Whenever I find myself answering one of those "25 Fun Facts About Me" quizzes, I like to mention that my husband's parents live in Mexico.
After revealing this little tid-bit, I am guaranteed to be asked three questions. To save us all the time, I'm going to go ahead and answer them for you below:
No, my in-laws are not Mexican.
In fact, they are originally from New England. This becomes evident when my father-in-law tries to speak Spanish. People from Rhode Island should not try to roll the letter R. Ever.
No they do not live on the beach.
Mexico actually has a whole inside part. (Who knew?)
No, I am not concerned for their safety.
Yes, I know what you saw on Dateline: Mexico is a cesspool of violence and corruption. But then again, so is Chicago. (And before you accuse me of picking on Chicago, please note that I lived there for thirteen years and loved it... well, everything except the weather...)
The town in which they live is called Ajijic (pronounced Ah-Hee-HEEK). It is one of many small towns/villages that dot the shores of Lake Chapala, the largest natural lake in all of Mexico. My father-in-law found the town about 13 years ago while researching expat communities online. True story.
In the intervening years I have visited Ajijic seven or eight times. I have wanted to write a post about it for awhile but last week was the first time I've been back since starting the blog.
In addition to being a weekend desti
nation for Guadalajarans (and a winter destination for Canadians and Americans), Ajijic is also a haven for artists. Put all of these people together and the result is a town full of galleries, shops and restaurants which feels surprisingly un-touristy.
What stuns me the most whenever I walk through the village is the abundance of color, pattern, and texture. It seems that everywhere you look there is a mural...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDRJhfymFwqj3lK4hyphenhyphenjlCke-wLJjwbUTu_rRTfn7KvLuQwKxC8cvwbmod4EjeQEpI1ZESJGoWfEfUxLM-e_tHlQqW9M_lQ3iDhTkO7ZxopGSHI_YVhCP4tujkpp3GLxfzSo1ml0Lrqz4/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG) |
This mural, which faces Lake Chapala, was done by the same artist as the one in the Cultural Center. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i4eWShqX-bGP8EZB9gMbWo-_tdaxpXlNkNgHLfBLfZOjroQBZsEQMcRAbN-dlCBvRsVBOQzg-eTmOpPOJeslOJ9uPCdUK9YtwF0gYi9TLZSQjPfYquBsy5OqFjrEyVtfMnT69tpyMwU/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG) |
This Chicken Mariachi Mural is on the main square and is new since my last visit. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4m6GaWvDXTro_Ox9rt7l9tMX1120N6ltYYgT3RZMwCujfbUELqTnk1D06Ipb-3F4TnY0QyNlqfx_2loFjRxvUjBz2E8XdJ_yP1E9d10U9Rffy2L4K5wvsT1zJV3aZ1zz_FKap5Pw9mo/s1600/IMG_6212.JPG) |
I was thrilled to find this sugar skull painted on a garage on a secluded side street. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUxohwtruoY6pdJSCKznRv1s-W5FXRk-d8Xe_l40TogcygpJVc1oOFBd8ok0G5E5beoO9iLLBZUCtbPcW37YLDvrpCttup7v5MSRB-DGB6O-EUNDaX9nvs8tFIqyrtpw7_M1fo4hNzso/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG) |
Unfortunately I couldn't capture this entire mural but it was stunning. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbgLJZS5VUktZdcjh08VmcY9KY46Si_Xf7hSv4cp2DScKl1vP9Wb-WhiB5V8M9A-I2fXx-Ut4aspDxcKZ9xl0-AKsY8tgfZnG6qtWJeT2OSzYgg3nb5AaabSUpunVAVY9SKHTAqL9BQw/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG) |
I was more interested in the drain pipe than the picture. Yes, it is a dragon (or monster) head. |
...a colorfully painted wall...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09FINHaBIqoY2hw2czW2v1TW_gRhkSwjqlhEZEWhfCzKPIDCz57g4E4f_JKIv8WrRN7M3Su3elL0AxootslgzwyuSAlIjDYyvAnd8fAlmrBGSGipED54JrOVe3omkXVfk-e_1uPzquqM/s1600/IMG_6036.JPG) |
