Guadalajara, Jalisco born Lorena Ochoa made Mexico proud, once again, yesterday in Superstition Mountain, Arizona. Ochoa won her second LPGA tournament of the young season. Her seven-stroke win over Jee Young Lee yesterday at the Safeway International Tournament was record setting with a 22-under-par 266.

To write that it was an impressive victory would be putting it mildly. As great of a player as she has become – 19 LPGA victories including a major title – it is said she is an even nicer person. Everyone says that. The next person to say a bad word about Lorena will be the first.

It was exciting to see the Mexican flags waving and the largely Mexican crowd support as Lorena went to the 18th hole with the huge lead. She makes the Country proud.

A couple weeks ago despite a big victory over Haiti, sadly I watched the Mexican Olympic football team win by one goal short of the total needed to compete in the Beijing Olympics later this year. But we still have a great year to look forward to in women’s golf with number one seed Ochoa competing for the home team. Stay Tuned!

In the event you haven’t heard – tonight is EARTH HOUR. Taking the lead from a light dousing in Australia last year there is a movement for everyone worldwide to turn lights and appliances (non-essential) off.

The World Wildlife Fund suggest you turn your power off at 8 PM local time for one hour – It seems it might be more dramatic if it was done in mass relating to one time zone – but then there would be non-energy gobbler hours included in some parts of the world.

Perhaps some time in the future there will be a regular hour shutdown to conserve gobs of power – kind of a voluntary blackout.

Contrary to the suggestion of some readers, I am not a proponent of a one-world government – an incredibly frightening thought actually. I have suggested that we are all one people as ‘members’ of planet earth; and I don’t like heavy handed border control; although again contrary to some assertions I understand the need for some controls based on the reality of relations between countries currently. I am willing to support a one world movement to conserve energy however – so I will act accordingly this evening.

This is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, which also supports Earth Day (April 22nd).

Now I have to think about whether my computer and television are non-essential tonight at 8PM. I have heard there is going to be television coverage of the event – but how can we watch if we are participating – I’m confused there.

The U.S. is 1/20th part of the whole and yet it uses 1/5th the total earth power consumption – so OK I will shut off my computer too. Conserve tonight and join the fun. Stay Tuned!

I have to say that I am surprised at the comments rebuking me for my not complying to certain ways of thinking or immigration laws.

Anyone that owns a computer and involves themselves with the Internet is usually a cut above the crowd to some extent. And yet have I been giving them too much credit?

Have most of us become so caught up in the process web that we no longer question authority; or feel a need to assail those that do? Are we all nothing but a bunch of lemmings?

Are there but few that put personal freedoms above all other forms of freedom anymore?

It unnerves me to think there are those who have had the tenacity to start their lives anew in another country that still launch barbs at their fellow expatriates for not complying with absurd laws and labels? I have written ad nauseam about the label of ‘guest’ in Mexico.

Most of these same people that assail me for my methods admit that Mexico is a land of soft law; even going on to suggest that it is a good thing.

Have we all become so brainwashed that following in line is so necessary that anyone that doesn’t is simply out of step?

I think we should be men/women first and subjects afterwards. An undue respect of the law is probably the central reason that the U.S. can wage totally unpopular wars with little support from even their own people.

Aren’t the law abiding simply waiting for someone else to fight their fights – to wage their complaints – rather than put themselves on the line for the more right.

Even those law abiding might agree that unjust laws exist; should we be content to obey them, or should we strive to amend them or even bend them? A lot of people out there will suggest the majority must change them and they thus will wait. They think the solution might be worse than the problem if they themselves or those amongst them attempt change.

Shouldn’t we encourage people to be on the alert to point out the faults of the in place systems? Why do these people bludgeon the champions of freedom and individual rights; reducing their cries for justice to grumpiness, venting or unwanted rebellious natures?

I couldn’t help but be struck by the ridiculousness of some of the red tape involved in being here in Mexico; and writing about it. Is not the case that everyone that has become a Mexican citizen and is receiving social security from the United States, as part of their retirement from the country of origin, is living a lie and avoiding the law? After all they are to renounce their U.S. citizenship as part of their induction to being a Mexican citizen – no?

