Whatever it is, it’s been three years in incubation. Over the course of these years I’ve often mentioned my book, my interviewees, my agent, my excitement and my depression over the labor of my first non-fiction book, Midlife Mavericks: Women Reinventing Their Lives in Mexico. I was lucky enough to find a well-reputed agent in New […]
Continue ReadingThis column is designed to offer Mexican living experiences from a woman’s point of view. I’ve been in Ajijic for more than four years, living as a single woman. In this time I’ve purchased, rebuilt and decorated a home; worked with agencies for handling disputes; dealt with the police and learned how to live comfortably […]
Continue ReadingSanta Semana (Easter week) captured center stage last month in Ajijic. For me, it was a chance to really appreciate both the Mexican customs as well as enjoying some from back home. The celebrations of our Mexican hosts begins with The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary on Friday, April 11: “Processions and special altars […]
Continue ReadingLast month, during the holidays, I experienced a magical mix of south and north-of-the border celebrations. My parents visited for two weeks during Christmas, which made it a special time for me. In anticipation of their visit, I decided to decorate the house and put up a tree. Although not a particularly charitable act, I […]
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As I walked through the hotel lobby, the weight of the three hundred $100 bills sewn to the waist band of my Jockey shorts pulled my underpants down over my small rear. The money was hanging at my knees. As inconspicuous as a penguin waddling through the hotel lobby at high noon, I could easily […]
Continue ReadingMy friends asked, “You’re going by bus? Why?” I rationalized about all the experiences I’d have to write about. After vacationing for a week in the Yucatan, I was heading back to Oaxaca, where I’m spending the winter. I told my friends that taking a bus from Cancun to Oaxaca would be a great way […]
Continue ReadingWhen we tell people that we go to Mexico often, they always ask “Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?” When we tell them “Veracruz”‘ they always ask, “Where is that?”. The State of Veracruz is on the east coast of Mexico and is a long day’s drive from McAllen or Laredo Texas. You then find yourself in […]
Continue ReadingThere are many positive things about the US and her people. Having traveled widely, including Communist countries, I have seen what can happen when there is neither freedom nor even the ability to have dreams, because the country is under a bad government. The United States is a country rich in many ways. For those […]
Continue ReadingOn a huge hill, covered with weeds, small trees and debris, was built a church overlooking the city, the Sanctuary de los Remedies. It is a beautiful site, with the towered church silhouetted against the blue sky and the snow-capped peaks of Popocatepetl and Ixtaccihuatl in the background. It was discovered that this was not […]
Continue ReadingSan Patricio/Melaque, on the Pacific Coast of Jalisco draws its name from Saint Patrick. Legend goes that Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland and drove out all the snakes to boot. Locals say Saint Patrick became the area’s patron saint when an Irish company logged the area during the last century. But what do I […]
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