FIFA World Cup 2010

We now know that soccer is huge everywhere else in the world with the possible exceptions of Canada and the United States.

This year the World Cup is being hosted y South Africa and they are playing against Mexico as I write this blog. It is the 19th World Cup being played.

When I went to Yoly’s Unisex Hair Salon this morning there was a laptop on the reception counter with the game on. Also at Superlake there was a TV on top of the ATM machines and a semi circle of staff glued to the game.

You will find for the next month that everything is focused on the World Cup and anything you need to get done will take a backseat to this phenomena.

This morning on CNN they had some female soccer players demonstrating different types of plays and positions and highlighting three of the best looking and also star soccer players in this year’s competition. Lional Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two star players that seem to e garnering the most hoopla.

Our son, who is an excellent athlete, decided he did not want to play soccer when we arrived. He was 12 at the time and when asked why he was not interested in this sport his reply was: “Mom, I am very competitive and everyone here has been playing soccer since they were 2”.

This is, in fact, the case in most parts of the world. As soon as you can walk a soccer ball is put in front of you and your, hopefully, illustrious career begins.

Soccer players are extremely fit athletes and very passionate about their game. If invited to a game you must take precautions as to your safety as fans have sometimes had to be put behind chain link fencing for their own safety. Many riots have occurred at soccer games around the world as tempers run high and the heat of competition is unparalleled in any other sport.

Today South Africa plays Mexico and Uruguay plays France.

June 12th, South Korea plays Greece, England plays the US and Argentina plays Nigeria.

June 13th Algeria plays Slovenia, Serbia plays Ghana and Germany plays Australia. Go online for future scheduling information.

There is a lot more information also available on line about players, odds, schedules, advertisers, betting, history and many other subjects of interest for the World Cup being played from today to July 11th.

Just Google World Cup 2010 and you will find sites that have all of the graphs, charts, teams, and pertinent information. In fact, it will be almost impossible for you to miss hearing incessant progress reports over the next few weeks. I must admit it is kind of fun getting swept up in World Cup mania. (Well controlled, of course.)

Retirement and Golf in Lake Chapala

Yesterday 12 of us decided to play three foursomes of best ball at the Chula Vista Country Club in San Antonio Tlacayapan on the carretera in Chula Vista.

I used to be a member of this wonderful executive golf course and was delighted to be playing there again.

It is a beautifully kept course with a very nice club house where breakfast and lunch is served along with all kinds of liquid refreshment. There are several holes with breathtaking views of Lake Chapala.

I had not played golf in almost two years and was a little nervous about how I would fare but I worried needlessly as I put the ball on the green off the tee on the first hole, a par three, of course. I had only done this twice before prior to the green being raised and, I must admit, it got our foursome off to a very good start. The beauty of best ball is there is virtually no pressure as there are four members of the team to make a decent shot.

Our team was 2 over after the first nine but with an eagle putt and two birdies on the back nine we had a total score after 18 of -4 giving us the win.

Then we all enjoyed a delightful lunch on the terrace of the club house and had a lovely time catching up with all our friends.

We are planning to do this again at the Chapala Country Club in San Nicholas on the other side of Chapala and then later on at Atlas which is the second longest golf course in Mexico and is on the way to Guadalajara.

My father was a scratch golfer who once played with Gene Saracen in the Canadian Open and he taught me a lot about the game of golf. The first time I stood over a golf ball at a lovely course near the Tanglewood Music Festival in Massachusetts, everything he had ever said to me came into my head and I hit a wonderful drive which surprised my husband and I completely. I remember thinking “What an easy game!” which I have since learned is not quite the case.

My father also said that when you have not played for awhile you tend to forget all of your bad habits and seem to be able to hit the ball with more ease.

This was certainly the case for me yesterday. I hit some of my best drives ever, actually chipped well and sank some very important putts including an off the green double breaking putt for a birdie.

I was thrilled and now, of course, I can’t wait to get back to playing on a more regular basis. Golf is such a mental game and being under no pressure is terrific for your confidence and enjoying yourself and not trying too hard is one of the keys to this most complicated of games.

I remember one of the British golf announcers saying, after some pro had made a particularly spectacular golf shot, “This is an easy game really. It is us who make it difficult”.

So dust off your clubs and get there out and enjoy this wonderful sport that most of the world can only play a couple of months a year. Indeed it is another great benefit of Retirement in Lake Chapala.

The Masters 2010

Over 20 million people tuned in to watch Tiger Woods tee off and if they were looking for fire works after the scandal that has dogged the world’s number one golfer they were disappointed.

Tiger probably selected The Masters (one of golf’s four major tournaments) for the civility of the Augusta National Golf Club where the tradition of golf is most highly respected.

Tiger, I am sure, was most pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the reception from the fans, his peers and the golf association leaders.

