Living at Lake Chapala in Mexico

This in from Phyllis Rauch:

Today, when we brought our cooked food and agua fresca, I spoke with Augustine Vasquez, the very nice owner of the Viva Mexico restaurant in SJC.

Strangely I haven't seen his name mentioned in any of the other tons of emails flying back and forth. (And he isn't seeking praise). I do think Augustin should be receiving recognition, though, for all he and his family have done and continue to do.

About the photo of Augustine: Judy King took this photo of Augustine Vasquez several years ago to illustrate an article about Mexican gestures. The gesture Augustine is appropriate for now--it means "Money" and is done like holding a stack of bills with the thumb on top of the stack. This is surely appropriate right now. Augustine's town sure needs help now.

He is a lifetime resident of San Juan and well known at Lakeside from his work in several real estate offices and in construction. He also plays guitar and at one time was the manager of Mama Chuy just west of San Juan.

On the day of the tromba, he opened the doors of his restaurant as a feeding center and has continued ever since. At first everything came from his own pocket, then the government gave him a little support and some people started bringing food, e.g. produce. It was to him that Pancho of Super Lake delivered the cases of food donated by the merchants at the Abastos Market.

His own family of 10 women - aunts, sisters and one who looks about 90 have been cooking, serving, washing dishes, etc. from 7 am to 11 pm for nine days straight now. At the beginning a variety of people were being fed: locals in the shelters etc. but as the week progressed it has become more and more the workers who are trying to clearing streets and debris, and working in many capacities, who are in most need of being fed.

The mayor of Joco has sent most of his staff to work in SJC (and fired some who refused to go) and there are workers from all the towns of the municipality as well as farther afield. The second in command of public works, Jose Manuel Vega, told me that busloads were coming from Tequila to help. So, my group in Nestipac will continue to cook (as long as we receive a minimum of donations and help) and more food is needed.

We heard that an anonymous American brought in 100 lbs of tortillas yesterday and they disappeared in a flash. I'm sure they wouldn't want their names known. A Joco couple donated 17 lbs of imported beef brisket and beans that were very much appreciated by the workers!!

Of course they need protein for this hard work, but except for beans, that's the most expensive thing to provide.

So dear Judy, the word is:

We need more cooked food - casseroles, rice, spaghetti, chicken, for some time to come and if there are any readers of your blog in the SJC area who are willing and able to step in to give Agustin's family a rest by volunteering for kitchen duty, that is very much needed as well!!

I did see one northern face there today, a neighbor of the restaurant who has been helping.

Phyllis

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Judy King is publisher of  Mexico Insights' Living at Lake Chapala, a monthly online magazine for people interested in Mexico's Lake Chapala region, in the state of Jalisco.

Judy, a 16-year resident of Ajijic on Lake Chapala's north shore, conducts weekly newcomer's seminars, shares her expertise about Mexico in her monthly online magazine, and in the "Mexico Lindo" column for the Lake Chapala Review.

Judy also is a speaker for local organizations and visiting tour groups about the Lakeside area and Mexican customs and holidays.