AJIJIC, MEXICO IN PICTURES

Is one picture worth a thousand words?  

Let's give it a try....

Lake Chapala from a mountain vista  

Central to my adventure is Lake Chapala and the village of Ajijic on its northern shore.  Aijic emerged from the lives of indigenous tribes.  In ancient times, Ajijic meant a "place where water springs forth."  

Even today, Lake Chapala is still the largest lake in all of Mexico - 14 miles long. It's about 40 miles south of Guadalajara in the central region of Mexico.     

Long before the Spanish came, ancient peoples inhabited the lake area and came and went as the waters rose or receded.  They fished and raised their families here.  Much of their culture remains.    

Often I walk the lake shore in the evening.

Sunsets never disappoint

In the 1920s, intellectuals and dissidents came to Ajijic mixing with native people.  Another influx began in the 1950 - 60's.  And still another is happening now as mostly Canadians and North Americans look for retirement places.    

Art and Creativity are abundant companions 

in Ajijic.

Community beautification 

A Giant Lizard keeps watch

Fanciful Imagination enlivens a bare wall

Striking a pose in front of the Cultural Center

Carved from a log and painted by a local artist

More sunsets reflect across Lake Chapala. 

It's a beauty

Enjoy music, dance and more

After school, students practice in the park

A few ESL students share a song

Almost every month parades
and festivals flood through the streets

Ancient ritual reenacted

Mariachis are the soul of Mexican music

Original from Ajijic

Danza de los Voladores - Dance of the Flyers

Additional video from YouTube

Overlooking Ajijic Plaza 
where friends and family gather