Another wonderful week. The easiest thing to spend an entire day wandering the streets, watching the people, meeting friends.
Our Western Architecture is finished and I’m waitlisted for another series on the Aztecs. It’s a long walk from our house to the Instituto (mostly uphill) but time for coffees or lunch en route which my knees appreciate. These gardens are at the Instituto.
I’ve been following a blog created by SMA ex-pats where there’s been a heated discussion about what to pay the Hispanics who work in people’s homes. It appears the going rate is roughly 60 pesos an hour which is $3. It’s gotten quite heated as some argue for more generosity while others defend their affordable way of life. There are expats who relocated here with very little and can’t afford more along with those who came to live a more luxurious lifestyle than they can in the states.
The argument is compounded when some argue that the Mexicans live a more modest lifestyle which is affordable on the low incomes they earn. I think it would be a hard choice to make if I lived here full time. We tip 20%+ on service here. Many object as they say it ruins it for them. Very complex.
An enormous stage was set yesterday for performances last night in the Jardin. We missed it as had a jazz concert to attend. Lovely to walk up there later to see so many enjoying themselves. It was apparently performances by a musical school for young musicians. One never knows what will show up in the Jardin so we can easily miss something special. The shoeshine guys work the corners of the Jardin while the mariachis work the restaurants. Always a festive
After searching for a week for a black satchel to carry daily needs and purchases, I discovered the perfect bag (bolsa) at the corner juice bar! Then relaxing time in the Belles Artes gardens…a favorite over the years.
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My wonderful host for the past two years died in the past few months. I have been picking up snippets of information throughout my stay. It appears it is masked in secrecy as are many deaths and disappearances in Mexico. I hope by the time I leave it has been resolved in my mind. He was an exemplary man and I miss him. My guess is he either came to someone’s aid or reported someone to the police. The cartels which are so active in Mexico are not active here so I feel no risk whatsoever yet there is an underground system that one does not want to inadvertently trip over.
Lunch with friends followed by dessert on one of their patios.
Why or why don’t we have this wonderful invention that sits table side in the U.S. for women who dine?
Our corner bakery where we are making way too many (delicious) trips.
This post crashed before I was able to edit or complete. I’m going to try to post it in its incomplete state so as not to have to start over. Sorry !!!
Sharon
SAGEBLESSINGS 
Hi Sharon- I love reading your blog and the beautiful pictures. Makes me want to try Mexico rather than Florida for winter warmth. Other than a short stint in Florida, I am staying home this winter. I want to get together with you when you return to MN. Bali is still on my agenda. Emjoy the beauty and warmth. Lynne
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Glad you enjoy. We LOVE it here. If you come make it within the next two hrs. Development is in the process of expanding Way too fast. Can even see the difference from last year.
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No problem with limited editing. Love the pictures and the info. Restaurants here do have those purse hangars…or maybe it is in Mazatlán I am thinking of…they are very familiar to me. Looks wonderful. So glad you are taking it all in.
Kathy McKay mlopez5935@aol.com
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I think you’re right…Mazatlan. If you ever see in Mpls, let me know. I will patronize that restaurant!
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I’m glad you chose to push the ‘publish’ button! The photo of the building that drips bougainvillea is my idea of paradise. Could it be more picturesque?! The discussion about compensation for services rendered is probably the same all over the world when Americans leave for countries where they can retire more comfortably on a fixed income than they can in the U.S. I’ve heard every kind of justification for both sides of the issue. Mexico has a minimum wage as does Bali. I use that as a guideline that represents the lowest possible compensation for unskilled staff according to the government. Then I follow my conscience. I want the people working with and for me to prosper because of me, to have a better quality of life than they would have had I not shown up in their country. I don’t want to buy their vehicles or pay for their children’s schooling. I want to pay a living and fair wage so those who give so much of their lives to care for my needs can afford to pay for educating their children themselves, save enough to buy what they want, and take pride in their work because they know they are valued. But that’s just me.
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I know you have provided so well for Ketut and his family. He has continued to be successful and build a full life for his family. Bless you
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Your pictures are so beautiful. Your eye serves you so well and we are all the benefactors. Thanks so much!
Pat
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Thanks Pat!
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Thanks Pat. Cozy inside days are lovely too. Enjoy the city on your visit!
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