On to Ajijic

Sunday morning we took a cab to the bus station to arrange our trip through the mountains to Guadalajara. The buses here range from animals on board to first class. We went on ETN and they are very good. There are only half the usual number of seats and all of them recline and have leg rests in front so you can completely lie down. They give you snacks and beverages as you board so in that regard its better than flying! They also have movies and music.

It was quite nice and relaxing until we started going throught the switchbacks on the mountain roads. I'm used to them living in BC but at least there drivers slow down going aroung the curves. Not here!! I thought we were going around some on two wheels. I'm not kidding, it was really scary. I could see out the bus window that the speed limit was 70k but we had to be going 100, passing trucks, cars and other buses, on curves that were really tight. AGHHHH!!!!

Anyway, we finally reached Guadalajara (elevation 5,000 ft) and David (our exchange partner) was there to meet us. He and his partner Cynthia spent a month at our home last fall. We loaded our luggage into his car -BC plates- and drove about another 40k to the Lake Chapala area where we are staying in a town called Ajijic. (Ah Hee Hick) Guadalajara is very smoggy but the air cleared a lot by the time we arrived as we are behind another mountain range.

Cynthia was here to meet us, along with Kai their dog. Kai is a cross between a lab and something else but has a lab personality, very loving and sweet. David calls him a Mexican curbsitter because he considers it his job to watch for anyone walking past the house and then to deliver a fierce bark.

The house is surrounded by tall brick walls so is very private. The garden is beautiful and lush, lots of trees and flowers. (I'm sitting in front of a window with a blooming "flame tree" georgeous orange flowers and wild canaries flitting through the branches.)

Sunday night we went out to dinner at a little restaurant just a block or so away. It was great, we sat outside in the lovely warm air and listened to the owner playing classical guitar. The food was outstanding!

Next post I'll talk about Ajijic and the area.