ROMPOPE MEXICAN EGG NOG

Rompope originated in Puebla, Mexico in the 1600′s at the Convento de Santa Clara. The nuns prepared Rompope to welcome guests to the convent. The nuns appealed to the Mother Superior and soon began making Rompope daily. With the rising popularity the nuns began to bottle the Rompope to raise money for the convent. The love for Rompope quickly spread throughout Mexico with each region creating new variations. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, pine nuts, almonds or cinnamon.
Here is the original recipe, I am going to make a batch up for Christmas Eve!  We hope you enjoy it!

 

 

ROMPOPE MEXICAN EGGNOG

 

Ingredients

• 1 quart milk
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of baking soda
• 1 (3inch) piece canela
• 8 egg yolks
• ½ cup dark rum or brandy
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine milk, sugar, baking soda, and canela in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Decrease the heat and cook for 30 minutes at a soft boil; it will reduce to about 3 cups. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the eggs yolks lightly by hand and slowly pour in 1 cup of the hot milk mixture, whisking continuously.
3. Return the mixture to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring often until the mixture has thickened slightly and resembles the consistency of half- and- half, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and immediately pour into a bowl placed in an ice bath to chill.
5. Discard the canela and gently whisk in the rum and vanilla.
6. Chill completely before serving.

 

 

Christmas Poinsettia's

I wait all year long for the Poinsettia trees to come out into bloom here in Mexico.  They are absolutely beautiful.  I wanted to share with you a little history of the Poinsettia ..............

The ancient Aztecs (the Mexican Indians) prized the Poinsettia as a symbol of purity. Centuries later, Mexico's early Christians adopted the Poinsettia as their prized Christmas Eve flower. The Mexican Poinsettias are usually bright red. They are used in most Christmas decorations, because of their bright red color and because of them blooming mostly during the Christmas holiday season. For some, these star-shaped flowers symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. The Christmas Poinsettia flowers have become a symbol of Christmas and are used as festive decorations. The markets are full of these delightful Christmas time flowers.

An old Mexican legend explains how Poinsettias became associated with Christmas.

 Apparently, a child who could not afford a gift to offer to Christ on Christmas Eve, picked some weeds from the side of a road. The child was told that a humble gift when given with love would be acceptable in God's eyes. When they were brought inside the church, the weeds bloomed into red and green flowers that the congregation felt that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle!

 

Truly Magnificant and can be seen all over the landscape here at this time of year.  We have several in our yard, although not quite this big!!

KIDS WILL BE KIDS!

The other day Greg and I decided to visit one of our favourite little outdoor restaurants for lunch.  This place is called Lety's and makes the most delicious fish dishes you can imagine.  We go there fairly often when we feel like a tasty fish meal.  Pascado con coco con salsa mango is our favourite!  (fish with coconut and mango salsa)
We finish our lunch full and happy and venture out to the parking lot to our car.  Beside this restaurant adjacent to the parking lot is a farmers field full of livestock.  As we approached our car we see two baby goats on the hood of our car!!  They were very young and jumping from the hood up onto the roof and back down again.  Greg, in his usual comic fashion hollers........."hey, you kids, get off my car!"
The two little ones jumped off the hood and up into the large tree and back into the farmers field.
We laughed and were once again reminded that we're not in Kansas anymore! 
Viva Mexico!

Christmas in Chapala Mexico!

Twas the night before Christmas, not far from a beach
I'm afraid a white Christmas is out of my reach.
No snow, no sleigh bells, no Santa's reindeer,
The sounds of our Mexican Village is all that I hear.

I miss mistletoe and I miss the holly
Strung lights on my cactus, isn't as jolly
What I would give for an eggnog right now
Tequila's just not as festive somehow.

Now don't get me wrong, I love living here
But I get a bit homesick at this time of year
When the kids were young, I'd be up until three,
Wrapping their gifts to put under the tree.

They're all grown up now with lives of their own
Instead of their hugs, it a call on the phone
Hey Mom, how are you?  How's Christmas down there
They tell me they love me, I know that they care.

It's enough I suppose and I'm glad that they're well
Maybe next year they'll visit, that'd  be swell
But tonight it's just hubby and me
And 6 dogs -  the reason we don't have a tree!

The hour is late and it's past time for bed
The margarita  I've sipped has gone to my head
So I take my love's hand and step out for some air
And gaze at the stars hoping Santa's up there.

