We always enjoy driving and exploring various parts of Mexico. Even though we have made the above trip many times, we never tire of the scenery. Some friends do the whole trip in a day but we don’t like to, or recommend driving the in dark for a variety of reasons, so typically we make one overnight stop and take about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ days.  Monterrey, Saltillo, San Luis Potosi or Matehuala are good stopping points- the first 3, interesting cities to visit.

 

 

For those who have not made the drive, they may have any number of misconceptions of a “backwards, 3^rd world, dirt road etc. drive” We hope the photos will give you a glimpse of the real Mexico. Click on the link below to join us on the trip.

https://picasaweb.google.com/108927602145037115086/DrivingAjijicToLaredoReturn?authkey=Gv1sRgCPv06OvRjJy-kQE#slideshow/5698443131731057314 

We have additional information- blogs, albums, videos on our website : www.wrightteammexico.com , or email : wrightteammexico@yahoo.com

The trip to and back from Laredo was part of our 6 week trip up to Montreal, Saint Saveur, Quebec,  Toronto, Mississauga, Collingwood, St. Jacobs, Woodstock and Hamilton Ontario. Stopovers in the US included, San Antonio Tx., Little Rock Ar., Louisville Ky.  and Austin on the return trip.

 

 

 

Visitors to these Pan Am games are in for a wonderful experience of athletics, and excellent venues throughout several parts of the State of Jalisco.(home of Tequila and the Mariachis).

Guadalajara, Jalisco’s Capital, and a city of between 4 and 6 million people is the hub of the events. Others take place in Chapala (30 miles south-on Lake Chapala- Mexico’s largest inland lake), Tapalpa and Ciudad Guzman –on the way to Colima and Manzanillo and in Puerto Vallarta and Lagos de Moreno all in the state of Jalisco.

While in the area, besides taking in your favourite sporting events, you will probably want to make time to explore both Guadalajara, with its old Colonial and modern character, and the Chapala and Ajijic (Lakeside) area which is home to the largest English speaking, foreign population in Mexico- some working but most retired and enjoying the best weather in the Americas, and so much more. Of course, the majority of the population is Spanish speaking or bilingual.

Click Pan Am Games Video link,  http://www.youtube.com/embed/SO59lQAp_xQ"

It just scratches the surface on some of the beauty, colour, events, activities and real estate that make this such a Retirement and Lifestyle Paradise.

When you visit the Ajijic – Chapala area do drop into our Hernandez  Realty Group office (beside Walmart) or information booth (corner of the Libramiento and Carretera), for a Free Map of the area and Information on the Games and any other information about the area.

We are happy to help! Don and Linda Wright-     www.wrightteammexico.com

Official Pan Am Guadalajara Games Web Site:

http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/ENG/01_inicio/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part I MEDICAL MENTORS MATTER and & MEASURE UP in Ajijic, Mexico.!!

(This blog is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual.) This is my experience.

How long is it since you have had an annual medical check-up?

IS AN ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP NECESSARY?

Though I considered myself healthy, I sensed it was time for my annual physical examination, so I made an appointment with my General Practitioner (Mentor #1), March 1, 2011. To my surprise he informed me that it was 2 years since the last one. Time flies when you are having fun!!

My clothes were a little too snug; although, since I add weight evenly over my body no one mentioned that I had put on weight (or they were being polite). My blood tests were excellent except for one reading; I had a slightly elevated fasting blood sugar, measuring (130mg). My blood pressure was 116/68 and pulse about 62.

SO, I was knocking on the door of diabetes/prediabetes; and didn't know it. . .I had no noticeable symptoms (except added weight). I was like so many others -According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-fourth of all Americans with diabetes, or 5.7 million people, don’t realize they have it. Another 57 million have pre-diabetes and 1.6 million new diagnoses are made every year.

My general practitioner put me on a 2 week course of low dose of ,metformin; 1/2 tablet before breakfast and dinner (total of 500mg.) The doctor felt that I should stay on the metformin and ordered an hba1c-test. He referred me to a female medical doctor with a post graduate in medicine plus a degree in Nutrition (Mentor #2). I felt that I would be in good hands and I was not disappointed.

I visited the doctora on April 7, 2011. Can you believe she spent 2 hours with me measuring all my body components and explaining the diet I was about to embark on, all for $300 pesos (about $28 US)?

I weighed in at 150 pounds and 2 ½ months later I was 120 pounds, drawing all sorts of comments and compliments from friends, co-workers and clients. My blood sugar was normal and has remained normal.

Let me walk you through my treatment with my medical mentors and along the way I will share with you what I learned.

 

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, realage.com, Dlife.com. I use these websites for my personal education.

