As some of you know Thom and I are spending a couple of months in Mexico to escape the heat of the summer. Our location is the small town of Ajijic (elevation 5,046) located in central Mexico around 230 miles east of Puerto Vallarta. It’s monsoon season here so not only is everything green and lush, the weather is just about perfect. Ajijic is also on the edge of one of the largest and most scenic lakes in the country (Lake Chapala). We’ve rented a wonderful home with a pool (solar heated of course) that is a short walking distance to downtown and the Malecon (Boardwalk.) Town itself if stuffed with dozens of good restaurants, cute shops and very friendly people—expats and locals. Sounds just about perfect right? Well, it’s not. For one thing there are LOTS of mosquitos (remember all that green?) And for about a week we’ve been experiencing power surges on and off day and night which is more trouble than you might guess. But the thing is…in practically every single place in the world we’ve been fortunate to visit there is always something—call them power surges or not. In other words, stuff happens even in paradise.
The malecon is a short block away and the center of town is down at the end.
It may sound like I’m complaining but honestly, I’m not. It really just reminds me of how important it is to remember that navigating the gifts as well as the bumps are equally important when you travel. Of course, when you think about it, those reminders are important every day of our lives. Like most things, the concept is super easy to grasp, but the “living it” is always where the challenges lie.
Some of you might remember that when Thom and I were in Ajijic about a year and a half ago when I experienced a health issue related to my blood pressure. I’m happy to report that that event got me started on a path to stabilize my health, and this time around there hasn’t been the slightest problem. Another thing I think it is important to realize is that even when you are faced with a problem at some point, that doesn’t mean that you will keep repeating that experience over and over. Like Thom reminds me frequently, “The only mistake there really is, is when you don’t learn from it.”
So back to the power surges. In Mexico the services like electric, gas and water don’t work quite as efficiently as they do in the States. (Of course, that is assuming you don’t live in Flint, MI which has struggled with water issues for years or other parts of the country where certain concerns crhonically occur.) When you come to Mexico it is best to take some of those services, or lack thereof, in stride. The Mexican people are masters at this. They don’t seem to let things bother them nearly as much as us “gringos”. (aka: those of us in 1st world cultures.)
Having visited Mexico many times we had expected a certain amount of surging before but this time it was pretty extreme. Every appliance in the house was revving up to high, and then cutting back to barely humming. That blew out two fans and we couldn’t use the room a/c, the television, or the washing machine. We called the property manager explaining the situation and while quite gracious, he explained that because of the rain and other infrastructure there was nothing he could do. He did buy us two new fans though so that was deeply appreciated.
Dinner at a local restaurant
I’m guessing I’m not alone in thinking that there must be something that can be done when faced with a surge. Many of us are used to calling someone to fix things. But unfortunately, not everything can be fixed. For example, I was reading on one of the FB group message boards that a couple went to a favorite restaurant for dinner last night. They ended up having to wait over an hour for their food before being served. Fortunately, the waiter had kept them informed and told them that one of the chefs had not shown up for work so it was left to the remaining chef to fill all the orders. The man making the post laughed (or LOLed) and said dinner was fabulous when they finally received the order. Of course, the bottle of wine helped too. Simply put, stuff happens. Such is traveling. Such is Mexico. Such is Life.
I wish I could tell you that if you stayed at home nothing would ever happen differently, or challenging, or that you would never get sick. But I think we all know that life is continually changing and wherever you are, there you are. Back home in California they just had a hurricane bring massive amounts of water, wind and even an earthquake. That is why the serenity prayer is so very helpful whether you use it to keep from drinking, or just to remember that you/me/we can’t control everything that happens in the world. In case you’ve forgotten it that classic prayer is:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Our backyard patio
I actually wish everyone would visit another country like Mexico at some time or another because it demonstrates to me how different cultures have a much more accepting attitude about what happens. While the locals here in Ajijic surely have to regularly deal with more inconveniences and challenges than I do—they remain quite gracious, kind and welcoming to all of us visitors. I’m certain that they experience power surges in their homes as much (if not more!) than the home where I am staying. Speaking of home, I’ve seen them patiently waiting with a dozen others for a bus to just get to their homes. It’s so easy to take the good in our lives for granted and travel is one of the best ways I know to be reminded to be grateful for all the good I/we have in our life.
