with only a few cold, rainy days around the solstice. Our new apartment is much warmer and I’ve avoided the general discontent that I experienced last year. If January weather stays fine then there will be no need to go to the beach.

I started last year with some serious reading. I am currently reading Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams and feel this is an important book for everyone because getting sufficient quality sleep is essential for both mental and physical health. Really, read the book!

We will return to Garden Bay on March 9, just a little over two months from now, and I am looking forward to resuming my productive life there.