New friends

This is the red pickup truck we rode in. Note the size of the back seat.

You may recall, if you have been following this blog, that the first person Sue and I met in Mexico City was our guide at the Palacio National, Hugo Chavez. Our relationship with that charming man was so good that he suggested I contact his sister while in Ajijic. Today we met each other and had a great visit.

Breakfast at Dona Lola

Raquel is an 81 year old "Mamasita" who lives in the area with her daughter, Beata, and her husband, George, whom we also met. By "we", I mean my sister and me. We were picked up at a designated spot on the main road, and we rode in the tiny back seat of Geroge's Ford Pickup truck to a Mexican breakfast spot in town, Dona Lola; afterwards we were invited back to their home in the Chapala Hacienda development east of Ajijic. I was most interested in seeing the garden where they grow avocados, papayas, mangoes, pomegranates and other wonderful tropical produce. Raquel also has a lovely rose garden, as well as other flowers in bloom. When we said goodbye, Raquel gave each of us a white gardenia to put in our hair. How delightful!

Catherine and I with Raquel in her garden.

On our ride home, George drove us through the town of Chapala, another vacation spot which is most popular with young Mexicans, who visit it on the weekends to party.

One of the local shops.

My day is booked up tomorrow, so today I finished shopping for gifts for family members (and myself), before heading to Yves for lunch. This restaurant has a view to the waterfront and had been recommended by several folks as a good spot for a light meal. Having consumed two breakfasts, I settled for the salad bar today.

The view from Yves.

At 3:30, I met Janie in the town square for the annual Art Auction, an event that I attended with Bob three years ago. On that occasion, I came away with an Efran Gonzalez watercolour of San Miguel which is now mounted on the wall of my dining room. Today, I was much less successful. Although I bid on a couple of items, I did not buy anything. Probably best for my pocketbook.

Art work up for auction.

Auctioneer Efran Gonzalez at work

For dinner, Janie, Catherine, John and I headed to a new restaurant in town, Hacienda del Lago, which has been created within the grounds of a elegant private home. The food and the ambiance were both excellent.

The Hacienda del Lago

Dinner with Catherine and John. Janie took the picture.

I was glad to arrive back at Estrellita's early this evening. My schedule is wearing me out!