One of the many things we love about Viva is that we are a mostly American/Canadian community, and we can speak in our native tongue. But when we venture outside the Viva gate…that may be a different story.
SJD continues to have a strong Gringo presence, and most of our Mexican neighbors also speak English. This is super convenient, but about two years ago, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and at least attempt to learn the local language. Not brush up, but learn! Other than Duo Lingo (the free version!) I had never attempted to learn Spanish, having taken French YEARS ago in high school (Comment allez-vous?). But when a local Mexican friend of mine, who obviously speaks Spanish and English, said she was taking French lessons online via Zoom, I was intrigued. I reached out to her maestro, Mario, and set up Spanish lessons for old beginners (my term, not his!).
All this time later, still not fluent, but getting a little braver with at least attempting the local language. I find that most locals are kind and willing to help when I am struggling. I often apologize for my poor Spanish, but try not to automatically revert to English when outside of Viva. Also, this is great for me in retirement, to stretch my mind and try something new. Mario has become an amazing mentor and friend, as well as a positive role model. He also teaches German and is currently learning Italian, Russian, and Chinese. So… using him as inspiration, maybe I can pick up a little more Español!
You sang it, didn’t you? I hope that anyone who reads this has had a fabulous holiday season, celebrating in any style that makes you happy! We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in Indiana and enjoyed some much-needed time with friends and family. For the new year, we have returned to our second home in Cabo and plan to ring in the new year on the 31st with friends here.
Before heading south, we spent some time packing up all the decorations so we would not have that task ahead of us when we return. So the house, as all houses this time of year, looked a little bleak when we were preparing for our trip. I always miss the festive feel of the lights, trees, stockings, etc. That is why it makes me so happy that in Cabo, it is tradition to leave Christmas decorations up until January 6, which is when they celebrate King’s Day, or Dia de los Reyes Magos. This day honors the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to Baby Jesus, so Mexicans exchange gifts. They also bake or buy a sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes. Inside is a small plastic replica of Baby Jesus, and whoever gets the baby in their slice of cake hosts yet another party (surprise!) on February 2 to make and serve tamales. If you have ever handmade tamales, you know that this is no easy task!
As usual, Mexicans have found a way to get the most out the holiday season! This is a culture with rich traditions and many celebrations. Once again, I enter the New Year feeling blessed that I am included in so many of these as a part-time expat. I hope 2025 finds you and your loved ones happy, healthy, and counting your many blessings!
Is there any better way to spend a day in Cabo than sunning on its glorious beaches? It might surprise you to learn that my answer is YES; spending time volunteering for Feeding Los Cabos Kids!
This amazing foundation was started in 2004 and works to feed the local children in the colonias (neighborhoods). They have partnered with local churches and pastors to build kitchens in the neighborhoods where families can come for a meal.
In our condominium complex in San Jose del Cabo, there is a group that volunteers to take and serve meals to the kitchens. So last week, instead of hitting the beaches with a good book, I volunteered to help. This is the second time I have made a trip to a local kitchen, and it was just as rewarding as the first. After prepping 100 hotdogs, we packed up and headed out to the kitchens with our coolers of goodies for the families. The kindhearted people I went with also ensured that we had stickers and candy for the children. For a while, I was the most popular person in the place as I was serving sandía (watermelon), which is always a big hit.
As a former teacher, I still miss working with kids and I admit that this gives me a good “kid fix”. But it also makes me so happy that the complex where we live has set a precedent of helping the local community. If you would like to help Feeding Kids Los Cabos for Giving Tuesday (or any time!) please utilize the link below.
The past week has been a busy one, celebrating different holidays in San Jose. I was so excited for Halloween and Day of the Dead, especially because we had our daughter and future son in law here in Mexico with us. We prepared bags of candy and glow in the dark bracelets to hand out on the square to the adorable little ones (and some not so little, which I love…I like to see tweens and teens trick or treating!).
Then on to El Dia de Muertos. We toured the cemetery and watched the parade of the Katrinas. So much work being done in the cemetery as the families utilize this day to clean, decorate, and often play music at the alters of their loved ones who have passed. The second day has a more festive air, with parades and celebrations in the city center.
I often question, as a visitor to this amazing culture, if the locals find it intrusive when we attend their traditional celebrations. I am always respectful of families’ privacy and keep my distance while visiting the cemetery, and try to observe on the outskirts. However, I have had many locals ask if I have visited their cemeteries and traditional celebrations, and they seem eager to share their cultural traditions.
This made a little more sense to me this year, when I saw how much fun the kids were having on Halloween (a very American holiday!). They liked saying “trick-or-treat”, “Happy Halloween”, and “thank you” in English. It made me so happy to see this fun holiday in another country. Taking it a step further, the entire weekend was a blending of traditions and cultures from two countries. It love this, especially with the events of the past week in the US. A small thing to see two cultures co-existing, but maybe a positive step none the less?
Anybody else remember the song “Rainy Days and Mondays”? If not, look it up on Spotify and enjoy that beautiful voice that can only have belonged to Karen Carpenter. If so, I know approximately how old you are!
It seems that now days, we tend to associate rainy days with coziness. Tik Tok and Facebook tout reels of “rainy days at home”, “rainy days in a seaside cottage”, etc. And then there is the whole hygge movement, complements of Denmark, leaving all of us Americans wondering why we didn’t think of that: a whole movement centered around comfort and coziness. (Yes,please!)
If there is one disadvantage of living in Cabo, and there are but a few, it is the lack of opportunity to enjoy a cozy rainy day at home. September is the rainiest of months here, with an average rainfall of 3.5 inches total for the month. Not exactly Seattle, right? Also, you might be grumbling at me if my biggest complaint is too much sunny weather!
But a few weeks ago, with a tropical storm in the forecast, I found myself looking forward to the refreshment and tranquility that a rainy day can bring. Of course, as native Midwesterners who are used to preparing for blizzards and/or tornados, we first made sure that we had plenty of bottled water, candles, and gas for the generator. Then, we sat back and enjoyed the storm. I quickly deemed it a “coffee and Kindle day”, and sat on the porch while the rain sang its peaceful song and the breezes caressed the palm trees.
Different from the snowstorms that I have weathered in the Midwest, but still a very cozy, hygge day. And the best part? The next day in Cabo dawned bright and sunny, without a snow shovel in sight!
