Revolution Day in Chelem

Celebrated throughout Mexico, November 20th marks the day in 1910 when the war to overthrow the dictator General Porfirio Diaz began. The revolution was fought due to the growing disparity between the rich landowners and the rest of the population who were mainly poor peasants and farmers. The day is celebrated with colorful parades and parties and celebrations.  Here in Chelem of course there was something going on too!   We were able to attend the morning celebrations, but had many real estate clients in town so we were back home and at work by 9:00.


It all started by the lagoon, all the local school children were dressed up in their Sunday best for Revolution Day!  Here is a picture of the beginning with Senorita Revolution leading the parade,



Next the Colorguard:


Those that aren't in the Colorguard marched too,


Here come the kindergarten children,


Look at how precious they are, all dressed up in white, hair slicked back, wonder if they looked so clean at the end of the day?







My girl Gaby, she is just the best!

I love the horses and hats!



These guys on horses are exactly what my Mom thinks is normal here.  Can't convince her that people have cars!



Finally my "adopted" grand baby, Yomara, isn't she a beauty?

Everyday Life in the Yucatan, and How Safe is it Really?

Before I get started on crime and everyday life here in the Yucatan I want to wish my son Justin, a very Happy Birthday! This time 25 years ago he came into my life and changed it forever. I am a bit sad today, wishing that I could be with him. What a wonderful son he is....love you Justin! This is my handsome son with his girl, Chrissy!


Now on to the meat of the matter! I am getting more and more questions and emails about the safety here in Chelem. I guess that it is being blasted all over the news back in the states and Canada that Mexico is crime ridden and land of the drug cartel. Mexico certainly does have it's problems as do all countries, but the Yucatan is the safest state in Mexico. Last year there were only 2 murders in the entire state. The Yucatan is very different than the border towns where violence is rampant. Here we walk the streets and beaches after dark with no fears, we don't always lock our doors and never lock our windows. Many nights I have left the keys in the car and never remembered until morning. I have absolutely never heard of rape, murder or armed robbery in my area. People please remember that there are good places and bad places everywhere, I have found one of the good ones! We are in a small town with no industry except fishing and construction, the people here are good hearted and happy with the little things in life. Here is a map to show you where Chelem is:


Here is a map of Mexico, do you see how far away the Yucatan is from the border towns?

Okay, I'll get down off my bandstand now, originally I was going to show you what I see when I take a morning walk, so here goes:

An amaryllis blooming this morning in my garden


A sea bird sunning himself on some rocks. Is this a Blue Heron?


View of the harbor from the new bridge connecting Chelem and Progreso.



And finally a sight that always makes me smile, my dog Julio after a swim and a roll in the sand!