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Some years ago we offered one of our programs over the Christmas season so that people coming might experience the way the Mexican people celebrate Christmas. In communications sent after people booked on that program, I mentioned that if anyone wanted to (no obligation) they could bring with them school supplies (pencils, paper, erasers, little books, shoes, sweaters, etc) and we would arrange to take them to the orphanage. (We would go to the orphanage on Christmas Day). Well one couple that came on the Christmas program was quite young and they had two children with them. The kids had made up twenty packages with crayons, coloring books, eraser and pencil sharpener and a little toy and some candy. The parents, Frank and Mary asked if they could come with us on Christmas Day. So early on Christmas morning we head off for the orphanage (located just west of Ajijic in San Juan Cosala).

In the last issue of the newsletter, I very blithely announced “In the next issue, Part II, which we're calling The Mexican Evolution, will start where The Mexican Revolution of 1910 ended, and bring you up to the present social and political climate of Mexico.” Was I out of my mind? I was doing my research, getting what I considered vital information, and was up to 85 pages before I realized what was happening. As fascinating as I found The Mexican Revolution, I could not see me or you sitting through this kind of information. I also could not see myself trying to condense Modern Mexico into an interesting, one-newsletter article.

Rooster crows in my fine backyard. I lift one eye to sunlight and sniff fresh cool air. The lid falls shut . I reach and touch wife, you know where.  Just wanted to see if she was still there. Once again, brave rooster crows, “Get your ass outa’ bed, your wastin’ my fine time.” Been a damn long time since, I needed a clock.

Some of the menus you read will be in both Spanish and English. Others will only be English, so if you only have minimal Spanish-speaking skills, how do you know what you’re ordering? We’re glad you asked! The following list should help you no matter where you go or what you do. And, you’ll be learning a bit more Spanish at the same time. Eating out at a restaurant and learning Spanish too! Could it get any better than that? This will also help you at the grocery store when you’re asking someone where something is…it’s so much better than food sign language!

We rolled out of bed on November 24, 2006 (American Thanksgiving) at 6:00 a.m. It was the final day of our friends’, Ray and Janet Gillard from Edmonton, visit and we had to get them to airport for an 8:30 a.m. flight. A quick cup of coffee and we were on the road. A mere thirty minutes later we pulled into a parking spot at the airport, waited with them through the check-in procedure and off they went.