Kandu Adventures

I have been so lazy about updating this blog.  This past year was been one of great stress.  We were happy to see 2013 end.  To end the year on a positive note we threw a party to celebrate the solstice and the wonderfully supportive friends and neighbors we have.  Lee introduced the game of "Snap Dragon" to a new and eager group of players.  This is a centuries old game where brandy is placed in a bowl with raisins.  The brandy is set on fire and brave players stick their hands in the flames grabbing a raisin and eating them.  I wish that a picture would have turned out with the hands covered in blue flame,  Our guests were really enjoying this game .  I think for as long as memory served our friends , it was the only party in which the adults got to hit the Pinata and not the children.  To end the night we all became artists with sparklers. 

 

preparing the snap dragon game

love the blue flames

Becky and Javier

Becky up to bat

 Dead on but no breakage-Gabby

Nadia

Sergio

Lee taking aim

Becky looking more like she's granting a wish

Sparklers

Cam in hat and Javier

 

Marta

Nadia

Sergio--The End!

We  spent some time enjoying the surrounding towns and sights,  Not so much out of the Guadalajara region because of the numerous warnings by the American Consolate of kidnappings and deaths.  It was all made more real in that a good friend was dealing with the death of her nephew. He was kidnapped and then killed while leaving a funeral.  It took almost all of 2013 to find and then positively identify him.  Just this month they were able to hold his memorial.  This was not written to bum you all out.  It is a notice to all we take the warnings seriously and try to live our lives in a safe manner.

very cool mural

Vendor's Delivery wagon in Tlajomulco

Vendor's delivery wagon in Guadalajara

Guadlajara /Cathedredral

The crypts in Guad, Cathedral

Baby Jesus

nativity figures

Best view 

Officially we had our first visitor from the states.  Kate came down and spent time with us, although she mostly  spent her time walking and running with Bear.  We were able to take her around some of our favorite places.  We really appreciate the time she spent here.

Sasha

Bear

 

Trying to hide from Lee

Negro

Neither appreciated this shower

(Bear was mourning the loss of our dog and friend Sasha.  Sasha had severe seizures that became none stop.  Bear and Sasha's best bud Negro whined and looked for Sasha for days.  It was heart breaking to watch.  Kates attention to Bear helped him recover.) Lee is not normally a dog person but she has come under the influence of Bear and broken all house rules.  

While here we took Kate into the Centro of Guadalajara and out to the local Guachimontone's.   On the drive into the Centro we had to stop to take pictures.  Workers were putting in  huge electrical towers.  And while we are used to this in the States we were not used to seeing a dozen men hanging off of the tower, moving around as if they were 5feet off of the ground not 50.

Lee has spent a lot of time with the neighborhood kids. Making oversized games for their use, giving them use of the numerous toys and games we have.  She even spent time making sure the kids would have the materials needed to make Christmas presents for their families.  She was very disappointed in the end that there wasn't enough time or money for all to do exactly what they wanted.  But the idea is out that this is available and waiting until the last minute is bad.

Edith 

Cam

Edith

 Here's hoping 2014 is filled with good times and fun people!

Elizabeth

Lee