Are the same people that are shouting shame on me for not obeying the law – perhaps lawbreakers in some way(s) themselves? Who amongst you picks up that first stone to cast upon me for my obtaining a tourists visa while owning property and staying great lengths of time and even daring to deny the label of guest?

I know you same must know that there are many Mexican landowners of U.S. citizenship that visit their casas less than 6 months out of each year and merely enter here on FMT visas – if you don’t know this you need to get out more and read more – because those are the facts.

I make best effort to get through flawed laws and governments with as little resistance or hassle as possible. I would never suggest that you obey the law because it exists, but rather because it is right and just; but I seem to be getting an onslaught of law abiding expatriates suggesting I get a grip and just obey the law. There will never be an enlightened government until it recognizes the individual as a higher power from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats the individual accordingly.

I really got a laugh over someone suggesting that my claim to being an honest and forthright nice guy as too subjective. What a lucky person this one must be indeed to never have felt the barbs of prejudice for the subjective qualities of the color of their skin or the size of their wallet or the quality of the clothes they wore. I guess that person hasn’t read the many stories about people being turned away from the gate because the minion opening and closing it didn’t like some subjective quality of the passer – how sad and Polly Anna is that?

I don’t sit down and write this Blog under the impression I am right about everything and all knowing. I work through the maze of red tape and process to be able to travel from the U.S. to Mexico as easily as possible. I report those experiences for the edification of the readers for what it is worth. If I bend a rule or connive a method to simply live where I want and with whom I want then so be it. If you are so uptight with laws and rules that you can no longer think for yourself – well you are not alone on that. You have my deepest sympathy however.

Where I live and what I live for seem such basic freedoms – but apparently not to all of you. Stay Tuned!

I suppose I should be flattered that I can manage to get people irked by the mighty electron. If you don’t read the comments here – you are missing half the fun.

If you are just tuning in – I have been a bad boy. I have challenged and complained about the somewhat vague rules of being here in Mexico legally. While all readers know I say it like I think it, not being one to pull a lot of punches, I do really try and avoid setting off endless controversy.

I strive to report my experiences for those who come after me – the good, bad and ugly as seen by me. The following report will be more meaningful to those who read here regularly – to the rest it is a report of an experience – one that is uniquely mine; coupled with a few comments relating to some related comments.

I reported to the INM with all the requested documents. Within 20 minutes I received the extension for an additional 60 days. I do have to report in after the first 30 days – at that point I was happy and willing to pay them yet another visit for ‘whatever?’ There was no charge for the extension and this includes an extension for my truck and trailer to be here.

Again, I can’t write in strong enough terms do not try this at home – it was touchy and problematic. Apparently I haven’t made a lot of friends along the way of reporting this situation.

I could argue my position about the border and immigration laws until the cows come home and probably alienate myself with still more readers.

I am a libertarian. I believe we should be free and left alone in most cases – so we don’t even need to go further beyond that – you know from where I am coming.

I do not agree that I am a visitor or guest here in as much as I participate in all matters of citizenship short of voting and registering my car; and spend about 100 times more than the average person in my neighborhood paying 15% tax on that spending as well as meeting all the other requirements. In general my wife and I are residents in good standing.

I didn’t design this Blog to argue a lot (some OK) about my views on Mexicans, religion, politics or governmental operations so I am not going to belabor the issues. I will just report the process and outcome based on how Anita and I operate.

I have always warned readers to do their own homework and not trust that their experience would be that of mine – I am just reporting here not recommending or suggesting my ways are THE ways.

Previously I wrote that if you simply act within the basic rules you will get along better than I do generally because I am a rule bender and shaper – good or bad that is the reality of it all.

Someone commented, “Wow! You are the only person I’ve ever heard of that got more than 180 days on a tourist visa.” My friend Ken who lived here for more than 10 years renewed his FMT (180 days) many times consecutively. PLEASE understand a couple of years ago they replaced the entire staff at the INM in Xalapa because of mordida. So ‘rules’ have been bent obviously.

