Early Monday morning I dashed off to Chapala on a mission to get a copy of my CFE electrical service bill. 

The bimonthly paper receipt that is normally dropped into my mail slot a couple of weeks in advance still hadn’t arrived and payment was due before the end of the week.  God forbid the lights getting off at the time of year when whirring fans and a steady supply of ice cubes are essentials for existence!

Arriving at the Customer Service area, I found a couple seated alone at one of two desks, company reps nowhere in sight. The take-a-number gadget was out of service. I picked up a tiny square of paper with a number scratched in pencil, choosing the one marked 4 rather than other options illogically labeled 6, 7 and 14.

Moments later two attractive ladies appearing to be of similar age and ethnic background as mine walked through the door.  As they settled down on the comfy couches in the waiting area, we quickly engaged in conversation and discovered shared interests in environmental matters.

Thus our wait time passed painlessly. Before long the CFE gal resolved our billing issues. “Let’s go somewhere for a cool drink and continue chatting,” my new Canadian pals suggested. I had other errands on my to-do list, but what the heck? We set off to waterfront seafood joint, happily yakking away for the next hour before parting ways as BFFs.

Embracing serendipity is one of the unspoken pleasures of living lakeside once you learn to relax and go with the flow. Life here, as in most other parts of Mexico, does not run like clockwork.  You may start your day with a well-defined agenda. You’re lucky to end it checking off most of your intended tasks. You could hit a brick wall with one thing or another. Sometimes you get completely sidetracked as I did, and find yourself tickled pink with an unexpected experience. Or perhaps not.

On a recent Friday it took me 30 minutes to drive from west Ajijic to downtown Chapala, where I found a parking place exactly 30 seconds before a pre-arranged appointment. Three days later I made the same run in 15 minutes flat. No rhythm or reason for the difference.

I own an antique chair that’s badly in need of repair. Rushing off to an engagement one day I spotted the old man who does caning on the side of the road. Ooops. By the time I got back there, he was gone.  He’ll reappear someday, weeks or months later. Next time I might luck out. You never know.

Recently I found an unfamiliar brand of organic peanut butter on sale at the supermarket. I bought one jar. It tasted great, so I returned the next day to stock up before the supply was depleted.  I doubt I’ll ever find it again at any price. So what?

However bumpy the road may get in this remarkable land of mañana, just chill and you’ll ride it out joyfully.