Letting Go, Leaning In: Closing Out 2025 and Welcoming 2026 at Lake Chapala
Time in the Carolinas
We spent a week in North and South Carolina tying up loose ends. We purged more belongings, finally acknowledging what no longer makes sense with our new life rooted in Mexico.
Just as meaningful was the time with friends and family. We packed an incredible number of visits into a short window: shared meals, long conversations, and so many wonderful hugs. There were tears too. Friendships evolve when geography changes, but the week reminded us that the strongest ones bend without breaking. We left feeling grateful, grounded, and ready to return home.
Christmas Lights, Art, and a Deeper Sense of Belonging
Back at Lake Chapala, we slipped right back into the rhythm of life here. A visit to Jocotepec—our first since January—was a highlight. The lakeside town was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and wandering its streets felt festive.
Christmas itself was simple and perfect: Joe, our cat Kitty, and a few close friends. I gave Joe our first Efren González painting, which I won at an auction. Efren is a beloved local artist, known throughout the region for capturing the spirit of Lake Chapala life. Owning one of his pieces—especially one honoring the long tradition of horseback riding here—felt like a quiet but powerful way of saying: we are home.
Exploring Beyond Ajijic: Mazamitla and Tonalá
We finally made it to the other side of the lake to visit Mazamitla, a mountain town that felt a bit like a Mexican Gatlinburg. Along with friends Jeremy, Larry, and Steve, we enjoyed a great lunch, wandered the town, and took in the cooler air and alpine vibe. While touristy, it was undeniably charming—and close enough that we’d love to return to explore the hiking trails and surrounding forests.
Another long-anticipated outing took us to Tonalá, a town just outside Guadalajara famous for its ceramics and crafts. Tonalá has been a center of artisan production since pre-Hispanic times, and today it’s best known for hand-painted pottery, burnished clay, blown glass, and folk art.
Hikes, DJ Nights, and a Very Happy New Year
Nature continues to be one of the great gifts of life here. A hike at Zona del Triángulo delivered massive boulders used by climbers, narrow rock passages, and towering trees with dramatic, twisting root systems.
We closed out the year dancing at a Adelita’s in San Antonio Tlayacapan, ringing in New Year’s Eve with friends and our favorite local DJ, Johnny Guzman. The celebration continued the next day with what else but a parade in Ajijic. One unforgettable moment involved being “arrested” by Mexican ICE, tossed into the back of a van—an elaborate joke that ended with tequila shots and laughter all around.
It was absurd, joyful, and oddly profound. Even amid very real tensions affecting Mexican people in the U.S., there is a remarkable resilience here—a commitment to humor, community, and finding reasons to celebrate.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 begins, we feel more rooted than ever, grateful for the people who walk beside us, no matter the distance. We’re also looking ahead with real excitement. Several family members and friends already have plans to visit us in the coming year, and we can’t wait to share this place we love so much—our favorite walks, lake views, markets, hikes, and the everyday magic that makes life here feel rich and grounded. Being able to welcome loved ones into our new home feels like the next beautiful layer of this chapter. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
