This year’s beach vacation is in Rincón de Guayabitos, Nayarit. We arrived on Jan 15 and return on the 23rd, eight nights in total. Our hotel is nicer than where we stayed at Isla Mujeres and is located in a quiet neighbourhood three blocks from the beach. On this our second full day we realize the Guayabitos is somewhat limited in scope and we are planning a few day trips to nearby beaches to keep things interesting. Most visitors are Mexicans but you also hear a lot of Québécois French among the foreign tourists.
December 13-15 we made a quick bus trip to Mexico City, staying in a basic airbnb in the very historicTlatelolco area close to a friend’s apartment. The purpose of the trip was to attend the debut of a short documentary film made by a friend of Aimeé’s family that dealt with the impact of the death of Aimeé’s nephew on the “survivors”. Aimeé represented her family at the presentation and spoke very well of her experiences.
The following day we visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and walked a bit around Tlatelolco, enough to realize we should return to discover the history in more detail. Getting to CDMX by bus was easy but we struggled at first being neophites at navegating the city by public transit. It will be easier next time.
it’s the season for illumination fairs in the streets
Aimeé received her Canadian Passport on Nov 8. We travelled to Vancouver/Richmond on the 12th, flew to Guadalajara yesterday, and took several buses and taxis to get the the family home in Guanajuato late in the evening. It was a long journey.
Today we are moving slowly and recovering. Unpacking and setting up the basement suite is easy fortunately. Our day has included walking to our favourite stores for supplies, and restaurants to reestablish our routine
I was very disappointed with the results of the 2024 US elections. The American people will get what they deserve. Trying not to get sucked into Trump news.
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.
I was scared off welding but have embraced woodworking as a practical hobby, while gardening is a life-long pursuit.
Above is my first woodworking project for 2023, a solid workbench for the garage, which will be a great workshop. I decided to follow the design from the book, relying on the experience and wisdom of the author, even after reviewing many alternate designs on YouTube which is a fabulous resource for woodworking ideas, tips, and instruction.
The second project will be to add shelving to the garage walls. Having lots of free time here, I’ve watched many videos on YouTube to help me decide on the design, which although simple there are many options to consider. One goal is to move tool storage from the shed to the garage.
Part of planning these projects is developing material lists so that I can order the lumber for delivery when I get home. Another aspect is considering construction techniques and identifying new tools to purchase. So I have been window shopping on the Amazon, Home Depot, and Lee Valley websites, comparing products, prices, and filling shopping carts ready to hit the buy button.
We return to Garden Bay on March 21 and it will be time to start seeds for the vegetable garden. It is my turn this year to grow food so that has been another project to plan. I will place my seed order soon so that it arrives when we do.
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.
Boca de Tomatlán
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.
