When we mentioned we were going to Guadalajara, everyone who had ever traveled here emphatically mentioned “you have to check out Tlaquepaque!” We were delighted when we realized our housesit was conveniently located in this adjoining independent city (not just a neighborhood) of Guadalajara. San Pedro Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-Kay-Pok-Eh) is not only fun to say, but incredibly interesting to visit…

Continue ReadingMexico: Tlaquepaque: Lots to Imbibe & Artsy Vibes

After a seven-month mandatory "COVID-stop" in the States to buy a rental property and see family after a 22-month hiatus, we were thrilled to be back on the road again, and just in time to escape the winter sludge with a free one-way ticket to Mexico. (Thank you house expenses and credit cards!) Like in May, we were traveling “during…

Continue ReadingMexico: Lake Chapala, Ajijic & Jocotopec

Growing up inside a snow globe… in Leavenworth, Washington At the age of 6, my mom moved me to a new home. A magical and otherworldly wonderland home. The welcome sign at the entrance road to this unfamiliar land proclaimed that you were entering Leavenworth, Washington, the “Bavarian Village.” The sign included a new, unfamiliar, and strange looking group of…

Continue ReadingThe Making of an Explorer Gene (His Story)