His reception on the first tee was even louder and more positive than usual and clearly everyone involved with the game of golf was delighted to have Tiger back on the tour.

He also shot his best first round at The Masters ever signing a score care with 2 eagles, 2 birdies and 2 bogies for a total first round score of 4 under 2 shots off the lead held by 50 year old Fred Couples.

There are four golfers at 5 under: K.L. Choi, 60 year old, Tom Watson, Lee Westwood and Phil Mikelson.

Tiger did seem a little different and was relating better with the fans and was seen laughing with the two other golfers in his group, Matt Kuchar and K.J.Choi. All three in this group had a very good round.

He did show some emotion albeit with muted fist pumps at his excellent shots and still a little frustration with his mistakes.

I have always loved watching Tiger play and was again thrilled at his incredible shot making ability. I am not happy about what he did to his wife and family, friends, supporters and sponsors but he does bring an unparalleled level of excitement to the game.

There is a very controversial Nike commercial that played on many stations yesterday. It is a somber faced Tiger in dramatic black and white listening to the words of his father, Earl Woods, who passed away several years ago, asking him what was he thinking, how was he feeling and what did he learn. Many feel this ad was in poor taste. When asked about it, Tiger said his father is still helping him and he approved the ad.

There is much speculation about what will happen if he wins The Masters, will all be forgiven or if he loses will he have trouble regaining his position in the golf world.

He gave a press conference at the beginning of the week. I thought he was a kinder, gentler and more humble Tiger Woods and I was very happy to see this. I hope he is sincere and only his actions over time will tell.

His wife, Elin, choose not to attend this years Masters which surprised nobody. He has a lot of ground to make up for what he did to her and only time will tell whether or not she will be able to forgive him for the humiliation he caused her by his multiple and extremely well documented indiscretions.

He had an interview in the Bulter Cabin after the first round with Mike Tirico in which he said he was very happy to be back and greatly appreciated the support of the fans who encouraged him on every hole particularly, on the first tee and the 18th green. His first drive was in the middle of the fairway which must have been the most nerve racking drive of his career. His first birdie on the four hole would have relaxed him further.

One can’t help ask oneself how would Elin have been received had she been the one perpetrating the multiple, highly reported infidelities.

Elin, however, is not the best golfer in the world.

San Antonio Driving Range

We used to have a driving range and restaurant for light lunches on the libramiento but, unfortunately, it gave way to the building of houses.

At Chula Vista Country Club in Chula Vista there is a net into which one can wallop their balls and The Chapala Country Club in Vista del Lago, San Nicholas has a driving range of sorts along side the first tee.

Now, however, there is a new driving range and golf school opening in San Antonio very close to Chula Vista, Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

There are many wonderful golf courses in Guadalajara and the two above-mentioned ones lakeside and, of course, avid golfers always enjoy driving to Barre de Navidad for the world class golf course on Isla de Navidad. One can stay at the fabulous Grand Bay Hotel and have a wonderful golf and hotel experience.

You can Google golf clubs in Guadalajara and find several web sites detailing the golf clubs and all their specifications, prices, availabilities etc.

Now golfers of all handicaps will be able to enjoy a proper driving range right here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

This is important as many snow birds do not have the advantage of golfing 12 months as we do and they are perhaps a little rusty on arrival. Having a driving range to polish up their shots is a very welcome addition to our ever expanding infrastructure. They will be able to re-hone their skills before stepping onto a golf course with, always eager to judge in a friendly way, of course, competitors.

There pros at the golf courses in Guadalajara and the two courses lakeside but it will be nice to be able to have lessons alongside a proper driving range.

This will also be a wonderful facility for people who are taking up the sport for the first time. So they will be able to acquit themselves favorably when they step onto a real golf course.

Many women would like to play with their husbands but are lacking in skill or confidence and now they will be able to gage their level as they practice hitting the ball in a safe and controlled environment.

Also many people, if they are still working, do not have the time for a full round of golf and the travel time involved but certainly have the time and desire to hit a basket of balls on a driving range.

I remember in Canada this was also a good “date” opportunity for those who were not crazy about bowling or miniature golf. This will provide a nice activity for visiting children and grandchildren.

I do not yet know all the details of location or date of opening but as soon as I get these details I will happily pass them along to you.

Being able to enjoy golf and tennis year round is one of the greatest assets of living in paradise and this new driving range and golf school will add to our pleasure.

Vancouver 2010

Our Canadian athletes did a wonderful job and we are very proud of all of them.

Yesterday also was the last day of the Mexican Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

I have not attended this event for a couple of years but went this year as my sister was visiting here from Canada and I thought she might enjoy a little local color and my daughter’s restaurants were competing in the Chili Cook Off itself and, of course, we wanted to be there to support our girls.

I was so happy we went. It was terrific this year with lots of things to see and do.

