Marti Gras, St. Patrick's Day and
Glorine's birthday were just a few of the highlights we recognized in March.
We first met Dr. Don Akin in 2007, when he opened his home to showcase the
first solar home in Ajijic. At 82, he dazzled us with his speech on
Global Warming.
Marti Gras (French for Fat Tuesday)
is a big event throughout Mexico. Everyone gets into the fun including
these young senoritas.
Phil's home had one of the best views of the floats, bands, horses and kids
who carry bags of flour they throw at people. Most of us were spared!
Phil, the guy on the far right,
hosted the party with a few of his friends. The party included a brunch
and nearly anything we would want to drink.
Ron, a Canadian who rents a home in El Parque, had a free evening of
music and stories. They passed the tip jars and all the money went to
Red Cross.
What started off with a Women's
Luncheon for a few friends has now grown to over 20 women who get together for
great food and conversation.
82, but who is counting? Our friend Hugh is counting. His birthday
party has become an annual event and a great mixer to meet up with new and
old friends.
The Lake Chapala Society hosted its
Annual General Meeting, where both of us were recognized for volunteer
activities we undertook during the year.
Glorine created this berry dessert for a party hosted by the Board of
Directors of LCS. Note the initials in the middle of the cake.
Glorine created "Connections Between
Friends" a new monthly mixer for Mexicans and foreigners. Terry and Steve
are working to help make this idea a success.
The monthly Behind the Walls Home Tour did not disappoint us. Larry is
one of dozens of volunteer drivers who take tour goers to see four
spectacular homes.
A dozen of us took a field trip to
Guadalajara to attend the Santana Concert. We rented this 13 passenger van
with a driver who stayed with us for the day.
After checking into our hotels, the driver took us to Santo Coyote, an
upscale restaurant near the central historic district of Guadalajara...
... where we spent two hours enjoying
the ambiance including Mariachi Band, great food and getting ready for the big
concert.
But one of the big event of the night was celebrating Glorine's 71st
birthday (two days early).
Auditorio TelMex seats just under
9,000. So taking the van with our private driver made getting there a
treat!
Santana entertained
us for 1-1/2 hours, with 50 years of music. He was born
west of Guadalajara, got his start in San Francisco and was one of 33 bands at
Woodstock. Click sit back and listen.
His classics include Evil Ways, Black
Magic Women, Smooth and Oya Coma Vo all of which brought the crowd to their
feet. Another great evening in Mexico!
The next day was spent at the Guadalajara Zoo, billed as the best zoo in all
of Latin America.
The
design of pens these animals are kept in is about as close to nature as one could
imagine.
The ride through the Safari was great, especial feeding the giraffes
carrots and lettuce from our hands.
These
majestic White Lions are close to being extinct, but not on the endangered
species list. WOW!
Their awesome Aquarium included these cute penguins who know how to
entertain. They are awkward on their feet, but can they swim.
We spent a second night in
Guadalajara to officially celebrate Glorine's birthday. We spent the day
touring, shopping and finished the day at this Italian restaurant.
We hosted the weekly Game Night with friends, including cocktails, dinner
and lots of Hand and Foot.
Ajijic is a 'fundraisers paradise.'
Rib Fest sponsored by the Shine Club brought in 140,000 pesos for kids.
Career Day was another successful venture. This year it was held at
Conalep a Technical High School in Ajijic.
In addition to listening to
professionals talk about their careers, the kids got to learn interviewing
skills.
The goal of Career Day is to encourage kids to stay in school.
Speakers told the kids that they would not be where they are today if it
were not for their education and the importance of learning English.
March is when snowbirds fly north for
the summer. Friends Ron and Jean hosted a huge farewell party and within a
week, most of these folks were gone.
March's web page includes March 1 through March 31.
