Almost fin de semana

 Not that it really matters. But the dates do.  We went to Chapala this morning to pick up our ID cards that show we're now officially temporary residents of Mexico.  This means we can fly in or out with or without the car (which is also officially temporarily imported --with a $400 hostage fee refundable on returning the official sticker).  We're just officially official.  You might not think that's so important in Mexico, but they believe in paperwork and getting it right.  We had to have more pictures taken for these visa cards.  The instructions were to remove glasses and have your hair completely brushed back from your face and off your forehead.  Sure enough, when we went to claim our cards at the Instituto de Nacional Migracion, the lady behind the desk asked Bob to take off his hat as she compared the picture to his (apparently) real self.  But we passed and are now completely legal.

We haven't been to Chapala much yet.  In case you don't remember, Chapala is the big little city of the municipality of Chapala, which includes Ajijic, among other villages.  It's like the county seat.  But it was certainly bustling today as the weekend before a major holiday was beginning.

Here in Mexico, Halloween is not a big deal except for a few families and kids who copy trick or treating like in the US.  And although real pumpkins don't seem to grow here, jack o' lanterns are everywhere in the form of terra cotta pots and even painted talavera ceramics.

But the big holiday is El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which is actually 3 full days starting on October 31.  The Wiki link above has a much better and fuller explanation than I can give.  But starting already we're hearing the rockets (cohetes) and the bands beginning. From a couple of blocks up the mountain, the drums and tubas dominate, so it sounds very much like marching band practice from a distance.

One of the strangest images from this holiday is the Catrina, the dolls and costumes reflecting all kinds of people but all are skeletons. Or sometimes only skulls. Pretty gruesome reminder of death, but it's such a happy holiday and the purpose is to remember the dead. Here's a picture of some Catrina dolls.

Anyway, the next several days will be noisy beyond compare and even Daisy has started trembling and hiding or jumping into our laps.  If I could find a way to turn them temporarily deaf, I would do it for the next few days for sure. Scaredy dogs below:

Howdy--big brave dog:

I'm sure there will be lots more to share as the holiday rolls on: castillos at the plaza, parades, bands, dancers, and so on.

We're heading out to a Western BBQ at the Chapala Country Club with Johs and Judy this evening--two for one wine and beer from 5:30--7:00.  Whoo-hoo!