Heading to Oaxaca tomorrow Feb. 29- March 7

Our guests left this morning and the “casita” feels quiet.  We all really enjoyed time together chatting, sharing meals, swimming, floating, reading and listening to the bird song.  I was grateful for Richard’s timely help with the computer aspect of a paper (re online course) I had to format in a certain way.  He also spent a bit of time educating me on how to use Mac Air, which is still new, and not being computer “savvy” any help is appreciated.  We also enjoyed his photos, a new look at a familiar place.

We are packing today as we leave to Oaxaca tomorrow for 7 days.  It is an exciting trip we have wanted to do each year.  This year my ESL student Chelite (travel agent) helped us find an affordable easy (not tiring) way to fly.

We will be leaving on flight AM 467 Aero Mexico at 8:00 AM, then connecting in Mexico City.  We fly at 11:00 AM on flight AM 543 and arrive in Oaxaca at noon. The plan is to taxi over to Panchita’s so we can meet both Irme and Panchita, and then figure out what the best plans for the week are.

We return to Guadalajara on March 7 leaving Oaxaca at 12:15  (Flt. AM 544) then connect to flt. AM 228 from Mexico City to Guadalajara. Mark will pick us up and get us to the airport which is a real bonus (we rent a car from him and he will use this week to have the car serviced).

So we are both excited, just packing carry-ons and trying to factor in the 91 degree weather that is predicted for most of our stay (by day).  It is the same elevation as here, but further south.  

There is a swimming pool, and soon Ivan will be allowed to swim.  He had a bad fall in the change room on the slippery tiles and needed stitches. He now has a little bald spot on the back of his head, and bright green stitches that will come out when we get back.  It was a bit scary for all of us, but we got him to the clinic quickly and he was given good care.  He has needed a little extra rest but I think the timing will work out well.

Hope everyone is well and that I can capture some of the beauty of this part of Mexico.

Evi and Ivan

Farewell Supper, Carol and Richard head to PV tomorrow (and then home)

More of Richard Trueman's images of the Chapala area and Roca Azul

Carol on the balcony, Valentine's Day, Comida at Vive Mexico, Malecon Art

Richard and Carol's Visit to Roca Azul

More of Richard Trueman's photo impressions of Roca Azul, Jocotepec

Richard Trueman's Photos of Roca Azul

Richard Trueman's Photos of Aijijic (the next town)

Update on Life

Spring is bringing rain to Roca Azul, unusual but welcome.  The roads are dusty and it is nice to see nature watering the many flowering plants and trees without draining the main cistern.

We have been enjoying our quiet routines.  Ivan is up to 45 minutes of swimming in the thermal pool.  I am busy with my online course (which is more demanding that I expected).  However I am enjoying being a student again after all these years and having the time to focus on the course called “Lifespan”.  I really like my online teacher and find taking a course this way “works” so well for me.

We expect two guests on Tuesday, Richard and Carol.  They are my sister's friends and have been spending winters exploring Mexico for about the last 3  years.  We look forward to showing them this area.

I also have three ESL Mexican students that come 2 X a week.  So there is a nice balance between teaching and learning.  My students are lovelyJ and connect me to Jocotepec and the reality of their live's here.

On a sad note,  Marianne Wall, my beloved friend (and Step Mother – if you are allowed to have one after 19?) died two days ago.   Although she had a long life (she was 94) she will be sadly missed by many.  

This news has taken me on a sad but special trip down memory lane. Once again reminded to communicate our love and appreciation to the many people we have shared a branch of life’s journey with. I was so glad I was able to talk on the phone with Marianne a week ago.

Marianne was not only a partner that offered my Father joy and laughter in his later years, but a unique and festive presence in all our lives.  (the people lucky enough to know her)

I send love to Ron and Jaqui and all of Marianne’s family and please know I am with you during this sad time.

TRIP TO OACAXA

Ivan initiated a wish he has to go see Panchita in Oacaxa.  He thought about this visit each year but it is far from Joco with the need to stop in Mexico City.

This year his yearning to see the place his Uncle Leon set up as a camp many many years ago was paramount. So we we did our research on the best (cheapest) way to get there.

Chelite, my student, is a travel agent and helped us find a flight online that leaves Feb. 29 (with a connecting flight in Mexico City) and returns to Guadalajara March 7. We are both excited about seeing Oaxaca and connecting Ivan to one more place in the world that has personal meaning.

Irme, Panchita’s daughter, is thrilled Ivan is coming as she never met him, but her entire family was closely connected to his Uncle and Mother and both Joanna and Carrie spent time there many moons ago.  Carrie was telling us about her memories of the place and can’t wait to see some pictures and hear our stories.

Hope everyone is well and that this milder winter will present an earlier spring.

Greetings

Evi and Ivan