On this trip we got to travel around the perimeter of Lake Chapala, thanks to a bus tour arranged by our friends Janie and Norman. We saw some of the lakeside attractions, and there are areas we want to explore further in the future.
We were fortunate to have secured the rental of a nice casita in a quiet area of Ajijic, thanks again to Janie checking it out for us.
A special feature of the casita is the garden, which we overlook from the patio.
As you can see, we are fairly close to the hills which surround Lake Chapala, but only a short walk the the village plaza. The location also meant we could walk most places, including the local open air markets and shops.
Bananas in the landscape!
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, but we had not seen such large blooms before. All happy in this landscape next to our patio.
Another view of the lovely, lush garden.
Our street!
Pancho's Deli Market was new since our last visit and we found it a great place to grocery shop, not too far from the casita. It is a small store, but packed with most things you would need. In addition, there is a small organic market that sets up in the El Bar Co. next door each Friday morning. I was delighted to find a vendor selling fresh made pate, and another selling British-style meat pies, think chicken pot pie, steak and kidney!
There is a coffee shop/restaurant called Pranzo, where we stop occasionally. I just had to share a photo of the wash basins in the men's bathroom!!
It is always a wonderful sight to see the children happily playing and no squabbling.
Big brothers all happy to take part in the games.
This is the Malecon along the lakefront with a park to the right. It is usually busy on the weekends with locals picnicking and relaxing.
This maybe gives an idea of the weekend and some evening's activities.
I am always surprised to see how many horses are present.
The first stop on our tour around the lake was at the small town of Mescala, where we took a boat out to the island, La Isla De Mezcala, also known as El Presidio.
From 1812 to 1816, a small band of Mexican rebels established a fort on this island and fought the invading Spanish army. These rebels were attempting to protect the fishermen and farmers from the Spanish. Against overwhelming odds they held out until the frustrated Spanish Army negotiated a peaceful surrender with the insurgents.
Today, there are the remains of the fort and soldier's barracks to wander through.
Landing on the island.
Part of the army barracks.
From the barracks roof.
Looking towards the shore, with the island church in the foreground.
We passed this tree on the way to the fort. I have no idea what it is, but it was quite spectacular.
Returning to Mezcala, a town worth further exploration.
One of the key destinations on the trip around the lake, was the fishing village of Petatan. Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico and is about 50 miles long by 11 miles wide, so the trip took us all day. We had a goal of reaching Petatan by 4pm, because that is when the villagers feed the pelicans with remains of the fish processing that takes place earlier in the day.
These are American White Pelicans that migrate each year from Canada and spend the winter on the lake.
The pelicans are aware of the feeding schedule and wait pretty peacefully.
It is a way for the local children to make money by selling fish to throw. We bought some, but asked this young girl to throw the fish for us!
The pelicans are a lot of fun and a good opportunity for photographs.
Also opportunities to buy deep fried unidentifiable "stuff".
Another photo op before boarding the bus back to the start of our "around the lake" tour.
It is just a wonderful, colorful time to be visiting Ajijic.
And lots of confetti from the Carnaval everywhere!
Sunset on the lake.
Sunset from our patio.
Stay tuned, we are planning to return in May.
