Come to our presentations at LCS Gardens
Open Circle provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community and our world.
Upcoming
November 24
Capturing History: the Life of Walter Thornton
Ajijic has been home to several luminaries from the USA and Canada at various times in their lives. For example, Zara Alexeyewa, popularly known as ‘La Rusa’ (‘The Russian’), settled in Ajijic in the 1940s. We bring you the story of our father, Walter Thornton (popularly known as ‘The Merchant of Venus’), who made Ajijic his home in 1958, living here for over 30 years after marrying our mother. Here is a glimpse of our story, chronicled in a book:
Capturing History: The Pioneering Expat Who Lived a Second Life in Ajijic and the Iconic Image That Defined the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression: The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton
December 08, 2024
A Ticket to the Grand Show: Journeys Across Cultural Boundaries
Neil McKinnon
December 15, 2024
Challenges in Mexican Education, and Tisu's Casa Tatic
Matilde Cervantes
If You Missed an In-person Presentation, You Can Still Enjoy It Online
Michael Hogan "Deaf Cat in the Rain" and other stories
A sometimes humorous and sometimes poignant series of stories presented by well-known author illuminating some of the missteps and joys of living and working in Mexico from his latest book The Michael Hogan Reader.
Past Presentations
About Open Circle
For nearly 30 years, the Lake Chapala area has been honored to host Mexico’s longest-standing weekly English language lecture series. Begun in 1995 by volunteers under the title of “New Dimensions” and initially focused on various aspects of spirituality, in 2001 the program became “Open Circle” and was hosted in homes and restaurants. The Lake Chapala Society became Open Circle Ajijic’s permanent home in the early 2000’s and (since 20021) has become an official Lake Chapala Society program.
Mission Statement:
“Open Circle Ajijic provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world. Presentations span a wide range of intellectual, cultural, physical, and spiritual topics. We do not necessarily agree with the ideas and philosophies of our presenters. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and form your own opinions.”