Saturday 31st March 2018...blink and the month is gone!!!!!

Well played my last regular Saturday morning tennis match and a fitting way to finish off great tennis good friendships and incredible sunny clear skies....

Came home in time to watch a live soccer game from England..it is really a small world when I can sit in my small casita in the middle of Mexico and watch a game for Hull the city where my Brother and his family live and know that when the camera pans the crowds somewhere there is my Brother and his two sons and Grandson!!!!!

The game was not too bad but no goals were scored....

I had a haircut and a shave this afternoon at a small salon in the front of the young ladies house I have been going there a while..she does a great job and the cost 40 pesos!!!!

Started my packing and sorting for the big summer trip as I have mentioned not sure after all the travels in late September if I will come back here or try a new adventure and I also know I have said before that I won’t be coming back and I do.....I am leaving a few personal things at Gracie’s .

Tonight is a blue moon so I hope I get to see that......

Have a wonderful happy and safe Easter Sunday and for us in Mexico we change our clocks tonight!!!!

Yashi Kochi!!!!

Friday 30th March 2018...two blogs in one day!!!

Tonight I went back into town for the second parade of the day

The week's most important and profound ceremony is still to come—the Via Dolorosa and Procession of the Holy Burial. It begins at 5 pm, shortly before dusk starts to darken the town, and lasts about two hours. It finishes in darkness, lit only by the dozens of lanterns and hundreds of candles carried by the participants. 
The procession has been taking place in San Miguel for nearly 300 years. Today, it's said that more than 2000 people take part. Thousands more line the streets and fill the Jardín to watch it pass. It has the look of a true funeral cortege, with all the men in black suits striped with purple sashes, the women in black dresses, black lace mantillas and white gloves. They carry the brass lanterns and the heavy, beautifully carved statues of the saints through the streets in total silence but for the somber cadence of drumbeats. Occasionally, a voice will ring from one of the balconies along the route, singing a solo "Ave Maria." 
The procession begins at the Oratorio, led by a statue of the dying Jesus nailed to the Cross. It winds its way through the streets of Pepe Llanos, Mesones, Juárez, San Francisco on the north side of the Jardín, then turns into Hidalgo, back to Mesones and returns to the Oratorio. Little girls in white dresses with purple sashes carry baskets of rose petals and chamomile sprigs, strewing them onto the cobblestones as they go until the air is heavy with the scent.
Women appear carrying life-sized carvings of the six archangels. Finally, the body of Christ himself, borne by 36 men in black and surrounded by lanterns, begins it sad trip. He lies in a glass casket, its wooden frame elaborately carved and gilded, the bier almost buried in a mountain of flowers. More saints follow, including a beautiful rendition of Our Lady of Solitude. 
By the time the cortege makes its way back to Mesones, it is full dark. The entire length of the street glows from the candles and torch lanterns of the pall bearers. In silence and darkness, the procession comes to an end.
The most significant and magnificent of all the events of Holy Week is over.

Enjoy the few photos..the Starbucks one is my favourite...














Check out the shoes...on these cobble streets!!!!!




Yashi Kochi!!!!

Friday 30th March 2018...the day the streets explode with processions and history!

The first important ceremony of the day is the trial and sentencing of Christ before Pontius Pilate. It takes place in the courtyard of the Parroquia and Church of Santa Escuela. Roman soldiers accompany a status of Christ from the church and the charges against him are read. As the trial continues and Pilate washes his hands, the crowd cries "Guilty!" 
Now the procession begins. First out is a beautiful statue of Mary as the Virgin of Sorrows. As she is carried around the square by several women, the long purple velvet train of her robe billows out behind her.
The ubiquitous angelitos, little girls in white dresses and angel wings that are part of every Holy Week procession, follow, strewing chamomile onto the pavement as they pass. 
These and other figures lead into the emergence of one of the most beloved statues in San Miguel de Allende, an extremely bloody and bowed Christ, who is also known as the "Rain God." This particular statue will be carried from church to church throughout the summer rainy season to insure good water for the crops.
Roman soldiers lead out a man tied up and dressed in a loincloth with whip marks on his back and shoulders. The part is always played by the main priest, exactly as has been done every year since it was started by Father Luis Felipe Neri Alfaro in 1765. He is followed by Romans and penitents dressed in purple sackcloth and crowns of thorns, wearing whips at their waists and carrying skulls in their hands. Some of them drag heavy wooden crosses on their shoulders. 
Finally, another statue emerges from the church; it is Christ bent under the heavy burden of the cross. He is clothed in purple robes with golden trim, his crown of thorns on his head, mounds of flowers at his feet. 



















heavy platforms with their holy figures continue around the Jardín, borne on the shoulders of the faithful. When Mary returns to the Parroquia, her bearers make a three-point turn and back her up to wait at the east corner of the square. Soon, the statue of Christ turns the corner and the two statues are facing each other. They are brought together until only a few yards separate their faces.
A complete hush falls on the crowd as Jesus comes face to face with his mother. It seems as if no one in the crowd is even breathing. And then Jesus lifts his head and looks directly into his mother's eyes.
The statue is cleverly constructed with a mechanism that allows the head to actually move. It is an amazing moment. And no matter how many times you have seen it, when Jesus looks up at his mother, the emotion in the air is palpable. Many people are in tears. You feel the people's religion alive in the streets all around you. Of all the events of Holy week, it is the single most awesome moment.