This year the arts and crafts and jewelry booths were much improved with more high end goods available for sale.

Also the knives from Sayula were a huge hit.

Real Estate Companies were well represented and there was clothing for every member of the family.

Home cooked food was available from ribs, to hamburgers and, of course, chili and drinks flowed.

There were special Chili Cook Off t-shirts and aprons for sale and were offered at half price towards the end of the festivities on Sunday.

The entertainment was non-stop with lots of raffles and winners.

The winner of the best decorated booth was Number FOUR Restaurant.

The third place prize winner for the chili on Sunday was Hector from Manix Restaurant.

The second place prize winner was Ismat Jivani of Number FOUR Restaurant and the first place prize winner was Greg Couillard of the new upscale bar and restaurant in Ajijic – Chili Bang Bar.

On Saturday Casa Angel won for non-professional chili and Chili Bang Bar won on Friday in the Salsa competition.

Many people voted for the winners both ex-pats and Mexicans and it was truly a bi-cultural event which everyone enjoyed very much. All the proceeds go to various local charities and everyone connected with this year’s Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala should be congratulated on a job well done.

Tiger Woods

The reaction to his “apology” is as diverse as the country itself. Some high powered women gave him 4 stars for his 15 minute speech which he read and questions were not welcome.

His mother was there and he hugged her at the end of his remarks and she said she was very proud of him and that she loved him.

Elin was not staunchly by his side which made me respect her greatly. Some say she should give him another chance and that sex is sex and love is love but it would appear to some that Tiger has difficultly in recognizing the difference.

This fall from grace was a huge disappointment for many of Tiger’s fans, business partners and, of course, his foundation. When you set yourself up as a role model (even inadvertently) for kids around the world this is not the behavior that is remotely acceptable.

He admitted, he had affairs, cheated and lied and said he was “so sorry”. He said he felt he was entitled and had worked hard all of his life and deserved to do whatever he chose.
It is assumed that he would still be carrying on these affairs had he not got caught.

The golf tour and Nike are firmly behind Tiger as are the professional golfers on the tour.
They say that they knew that Tiger was a “dog” but seemed to accept it as OK.

Some feel that his behavior is not OK and that he deserves to have Elin divorce him and get full custody of their 2 children.

If you wish to see Tiger’s full remarks you can do so at www.thedailybeast.com and click on Blogs and Stories.

The whole world looked up to Tiger Woods not just the sports world and his fall from grace is enormous for many. I do not think these are the values that his father, Earl, instilled in him and I think he would be very disappointed in his son as he wanted Tiger to be a force for good in the world. What he has done is far from good.

Now he is in therapy for sex addiction. This used to be called playing around but now it would appear it is “sex addiction”.

Many thought Tiger was better than this but the best comment I heard was “Who gives a f.— about what he did. Just tell him to get his ass back on the golf course.”

This, of course, was from a man.

Vancouver 2010

However, I was soon filled with pride as I watched all the aboriginal groups of Canada walk into the stadium. Every aboriginal group was represented from coast to coast to coast and proceeded to do ceremonial dances for over an hour in full native dress as they welcomed the athletes from 82 countries parade in front of over 60,000 cheering fans.

My family and my excitement was further heightened by the stunning visual effects.
Whether it was whales portrayed on the floor or an aerialist flying through the clouds.

I was particularly impressed by the opening sequence of a snowboarder flying down the majestic mountains of British Columbia and ending up on the stage.

Everything about the entire event was all about Canada and our rich and diverse population and history.

The Olympic flag was carried in by Canadian icons Bobby Orr, hockey great, Anne Murray, singer, Donald Sutherland, actor, Jacques Villeneuve, race car driver, Betty Fox, mother of Terry Fox, Romeo Dallaire, UNAMIR and Julie Payette, astronaut.

Equally as thrilling were the torch bearers. Rick Hanson brought the Olympic torch into the stadium and handed it off in turn to, Catriona Le May Doan, Steve Nash, Nancy Greene and the Great One himself, Wayne Gretsky.

The death of Georgian Luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili at the age of 21 was such a devastating start to these winter games but not only did the IOC embrace this tragedy so did every other Canadian.

Even though there seemed to be a technical blip at the end this did not in any way deter from the brilliant visualization of David Atkins, Artistic Director and Producer. He should be very proud of one of the most spectacular shows ever produced for our country.

Golf in Ajijic, Chapala, and Guadalajara

Right in Ajijic there is a beautiful executive 9-hole course called Chula Vista Country Club. This is a very challenging course, well kept, with several holes having exceptional views of Lake Chapala. Tournaments are often held here and there is a very nice lunch facility and also a facility for private parties. This is a very pretty course and caddies are available but no carts.

There is the Chapala Country Club in San Nicolas on the other side of Chapala. This is a full size course with a very nice clubhouse for lunch or dinner. Carts and caddies are available.

