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Lola the Dog Lady's avatar

I learned quite a bit in this one Mike! The non capital letter of the month unless beginning a sentence is just the kind of Cliff Claven detail I expect to walk away with and use at some dinner party in the future. (Imagine going to a dinner party) but there's lots to look forward to in septiembre it seems. None of it good, but I'll mark my calendar anyway.

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Yes, definitely mark your calendar for September 31!

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David W. Zoll's avatar

Thanks for a post! I could feel that Pacific Coast stifling heat. Looking forward to more on S. Allende.

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David W. Zoll's avatar

Great post

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Thank you, David - I will get around to that S. Allende post someday...

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Tracey Parker's avatar

So does inauguration day change in mexico? I feel like AMLO's inauguración was in January of 2019. But it's so long ago that I can't remember exactly

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

A new law changed the switchover day to October 1. It was December when AMLO kicked in, so he got 6 years minus two months. I guess if you're not a fan (I'm neutral) , that's a good thing.

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Mike Leavy's avatar

I believe AMLO was on Dec 1. I don't know when or why it changed to October 1, but apparently it did. Maybe every 6 years, the INE just picks a random month 😉 🤷‍♂️. Thanks for the comment, Tracey - hope you are doing well!

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Brian Overcast's avatar

The first summer I spent in Mazatlan was constant overheat for this Montana-bred boy. September came and I looked longingly at the clouds over the mountains. Come here, please, don't you know it's autumn? I suffered through September and you just put that suffering into words. Gracias!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

It can be brutal! Yes, that cloud cover is a welcome relief - absent that, shade or a deep dark tunnel are the best options. Glad you made it through those Mazatlan summers, Brian!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

You nailed it pretty much across the board and cross country, Mike! Even the grammar stuff. Good one!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

I'm covering all my bases, Jeanine! Thank you for reading and commenting!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Always a pleasure.

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Glenn Dixon's avatar

Our first big tour through Mexico had us in Puerto Escondido in August. The heat+humidity was *oppressive* and the sea breeze just turned the beach into a convection oven. Our house-sit at a yoga retreat was ruined by a hurricane that had recently brushed the coast. So we accelerated our plans and sought altitude. When we got out of the bus in San Cristobal de las Casas (at 7,200 feet) the air was cool and dry and we stopped to inhale and enjoy it before moving to el centro. Enjoyed it so much we lived there for a year and a half.

Here in Lake Chapala (at around 5,000 feet) May was pretty damned hot but this wonderfully rainy rainy season has caused it to feel like a distant memory. But next year, yeah, May is for traveling elsewhere, maybe Colorado.

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Mike Leavy's avatar

I have not been to San Cristobal de las Casas yet, but it is on my shortlist of Places To Go Next™. I have lived at 6,000ft in Guanajuato and the experience is much different, as you note. But May - you are right, time to head out of town, especially given that AC is just not a thing in Mexico's mountain towns. Thanks for the comment, Glenn, and for the re-stack!

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Christy Brandt's avatar

I love the idea of a hot sleepy month each year where businesses shut down and time seems endless, with day blending into night. I realize you did not say that, but it is how September in Nayarit sounds! I'm all for it! (just not so sure about the heavy rain and wind storm part!)

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Yeah, the rain is a bit much – but you can mostly just sleep through that! It does make a nice lullaby sound…

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Michelle ML's avatar

On our tiny island in Puerto Rico most places close for 2 months, septiembre y octubre, and for us it's mostly because it's high season for both hurricanes, and heat. Local things stay open, hardware and grocery, but many "tourist" things close, often for the entire 2 months. As someone who lives here full time, I like the quieter times, and the heat just means get more serious about your siesta time and swim morning and evening. I could happily skip the hurricanes though..........Happy Quieter Month!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

So yes to more swimming, yes to less touristas and no to hurricanes – I think I’m right there with you, Michelle!

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Mike,

If I had known you were in SMA, I might have walked over there. Well, that would probably take me a long time, so maybe a bus.

I used to live in SMA. A beautiful town. And yes, the heat in May around here in the central highlands. I love it though.

Looking forward to your article about San Miguel. Adelante!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Aaaggghhhh!!! Why didn't I tell you??? You are in the city of Guanajuato, right? Darn it. Well, I was only there briefly. I have to go back later this month or in October. I will give you a head's up - maybe I'll fly in to or out of Leon, and we can meet up on your turf.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

You are muy bienvenido here any time, Mike! We'll have a Cuban coffee!

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Nadine's avatar

Bring on the chiles en nogada!!

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Mike Leavy's avatar

They are truly the best things about September 😆!

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Skylar Renslow's avatar

I was in Nayarit for a few weeks in September a while back - it is hot as hell, the humidity is insane. but you also get some WILD thunderstorms

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Yes, the thunderstorms are nuts. Why didn't I mention that?!?! So used to them I suppose...

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Elva's avatar

I have a sad smile on my face after imbibing your words. Maybe I should have added hielo. It is not you, Mike. I am homesick in a deep existential way. Not sure any of all the beautiful places you mention could cure it. You can have my smile and I will keep the sadness. At least the sadness is an embrace. Que drama, Dios mío, que drama! I am cracking up (LOLing) now....... ps do share what the every day folks say about the incoming presidenta. Maybe what you hear is a future echo of one possible outcome here in los Estados (des)Unidos.

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Mike Leavy's avatar

I can feel your homesickness, Elva - but homesickness might be better than the heat right now. You might want to crank up the homesickness in November.

Yes, I will keep you informed about whatever I hear about the new president, assuming my Spanish can keep up...

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