Saturday, April 6, 2024

February in to March 2024

It's been a long time since we did the blog. It's a 'lumpy' year so far, with highs and lows.
Leanne travelled back to Vancouver in February, and now her Mum is out of hospital in a nice care home, and she seems to be doing slightly better. 
We had a fantastic trip to Mexico City - thank you to our friend Juan for loaning his apartment!
Sadly, Paul's Dad, Ken passed away in early March and Paul went to Manchester to help his brother sort things out. We then had a hectic but lovely time with our whole family (and friends!) visiting for 19 days. See next blog instalment - coming soon!

The start of another lovely day

'New Stu' (the Subaru) getting a bit aggresive with one of the locals

Sometimes there's no explanation for what you will find at the 'segundas' (second hand stores).

The end of another great gig with the Daniel Fiol Quartet

Nestor cleaning out the grey water tank - rather him than me!

The view from Juan's apartment. Popacatépetl in the distance

Sunday in Xochimilco with the lovely Gaby

Lunch on the trajinero, cooked on the trajinero next to us!

Apprentice driver. It's much more difficult than it looks

Ajolotes live in the water below!

We arrived back to find our housekeeper cooking for us! Wow!

Early morning start to take a hot air balloon

We were one of the first balloons off the ground

It was truly an unforgettable experience

After a very smooth landing, we had a glass of bubbly!

Then we had a guided tour of the Tiotehuacán pyramids

Back in the city looking at cool murals. 

Business class style bus to San Miguel de Allende

Leanne enjoys this kind of situation

We stayed with Juan's friends, Gris and Cacho

Cacho had an extremely impressive 'man cave'!

Great cheap lunch in the city

In contrast, a wonderful, fancy dinner at 'Hunan'

The Basilica de Guadalupe was spectacular and moving

The Museum of Anthropology was stunning

Impressive exhibits - this was 8 feet tall!

We travelled on the new cable car that traverses the outskirts of the city

Finally a visit to Lucha Libre - it was so entertaining

Plus, we had expert locals to help us understand the finer points! 

Great Grandpa Ken passed away in early March

I visited with my 'old' friends Simon, Nigel and Chris. So nice to see them.

Samples from my Grandpa's WW1 sketch book. Pretty unique

When I auditioned for Danny's place in the Partridge Family!

And then this lot arrived!  To be continued...