Happiness is following memorable footsteps under more favorable conditions. Most of 50 years ago, outside London, Ontario, brothers Jim and Jack Young acquired an old truck and bulldozer and made a bold move up in the world. In good weather they hauled gravel and helped build roads. In bad weather they moved snow. Their little […]
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As I have said before, Mexico City, to these old eyes, is too big, too hectic, too crowded, too liberal, too much of several things. Mexico City is very exciting, prosperous, problematic, fashionable, contradictory. As I have said before, there is so much to see, stately cathedrals, marvelous museums, magic marketplaces, significant statues, almost perfect […]
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It has been said that beauty is where you see it and genius is all around, waiting to be identified. Beauty — Quinta Tesoro de la Sierra Madre is an adobe house and little wildlife refuge on the banks of Rio Corona, at the end of the road, 25 or 30 miles from Ciudad Victoria, […]
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When the honorable and distinguished city leaders of Cocula, Jalisco select me as communications consultant for their mariachi museum, I shall recommend minor enhancements. The host who greets visitors and discreetly flips a switch to light up exhibits would also turn on background music, mariachis of course. If cost is a concern in a snug […]
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During Christmas holidays, a college sophomore stumbled into a board game, “Pancho Villa, Dead or Alive.” He was surprised I had heard of Pancho but not the goofy game. He said everybody was playing it. I doubted that — but filed away his remark as another insensitive putdown, a way of saying I am old […]
Continue ReadingAjijic, Mexico: Mexico smiles and accepts many foreigners — because they bring money. Most prove to be some degree of blessing. Some gripe and complain but do no real harm. A few become curses. Thousands choose our mostly sunny country for retirement and live happily ever after. Some come only for emotional re-starts. Some hide […]
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Despite hurricanes and earthquakes, political turmoil, higher gas prices and global warming, Mexico’s marvelous Bay of Tenacatita remains a sea of tranquility. White gold sand, the soft slope of the beach and shallow water gently warmed by the sun make this a perfect playpen for young families. The livin’ is easy. So is swimming. According […]
Continue ReadingThe good government of Jocotepec, centralized at the west end of Lake Chapala in the great state of Jalisco, has given new meaning to the word “mañana.” Too early on a Monday morning in mid-December 2007, a giant yellow machine on four very large, black tires got the undivided attention of residents along Rivera del Lago. […]
Continue ReadingMexicans are world-class protesters. They bring it on with enthusiasm, deep determination, raw emotion. Sometimes they just march and chant and wave signs. Sometimes they strip naked to attract attention. Sometimes they block streets and build bonfires to emphasize a point of view. Sometimes they throw bottles and rocks and storm the front door of […]
Continue ReadingThere are several famous David Frosts loose in the world. One is the excommunicated Canadian hockey coach and agent. Another is Sir David, distinguished Englishman with TV connections to the late Richard Nixon. My pick is the David Frost, American computer programmer, banjo-picker and adventurer, currently encouraging or coaxing his wife Jo to hop-scotch around Mexico, scouting […]
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