Part II Things I learned from my nutrition specialist doctor (Mentor Two) -next post

Ajijic is home to a number of North Americans and Europeans who would not live any where else.

"Why"? You may ask. One of the many reasons is the healthy life style.

We enjoy nutritious, colourful, fresh fruits and vegetables year round at very reasonable cost. We have the option of organic produce also.

Our health improves, you need only ask many of the residents and they will tell you amazing stories of renewed vigor, body image and with it new interests in fitness and other activities that make life so fulfilling here.

Because we have wonderful produce so readily available I have taken to trying no ways of preparing meals: less meat, more vegetable dishes served sometimes with, sometimes without chicken and fish.

I would like to share two links from websites that I receive e-mails from regularly. Snowbirds could use these recipes also as summer and fall harvests are available.

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/From-Farm-to-Table-Farmers-Markets/Detail.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/howto/summertime-is-berrytime/detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=63845264&prop26=Baking&prop27=2011-07-26&prop28=Intro&prop29=Link_1&me=1

Below is a picture of my favourite company coming dessert - 5 fresh locally grown berries in a red currant sauce.

Here is what market day looks like every Wednesday were people stock up on fresh produce for the week.

We invite you to come and sample some of the good life in Ajijic!! Don and I will show were these good things are to be found.

 

You are investigating Mexico. You have heard of San Miguel de Allende (SMA). You may not have heard of Ajijic (Ahh-Hee-Heek), or Chapala. Many still have not.

If you are investigating the former, as a winter home, a summer home, a place to retire or a place to invest, it would be worth taking a couple of days or more to make the 4 hour bus or car ride over to the Ajijic –Chapala (Lakeside) area -) and compare. Why would you do this you may wonder?

Climate:

 

 Both areas are in the Sierra Madre mountains – Ajijic at about 5200 feet above sea level, SMA about 1000 feet higher which brings its average low temperatures down to the mid 30s and 40s (‘ F) throughout the year. Lakeside’s- run from about 50 to 63 ‘F- nice for dining out and sleeping. National Geographic  called the LAKESIDE weather the best in the Americas- 2^nd best in the world. This means there is almost no requirement for heating or air conditioning. Besides reduced costs, it enhances ones enjoyment of fresh air and outdoor activities.

Location:   Ajijic  and Chapala- 30 minutes south of Guadalajara

 

Lakeside is made up of small villages with village atmospheres- nothing is  very far away. However, for those who want more, Guadalajara (the Jalisco state capital, and Mexico’s 2^nd largest city – approximately  6 million) is a short 30-40 minute drive. Its International Airport, about 20- 25 minutes. (about a 20 to 30 USD taxi fare)

For those who want a little surf on the Pacific, Manzanilla  can be a weekend trip- 3 hours on excellent highway; Puerto Vallarta, 5 hours on good toll and non toll highway. 

Driving to the US border – is a one to 1 ½   day drive and many fascinating Colonial and craft towns are within a 4 to 6 hour drive. Lakeside truly is close to so much.

Guadalajara-     Airport,                      Teatro Degallado                      400 yr. Old Hotel  

             

 

A Few Logos from Afar: (in Guad.)     

  

 Population:

Of the 50 to 70 thousand in the area, permanent Americas and Canadians make up about 10,000, with another 5,000, arriving for the winter and fewer (from the sunbelt) spending a cooler  summers here compared to the heat and humidity of southern US, and coastal Mexican areas.

Things to Do !

“What is there to do at Lakeside ?”  so many first time visitors ask. We always  tell them that they will probably need a “Daytimer” within a few days of arrival. People are friendly here. They will start a conversation on the street, at a restaurant, at shops, B & Bs  etc.

 Sports:

 There are 2 golf courses,(more in Guad.), tennis courts, pools, (aquasizes) parks, jogging tracks,  fitness clubs, tennis,  spin biking, hiking, & birding groups,  sailing, sea-dooing, pilates, zumba  and much more.

 

 Culture :

 We have the ASA (Ajijic Arts Society), which supports many types of art and crafts. There are  also about 2 dozen art galleries, plus craft and clothing shops. Other

 

 

 

 

  the LLT (Lakeside Little Theatre), which puts on about 7 plays per year- with volunteers- some with past experience, some newbies.

 

  An Auditorium –  hosts Symphonies, Singing Groups such as the talented Los Cantantes del Lago , Mariachis, Ballet Folklorico, etc.

 

 The Feria del Arte:

 November 2010, saw 82 Artisans  from throughout Mexico, gather at the Chapala Yacht Club for the 9^th. annual 3 day event, showing, making and selling their indigenous  Art and Crafts. Over 150 volunteers in the community are involved to organize and accommodate these Artisans.

