persistence pays off

I have been searching the Web for over two weeks looking for a house for us to rent up in Patzcuaro in March. We will be returning to San Miguel, to our usual apartment first, then heading on to Patzcuaro for an additional week. Last year we didn't make it over there but we were determined to get there this year. I couldn't find a thing. I thought I had a pretty good possibility but the owner decided he didn't want to rent his house after all so I was back to square one. This lovely town, located in the mountains, is the most Mexican town I've ever been to. Lots of street life, fantastic market, beautiful fabrics, good food. Not many gringos up until now. Word is that more and more are arriving, buying up inexpensive properties, fixing them up and joining the community.

After many dead ends I found a Web site for a real estate agency that handles rentals. We have agreed to rent this charming little casita for one week. One bedroom, nice kitchen, beautiful garden, internet service. What more does one need? It's a bit away from the center of town, near the Basilica (read "bells at all hours") but that's OK. I'm hoping it works out well so that we have a place we can return to next year. Or someplace we can recommend to other travelers. That's one more thing I can cross off my very short "To Do" list.

As for today's "Vanessa" I guess it's an acquired taste. Some gorgeous music but it was in English and if the opera isn't in Italian, German or French, is it really an opera? Next week: Stiffelio by Guiseppi Verdi. We'll be in Tlaquepaque so will probably not be in attendance.