He isn't of course, as I've known all along,
And that cheery white Christmas is only a song,
But I hold my love's hand and give him a kiss
And know that it doesn't get better than this.

We live in a tropical heaven on earth
Enjoying good friends, well aware of their worth
Well that's it for my tropical rhyme,
After all, it is almost Christmas time!

 

Merry Christmas to All

 

xoxo

Time Out

After a year and a half, we decided it was time for a little road trip!   Thursday, we leave beautiful Lake Chapala and head over to the west coast of Mexico.  Only a 4 hour drive from our home where we will stay for the next 8 days!  La Manzanilla..............we have rented a little spot right on the ocean.  We're looking forward to checking out a little of this beautiful country we call home!

La Manzanilla, Costa Alegre

La Costa Alegre is the crown of the Central Pacific Coast of Mexico, and La Manzanilla is one of its jewels.

La Costa Alegre is indeed the "Happy Coast." In fact, it is Mexico's quintessential coastline. From Barra de Navidad to Playa Quemaro, dense tropical deciduous forest covers rolling hills; white sand beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove lagoons encircle a succession of bays which are home to thousands of species of plants, animals, and birds: general flora—1120 species, nearly half of which are endemic to Mexico; general fauna—422 vertebrates including 90 endemic species to Mexico, 40 of which are birds.  La Manzanilla, our base, lies in a protected corner of Tenacatita Bay, the second biggest in Mexico.  La Manzanilla’s mangrove ecosystem is home to the largest population of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) living in contact with humans along the coast of Jalisco. Though undergoing development at a rapid rate, The Costa Alegre is still a relatively wild, stunning, and unspoiled place.

Day of the Dead

Today is The Day of  the Dead once again here in Mexico.  The pics below will give you an idea of the alters that are created by each family in honor of their passed loved ones.
This is a very important day for Mexican families.  This evening Greg and I will be going into our local village (Chapala) to walk the town residential streets and view the beautiful alters created out of love by the Mexican families.  There will be mariachi bands playing, many vendors along the way selling goodies.  A parade thru town then dancing in the plaza (town square) follows.

Although this custom seems a bit creepy to us northerners - death is celebrated here in Mexico and is not feared but rather celebrated!

Altars in Chapala for the Day of the Dead

Emma

Three months ago a beautiful soul entered our lives.  She was a Bearded Collie which is similar to a Sheepdog.  We named her "Emma."  
Emma was found near death lying in some tall reeds down by the lake.  After a month of rehab at our local vets office, the dog then required a home environment so she could fully recover. Our vet asked us if we might help.  Nobody knew how old she was - it was apparent she was older, most likely around 10 years old.  We brought Emma here to recoup and it didn't take long (three days) for us to decide we would keep her.  She was the most loving, placid dog and seemed to be thriving.  Her coat was beginning to grow in again, she was happy. 
 Last week Emma was diagnosed with liver disease.  We proceeded with surgery and much medicine in an attempt to save her life.  It was not successful and yesterday we had to say good-bye to Emma.

She left this planet knowing that she was loved (for the first time in her life)  and died here at home on our veranda on her favourite blanket.  

  

Friendship

A  friend of ours here has been having allot of back pain and it was decided that he required extensive surgery to correct the problem.  He went to a first class hospital in Guadalajara and the surgery was preformed which included a spinal fusion complete with rods, screws and much hardware!  
There are a group of us that have formed close friendships.  One couple stepped us and took their 2 dogs for the week, another couple took the 3rd dog.  Yet another drove them into Guadalajara  to the hospital and are picking him up and bringing him home.  The forth couple are preparing meals for the arrival home.  Yet another couple has researched hospice care and have all the details set up in the event it will be required.  We have all arranged for the Red Cross to be standing waiting for the return complete with stretcher, chair or whatever else is required in order to get our friend back into the house safely and comfortably. 
We feel so very fortunate to have such a circle of caring friends who do whatever it takes to look out for each other.  It really is heartwarming to know that in time of need,  you have caring, loyal people who will come to your aid.
Friends, just imagine what you would do if you didn't have any?  As we age, friends become so very important - Greg and I are blessed with so many good ones! 
We are of the lucky ones!
A toast to all our dear friends, old friends, lifelong friends and new friends!
Be a good friend is today's message!
      