This was the entrance to someone's house. |
...and amazing iron, stone or wood work...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y44fdl3Ewatmy5_yvPaL9l9n448J3KjUsmlJqDQf2Up3BG9jD0C6WERgruQtgRhs3PCvWervmhIsKAvstiIyvYAVzHHKFA6-slL8Mff11xeT9p_jZayjj-Z00g45PIxLwJ6lVFD0IBM/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg) |
Found in the main square, this gorgeous sculpture is made from an old tree. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsesSeZCrt6jIoQM6lQ4isb6hPaFJJA1PoT6q4q3rmnzd_oms65vlXxPSMcV986OApYUBw7hMFzRH5GbBhr75DV9n2aYNxgqzv3_BIiQJyXQk-e5q4R16BUTGBO6uOKP6wvQyKQeFCC1I/s1600/IMG_6060.JPG) |
The stone work in my in-law's driveway. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZbdin2cIm7AXl4wYcPN2oP0CLSqD3QRLmRqMm7BFTFZ4hxVdYfNpMvAjb6zr6JdogEpmGM1lT6dNVgVy2-vHEgiRX4Sdmc2BMfSGp9awkDn3eZGavmGPmN4BFe1x7JPF7xH4B32yuvE/s1600/IMG_6135.JPG) |
My picture does not do this metal door justice... |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcrUH3xrnjtyq8ajLtxeCy3FdsnDooesXmrTTVKyA27RblOmWwBkBjTl3HxnI1ivCxOZBfQZfGdfjlA5AGURJq3YSjIv6Uj7RnqfdTWKpzyMNusg5mlU9MK_56kMh0x_dgdIhl1A0FVE/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG) |
The Catholic Church adjacent to Ajijic's main plaza |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw3jHGPybsJEosXkJGU5NU8mBNrxgAxNGTn46AB6iiLgyWSm7CvclTubioLcL0X7PYoA63jfVEEk-mdBgm2IB8X5SgvKulk-2WXGKeGPc94dymVdJXiA_UXi4aE43O457BdtdZjok5E0/s1600/IMG_6221.JPG) |
Cobblestone roads: hard on the feet but easy on the eyes. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasCTBPbKVJ3b9Cn8754PBvAL2TPUhlYEM5Xi9tD8YRgRyuC9FslTH_t-K_cSa4lgUmVf7i6TZBv-PfbfFTkvxtFbeZNSmtN_9amQGSdDd6qj2dibp8DuVTfFLXOcPE6btrp3MLept-Dk/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG) |
Someone's intricately carved front door... |
All of this is set against a natural backdrop that is just as beautiful as any artist's canvas:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqyXtnDp8uIOP8rPSX30-1jHOlrluKaASH8-eNDorK5QtKON6bICiF9oPJSEEoqc-a-RAuRJyJyLFPGq3fLkknzohfBMSbrPELu8RHOln6XESYBZZQsLaUUmDCJ8jI7Eoe-uM8a80FmA/s1600/IMG_6032.JPG) |
Taken from the pool at my in-law's place. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgzub9doPvsSSqK1u7FR99wdR4s88JoK_SatKMvWLuaQfsv4FfnCHRP-cMvPDES9uirJ1u_IXL6Zf15La1hngAbp0ALw0iUGpd_vG7yWarzCVDUtiZ6KIdfw-ugZ068Z6PwC52LEKLUA/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG) |
Getting ready to go horseback riding. He was our guide. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KDwp1BXWJssd2wUGTmsanWBohh8LVNOVsEv8g6Yg6AkWftdCWO7yv8gHTrNTiUOIfckg5UpQH2V2ftJxDmsqHRKUBG4ZtmFVHXLRlQCZ5ls1xi33-EbARtPzz9uTc3l6hp7-oPol2K0/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG) |
Mt. Garcia & Lake Chapala |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1C6y87Wju9y988iVipG9SNe-6Rw57_0fJ_NzYajaxL_DVsalGCqgWjudWNN4jBgpDtVIPNhuhsazOlXfgFS8oLDJLleQMtyk5oHb6zA2OoppZ3NYFgtavpX537odUHiAM-sPHfbUtH8/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG) |
The green hills behind my in-law's house. (Note: these hills are brown during the dry season.) |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FIL3-nupwvyrIhfX_OJ9i_140iKYEV7Zj3cP2H5-pZF9AzzKLrg2DKf1bBpvZoqAju_Tf9OryL574YRLW66PRGHWBzA6a26VOc-pT2hW155B8tivmEt9Y8_gVyb18EKYbbEOSNDVfIA/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG) |
The gorgeous Ajijic sky. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIFSi29bEKoBBjldo03nTicgu29k4Z-pAhWptwG_1REoyCX9q37QNVCF0HPmBFSn0IXp3CmD3A3qUTx3Tfxxibh6Ef2N89EMxDeq6V3MCTCFEAdwT6U-THL1Q4BiSTP5p_-gASc5-gGM/s1600/IMG_6080.JPG) |
A girl from San Diego *has* to take pictures of an impending storm. (We haven't had rain in months.) |