Gracie went down to the Jardin at 10.30am and had to wait almost two hours and the crowds were huge .....it was a special occasion to witness and my photos are not the greatest....












There is another celebration this evening and then another on Easter Sunday.
In all my years in 🇲🇽 this is the first time I have been here at Easter so I am enjoying the experience!!!

Thursday 29th March 2018...so here is the skinny.......

I leave SMA next Thursday morning driving Little Bluey to the border and over night at a lovely home in Laredo where I have stayed before..the next day I drive to Houston where I have a condo booked for 6 days..two of the days in Houston I have tickets for the Men’s clay court 🎾 championships...after that I drive to Atlanta where I meet up with Gracie and we are attending her sisters wedding.....I have a covered garage spot in Atlanta where Little Bluey will spend the summer and Gracie and I leave for Lisbon on April 16th....we have 11 days in Portugal before crossing the border into Spain where we will tour the southern towns and then hire a car and finish up in Salamanca on 12 th May......Gracie is going to attend language school there for two weeks before she flies back to NYC to see her grandson and then back to SMA.....I am flying from Madrid on the 14th May to England where I am spending several weeks with my family!!!!!

I think that is enough for now.....so I have six days to get myself sorted and packed and ready for the next big adventure....

Yashi Kochi !!!!

Wednesday 28th March 2018......oh no!!!!!

Another one of those full and happy days starting off with me going to my dentist to get my teeth cleaned.....you will not believe the price 500 pesos yes you read that right😃

Then it was off to the grocery store and finally to my usual 1 pm poker date.....why oh no in the header?   Well I got hammered today lost 180 pesos never lost that much before..but it was still fun the guys are great and we have many senior laughs!

Two days ago I went to my doctor for my annual check up you may recall I have atrial fibrillation, an irregular ❤️ beat but it never bothers me....I had the EKG and then yesterday blood work well tonight he sent me for tests that I have never had before...ultra sound on my mid section.

The young doctor who performed the procedure spoke wonderful English and was informative telling me all the time what he was doing....he scanned my liver, kidneys, spleen, prostrate and bladder and afterwards told me that everything looked really good.....I asked if I could take a photo of the image and he said of course but I shall be e mailing you tomorrow all the photo scans!!!!

He took about 30 minutes for the whole procedure and you better sit down to read this...the cost 1000 pesos...unbelievable!!!!

Tonight I relaxed and watched a great live tennis match from Miami ....

Well the countdown is on...I leave on my next big adventure next Thursday....tomorrow I will write and give you some of the itinerary....

Yashi Kochi!!!

Tuesday 27th March 2018.....OK see if you can keep up with me......

8.oo am walked into town to my Doctors office to have my blood work done and then walked to the tennis courts.

9.00 am off to the tennis courts...two hours of great tennis....walked home......

12 noon off to see a new techie guy...he was really good and solved many issues for me and helped with down loading books music a great 90 minutes...

Walwked back home and relaxed till 4 pm and back to the tennis courts for another two hour session which also was great.....then walked home showered and Gracie picked me up and we went to Karen and Gregg’s for dinner..another lovely couple came and it was a really nice evening and now 11pm and ready to turn in!!!

Did you keep up??

Yashi Kochi!!!

Monday 26th March 2018......farewell student dinner!!!!!!

Tonight Maggie and Giff who teach the students every Thursday and I treated them to dinner at a local restaurant called Baja fish..... it was great that 7 of the students showed for dinner as this is a busy time with Easter approaching......later in the evening one of my students had her two daughters and son in law join us for a drink...so a nice crowd.

I think you know by now that teaching is one of my many joys here and in the 5 years I have met some wonderful people who are still friends today......

We had a great dinner good conversations and I was sad to say goodbye to them but they have my email address and I hope to hear from them from time to time!!!

Belen with her family....

The church at night on my walk home...

So the days are moving along and my departure date is 5th April so I have lots to do......

Yashi Kochi!!!

Wednesday 21st March 2018..... a mini road trip!!!

Happy Spring and happiness day to every one....just a short post to tell you I got hammered at poker and lost 80 pesos.  Tacos for me for a while!!!!

Tonight is my last English class but I am taking them all out for dinner next Monday!!!!!