Good News for Mexico!

Mexico remains top travel destination for US market


Image via mexicanatheart.com

Oct 16, 2012
MEXICO CITY, Mexico - The Mexico Ministry of Tourism and the Mexico Tourism Board reported that as a result of the promotional strategies implemented in international markets, Mexico remains the top travel destination for the U.S. market; in the second quarter of the year. In addition, the intent of North Americans to travel to Mexico grew 5.3 percent compared to the same period in 2011.
The Governing Board of the Mexico Tourism Board, the Secretary of Tourism and Director General of the Board, Secretary Gloria Guevara, explained that in the period January to July 2012, the number of international tourists (those which travel to Mexico, stay at least one night, and cross the border) increased by 4.1 percent with respect to the same period the prior year.
Before representatives of the tourism business sector including travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, developers, trucking and air travel, as well as the Secretaries of Tourism of Mexico's states and federal authorities, Secretary Guevara noted that the spending of international visitors has increased by 7.2 percent during this period, indicating that not only did Mexico receive a great number of tourists, but also an increased economic impact.
Visitor arrivals by air to Mexico during the period January to August 2012 increased 6.1 percent with respect to 2011, 4.9 percent compared to 2010 and 11.7 percent compared to 2008.
As a result of market diversification strategies, the period January to August registered an increase in the arrival of international visitors of 143 nationalities, among them Russia with 85 percent, Brazil with 51.5 percent, Venezuela with 45.6 percent, Argentina with 27.3 percent and China 27.2 percent, among others.
Secretary Guevara said that the performance of the country's 70 principal tourist centers in terms of average occupied rooms reported positive figures; average hotel occupancy has grown for 17 consecutive months, and has already exceeded that of 2008.
Drawing upon the success of promotional initiatives, in the period January to September of this year, the average number of occupied rooms has grown by 8.5 percent and hotel occupancy has increased four percentage points in the destinations of the Mayan World.
Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, Deputy Director General of the Mexico Tourism Board, said that during the second quarter of 2012, the intent to travel to Mexico in the North American market increased by 5.3 percentage points, with respect to the same period the prior year. Among the main country brands, that of Mexico registered the greatest growth during this period, indicating that the intention to travel to Mexican destinations continues to grow among the North American market.
He noted that the advertising allocation presented an increase of 3.5 percentage points with respect to the second quarter of 2011, well above the variation presented by competitors such as Hawaii, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. This variable measures how well the American consumer identifies publicity about Mexico compared to advertising for other destinations.
As for brand awareness, he noted that Mexico has the highest mention about its competitors, registering growth of 3 percent with respect to the second quarter of 2011. To measure this variable, potential tourists were asked to name the destinations outside of the continental United States that come to mind when they think of traveling, and Mexico continues to be the most remembered.
Regarding Mexico's online and social media strategy, Lopez-Negrete said that Mexico has a world-class website (www.visitmexico.com), which has advanced from twelfth to sixth place, according to evaluation studies; moreover, the website has doubled its number of visitors, from 2.2 million during January to August 2011 to 4.1 million during the same period this year.
The growth in Mexico's social media channels has multiplied 54 times with over half a million users, while the interaction with users has reached levels exceeding industry standards. The destination has also established a plan for updates which will see the launch of the new version of "VisitMexico 3.0" in December in five languages.
During the meeting of the Governing Board, the Secretary of Tourism of Baja California, Ruben Reachy Lugo, recognized the promotional work executed by Mexico Tourism Board offices worldwide; studies indicate that these are areas of opportunity.
The Secretary of Tourism of Sinaloa, Oralia Rice, noted the "historic" support provided by the Federal Government to the state, for the development of destinations such as Mazatlan.
The Secretary of Tourism of Mexico City, Carlos McKinlay, expressed interest in strengthening the work of the city government, to work closely with the Mexico Tourism Board for tourism promotion.
The Secretary of Tourism of Campeche, Luis Augusto Garcia, acknowledged the support of federal authorities for emerging destination, highlighting that Campeche reported average growth of over 10 percent in the number of visitors.

17 Months Now

It's hard to believe we have lived here for almost a year and a half.  Time has flown by.  We continue to enjoy our lives.  This is Thanksgiving Weekend back in Canada.  Last Thanksgiving Greg and I attended a fundraiser dinner here - this year, we're going to cook our own Turkey ..................