Someone else wrote, “…if it had been ME, I wouldn’t have left the US without having it straightened out.” A wonderful sentiment, but after five months and no passport – I simply could not wait. It was further suggested that there are methods to expedite the process. I did attempt expediting methods – this is a long story and rather boring. It just didn’t happen in time and you will have to accept that as a premise to the situation.

I was also asked why I didn’t take care of the FMT status sooner? Because I am a procrastinator to be totally honest. Some people have things planned to a tee – wish I did, but I don’t operate that way. I am not laying the blame for encountering the problem on anyone beyond myself – this does not obviate the fact that the process is tedious and in parts ridiculous – simply because I spirited the situation.

I should also mention that we discussed looking into the FMT issues when we were working through the FM3 – we decided not to muddy the waters until we completed that process – after it was done, frankly we just wanted to get out of there!

Someone wrote, “I think you are out of line to say it is ridiculous. Their rules are their rules and it is up to us as guests in their country to obey them.” I have written many times about how I feel about being titled a guest and I can only guess this person wished to get me irked because she certainly knows my views – but in any case there have been a LOT of rules that good people challenged that have be changed such as rules about blacks using separate bathrooms and sitting in the back of the bus etc. There were laws that invaded the privacy of people’s bedrooms and some argued that those were wrong.

Not too many years ago it was against the law to be gay; those people were locked up and kicked around until some people complained long and loudly. If you want to obey laws simply because they exist or you believe that after four years of owning property in Mexico that you are only a guest here – well that is certainly your prerogative.

For me, I am a neighbor and a citizen of where I live and if anyone has a problem with that and insists that I am a guest because of the origin of my birth – well that becomes their problem – not mine to as much extent as I can muster. I live here, I play here and I may even die here – and in the mean time I will accept all those around me as friends and neighbors regardless or their skin color, religion, sexual persuasion and place of birth – because at this moment we live amongst each other and need to act accordingly – laws and labels be hanged.

In closing it is a spectacular weather day here in the high seventies and lovely – as good as it gets. Viva Veracruz! Stay Tuned!

I have stressed along the way here the importance of not taking everything you read as fact – especially as it relates to the processes fraught with red tape like obtaining visas or buying and selling property here in Mexico.

Using the Excel spreadsheet program a couple of weeks ago I realized my FMT visa would reach 180 days as of today. To back track a bit – Anita and I entered Mexico exactly six months ago by way of the FMT or tourist visa which has a maximum of 180 days length.

We have done this for the last four years save one year when Anita had an FM-3 visa (allowing her to stay for one year). While we were here this time Anita acquired a new FM3. We both hope to do this as we are permanent residents, but I didn’t have a U.S. passport that is required to obtain a Mexican FM3 visa.

There was a red tape issue wherein the U.S. wanted more information after we had sent in all the forms, pictures etc. relative to my passport application. This issue has been cleared up, but I planned on getting a U.S. passport upon my return to the U.S. this summer.

So the bottom line is I am here with the 180 day FMT.

I had read on a Mexican Immigration web site that it was a quick and easy matter to get an extension to the FMT – one time. I also have talked to people that had renewed their FMT visa in Xalapa. No problemo – I would renew for another six months wanting about 3 additional months of it so we could head back to the States when it was warmer there.

So last Thursday, knowing today was my last day here legally, I headed to Xalapa to renew my FMT. As reported earlier they were closed for the Easter Holiday both Thursday and Friday.

Monday I returned. They were open. But within seconds of sitting down I was informed there was no way they would renew my visa. When I explained it stated on their own web sites that I could do this they replied by reporting that the normal time for the FMT visa is 90 days. I knew this was true when someone flies in, but because of the last four years experience we also knew it was easy to obtain180 days simply by requesting it when traveling by car.

I was informed that if I had been here 90 days and needed another 90 – no problem – BUT – 180 days is the maximum. I could go back the 1300 mile round trip to Brownsville cross over the border and come right back – no problem – but beyond this I am done. Keep in mind those 1300 Mexican miles are over some of the worst roads in Mexico and it is about 2500 US miles comparatively in time and wear and tear to cover those miles.