Atlas is a golf club between Ajijic and the airport on the way to Guadalajara. This course is the second longest in Mexico and has full, dining and spa facilities with tennis courts.
Carts and caddies are available. The fairways are very wide but if you do hit into the pine straw good luck in hitting out in 1.

In Guadalajara there are many excellent golf clubs to choose from and you can get a full listing of all the golf courses available at www.virtualmex.com/golf.htm This web site will also supply course lengths, green fees etc.

Another golf club that is a favorite of ours is Isla de Navidad in Barre de Navidad on Costa Alegra between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. This course was built to attract world class golfers and has some magnificent ocean view holes. It is a difficult but fair course. I usually stay away from the inland water portion of the course.

We stay at the Grand Bay Hotel when we go to play Isla de Navidad. It is an excellent hotel across the bay from the golf course. This hotel is a wonderful experience complete with fine dining, all possible activities, a full massage and beauty centre and a very pretty setting with several well kept swimming pools.

Whatever your handicap there is a golf course for you in the area. Men’s and women’s groups can be accessed at most clubs if you do not have a foursome of your own.

Even in the rainy season seldom a day of golf has to be missed as it usually only rains at night.

Lorena Ochoa, the number 1 female golfer in the world, is from Guadalajara and her original home course was the Guadalajara Country Club.

So get out and have fun – all year long.

British Open Golf

There are 2 interesting stories this year. First is Tom Watson, who is 59 years old, is at the top of the leaderboard. Tom has won this event 5 times in the past and is very much an adopted son in the old sod.

Secondly, and perhaps even more surprising is that Tiger Woods missed the cut on Friday by one shot finishing 5 over par. Tiger who has also won the British Open in the past has only missed one other major cut in his career and that was the 2006 U.S. Open.

Phil Michelson did not attend this year’s Open Championship as both his wife and mother are battling breast cancer.

Retief Goosen is the only other usual suspect in the mix.

The first day the conditions were marvelous with very good weather but today the conditions are cold and windy not at all unusual for Scotland. The course at Turnberry is very beautiful and the newly refurbished club house is magnificent.

This tournament is very important to all golfers for a few reasons. It is one of the four major tournaments of the year. It is the oldest golf tournament and it is under the rules of the R& A (Royal and Ancient Golf Association). A win at the Open Championship is, therefore, highly coveted and extremely prestigious.

The complexion of a golf tournament always changes dramatically when Tiger Woods is not in the mix. All the life seems to be sucked out of the event except, of course for the other players who are thrilled at his exit giving them a better chance at the win. There is nothing as exciting as Tiger either being in the lead or making a charge on Sunday. The magic of his game is a wonder to behold and watching him come up with creative and wonderfully executed impossible golf shots never fails to thrill audiences around the world.

The sponsors are always crestfallen when Tiger is not at their event or has rarely missed the cut as they know this means immediate loss of revenue.

There are many “young guns’ coming up like Anthony Kim, Camilo, Villegas, Rory McIlroy and we always watch the energetic Sergia Garcia with great interest and our very own Mike Weir who did win the Masters in 2003..

Watching golf on TV has always been a tradition in our home and I remember the excitement of Sundays dating back to watching Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Gary Player with my parents in Toronto.

Many people here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala are avid golfers and enjoy the year round option to play. We also have many golf courses for all level of handicaps in Ajijic, Chapala and Guadalajara.

So enjoy tomorrow’s final round. We will be even without Tiger Woods.

Wimbledon 2009

The U.S.Open has been fraught with bad weather but they are coming down the finishing stretch now with the favorite, Phil Mikelson 1 back of the leader Lucas Glover.

Roger Federer is looking for his 15th major title at Wimbledon this year and a return to the #1 player in the world status. He is currently #2 behind Rafael Nadal. Nadal had to withdraw from Wimbledon due to his knee tendonitis so Roger has a very good chance to realize both of these dreams.

The birth of Federer and his wife, Mirka’s, first child is imminent but he had refused to say exactly when that will be.

Today Roger was given the honor of playing the first match on Centre Court, an honor which would have gone to Nadal had he been able to compete to defend his title.

Roger defeated Yen-Hsun Lu of China in straight sets. He still has to contend with Lleyton Hewitt and Nicolas Kiefer both of whom have beaten him on grass.

All of Britain is rooting for Scotland’s Andy Murray, of course, to bring the title back to England. Their last hope “our Tim” Henman has retired.

This year the staunchly traditional British tennis authorities have finally succumbed to pressure to have a roof at the tournament so play should be uninterrupted.

Television coverage will begin tomorrow but one an always access current scores online.

There are many avid golf and tennis players and watchers in Ajijic, Lake Chapala and this 3 week period of major golf and major tennis tournaments are sure to bring something for everyone.