(see a short video at http://www.youtube.com/user/wrightteammexico?gl=US#p/u/4/cM0iUbcwQfQ )

 

 LCS-The Lake Chapala Society:

This is definitely a most unique and wonderful organization for both the Foreign and Mexican population.  50 plus, clubs/ associations / groups use the LCS facilities, such as the computer club, camera club, - art and Spanish is taught, volunteers provide free Blood Pressure checks, Eye and Hearing tests and Skin Cancer checks plus much more. It incorporates a large English language library and a Video library plus coffee/social area, and a Gazebo plus other rooms for group meetings, dancing, breakfasts etc. All this is scattered through beautifully manicured grounds with sitting and reading areas and several fish and flower ponds.

 

 

  Volunteering:

Aside from the 150 plus volunteers that enhance the LCS (above), many others volunteer to help at orphanages, teach Mexican children, English, Art, Woodworking etc. The LLT and Los Cantantes de Lago (above) are composed of those enjoy acting, set design and singing.

 Fiestas:

At Lakeside, as in most of Mexico, Fiestas are frequent. Besides Christmas and Easter Pagents, Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day, each small village along Lakeside has its own Festival celebrating its Patron Saint. Most seem to last 9 days. Then near Christmas the trades have another 9 day Fiesta, each trade being responsible for a Castillo (Fireworks display) through the 9 nights.  All include family, good food, drink and music and good times.

Restaurants:

One of the joys of Lakeside is the great selection of restaurants- both by type and price. One hundred plus, is not an exaggeration, very much due to the large foreign population but also because of the many Guadalajarans (Tapitios) that visit on the weekends and holidays. We enjoy Italian, Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Japanese, Argentinian, Italian, Steak, Seafood, International and of course Mexican. Lots of choice at reasonable prices. Of course, in Guadalajara there are thousands.

  

 The Lake:

Besides being the largest lake in Mexico, ( about 50 x 12 miles), the surrounding villages have improved their Malecons (lakeside walks), access to the Lake and facilities and amenities around it. There are  three yacht clubs, rentals of Kayaks, Fiesta Chapala tour boat for up to about 45, and a new larger 3 decker boat. Sea-Dos and motor boats  are more prevalent, but the Malecons are very active , particularly on weekends with families strolling, others on the skate board area, musicians, entertainers and vendors.

 Why not check out this little real piece of Paradise. We would be pleased to assist with accommodations,  meet you upon your arrival, and show you the area and real estate that might be of interest.  Just contact Don or Linda at:

www.wrightteammexico.com,  email: wrightteammexico@yahoo.com , or phone:

toll free- from US/Canada- 1-877-807-4934, office:  011-52 (376)-766-2103

                                                                                home:  011-52 (376)-766-1862 , cell: 331-051-7350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don and I recently visited Winnipeg, Manitoba where I attended my nursing reunion with a class that is as lively as ever!!

Besides having a good time at the reunion, renewing acquaintances and catching up on everyone's news, we took time to read the local newspapers to find out what was going on. I must admit I always thought Winnipeg was a good place "to come from", if you know what I mean.

The trip changed my mind.

Winnipeg is a vibrant and growing city. City planners have made it a city to explore while being easy to get around. Don found a map with all the city parking lots indicated - above ground, under ground, weekly, etc. What a find for any visitor or resident for that matter!!

The hospital that I graduated from, The Winnipeg General is now called The Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and that it is. I could not recognize any buildings as it is so large, encompassing all health disciplines. The campus map is below.

While we were there, who should be having on concert on their 360* tour? U2!! They set up the largest rock concert stage in the world - The Claw. See the picture below. 50,000 fans attended, one even coming from Japan! I guess Winnipeg is now on the world map!!

You may wonder what all this has to do with buying real esate in Mexico. Well, as we age, many of us prefer comfort and would like to escape the winter cold. Reading The Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2011 I was amazed at the housing market. Now would be a good time for Winnipeg retirees to sell their home at top dollar and buy with the high Canadian dollar in our town of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. Why our town? Just ask us.

Look at these older resale homes in Winnipeg sold above asking (Winnipeg Free Press, May 28, 2011):

East Fort Garry -Sq Ft. 910,    3 bedrooms, one bath, Lot: 80 x 128, Taxes $2401.76/year

 Asking  $229,304                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Sold     $251,000

East Kildonan     Sq ft.  926,    2 bedrooms, 1 bath,  Lot:32 x 113 Taxes $1,998.78/year

Asking  $149,900                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sold     $165,000     

River Heights     Sq. ft.1,274    3 bedrooms, 3 baths,  Taxes  $3630/year

Asking   $324,500                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Sold      $335,500     

Algonquin Park    Sq ft. 1,819    3+1 bedrooms, 2.5 baths,  Lot" 50 x 100   Taxes  $3,966.67/year

Asking   $319,900                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Sold      $347,000

$200,000 is the average asking price for a new or nearly new 2 bedroom plus den, 2 bath home with covered terraces in Ajijic with low yearly taxes ($100-200)!!  

