2020 in Retrospect

 As everyone would agree, 2020 was a very strange year that we hope will not be repeated anytime soon. I have been avoiding adding to my blog posts ever since we returned from our sailing trip in Belize. We had, just like everyone else, grand travel plans for the year, all of which had to be canceled As I write this, there is no clear understanding as to when we can make plans to visit the countries that were on our 2020 itinerary.

As I think you all know, we are hunkered down in the friendly village of Ajijic, Mexico, and feeling very blessed to be in this environment. Yes, the virus lurks everywhere and we are as vigilant as possible, very little social activity, and as much safe distancing as we can. A consequence of the mask wearing culture that we live in, is that all of the beautiful friendly smiles of our friends and neighbors are hidden. I am getting much better at seeing all of those beautiful smiles through the eyes instead.

One thing became obvious, Mother Nature did not seem aware that we were in a global pandemic. The trees flourished and the flowers continued to bloom.

Most of the dogs in town had no idea there was a change happening

Some locals took their rest as well.  Though I must say that musicians, such as you see here, were hit hard by the closure of restaurants, none, or very few venues were open where they could perform.

Before the virus became widespread, and we entered our lock-downs, we did have a few events that took place.

One of our intrepid friends set off on a solo bicycle ride in Japan in mid February, so we decided we would host a Buen Viaje party for her. Suffice it to say it was the trip of a lifetime for her, despite it being winter in Japan.

We were again able to participate in the Open Studio Art Walk that is set up annually by the Ajijic Society of the Arts, (but, sadly not in 2021). For the second year we were invited to join a local artist, Judy Miller, together with two other artists, David Winston and Joan Franklin. It was a fun event and again, Diane and her fabric covered boxes were a hit.

Lots of boxes........

I exhibited several of my photographs.  A fun day was had by all and everybody had sales!

For some reason, I did not do much photography in 2020, but i March we had an amazing full moon, and after many experiments with camera settings, I was happy to capture this image from our rooftop terrace.

 In the mountains near our condo there are many hiking paths, though this activity was severely curtailed for groups, I did make one climb with a friend to the waterfall. This waterfall is dependent on having a recent rainfall, and we were lucky there had just been a storm..

A real benefit from the climb are the views back over our village and Lake Chapala.

Since the rainy season is in the summer, everything is very green!

As the year wore on, we began to have itchy feet and felt the need to travel somewhere. In the end we made a short trip with two friends to Teuchitlan, where the unusual round step pyramids are to be found. These pyramids are known as Guachimontones, and date from about 300 -100 BCE. Remarkably, excavation of the site did not begin until the 1970's.

At this location there are three of the pyramids, one not yet excavated. There are terraces surrounding each pyramid on which dwelling places used to exist. All in all, a very interesting place to visit. 

Soon after this trip, we were invited by these same friends to join them in Puerto Vallarta.  They own a TimeShare that they often trade, and a hotel that is normally impossible to book was suddenly available due to Covid.   We had never been to PV and now that it was almost deserted and all protocols were being followed, it seemed like a good time to visit.  The water was warm and the beach very quiet.

Not a bad view from our room. We were impressed with all of the safety precautions that were in place at this hotel.  There were only about three other rooms occupied out of around seventy.

Holiday time was difficult in that we would normally visit our families in California and Washington, but not this year.  Heading into the cold and flu season, Covid lurking, we decided it was not a good idea to fly.   So we did the next best thing and used Zoom or Skype or Messenger and were thankful this technology was available.

Again, with our intrepid friends, Janie and Norman, we decided to spend Christmas in Pátzcuaro, a town within a four hour drive from Ajijic.  We were able to secure rooms in a hotel close to the main square, and again were impressed by the care that all Covid protocols were strictly enforced at the hotel and all around town.

The main town square had a very large display of figures relating to the nativity scene. Not just the traditional stable scene, but large figures depicting the "three wise men" and the elephant, camel and horse associated with their means of travel.

The construction was of  straw or grass, with the camel  covered in straw hats.

 

The elephant covered in some kind of dyed straw or reeds, and as you can see was massive.

The poor horse looked rather tired, but was also made of natural fibers.

I am not sure why this band was featured, but, then again we are in Mexico.

All of the figures were extremely well made and very beautiful. 

To view all of these tableau's, you were required to have your temperature taken, wear a mask, and have hand sanitizers applied. Only about 30-40 people were allowed in the cordoned off pathways around the square, with police stationed at every corner to ensure an orderly procession of social distanced viewers.  All very impressive and well organized.

Occasionally I feel maybe we shouldn't have ventured from our "stay at home" life, but in retrospect, I think we were cautious, took mask wearing. social distancing and outdoor activities seriously.  We ate outdoors almost exclusively, to include the best rack of lamb I have ever eaten with "proper" mint sauce made by the chef's wife who was from Derbyshire. Restaurant was " Bistro Monarca", which I highly recommend if you visit Pátzcuaro.

So, enough for now.  I hope that 2021 will bring the virus under some form of control, that we can be vaccinated, and we all have the ability to visit friends and family again.