Thomas journals

  The Valle del Maiz festival, based in one of the oldest parishes of San Miguel, parades throughout the city on successive weekends in May.  Sunday the 28th it paraded through the central Parroquia , where we chanced upon it.  The seemingly never-ending sets of dancers were mostly representing indigenous groups in varied costumes, some maize-like, some skeletal, some more typical Indian dress, all dancing to drumbeats.  We first notice that the drummers were strangely not-costumed, as if they were randomly recruited at the last minute.  The dancers were mostly seriously focused on their synchronized dance – each group had a slight different step-pattern.  But we also notice the syncretism between the Church and the local culture, wherein all the banners had a cross and holy phrase – and each group, no matter the costume, paused when it passed in front of the Parroquia church, took off their hats and knelt in homage, most making the sign of the cross as w...

  Factors typical for settling in Latin America: Studied Spanish language in school Longtime affinity for latin america & the culture Friends or family in or from latin america Living & working in latin america Wonderful past vacations in latin america We have had none of those.  Our attraction to latin america is only that it: Is exotic, not US Is inexpensive Is relatively close to the US Has same timezone as US The language is not difficult      We have personally checked Panama, Costa Rica, Medellín, Mexico City, and San Miguel de Allende.  We agreed that Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico City are not for us; probably Lake Chapala also, though we may try a house-sit there.  (I still like Medellín, and it is lowest-cost)        SMA is the most likely agreeable place in latin america for us, because it is amenable, pretty, walkable, artsy, and still less expensive than the US.  However, we have concerns about the inequal...

 Valentine's Day is quite well advertised in Porto, in many shops and restaurants, as a Day of Love.   About 9:30 we took metro to the João de Jesus stop at the El Corte Ingles department store for some shopping then meetup with expats in the restaurant: about 15 men at one table, and 25 women at another table!  I met Ron, who started the group–I added my number to his whatsapp group.  Also there was Bob and Victor, from church.  A nice mix of newbies and old-time expats, discussing visas, property, and general topics.   Barb met with the women.   At noon we took the 903 bus many many stops west to Arabbiada Shopping Mall, for the long walk down narrow streets to the riverfront village of Afurada.  We found the FCPorto Afurada restaurant!  Cooking fresh fish over charcoal stoves outdoors – dourada and salmon, beer and wine and salad and bread, totaling $40.  Afurada is very picturesque fishing village, but completely remote from pub...

11oct22 story of Covid: I flew to Des Moines for a mini-reunion of Thomas cousins; flew back on Monday the 3rd.  I did not wear a mask.  Evidently I should have worn a mask, as I later came down with Covid.  The infection could come from anywhere, typically airborne virus shed by someone in the communicable phase of the disease.   Throughout my airport and flight experience was quite calm and uneventful, so my guess is the most likely vector for the virus was the deplaning time – people are really eager to get out,  they are talking, pressing close together, straining to grab bags from the overhead compartment and coordinate with their partners, thus breathing heavily.  Very few people wore a mask.  I do not remember anyone coughing or sniffling or breathing heavily around me, but that deplaning process is always rather hectic.  I did not press to go quickly, but I did not want to delay my windowside seatmate, so I joined the crowd.  As...

 Notes on passport issues, written 08July22, after our trip to QRO airport: July 2022, from our personal experience: Warning/advice for tourists entering Mexico:  When answering the question, “How long will you stay in Mexico?” add lots of extra days – answer “120 days” or even “180 days”. (The maximum number possible is 180 days, but the passport officer now has broad discretion.)  T he passport officer will grant you that specific number of days to be in country. That's all, no extensions. Up until recently, a tourist visa for US citizens was automatically 180 days. But now it is defined by the admitting passport official; they note a specific amount on your  Forma Migratoria Múltiple  paper that you must return later to the official when you exit the country.  There is apparently no way to change that form, the  FMM .  However, you can “lose” your  FMM  and buy a new one at the airport office of  Migración , for about USD30 each....

  Medellín the city of eternal spring The last week of May we spent in Medellín Colombia, at my insistence, after hearing so many nice things about the climate, the food, the safe surroundings, the great exchange rate.   We reserved an airbnb relatively close to the metro, in a recommended neighborhood…but probably should have stayed in a quieter area.  The view was wonderful, but it also looked out over a public square and several night clubs.  The climate is so perfect you don't really need cooling or heating – but open windows bring noise as well as breezes.   I loved the city, the vibrancy, the climate, the excellent public transportation and plentiful Uber service.    A highlight of our visit was a cable car ride up the neighboring hill (going from 6500feet to 8000 feet altitude!), to a huge public park and botanical garden.   Barbara was a bit afeared of the crowds and beggars downtown, as well as the echoes of the cartel batt...

  My impression, after our six weeks:   Prices in France, compared to US, from much cheaper to more expensive than US: Notably less expensive:  wine quality bread & pastries public transport Slightly less: groceries restaurants (sales tax + tip are included!) lodging More expensive: imports from US gasoline price is double! Travel details: Our time in France, from 21feb-09mar, 20mar-08apr: We were gone 48 days (just shy of 7 weeks); 4 travel days + 9 days in Doha = 35 days mostly in France = 5 weeks in France. 11 beds/Nights: 1 Toulouse; 10 Beauville; 5 Pompertuzat; 1 Doha Holiday Inn; 10 Doha; 1 Heathrow; 4 Montpellier; 2 Hasparren; 5 Bordeaux;  4 Limoges; 3 Versailles Costs?  Total spent 22feb-09april = $6000 Doha: we spent total $500 while there CovidTests for: $90Doha + $40US France: Plane tickets between US & France were points, plus about $300 for taxes. Lodging: HolidayInns on points; + $1200airbnb + $450Versailles Transport: $500trains + $15...