The weather now is glorious...............mornings are cool before the sun rises and a long sleeve tshirt is comfortable while having coffee on our verhandah each morning.  The sun shines every day and the sky now is cloudless mexican blue all day long.  The rains are finished and we won't see a drop until next June!


 A simple re-cap after 17 months.


Are we safe? Yep
Do we have most everything we need? Yep
Do we have lots of new friends? Yep
Do we really enjoy the weather? Yep
Do we feel the need to move back up NOB? Nope!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY !
All our love,
Greg & Lor
xoxo

Regatta de Globos!

 

The Globos is an annual event that the community looks forward to each year!  Teams of men and children make these tissue paper hot air balloons and send them up into the sky.  This event is held at a local soccer field in Ajijic.  What an event to be part of - the entire community came together to enjoy the afternoon.  Many of these flying creatures don't make it - they catch on fire while being sent into the air.  The pic below will give you an idea of the amount of people attending, fun was had by all - Mexicanas & Gringos alike.

 

 

 

 

 The whole village turned out for the Regatta de Globos, what a great time. Sept 8, 2012

Jocotepec (ho-ko-te-pec)

A short drive along the lake from our little town is a beautiful place called Jocotepec!  This is a picture of Joco and Lake Chapala with Mount Garcia in the background.  Joco is a large town (city) at the end of our lake to the West.  The government recently updated the malicon here for the past Pan Am Games and it is now a must see when friends and family members come to visit.  There is a cute water park area for the kiddies and the views from the docks are spectacular!  Joco malicon has the very best ice cream cones around!  We frequently head there when we want to feel the magic of the lake and take time to sit and people watch.  The parkland area that surrounds is peaceful and beautiful.  Here are a few more pics.

Aerial view of Jocotepec


Jocotepec Plaza


Jocotepec Church on Plaza

Joco Updated Malicon

Pumpkin Soap & Shoe Wax

Shoe shine stands are one of the most common forms of street vending furniture that may be seen in towns and cities across Mexico.
There are various types, although the most often seen are larger, more permanent, fixtures featuring a canvas roof, an upholstered seat and metal footrests. The seat is set up quite high on the stand and requires a small climb to settle into. As a result of this, customers need to cast off any inhibitions they may have about being perched for all passers-by to see.
The people attending to customers at these stands are always men, usually older men, who tend to their craft day-in, day-out, six days a week. If you live in Mexico, you’ll come to recognize them as regulars of the local neighborhoods.
The customers who use this service are most often men, too. Mexican women do not, as a rule, patronize these officers of footwear maintenance, although from time to time you might see female foreign tourists (usually younger women who also combine the event with a picture-shoot to record the experience) taking part in this very long-standing street scene and commercial ritual.
Just below the foot rests is situated the attendant’s tools and materials box, featuring an assortment of brushes as well as pots and other vessels storing an ample selection of paints, waxes and the shoe shiner’s detergent of choice – a tub of pumpkin soap: every ritual begins with a shoe wash, which is undertaken using this mild, natural, detergent. With the street dust dispatched, the attendant begins upon the next stage of the ritual; a carefully orchestrated sequence of waxing, painting and polishing routines, concluding with a brisk brush-over and the final touch: a hand polish using a leather cloth tightly drawn across and around each shoe.
The entire ritual takes only a few minutes and the precise fee is discretionary, although fifteen to twenty pesos is reasonable - $1.50!  Greg recently used this service to dust off and polish his leather sandals!  Not many Mexican men polish their sandals  but what the heck - we're gringos!

The Colour Green

Green, Lush and Beautiful

This picture will give you an idea of how lush and green everything is here now.  The rainy season will soon be over and the lush jungle like landscape will slowly return to it's dry state.  It has been a very healthy rainy season this year.  We have the rains at night with clashing thunder and torrential down pouring accompanied with bright lightening.  Rainy season officially ends October 1st!

Labour Day

Labour Day In Mexico - is May 1st!

While researching Labor Day in Mexico I ran across some interesting facts that I didn’t know as to the origin of this holiday. In Canada we celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September. What I discovered most interesting is that May 1st, Labor Day origination was heavily influenced by two things. The first was the passing of a resolution at the Organized Trades and Labor Unions for Canada as well as the United States and that basically set forth the 8 hour work day.

