This is how they promote the outdoor grilled chicken shop in downtown Ajijic. Notice he is literally dancing in the street? Annoys some of the local drivers (Mexicans), who occasionally swerve towards him...

Because we are outside of town we missed yet another fiesta extraordinaire. On January 20th the patron saint of Ajijic, San Sebastien, was celebrated. A whole day event, I didn't find out about it until too late. There was a huge display of art at the Plaza, a parade with floats and confetti, wonderful local food and drink of all kinds, ending up with live music and street dancing in Centro. Oh well - next year for sure!

As promised, I will share some current information about crime and corruption in the area as reported in the Guadalajara Reporter. As mentioned in a previous post, there's been a substantial increase in local robberies and home invasions in recent months. With the change in administration December 1st on many government levels, criminals have taken advantage of the "grey zone" between the election of new people and the actual taking of office (not to mention the extended time it takes to put anything new into practice here). One new program is having mixed success. A mandate to test all current police officers for competency is a good idea - but the newspaper reported that 33% of Guad. cops failed and have been dismissed as unfit for service. In Jalisco as a whole the number is 35%. The tests include drug tests, lie detector, medical and psych among others. Failing officers, not due to drugs or affiliations with organized crime, are being reassigned to desk jobs when possible. According to stats from the state's Attorney General's office, a staggering 75% of pending crime cases are "shelved" which has the effect of  encouraging criminals to carry on business as usual (thus the huge swell in the number of home robberies in the area - my conclusion).

An example specific to Ajijic was recently in the news. A well known, long established restaurant in the area was abruptly demolished on 1/15. Local folks had lots of questions, as the owner and family were well liked in the area by many long-time residents. As reported by the Guad. Reporter, the owner of the restaurant had been in a legal battle with the owner of the land it was on for over 7 years, with suit after counter suit being filed in court. When all had run its course in the courts the judge asked him to vacate the premises voluntarily (that was in September last year!) and he refused. What we do know is that the part of the property that they were operating on was sitting on a section of land that was public access, and so they never had any legal claim to it. How were they able to continue to operate for so many years? Apparently the owner was paying off the previous judge regularly for that entire time, but when the new judge took office she refused to take the money - end of story.

In spite of all this, we love this place and will continue to return. This part of the world certainly doesn't have a corner on the market of crime and corruption!

As seen from our roof last night, and frequently...

Just like in high school and college, I procrastinate, and now there is so much to write about I don't know where to begin. The holidays as celebrated in the states have come and gone. Family visitors left on Wed. and took the week's fabulous weather with them. Before they arrived we had several days of uncharacteristic chilly weather, including two days of rain! I questioned the locals - what is this rain all about? From some expats that live here, and from my gardener, I was told these are called the "cabanuelas". They are predictors of this coming year's rains for purposes of planning harvest. If you Google the term you will find all kinds of interesting stuff.

Some new friends here have gotten me connected to some neat opportunities. A Writers' Group meets here twice a month, and in the group are all the folks who write for local English publications that we see in print in the area. I went to a meeting with my new friend as sponsor, and it was great fun. There was so much talent in the room - I felt humbled to be included, but at the same time energized, as I think I could do this! If I had only thought to bring down examples of my published stuff... I also am going to begin work with a woman who hosts a network for local women online. The info on their website is in need of an update/clean-up in several areas, and that is my forte. My jewelry group is in high gear as well, with a bunch of newbies on board. All of us who don't feel qualified to produce and sell our jewelry (yet) will have the opportunity to learn from some of the local women who do. Lots of classes are planned for teaching purposes. I can't wait! At the same time Gregg has not been able to pull together a fishing trip. Perhaps in March ...

Things here are the same, yet different, each time we visit. As long as we are "Snowbirds" our experience will change every time we visit. We have have had some really unpleasant experiences this year - including moving in to our supposedly "fully equipped" home in which the TV and dishwasher  didn't work, and there were leaks in two places inside when it rained. In addition there was no iron, salt and pepper shakers, storage containers, mixing bowls, can openers, spare sheets and towels and - in a 2 bd rm house there were only 12 hangers! The 2nd bedroom had only a bed - nothing else. Wow.  Be very careful when finding things online (as we have always done). Ask LOTS of questions and be sure you get answers you are satisfied with. And be prepared to be flexible.

Will post again soon about things going on here. There is always so much.  As well, there is lots to talk about regarding area politics and the daily goings on.