Flying

Oh! I never realized how much I would miss my favorite hobby, being a private pilot. I started flying in 1996 and until 2009 I flew about 100 hours each year. When we changed jobs, I basically gave up my hobby due to the fact that I just could not afford it. Well, now that I have a new job, I am on the prowl for an airpane; an inexpensive airplane. The plane that I have my eye on is a 1965 Mooney M20C. It is a beautiful airplane, but normally out of my reach financially. This example is in very good shape, but will need to have the engine overhauled in the near future. Although the engine runs great now, I can expect to have to pay for an overhaul within the next 5 years. If I am able to work it out, I hope to be flying be early next year. We are about 4 hours flying in a plane like this to the US border of Texas.

Musica Americana!

There are some things that you miss while in a foreign country. One of the things I miss the most here is the music. Although I enjoy many different varieties of music, to me country music reminds me of home the most. Most, but not all american radio stations do not allow international streaming of their music, so normally listening to an iPod is the best option.

While driving in the car, we listen to the local FM radio stations and there is one station out of maybe 30 that plays american variety music exclusively. Yesterday, we got a big laugh out of this song being played on the radio. Somehow, this song doesn't seem appropriate for everyone here in Guadalajara. You would be surprised to know, though, there are a few Mexicans who were born in the USA, or their parents were born there and can transmit citizenship to them, but they never officially applied for their citizenship paperwork. They go to the Consulate to apply for a visa and get the news that they can't get a visa, they should be applying for a passport instead.

Getting Settled

We have been in Guadalajara for about 10 days now and although there is so much to take in, I think we are adjusting well. It has been difficult not having a car and either walking or taking taxis anywhere we need to go. I can already see that this will be an easy city to live in. The people are friendly, the weather is the best in the World, and the danger threat that you hear about in Mexico seems to be mainly in other parts of the country.

The most challenging thing about being here is not speaking Spanish. Sure, I had 11 weeks of Spanish class and know a little more than a baby on his first day of life, but not too much more. R, on the other hand, is doing much better communicating as she had 6 months of class. Last night, I went to WalMart and ordered Dish Mexico TV for our house. This was a challenge with my "Que Hora Es?" Spanish. See this youtube video for a laugh or two. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WckCw_-7e3M