There are so many enticing places to shop in Ajijic, from street carts filled with fruit, coffee and candy, to boutiques bursting with clothing, jewelry and art.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuHK5C4jIpei_t2el6G94bkkxtb7shiPm709ApiY53YX3y7ugT4OnP4U-iHm33fGESeo65s-1pzpstL6Vgh9a0PpP5-N97T0kzTcD6HXGrauWq8YcRHrs8ETNgQv_vOJRNPYhM1vEwCo/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG) |
Loved these Frida bags (and yes, I came home with one). |
And all of this is a mere 45 minutes away from Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city. Here are some pictures I took during a day trip there:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2MRONkXuGfUjfBV13SeVsB7v0jvyMx-bxM7mtjbyhCic-XjdxhOi0u5q6PADprCQWTKZ40P086NZXuHkGFZbMDklZeuI23H94TzswENe4Y49RMs92llKanoCfIo9iO58_dwnWlesAnw/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG) |
Sculpture on the streets of Tlaquepaque, a great shopping area in Guadalajara. I believe the artist is called Rodo Padilla. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPd_Gr9GcuHPTE_Lm-BT64-BKdaPDwFGmfSU7yKvPx_PRbrMbq9FCmQT8OZ5iOYcuj1Mq4bGRNCcj6ayehfddXBPFmsPJu1ICY-MrIR-I7eGqv4nmtChEoJ6cMPr6MD2BjMISUzoHFVs/s1600/IMG_1793.jpg) |
Not sure what this is but it was in the most adorable candy shop. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07ouk6hzT7UPRyMU-c6440fp5-E47XIcVqN5nKglIFAM6Mm7WzjTM7V7Y3BpWJPO6ekK_rAEeZwyUGI80dfQ6Hi9WFr-cv94M3EJzLemaMFHk8nc5P74E5OVlukSJzlNASC7c56PzWpk/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG) |
Handmade paper flower crowns were everywhere. My thirteen-year-old was in heaven. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vDbD1Hx6OaJvh-TrCVf5TE22gUIixWNzwWcoNcYN2f_A7JGjPXY_mtuRJMtUwLvmdW9N7_Z85BMqYIiMac771HrizHughMai_7lDxmKgDOHcIeRE1MRbChOyNTkYeiem-IU0FtSN8UA/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG) |
Don't forget to look up! The "ceiling" in a restaurant in Tlaquepaque |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB_3n5LfMjmD6EDq3OALeY-BzxwTQ0cBTeiIWk8-kaUSuHLi2vY7-qfyM1YfYMISw9sXMuDmwrF8NAtKnMtpB8rXD_iJZWZ6FeD-KR31k56HZgRpHTJ72JOXnQTQNnXIhD09HZoZYlJs/s1600/IMG_6091.JPG) |
Molcajete. Never had it? Go get some right now. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUy4ypwnorUXSpeZbM3XJqi3o5U1ALqkOZLq6NJErMNOi_ScbN44Ene7j7qBlcyaV-2Kyq7SJm0rQ6kZLD7irY4urFa1HXIJOutKEiBUObgtsmxRPtbaecnKw70rdOYk6N5XQ17lRnC0/s1600/IMG_6112.JPG) |
Our preferred mode of transport in Guadalajara's Historic District. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV5a37HPuNfAocCg42GN5pHnoldVIS4AelnSLpGYyKkYg0BaVOmTFadnOSWobdUv1aYJgyk8N2CQkSofPGSMyCJ8QmOvqLe8FctBHBEEy0vaMw4224Z4drN6kHO31Ahhmy2c9uueiuM0/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG) |
Guad is filled with history and beautiful old buildings. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGyLujolLmAZbFrvdtdOOlGk8QX60JIwsK7rPuK_INXdZ1e4iZyC0hWz1ElKifZje3ugsAXZzNXgpt37Vdy13wCIpIias68EBTcPuftdvXEvWr3EdLEolCr9GPQdM3xIm3ltxoOUtf8U/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG) |
Including this one from Downton Abbey ;) |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1EwGX0pVK15cOu90yVn4vYl9ktlgZeAipKLZ_eh16O9VjoxTeERGIp6CiC2P6ClrY1FxBIotWiAjXaG2GGmQxROxc7NcVDkBLJrwxgAzrLjPDgnB3UVPxXAml4vbgy_OQLkctSD_C9M/s1600/IMG_6113.JPG) |
Purple peanuts at Liberty Market in Guadalajara. All pictures below are from the market. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YK6wt5Erc3oT-xz_4ZQ0Rj-DpgtEBxE47gSBrb7PpNXFmBmSUwynGXzQ1_F9Yf6VLEbmp4RaBi8xpk2nwbBoe3aLLzn8CJdF17LQJijernaQ_zZFPbbxxg9P-7SSXtaYwUzUm1nbl_8/s1600/IMG_6133.JPG) |
Green pomegranates. Who knew? |
I hope you've enjoyed this little slice of Mexico. I know I was kind of flip in my introduction but if you have any questions about the area I would love to answer them for you. (And if I can't I will direct you to someone who can.)
Adios!