The second event was the Haymarket riot on May 4th 1886 in Chicago. This riot was between the working and business class and to this day, the cause is still disputed. While researching in Wkipidepia Internet encyclopedia they refer to this event as having been an important factor in creating International May Day. There was a peaceful rally of 3000 held in Chicago until late in the evening while during the process of the police trying to disburse the crowd someone threw a bomb killing several policeman immediately. At this point the police began shooting and many workers, innocents and police were injured.
Members of Mexican workers unions burn an effigy representing politicians during a protest march in Mexico City, May 1, 2006.
Mexico has had its share of protest on this day such as last year May 1st thousands thronged to the Zócalo (town center) of Mexico City to protest labor laws and reminded the President that  the unions are still here and they are angry. More than 90,000 workers showed up lead by many union leaders to express their dissatisfaction.
Very few Mexicans are even aware why they have the day off. Some of the locals I asked here thought  it might have something to do with the workers but very few even tried to guess as to what the history of the holiday was for but were of course ready to take the day of rest which really translates to fiesta. The history of May 1st being a workers holiday did not originate in Mexico, the origin came from the US.

We think about our past Labor Day weekends spent at our cottage on Black Lake.  Reflecting and remembering all the years of "that final summer weekend".  Sitting down by the lake looking at the long dock and boat that we know should come out now.  The kids use to say - Ahh Dad but it's still feels like summer.  Greg would hum and say, "Yeah today it does but next week, who knows!"
So, out the dock and boat would come (usually) and the preparations would begin for fall. 

This Labor Day we will spend the afternoon at a neighborhood BBQ enjoying our new friends and no heavy Labor will be involved!

Happy Long Weekend Everybody Back Home, Happy Fall!

xoxo

Mexico Celebrates...............

September 2012: Happy Birthday Mexico

 

September here in Mexico is an important month.  There are many celebrations to enjoy - the first on September 16th is Mexico's Independence Day -the 202nd anniversary of achieving their independence from Spain. -( called independencia dia).   Lakeside in mid-September will be full of annual events. From charro (horsemanship and rodeo competitions) , mariachis, strolling style shows of beautifully worn rebozos (ladies' shawls), parades, dances and a huge hot air balloon regatta -(called Globos) will feature air-worthy homemade hot air balloons  made from tissue paper, the action goes on for days!  This is something to see!  Many of these crafts float about the sky, some not so lucky end up in flames.  This year Greg and I are working at a charity hot dog stand for the day.  It should be alot of fun watching these crafts and selling (and maybe eating a few) hotdogs!  The Mexican community look forward to the month of September and come out in droves for these fun filled events.

The children here go back to school the third week in August.  We recently learned how the school system works here.  The Mexican government supplies the school buildings and teachers.  Every other necessity must be supplied by the parents of each child attending school.  One of our Mexican friends outlined for us these costs.  Each child requires a school uniform complete with two pairs of shoes.  The parents are given a list of items  - the usual things like pencils, pens and notebooks which you would expect - same as at home.  Then there is toilet paper, soap,  each child's share of the electricity that will be used to run the school over the year.  It is expensive for parents here to send their children to school - average per child is about $250 for the year!  The children look so cute marching together down the cobblestone streets heading happily to school................

There are many century old  traditions that happen here  in September — they're a huge part of the Fiestas Patrias (patriotic celebrations). A very big traditional dish is the molcajete - (mo-ka-het-teh)   the lava stone bowl that is filled with pork, chicken or shrimp  and cheese in a flavourful broth  and is baked in a hot oven.  The Molcajete is served to you bubbling hot and is absolutely delicious!  This traditional dish has been enjoyed for centuries!  When my sister Sandy visited in April, she enjoyed her first Molcajete - I think Sandy will return simply to have this wonderful dish again.  Hurry back San!

 

Home Security!

Too good not to post!  Love this................

Love This...............

Sent to me today by a good friend..............love it!

 

LIFE IS SHORT,

BREAK THE RULES,

FORGIVE QUICKLY, LOVE TRULY,

LAUGH UNCONTROLLABLY,

NEVER REGRET ANYTHING THAT MADE YOU SMILE!

About Town in Ajijic

In and Around the Ajijic Plaza

Inside of a bread store

Two policemen on bicycles

Mangoes are in season now. Delicious......