Passing the 18 month anniversary of our move to Mexico, and fresh off the Camino which dominated the first 12 months of our time here, we are starting to branch out with other new activities. We were very careful that first year, based on the advice of local friends with great experience, to not over-commit our time, as some expats find themselves so over-scheduled their retirement lives are busier than their work ones were!
I applied for and was accepted into (shocking, I know) a local chapter of the Rotary. Chapala Sunrise Rotary is only a few years old, but is already the 3rd largest in its district. Our members are a mix of Rotary veterans and newcomers like me. This week we visited the small pueblo of Ojo de Agua, a 250 person Mexican community along Lake Chapala. Actually, the community is indigenous, comprising the Coca peoples who long predate the formation of the Mexican nation and have a storied, independent past.
Chapala Sunrise Rotary has built some water storage tanks, and is working with the people, local authorities, an NGO, and Mexican governments at various levels to improve the health of this community. I look forward to being a part of these efforts.
On a lighter side, Judy and I are considering how to take up tennis. We start with zero knowledge and experience, but we have two beautiful clay courts in our development at our disposal, and we want to try another sport where we can practice and play together. So once we figure out just how we are going to start this endeavor, you’ll hear more about our progress.
Finally, we’re going to take (dramatic pause)… dancing lessons. Judy actually knows how to dance, because she has some sense of rhythm. As for me, not so much. Actually, not at all. In fact, I may be the living definition of the phrase “absence of rhythm.” So progress here may be even slower, and I guarantee there will be no videos until I can handle the level of embarrassment!
That’s what we have new in store as we conclude year number two of expat life. That, and some travels around Mexico I will detail in future posts!
Thanks for the update…we (Chris, Chloe and I) are just finishing year #1. I’ve been encouraging Chris to join Rotary too. He used to belong to the Carpinteria, Ca Morning Rotary. Lannie
Raleigh and I love to dance, and I bet you and Judy will too. It’s wonderful that the older we get, the less we worry about what others think. Embarrassed? Seriously, most others our age are too busy doing their own thing to watch what friends are doing. Just enjoy!
I took ballroom dancing in the fifth grade. Didn’t stick. Lorna and I took up country and western in the 80s. She is a natural. I made her remind me of the basic steps (esp line dancing) in our living room before we hit the dance floor. Didn’t help. I did, however, dance at our younger daughter’s wedding and didn’t fall down with her in my arms.
Thoroughly enjoy your blog!! Is there a way to subscribe? Or, will completing the info below do it?
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