Another view of the lake at sunset.
Saturday night rain was forecast for Ajijic. It started about four o’clock and just kept going all night long—quite hard at times. Reports said that it rained over two inches in 12 hours. Surprisingly that next day the power surges in our home just stopped. Somehow the massive rain helped the power lines rather than cause more problems. Go figure. Of course, who knows whether it will continue this way or not? While there are many, many great things about Ajijic, there also a few challenges. I think the SMART thing to remember is that no matter where you are, traveling or not, the power can surge without warning. It’s what we think about it and how deal with it that makes all the difference.
Hi Kathy,
Great article on showing how adapting should be a way of life. Couldn’t agree more about what Suzanne said “travel definitely teaches us to lower our expectations and expand our horizons”. To me, that’s the best part about travel.
Mexico is like Portugal in some regards. They have a very laid back attitude and aren’t in a rush for anything. When we were in need of things, they were always gracious and kind and did their best to do it as soon as possible. Again, not everything is in their, or our, control. The going out for dinner remarks struck a chord as well. Since the Portuguese are not focused on tips, service can be, shall we say, a little on the slower side so you might as well just enjoy the atmosphere and wine.
The experiences and challenges you face when traveling help you realize how truly fortunate you are for some of the conveniences from home. I’ll also say I love learning and experiencing new cultures, people and customs. The one thing I’ll say about Portugal – I don’t recall mosquitoes even in The Algarve which I was very grateful for. I’m like Janice, they LOVE my skin and I’m their main target LOL – Shannon is always safe.
Glad to hear, overall, you’re enjoying your time in Ajijic! Have fun!!
Hi Debbie! Thanks for your thoughts on this. And I can’t wait to read/hear about your “experiences” in Portugal! ~Kathy
Kathy, your story just goes to show that even when you think you know what to expect there will be surprises. No amount of planning could foresee a power surge or excessive mosquitoes. But, they do test our patience. Travel definitely teaches us to lower our expectations and expand our horizons!
I think of the poor folks who brought their families to Florida for a Disney vacation and a hurricane decided to roll in!
Patience is my word for August.
Hi Suzanne! So true…as you say, “Travel definitely teaches us to lower our expectations and expand our horizons!” And you know what else is true, it really reminds me that I have so much to be grateful for in my everyday life. Like you said about the folks in Florida and other places having major weather related challenges, a few mosquitos and a night or two without full electricity is really no big deal.
Patience, that is something we could all use more of! ~Kathy
Your wise post reminds me of a story a young man told me about his experience in military boot camp. Every morning the drill instructor would find some fault during their morning inspection and send them to the floor for pushups. My friend finally realized that there would always be pushups no matter how they strove for perfection to avoid them. The point was not the infraction — the point was the exercise of the pushups. Once he understood that, he quit stressing over the unattainable perfection, just did his best, and accepted the good physical training of pushups.
But those mosquitoes! Hope you have some good repellent. I look forward to more travel stories — I always enjoy your photos and travel wisdom.
Thanks Galen! I’m sure getting practice doing “acceptance pushups!” And I do think I am getting better because even though the surges started again yesterday and have continued all day today I just told Thom, “It makes life more interesting!” Meanwhile we’ve just had a wonderful weekend getting together with old and new friends and I have no doubt we are in the right place at the right time–mosquitos included! ~Kathy
I was wondering if you stayed in the same house as last time. It looks like it…
I played with the idea of having the following subtitle for my memoir: “Shit happens, even in paradise!”
In other words, I can relate to your international problems. 🙂 Regarding power and other issues, we often realize how none of that ever affects us, being self-contained.
Do you need AC in Ajijic in the summer? That would mean it’s too hot outside to do much, no?
