Expat Living

Borrow a book

A new kind of library is open at the Plazoleta Libertad, two blocks east of Chapultepec (also one block from the U.S. Consulate). There are no membership cards, no checkout policies, no return policies. Instead, anyone can donate books and pick up others as they so choose. The library is the brainchild of the Colectivo Triciclo, a group of architects and designers who briefly tried the idea near the Basilica in Zapopan before being joined by Colectivo Americana and moving for government support.

Jewish Convention

Guadalajara is host to the 13th international convention of the Jewish Union of Latin American and Caribbean Congregations (Unión Judía de Congregaciones de Latinoamérica y el Caribe—UJCL). The conference began January 25 and runs until the end of Saturday, January 28. The convention brings together representatives from 16 countries to participate in seminars and workshops tackling issues such as the Jewish diaspora’s relationship to Israel, pluralism and contributions to society.

Swimming with the sharks

No we’re not talking about hanging out with narcos at the local bar, we mean the real bad boys.The Guadalajara Zoo is charging up to three people a modest 200 pesos for 15 minutes immersed with the toothy tankmates at the Aquarium. The cost includes the loan of a neoprene wetsuit, a towel and a facemask. Even those who can’t swim can enter the water, as they are standing  in a special shark cage and a bubble of air fills top third of the cage. Sessions are every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. To make reservations call Danae o Ambar at (33)3674-4488, extension 135. You need to bring a swim suit, sandals and personal grooming items. Changing rooms and showers are available.

Joe Montana in Guadalajara

Retired NFL quarterback Joe Montana will make a public appearance in Guadalajara Saturday, January 14. The four-time Super Bowl champion will deliver commentary from the Calle 2 venue near the Auditorio Telmex for the 3:30 p.m. New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers divisional round playoff game. Montana played for the 49ers for 14 years, helping build that team into a dynasty during the 1980s. In addition to numerous NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards, he is ranked by NFL.com as the number four greatest player of all time.

Last chance saloon

Guadalajara rhythmic gymnast Cynthia Valdez has a chance of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics after bagging an invitation to a pre-Olympic event in the British capital from January 16-18.  Ten gymnasts will vie for the four wild card slots for the July/August games in the rhythmic category.

A cappella group to perform

The distinguished, 10-member, a cappella group Cantabile is set to perform a free Christmas concert on Sunday, December 18, 8 p.m., at Nuestra Senora de Loreta, on Avenida Circumvalacion Agustin Yanez, one block from Avenida Arcos (near the Minerva glorieta). The singers will do 18 Christmas songs, many in English, said director Jesus Chavez. The group was founded as a children’s group by American musician John Brown. It has been directed for several years by Chavez.