When we went to Canada in July, we had another break in. We had taken our computers, iPod etc. to Kate and Jack’s; as a result the thieves apparently didn’t find anything that they wanted to take! However, in the aftermath, we decided to do substantial upgrades (see photos). The thieves got in by using a large screwdriver to pop open the lock on one of the doors from the patio. We have added padlocks and screens that are very difficult to cut on all the patio doors. We put iron bars on all windows that open (these are almost universal in Mexico and we should have done it earlier). We put a new gate with bars on the front entrance; as you can see, we had the old solid door repainted yellow so the iron work on the new gate stands out. Now, we can see who is there before we unlock the gate. Finally, we had a sliding door with steel bars (like in a prison cell) installed on our walk in closet; that makes it a strong room with a heavy padlock. We now put money, computers, etc. there when we go out. All this means that thieves will now have to come prepared with heavy tools to get in. It is discouraging, but necessary and not just in Mexico.
After early predictions of heavier than normal rainfall this year (June and July were pretty good), rainfall in August and September was extremely low. Lake Chapala ended the rainy season almost an meter below the levels of the previous 2 or 3 years. There was a respite in October because of a hurricane that blew in from the Pacific. It did a lot of damage to some of the beach communities in the vicinity of Puerto Vallarta. For us, it meant 4 days of heavy cloud and rain--about 100 mm (4”). Nevertheless, rain this year (we are unlikely to get any more) is only about 750 mm. (29.7”) as compared to the recent average of 850 mm (33.5”). In spite of being careful, four days of cloud were too much for the solar water heater and we ran out of hot water after 3 days. I had to turn on the gas heater. But after 1 day, the sun was out again and I could turn off the gas heater. With lots of sunshine every day, we have oodles of hot water.
Love in Action wants to teach the kids English as a means of getting them better prepared for jobs. English is especially useful here where there are so many ex-pats, but is beneficial for many jobs elsewhere with foreign companies established in Mexico. They had several teachers last year, but most were snowbirds and the program practically ground to a halt when they left. I have volunteered to teach a small group (4 at the moment), one hour a week. I have been there 3 times and so far it has not been a roaring success. It has been a very long time since I was teaching at this level (9-10 year olds). Also, it has been difficult to get a schedule so the kids arrive on time. I’m sure that we’ll all get into the swing of things soon.Last Sunday, the speaker at Open Circle was Richard Rhoda; he is coauthor (both are geographers) of a book, Geo-Mexico published a little over a year ago. It’s a fascinating book which I read in just a few days. Much of his statistics are in the book, but he did update some in the presentation. He was pointing out how significant Mexico is in the world in terms of size and diversity of its economy and of its population, its diversity in languages, animal species, climate zones, cultural aspects, etc. It has made enormous strides in many areas in the last 20 years or so. Since its meltdown in 1994 when it required a $48 billion bailout (completely repaid earlier than the terms), Mexico’s governments have been very careful in managing its finances; it is coming out of this recession faster and better than the US--in fact not unlike Canada. It is certainly no longer accurate to think of Mexico as a 3rd world country, although some of the native people still live in 3rd world conditions (as indeed there are pockets in Canada and the US). It is only a couple of years behind the US in terms of life expectancy (a huge jump from earlier in the 20th C), but is also 2nd in the world behind the US in terms of adult obesity! He pointed out (he’s an American) that based on last year’s statistics, an American is 25 times more likely to die in traffic in the US than in visiting Mexico. Furthermore, as long as they don’t visit or connect with drug gangs, their chances are further greatly reduced in Mexico. The ignorance of people NOB (north of the border) is truly astonishing; I know from myself before I came here.
I am leaving for Windsor, Ontario on Thursday (Nov. 24th) to visit with my family there. Dad seems to be having problems with balance and has fallen several times in the last 2 or 3 months, one requiring 6 stitches for a cut on his head and another requiring an x-ray on his hand. He is 95 now and in other ways his physical health is pretty good. As last year when I went at the same time, I shall be there for Rosemary’s birthday on the 27th. I return on Dec. 1st.
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