I again reminded them that their own web site said nothing about total cumulative days – not sure they got it – but it mattered not because I was done here. They issue FMT’s for 90 days typically and will consider one time renewal – period. “But, we have been in here on 180 day visas for four years!” I exclaimed.

Actually this is true up until the last time back in September of last year when we entered in Brownsville they were acting like they only wanted to give us the 90 days. We said we had come in for three years for the total 180 days – what is the problem – they hemmed and hawed around a bit, but gave us the requested 180 days – scolding us with, “You know you can’t live here.” Yes. OK. Off we went.

I explained I am here and I am NOT ready to leave – so we have a problem. The official after consulting a couple others came back and said they would give me 15 days to get out of Dodge. I said no I needed more time – preferably three months. This was beginning to look like a Mexican standoff.

Only a few weeks ago Anita and I had been in there five times to get her FM3 – they know us in there – even from before this.

The tension in the air was thick – it could be cut with a machete, nothing less. Here I am thinking there is no way these guys are going to pay for a trip to the border for moi. I’m staying.

Again a junta of virtually the total uniformed office members. Back comes the hombre with a smallish piece of paper, hand written on it was about 5 lines. I should make copies of everything (they love their copies – but will not make their own) and bring back that statement – they will give me two more months – not three – two.

OK say I this is good enough I will cut short a few things but will be returning to New Mexico and then Colorado at the end of May – more tolerable weather it will be.

I explained that we own a house (didn’t mention two), and that we are just a few details away from my having a U.S. passport with the intention of living here full time – of course there is no box to check for this situation or desire. Man these people!

I am not going to go into the details of the little handwritten paragraph that will afford me the additional 2 months as agreed upon with them – but I will tell you the entire thing is ridiculous. I (we) live here, spend all our money here and we are upstanding citizens – we even have Mexican friends that will attest to this .

Do not count on their web site for accurate information or the tales of anyone else’s experiences really – you will have to go through this maze on your own. Or just get it right to begin with – but as my father use to say – that would be too easy for me.

Tomorrow I head back with all their requested paperwork – The rest of this story will unfold Thursday – Stay Tuned!

Our Little Capilla at the Top of the Driveway (ENLARGE Here)

Also called Holy Friday or Great Friday.

Good Friday is the Friday within Holy Week that concludes with the resurrection on Sunday – Easter. For the Catholics here in the Hood, meaning almost everyone, Friday is traditionally a time of fasting and penance, as they commemorate the anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion and death.

Early Friday morning a crew brought in large tree branches and decorations to adorn the little shrine at the top of our driveway. They even ‘planted’ trees in the roadway leading up to the capilla.

The locals had a quiet march up to the capilla at 3 PM. It is a quiet day around here. All the people’s doors are closed and few people seen on the streets.

I moved my little trailer from out of in front of our house as it seemed out of place with the decorated roadway. It hadn’t been moved in 6 months.

Except for a few irreverent dogs and an occasional rooster it was very quiet, a peaceful day. When I was moving the trailer I did spot Maude and her new baby on the corner. Don’t let the bundled up baby fool you – it was sunny and mild, in the mid-seventies.

All things are as they should be in our little Colonia. Stay Tuned!

I want One! (ENLARGE Here)

We decided to try and be legal regarding my being in Mexico – I have until early next week before my FMT visa expires.

Off we went by bus rather than helicopter into Xalapa to go to the INM office (immigration). It, the banks and most public offices were closed – ugh!

A Helicopter would have been a better mode of transportation. It was crazy with people in Xalapa – everyone buying fish and flowers for Good Friday; lots of activity, people and traffic. I captured the photo of the Veracruz helicopter the other day at Cascada de Texolo with my telephoto lens as it was zipping by our area.

Apparently they close Thursday and Friday for the Easter Holiday. Well the stock exchange is closed for Good Friday today – but I just didn’t think to check for Thursday.

It is always a good idea to check on holidays here in Mexico – they have a LOT of them.

More on the visa saga next week. Stay Tuned!

