Expat Living

Felicidades

Best wishes to Kate Karns on her 90th birthday. Descendants representing three generations of the Karns clan flew in from the United States to celebrate the occasion, among them daughter Julie and granddaughters Mareth and Alex, who grew up in Ajijic. Longtime local friends gathered for a festive brunch held on September 25.

Kate and her late husband Rocky settled in Ajijic in the early 1970s, becoming pioneers in Lakeside’s budding expatriate colony. Over the years she has written many humorous accounts of her experiences in adapting to Mexican village life. As for how she has seen the area change in the span of four decades, Kate says she most misses all the quirky characters who once put their special mark on the foreign populace. “They all seem so straight-laced now days,” she muses with a wry chuckle.

Parade

The smartly dressed kids from the Saul Rodiles Pina School were an integral part of the September 16 Independence Day parade in Ajijic.

Recently, the Puerto Vallarta community lost an extraordinary soul. Many have called him an icon, but he was more than that. Paco Ojeda was a bridge. He was a guiding light that brought comfort to so many who felt confused, powerless, and alone in uncertain times. His gentle presence and unwavering dedication made him a beloved figure, not only as a respected journalist but as a true friend to countless hearts.

Lakeside artist Efren González celebrated his 20th Meet the Artist reception at Galería La Manzanilla on Friday, January 17.

Tucked away in Puerto Vallarta’s Colonia El Remance, nestled next to tourist favorite Zona Romantica, is ARTe Vallarta Museo, showcasing an art genre unique to the city: Arte Vallarta.

I’m forever in awe of folks who do what seems a zillion things in a day, not only to make a buck but because it ignites their passions.