The search for a casa

Ok, we are now on a full on hunt for a year long rental for a home. We have looked at 3 casas so far and only one is in the running. Not everything is as advertised with the homes. We looked at one that was called 3 bedrooms, but you have to go outside and up a small steep flight of stairs to the roof to get to the "third" bedroom. One thing is for sure, Mexicans live in 2 bedroom homes. A lot of them have a "casita" which is a small room on the outside of the home for grandma?

Other than that, we are surviving the food and finding out where to find things. The cobblestone streets are somewhat difficult to manage even with our stroller with big wheels. Joe and I are seriously wondering where they got all those rocks! It does cut down on the speed of traffic, and would not wash away with a big rainstorm. Alan would prefer to walk, but he gets so distracted by the sights or the stray dogs, that it is hard to get anywhere fast. It is surprising how many dogs are running around this place. They all seem friendly enough, and seem to all know where they are going.

We went for a walk last night at about 7 pm and had a great walk through the neighborhoods. The weather here is fantastic. It has not rained since we have been here even though it is the rainy season. It seems like the Mexican people really love the night. Even late they seem to just getting started. The street vendors don't start setting up on the plaza until 7 or 8pm. I am not sure how late they stay out since we generally get home by dark with the kids. Joe is loving the $1 beer you can get on any corner while we are out walking. While at the American Legion we saw the bartender was only about 16? No laws on who can sell beer here, but they do have signs about selling tobacco to minors. Not sure about that yet.

We are looking forward to getting settled in a longer term place, and Alex wants her toys out. So far they have had quite a time playing with the tie down straps, the empty cooler, and some buckets. They are also pickers of the fruit on the orange tree out in the yard. Joe and Alex juiced a bunch for breakfast yesterday, and it was great. We did eye an avacado tree next door, and are thinking of ways to make friends with the neighbors. I figure if it is hanging in the street, it should be fair game. We also have a mango tree in this yard, but it must be at the end of its cycle because there are only a few pieces of fruit left on it.

Until next time.......

The photos above are of one of the nicest homes we looked at, a standard kitchen, and a view of Lake Chapala from a mirador on one of the homes