CXXIX. Prohibido

Prohibited

For the past week or so, more serious anti-coronavirus measures have been put into place in the municipality where we live. The most obvious spaces where they've had effect are the broad walk and playground along the lake shore, called the malecón, and the village's central plaza. Recently the police have put up at least a kilometer of yellow tape connecting trees and posts that surround these two areas. Most of them simply say "PROHIBIDO" over and over again. Most everybody seems pretty cool about obeying the new regs. Most of the time.

On a beautiful Saturday evening, the malecón and adjoining
picnic and play areas would normally be packed with people.

Together with the roadblocks that limit traffic to the towns along the north lake shore, and the policía driving around in their pickups telling people to remain at home, the state government has discouraged a whole lot of people from being out and about in this heavily touristed and ex-pat area.

This afternoon my neighbors told me that beginning tomorrow we are expected to stay at home except for essential trips, and masks must be worn outside the house. Fines may be levied. Jail.

Yesterday evening I took my camera along to document the effects so far:

There would likely be 100 people in this scene that looks toward the mountains bordering the southern shore of the lake.The malecón that spans the picture is marked by a series of evenly spaced light poles in the near distance. The tall pole with alternating hand and foot holds is climbed by costumed voladores who come spinning down, upside down, accompanied by flute and drum music, from the very top--a popular attraction.

Further down the malecón are the exercise stations next to the mural-covered baño. The "Ajijic" sign in the center is a popular picture-taking spot.

Further still--the malecón is about 300 yards long--is the now-abandoned skate park.

The blue sign in the center is attached to the green-metal roofed gazebo. The sign says, "Yo me quedo en casa", which means, "I stay at home". On a normal weekend evening the plaza would be packed with strolling tourists from Guadalajara and NOB, dogs, kids running, and a host of vendors.