Fall Has Arrived in Chapala Mexico

It is hard to believe that summer is over and that Fall has arrived!  Reflecting on this past summer I cannot remember a summer that I have enjoyed as much as this past one.  Every day was  a pure delight - hot sunny days, rainy nights, cool breezes and bright blue skys. 
Now the unmistakable seasonal changes are creeping up on Lakeside.  Even Lake Chapala - know as the "land of eternal spring", has four distinct seasons.  The skies are higher and bluer, the mornings are a crisp 55 to 60, the afternoons now are warm to around 80 F.   Evenings have cooled enought to be able to turn off the whirl of the ceiling fans and put a light blanket back on the bed. 
Fall in Mexico has other distinctive noticable changes.  Independance Day - which we just experienced on September 16th with it's red, white and green flags flying proudly everywhere.  It was a delight to watch how the Mexican nationals love their country and celebrate with such pride.
Flowering trees and bushes are beginning to show changes as well.  The mountainsides are beginning to show splashes of brigh yellow colour.  Wild sunflowers are popping up all over the hills - it's absolutely majestic to see.  The trees are changing as well.  There is one tree I especially love.  It is called  African Tulip Tree - they begin their bloom now until early February and have the brightest red-orange flowers I've ever seen.  The streets are lined with these amazing trees and the colours remind me of home this time of year.
The population and activity levels change here now.  The first of the "snowbirds" are arriving (otherwise known as "early birds!).  The sunbirds have left and so the area is quite quiet right now.
In a few short weeks, the area will be bustling with many Canadians and Americans that either have winter homes here or come to rent to escape the dreaded long cold dark winter months ahead.
The folks in the US seem to be feeling the economic downturn much more than us Canucks and it's been reported that the majority of winter bookings at casa rentals for the upcoming winter season will be Canadians! 
It is upsetting to hear and read all the grim reports and news that clouds Mexico these days.  It's hard to understand the fear that keeps people from coming here or coming to visit when the we look out our window or drive down the street, the biggest danger is a clip-clopping horse, a couple of cows parading down the street or a barking dog behind a fense.
After these past few months, we know we 've made the right decision for us - we love this lifestyle and hope to be here for many years to come!

Happy Fall Everybody!!

The African Tulip Tree