Check the MLS  on our website: http://www.wrightteammexico.com

      Think sunny days,  fiestas, cool mountain air, lake cruises, outdoor adventure, low property taxes, fine restauranats and you will be describing Ajijic, an ideal retirement location, safe, in a large ( 10,000 +) English speaking community.

Selling your Winnipeg home at top dollar now and buying with a high Canadian dollar in Ajijic could allow you to do all those things you meant to do in "retirement". Yes, all.

Let us hear from you.

 

The U2 stage - The Claw

 

Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre

  The green part is what I remember when I graduated!!

Now the campus takes up 32 acres of land in central Winnipeg.

You know there are avantages to doing volunteer work that you never expect.

Being a former nurse, I joined the Lake Chapala Society volunteer group that monitors blood pressures every Monday and Friday.                                                                                        Today I told a man, that he had great vital signs. His blood pressure was 110/70 and pulse 64 - you can't get much better that that!

He went on to tell me that he came to Ajijic with a mission, a mission to lose weight and get healthy. He did just that. He lost 80 pounds and went from a 50inch belt to a 36 inch belt.

How did he do it? He ate a good diet full of the fresh fruits and vegetables that we are so blessed to have here at such a reasonable cost AND he walked! His starting goal was 7 miles a day which he did accomplish and is now up over 20 miles a day. He walks the Ajijic malecon which measures one mile on a return walk.

He returned about 10 minutes after we talked and showed me a picture of himself on his driver's licence, double chin and all. He did not look like the same man! The one thing he emphasized is the need for daily consistancy in order to succeed.

So put on your walking shoes and take advantage of the good foods available to us here - that is if you need to improve your health! It can be done. (I think) I will try the Ajijic malecon.

 

 

 

 

Free- Long Term Vacations and/or Wise Condo Investment in Ajijic / Chapala Mexico’s

 Premium, completed Condominium Development. Snowbirds and Sunbirds can enjoy their   “bad”

Weather months in their own BOP condo, virtually for free, or buy this (one only)  2 bedroom –

2 bathroom,  $ 108,000 USD condo as an Investment  for an ROI of 5% plus.

For more details, email Don or Linda at wrightteammexico@yahoo.com

 or visit www.wrightteammexico.com ,   (more info and a Visual Tour)

 

We have talked before about the delicious and fresh produce that we enjoy in abundance here in Mexico.

We recently bought some blueberries grown in Jalisco, the state in which we live. The producing company is Berries Paradise. In looking up their website I found some good news that I would like to share with you.

We hear so often, "don't buy raspberries or strawberries from Mexico - they are contaminated." Nothing could be further from the truth when buying Berries Paradise fruit, as the following info. will tell you.

Berries Paradise

We have plantations in the States of Jalisco, Michoacan and Colima, in the western part of Mexico region where most of the plantations of berries in the country are located. We have appropriate soil and with a mild climate that allows us to cultivate and harvest in the winter, which coupled to the world’s largest market translates in to window of opportunity and a great advantage for our increasing participation in the market.

Berry Paradise fields meet a set of characteristics difficult to emulate:

• Excellent locations within the areas of production and only 17 hours from the U.S. border.

• Good soil and above all good weather.

• Important surface in one place.

• Clean, deep well water.

• Drip irrigation system.

• Agriculture protected through tunnels in 100% of their fields, resulting in improved quality and quantity of product.

• Refrigerator in each field to ensure the quality.

• Protection anti-granizo, monitored satelitamente.

• A great experience in the production because we have one of the best technical teams in Mexico.

• Our fields are distinguished for being the best in Mexico, especially the blueberry fields.

Watch this video for an eye opener in fruit production in Mexico

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTG-o0E0MvQ

 

Our home videos give the viewer a bird's eye view of the home and compliment the visual tours which have all the features and details of a home.

Recently we added 2-3 minute videos starring the actual people that are selling the home so they can tell you what they liked about their home.

People remember...(from Shay Schwartzman)

• 10% of what they read
• 20% of what they hear
• 30% of what they see
• 50% of what they see AND hear together
• 55% of message meaning is derived from facial expression
• 38% of a message meaning is derived from gestures and body language.

So we thought we would make it more interesting and fun to add the short home owner videos.

Below is one that we invite you to look at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=t6uLpM4teLY