This morning on the tube they had an Oregon Motorcycle policeman that had been knocked down the freeway by his motorcycle after it had been hit by a car. He was leaning on a car apparently ticketing the driver at the point his bike was struck and thrust forward to hit him. Fortunately he survived with minor injuries – not all officers are that lucky.

The wild and crazy drivers and boggling roadways here in Mexico have been described a lot herein. While there are a lot of thoughtless self serving acts to be seen on the roadways here there is one amazing courtesy that seems to be nearly universal.

When you see a vehicle passing in opposite traffic with their emergency light blinking you can all but be guaranteed that further ahead there will be some traffic anomaly.

This isn’t to suggest that this never happens in the States; where you get a heads up warning from an opposite direction vehicle’s driver – but here it seems to be universal. What motivates an otherwise self absorbed driving public to assume this social responsibility? I am confused.

A while back this happened: We live at the beginning of the end of the roadway on calle (street) Benito Juarez in Ursulo Galvan. Just after the road turns to dirt and runs out 150 feet later, we park our BIG truck in front of the 50 foot stretch that is the north border of our property.

I usually back down the 40 feet or so that will put me in the intersection of the paved roadway. In doing so one Saturday afternoon my truck was lifted off its back wheels as it careened over some boulders.

Shortly there after I learned there was a party in preparation up the roadway. Often boulders are put in the street to block traffic from interrupting a fiesta set up in the street. They simply without permission cut off the roadway access.

In this case our corner is a rather major route in the Hood – but the important issue here is the party, not the thoroughfare. The undercarriage bruised and me a bit embarrassed I somehow managed to get the back wheels back to earth with the help of engagement of the four wheels of drive.

We have encountered some remarkable situations on the roadways of Mexico. But there is that odd kindness of strangers that is a lot less reliable north of the border – so if you see a vehicle in opposite traffic coming towards you with emergency lights blinking – keep an eye out for something ahead and maybe one day I will learn and then report on how this rather universal courtesy has been established. Stay Tuned!

The ‘Back’ Waterfall at Texolo (ENLARGE Here)

A number of people have mentioned that back waterfall, or the “other” waterfall – the one that isn’t in the film “Romancing the Stone.” Not too many years ago you had to be a more adventurous tourist to hike back to the other waterfall that drops into a beautiful pool where many folks take the plunge.

For those that have not been there in a while or that have never been there – it is now an easy short hike back into that area. Wayne mentioned to get back there one had, “…to cross that awful metal bridge.” That bridge was severely crinkled in an earthquake (as I understand it). It has been replaced by a very modern easily traversed model.

The Newer Bridge at Cascada de Texolo (ENLARGE Here)

There is even a restaurant very near the back waterfall and pool. You might want to try a michelada – a beer served with salt around the glass edge mixed with lime juice and salsa (Tabasco sauce like substance). They looked better than the thought of the mixture sets with me – I intend to try one – but when I can get one for less than 35 pesos I know for you gringos less than $3.50 for a fancy mixed cocktail isn’t outrageous – but around here that is a lot of pesos.

I mentioned there is a new stair and ramp way up to the new restaurant where there are great views and a viewing platform to gather them up.

Anita., Lidia and Alma climbing the new stairway. (ENLARGE Here)

I also had mentioned I was enjoying using my long (telephoto capable) zoom lens at the park. Steve wrote that he is “self-conscious about photographing people, but you found a very good justification.” I’m not sure what justification I found – but it is easier to shoot candid shots from a greater distance where the subject(s) aren’t really aware – it is about getting away with stealing a peek and recording it – do you ever wonder who is watching your public actions (or less public actions) from those amazing satellite cameras?

A candid shot of a romantic interlude.

Is she wondering if that Guitar is in tune? (ENLARGE Here)

The Kiss – poolside love (ENLARGE Here)

Many of you have seen my images of the domed church in Xico taken from Rancho del Cielo. Here is the the big church in Xico shot from the other side mountains (taken up at the viewing platform near the new restaurant).