Hi Liesbet! Yes we are in the same house. Good spotter! And that title would be a good one for a blog post. And there are advantages to traveling in “your own home” so you don’t have to deal with the power surges but you do have your own unique challenges for sure. Honestly yours makes ours look like child’s play!!!! The only time you really need A/C (or at least wish you had it) is during May and parts of June. Then once rainy season starts the temps drop around 10 degrees and it cools off at night. We are at 5,000 feet here so that helps with tempts. Of course things are pretty unpredictable everywhere in the world right now but that is one of the reasons we like to visit here this time of year-it’s much cooler than back home. Temps are about high 70’s to low 80’s right now–but fairly humid of course. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – This is a great reminder about travel. Even ‘paradise’ vacations are not perfect. Then again, would we really want them to be.
Hi Donna! As you know stuff happens when we travel. But like you said that is part of the adventure. If we want things to stay the same and be predictable we could just stay home, right? ~Kathy
If we didn’t have unique experiences while traveling… why bother? Sometimes something goes wrong or something unexpected happens and we find ourselves grumbling. Funny how those occurrences become the things we remember fondly when we return to our “normal” lives. I love the monsoon season in Mexico and have seen the streets turned into roaring rivers in just a few minutes. Mosquitos? Not so much. They love to feast on my lily white skin.
Hi Janis! You are so right! It is usually those challenging or weird or unexpected things that happen that we tell about years later. And yes, monsoon season is good but unfortunately this year it isn’t as predictable as usual–is weather anywhere. When we were here during this same time 5 years ago it rained every late afternoon and early evening like clockwork. Since we’ve been here three weeks now we’ve had several rains (not as many as every day) and they are happening at odd times of day and night. Still, the mosquitoes seem quite happy but so far I have only gotten a couple of bites so my prevention on those seem to work good. Come for a visit. I think you’d like it here otherwise! ~Kathy
Looks beautiful, sounds fun, interesting and adventurous. Continue enjoying your time there.
Hi Marla! How are you? I hope you are doing well and all is good in your life. Sorry we missed seeing you this summer. Are you going to the reunion? I hope so. Maybe we can catch up there! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy
I’m on a Very Small Island off the coast of British Columbia. I’ve also been bitten by mosquitoes and other things but came prepared with anti itch meds which I take everywhere with me. I now wear light long pants and a shirt. The radio today is doing a feature on the abundance of mosquitoes this year. Standing water attracts when there are short rainfalls.
Ordered dinner at a ‘restaurant’ ahead of time and it was 45 min late. No one keeping us informed. Note to file.. bring water or a Diet Coke when eating out here.
Everything is busy and slow here but the tourists leave this week so I have a week of quiet before returning to the busy city.
I had to make the adjustment of living in a small city after moving from Vancouver and still complain about things but trying hard to get used to it. Also staff shortages are a thing there.
Mexico doesn’t have a monopoly on inconvenience. Everywhere has its downside. Just glad to not have wildfires here.
Hi Ann! Yes it does help to “be prepared” for all sorts of things. I know I’m spoiled because were we live in the desert there are hardly ever any mosquitoes so when we find them it takes some getting used too. Your advice about what to wear is helpful.
And as you say there are ALWAYS adjustments to a new location whether moving there or just visiting. But still I think the variety keeps us growing and learning and you know that’s a big deal to me. Enjoy your area getting less touristy and the rest of you summer! ~Kathy
The sentiments expressed in that classic prayer are very much those that guide me on a daily basis now but what a shame it took so many decades to figure it out for myself.
Hi Caree! So true. I never really appreciated the sentiment when I was younger but the older I get the more I see how it is a simple but beautiful way to embrace my experience in the world. ~Kathy
So many different places in the world, but better……?
Hi Mona! Your comment made me think of a phrase that I learned long ago. “That is why there are different flavors of ice cream.” My dad loved just plain vanilla while Thom loves Ben & Jerry’s “Jerry Garcia.” Me, I always pick chocolate. I think different cultures appeal to different people and for some reason I “vibe” with Mexico. :-). Kathy