The Whiteheads

Dawn and Gordon Whitehead, our friends from Nova Scotia, arrived on schedule last Friday, Sept. 19th. We have been busy showing them around and going to a number of restaurants, including some new ones. On Monday, we all went in to Tlaquepaque. We have been looking for new wine glasses for a long time and finally found what we were looking for. They are a common style here--thick clear glass with a blue strip around the rim and blue base. We went into a restaurant for a snack and a rest, but ended up with delicious deserts and cappuchinos.

Today we went to San Juan Cosala, which is about half way between Ajijic and Jocotepec. It has hot springs and there are 2 spas there. One is an absolutely fantastic hotel and spa way up the mountain. The restaurant and hotel have fabulous views of the lake; there are several hot pools and saunas with many rooms for massages of various kinds. We were very taken with the whole thing. The prices were not that high for such sumptuous facilities. We think that sometime when we want a real treat and romantic outing, we might go for a night or so. There is another hotel and spa right down on the lake. It is not nearly as spectacular, but prices are very low. However, the owners had built part of the facilities out on the shore of the lake when the water levels were much lower. Part of their facilities have now been flooded with the recovery of the lake levels.

However, on the property, there is Reuben’s Restaurant. Reuben was there and came over to charm and tell us about the area. He was born here, but spent many years in the US and claimed that he had had 2 restaurants in Los Angeles at one time. However, he said that he finally decided that he wanted to return to his roots (he is now 62). He is a very good saleman. He also organizes tours on the new cruise boat in Jocotepec. The cruises are for 2 and a half hours out on Lake Chapala with dinner provided. The big surprise was the food. It was absolutely terrific, probably the best we have had in Mexico and most have been good to very good. The prices too were in line with local prices. For 4 dinners, with beers and a margarita, the total was 550 pesos, about $55 or about $11 each! We will definitely be going back. A specialty is that on Saturdays or Sundays, he gives Spanish lessons with breakfast; there is no fee beyond the price of breakfast. Jeff had found out about this, but we were not able to fit it in when he and Tarra (and Aiden) were here. One other thing we learned from Reuben is about Mexican names. Everyone has 3 names: their first or Christian name, then their father's family name and finally their mother's maiden family name. I had noticed that everyone had the 3 names but often only used the first 2 in common speech, but when you see it written officially, there would be the 3rd name. He also mentioned that the law is about to change, but I'm a bit confused; I'll try to get it clarified, once the change takes place.

Tomorrow, Dawn and Gordon are planning to go to one of the B&Bs (Casa Blanca) for the next few nights. It is right downtown in Ajijic and right across the street from the Lake Chapala Society. We saw inside and the Casa Blaca is very nice. However, before they go there, we are all planning to go to David’s for breakfast and then do the walk up the mountain to the little shrine. It should be cool in the morning. Jeff and Tarra did it and said that it was not too difficult and is well worth the effort as the views are excellent.