Xico from Cascada de Texolo Park – (ENLARGE Here)

Again I broach on controversy here – so what else is new? Well as mentioned in brief yesterday Charles, Bonnie and Lillian arrived from New Orleans yesterday. Bonnie has been a participant on our Forum since late last October – she included in her introduction, “Our desire is to spend a minimum of 5-6mo/year in Mexico, in the Coatepec/Xico area.”

They arrived here with our mail that we had our neighbor in Colorado send to them before they left the States – oh boy now I can work on my taxes. We were over having a beer with the Camacho’s when Marvin showed up. I gave Bonnie his phone number as a contact in that we don’t have a phone – Marvin what a good guy to go over to where they were and have them follow him to our Casita.

The three of them had arrived at Scott’s house just east of Coatepec. Scott came along as well – our first meeting. The three were going to possibly rent Miguel and Veronica’s casa in Coatepec. We will wait to report on their happiness with that.

Once again we met up with some very nice people – thank you world-wide-web. It is becoming a small world. Oh and I asked if they had any traffic police problems – they did not – could things be getting better on that front or were they just lucky? Apparently there was some slight of hand under the table monies being passed around at the border – we will wait to hear more about this from Bonnie (is there a guest Blog entry from her?)

I should mention it was about 89F (32 C) here yesterday. It is expected to be equally as hot today – nice heat and lots of sun – Welcome to Mexico Bonnie, Lillian and Charles!
Stay Tuned!

The Famous Texolo Waterfall (ENLARGE Here)

You may dismiss this as yet another story about that waterfall in Xico where “Romancing the Stone” was filmed (in part). But there is more to this – I hope.

There is a park 3 kilometers from the little tourist town of Xico. It is more than a waterfall and now more than a small wonder of nature.

Our friends in the Hood seldom get a day where the entire family can go somewhere. But we all had been planning and saving up for the bull fights taking place on Sunday just north of Xalapa. After much soul searching and a wakeup call about our social responsibility we decided to forego the beef slaughter and head to Cascada de Texolo.

The Camacho family had never been there save the patriarch mother of the five children that make up the number of families living on the compound 75 meters or so from Calypso Casita in Ursulo Galvan, Xico. Bear in mind the trip door to door is less than 4 miles; and it is probably the single most important tourist attraction in the area, and yet four of the five had never even been there.

Unfortunately my reports of our first couple of visits to Texolo were purged with the ‘cleanup’ I had to do to gain some space on my server, but back in October I wrote this paragraph about the cascada, “Someone I read wrote “If there’s magic on this planet it lies in flowing water.” Amen. On the edge of town is the now famous Texolo Waterfall where some of the tropical forest scenes in the film “Romancing the Stone” were shot – its part of Xico’s legacy and now the worlds. It is not to be missed.”

Like most things in this world nothing remains the same. Texolo is no exception. Between 2005 and 2008 the park area has had a number of “improvements.” On a sunny 85 degree Sunday the ‘water park’ exuded Disneyesque qualities.

The Main Visitor’s Area of the Park (ENLARGE Here)

The more civilized theme park flavor is not all bad (did I the naturalist write that?). A four body wide stair and ramp way has been developed leading to a new restaurant with views to die for. It is a relatively steep climb, not for the aged or infirmed; yet it is as easy a path as possible short of a tram car.

The more civilized theme park aspect is a bit disappointing for me – but I am sure this was compounded by our visit happening during high tourist time on a Sunday. With less people around it remains a spiritual location on the planet.

The new restaurant at the top on the mountain provides some excellent views and gave me an opportunity to shoot photos with my seldom used long lens. I had fun both capturing a little of the majesty of the enchanting forest and water as well as getting to take candid photos from a distance with the long lens.

The New Restaurant at the TOP of the Mountain (ENLARGE Here)

In spite of the advancements and Disney affects I highly recommend a visit to Cascada de Texolo – but do it on a weekday, you will not be disappointed. It seems like all places this beautiful become an attraction – I know others that haven’t reached that status around here – but I’m not telling.

Bonnie, Charles and Lilian (and Scott who lives here now) arrived here early this evening with a little help from Marvin – more on this tomorrow. Stay Tuned!