Dance of the Viejitos (Michoacan)

When we go to the Ballet Folklorico, one of the more popular and most famous dances of Michoacan is El Baile de Los Viejitos or Dance of the Old Men.

This was a chance to mock the Spanish ruling class by doing a dance hunched over like old men with canes. They would wear a mask looking like an old European (pink face with white hair). The masks are usually gap-toothed and the dances mimic old men with hunched backs and walking canes. This stance is alternated with bouts of lively leaping and dancing, in a "world turned upside down" type of comedic presentation. The dancers leap about with little grace, which gives rise to much laughter at their manner.


For more pictures of the Ballet Folklorico, click here and then click on the link for "At Guadalajara"

Amazing, Larger-than-life Murals

One of the places we visit in Guadalajara is the Instituto Cultural de Cabanas, near Tapatio Plaza. It was formerly an orphanage from the 1800s. Today its domed ceilings are covered with massive murals painted by Orozco, depicting the history of Mexico.

Orozco reached the summit of his art with the frescos he painted in this building. They include a historical panorama of Mexico showing the pre-Hispanic world of the great Indian civilizations, the Conquest, visions of the downtrodden, public service as opposed to demagoguery, the perils of alienation and dictatorship, the Revolution, creative activity and a man engulfed in flames, evoking a Promethean theme which had appeared in his previous work. The twenty-foot-high figures stare down at you, including Aztecs, severe Spanish Conquistadors, innocent looking priests, and leaders of the Mexican Revolution such as Hidalgo and Allende.


For more pictures of the mural, click here and then click on the link for "At Guadalajara"

A Mexican Thanksgiving!

We had a great time dancing at La Bodega on Thanksgiving night. Ana learned the cha-cha from Steve; Karen got a great lesson in swing dancing from Rod; and the whole group got up and boogied to the song, Mambo #5, taught by Ray, Marie and our wonderful entertainer that night, Ricardo.

Even non-Focus participants decided to join the fun! That happens a lot when you have a group as congenial as the one that just left...everybody wants to have a part in the merriment! It really was a great group, and we know a lot of lasting friendships were made. Our final night was on the day of the American Thanksgiving, and the staff at La Bodega did us proud.

We had a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including stuffing and cranberry sauce. Great dancing, great conversation, traditional food and lively guests…some of whom still had the energy to go to the Plaza and watch the fireworks at the end of the daily fiesta. Our group was lucky enough to be here for the San Andres fiesta…the patron saint of Ajijic, whose party lasts for nine days!

A wonderful time was had by all.

Click here to see pictures of this night and other events during this period...

Heart-Warming Applause from Paul & Virginia

The 'youngsters' Paul & Virginia quickly became a favorite of everybody.

They seemed to enjoy everything they did...playing golf (Virginia was
in the winning group!), shopping at the tianguis, listening to the mariachis and eating all the great food we had during the 7-day program. During our last dinner at La Bodega, Paul warmed our hearts when he said, "I read everything on the web site...every page, every word.

"I kept thinking it was all exaggeration...that it all sounded too good to be true. But, you know, since we've been here, I realize you didn't overstate anything...this really is too good AND it's true! We've had a great time!" Thank you, Paul & Virginia...we enjoyed you a whole lot too!

Click here for pictures of this time in lakeside

The Maestros del Arte - 2006

The Maestros del Arte, which runs from November 10-12 this year, is a visual feast for the eyes...so many artesanias, so many friends to meet and greet and so many bargains to be had. We headed to Ajijic early for the amazing gathering of some of Mexico's best artists. Pictured here, Jacobo Angeles Ojeda, an extremely talented young woodcarver of folk art animals and creatures called alebrijes, showing one of his most beautiful pieces.

We like to get there early on the first day of the show to grab some of our favorite pieces, which go fast. And, there's always a line at Jalisco's Centro de Integracion Tapalpa, A.C, a very special school whose children create animals and sculptures of whimsical and imaginative design made of papelmalecho (papier-mache).

Click here for more pictures of 2006 Maestros del Arte

Recipient of the Feria Maestros del Arte Sunday Raffle

All the money raised from the raffle goes to Amor en Accion, Brazos Extendidos AC. (Love in Action, Open Arms A.C.) is this year's recipient of the money raised from the Feria Maestros del Arte raffle. This group provides care for 30 children, 10 of them attend the nearby afternoon elementary school, 4 attend pre-school, 3 attend school for children with special needs, and the smaller children remain at the shelter where they are provided with care and diverse recreational and educational activities.

Dancing for a Good Cause

The Cruz Roja Picnic, hosted by GIL

On Nov 4, 2006, a group of happy contributors got together on Richard Tingen's property on the lake and danced the afternoon away for the Cruz Roja. Music by Ronnie & The Juniors, lots of food and drink, raffles and a 50-50 giveway (what more could you ask?) and a party for all ages came together for a roaring good time that Saturday. GIL, the Lakeside Realtor's Group, knows how to throw a good party, and this was no exception.

For more pictures of this very successful annual event, click here. And, yes, I know a couple of the photos are a little fuzzy...I was dancing too! But they were so darn cute, I had to post them anyway! Enjoy.

A Grand Champion Haggler

Richard Case from our last group turned out to be a premier haggler, and the nice thing about it was that both he and the vendor came away from the transaction smiling!

He definitely takes one of our tips to heart, "Treat haggling as part of the fun in the market place...a form of social interaction rather than a matter of life and death." As we like to say: "Keep a smile on your face. Be friendly. Don't get mad. Don't let the 'game' get 'personal.'"

After it was all over, Richard said, "I love negotiating! I thought it was a lot of fun. I like walking away with a win-win for both of us! Can't wait to move down here and start doing it on a regular basis." Our hats are off the Richard...it took about a half hour, but he got quite a bargain; however, since it's a surprise for his wife, we won't tell you what!

Flan, Flan, Flan!

On our last dinner with the FOM group in oct, Walt thought the dessert, Flan Cake, was so good, he had three of them, and,
as you can, was proud of the accomplishment!!