Tomorrow Gracie and I are going on a short road trip into the mountains in the state of SAN Luis Potosi...if you google Edward James gardens......Cascada de Tamul.....   Puente de Dios....     Sótano. De los Golondrinas    and Tequisquiapan     

  You will see how lovely it will be.....I don’t think I will have internet  so next blog late Sunday...

Have a great weekend...

YASHI KOCHI!!!!

Tuesday 20th March 2018....blink and the day is gone!!!!

My day started out on the 🎾 tennis courts two hours of fun played under brilliant sunny skies......

The Jacaranda trees are now in full bloom I love them and their glowing colours!!

I then went out to the Tuesday market it is really a huge market for the locals and the saying goes

that if you cannot find it at the Tuesday market it does not exist!!!

True to form I found the two items I was looking for that I had tried to find in other stores.

Came back to town and stopped at the mirador for the panoramic view of down town and the trees🌲 

Z

Spent an afternoon at home sorting through my stuff as it is fast approaching when I shall be heading to the border...did some laundry.....I know exciting days!!!

    I know I am going on a bit but it is very very frustrating trying to post I am using two Apps and getting the photos including and then text next week I shall have to get an appointment with a techie and get it sorted.

YASHI KOCHI!!!!

Monday 19th March 2018..a learning curve!!!!

I am hoping the six dollars I spent to down load an App helps me publish the blog easier than before...we will see!!!

Today is a holiday in Mexico...

The birthday of Benito Juárez is celebrated as a public holiday in Mexico on the third Monday in March. This national hero is known for making reforms to create a democratic federal republic.

This monument in Mexico City is dedicated to Benito Juárez

©iStockphoto.com/g01xm

Celebrate Benito Juárez Day

A few political events are held to celebrate Benito Juarez’s birthday. His birth city San Pablo Guelatao hosts a range of activities, including contests, tournaments, fireworks and popular dances, to honor him.

Public Life

Benito Juárez Day is a federal public holiday in Mexico. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. People intending on travelling via public transport in Mexico should check with public transit authorities on any timetable or route changes.

About Benito Juárez Day

Benito Juárez was born in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, on March 21, 1806. He was a lawyer who later held many public offices including as state legislator, civil judge, government secretary, and governor. In 1853 he was exiled to the United States due to political conflict. The following year he helped publish the Plan de Ayutla, which ended the dictatorship of political leader Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, thus convening a new Constitutional Congress.

In 1857 Juárez was elected president of the Supreme Court of Justice, a position he held until December of that year, when he became president. From then until his death in 1872, he led the government during historically significant events including the Reform War, the French Intervention, the Second Empire and the republic’s restoration.

After my workout at the gym I went into town I had lots of time as there is no English tonight because of the holiday.....I used my Smart phone to take these street scenes...

Such vibrant colours!!

I did it I think but not sure how.......will figure it out soon I hope,,,

YASHI KOCHI!!!!

Test

Still testing

And again

And again

Sunday 18th March 2018.....the good and the bad!!!

Today was a lovely sunny day perfect for my final slam tennis event that I had organized for a group of my tennis friends but unfortunately one of the players had to cancel due to sickness it was to late to find a replacement so I had no option but to cancel the tournament...the good side of that is that I was able to watch live from Palm Springs the men’s tennis final and believe me if you did not watch it you missed a classic and incredible game

These athletes are quite amazing.

After the game Gracie and I went to the Botanical gardens where the annual Spring concert in the 

canyon was being held.....I go every year to this concert and the location is quite stunning and the music fun and entertaining...another thing I like about the location is that in a few months in rainy season there will be water cascading over the very rocks where the performers are..a pity I will not see it later in the year.....

YASHI KOCHI!,

Saturday 17th March 2017......a green day!!!

Th only person I know who celebrates this day is my lovely friend of 30 years Vicky and her husband Lorne who live in Smoky Lake Alberta my home for many years back in the 80’s...good memories...

If any of my readers have some Irish in their blood I wish you a great day too.....out of respect I am wearing my green tennis shirt and socks to go to tennis this morning 🎾....

I did learn in the information that I gave to my students on Wednesday that this celebration today is one of the largest in the world....

Have fun be safe out there...

YASHI KOCHI!!!!

Thursday 15th March 2018.....another great day!

i was not scheduled for tennis this morning so again I had a nice breakfast and then went to meet Jerry...remember Paula and Jerry were taking care of Little Bluey for a few days....

We met up and went out to the RV park where they are staying....we had a great visit and Paula cooked a lovely lunch and then a photo taken of the three of us with Little Bluey......I do not know when I will see them but we have that special bond where when we do connect again it will feel like no time has passed!

I then went about four miles out of town into a small campo where I watched and listened to an amazing concert given by the Yale Glee Club for kids in the campo....

I have never heard a glee club before and their voices were amazing and the kids were thrilled...I sure hope the photos come out...

I still cannot figure out out to get an individual photo upmloaded and then I can write some comments anyway the photos really speak for themselves......

YASHI KOCHI!,,