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/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyers always like a deal. This just may be the best time to buy or invest in the Ajijic-Chapala,Jalisco, Mexico (commonly called Lakeside) area with one of the greatest concentration of American and Canadian expats in the world.

FINANCIAL

A Buyers’ Market: this area has between 2 ½ and 3 years of homes for sale at current buy/sell rates.

Exchange Rate: Most Property is in US dollars, therefore for Canadians, with the near par dollar (recently hitting 103 x the USD, the exchange rate alone may save you several thousand dollars.

Direct Deed Purchase: (Similar to the US and Canada). This area does not require property to be bought through a Bank Trust (Fidicomisio) as near the coastal areas. This saves several thousands of dollars at closing and another 10 plus thousand dollars over the period of the trust. There are no annual fees when you buy with a Direct Deed. (Escritora)

Property Taxes: Property taxes in Mexico are low. Typically they will be between $50 and $ 150 dollars per Year.

Housing Prices: Housing prices in the area are reasonable. New 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, small, well built homes are available for about $100,000 USD. Similar condos in a full facility  Condominium Complex – excellent for those who are part timers and like easy living, range from $ 108k to 150k USD.

 

 Amenities include heated pool, Jacuzzi, club house, fitness room, free laundry and much more. And of course there is a great selection of homes in the $150 to 350k range (300 +, homes). If you budget is higher, there are many more options.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

When considering 2^nd home, investment or retirement locations you may want to consider the following:

 

Location:  Ajijic – Chapala is on the shores of Lake Chapala-Mexico’s largest inland lake.

 

Closeness to Major City:  (Guadalajara)-  30-40 minute drive

 

Major International Airport:  (Guadalajara) 20 minute drive

Ocean Beaches:  (Manzanilla/ Puerto Vallarta- 3 /5 hours away.

US Border:  1 to 1&1/2 day drive- mostly on excellent  4 lane divided highways.

Many historical Colonial Cities:  ½ to 1 day drive.

Foreign Population:  For many reasons, this small Village area has one of the largest US/Canadian expat concentrations in the world. This brings art, theatre, sports, restaurants, clubs, Amenities, charity and volunteer work, medical and much more.

Weather: Would you like to live in shorts weather all year long?  Snow and Sun “Birds”, those who want to beat the winter snow and cold or the summer heat and humidity, will enjoy the Lakeside weather that enhances that easy living, with no need of air conditioning and central heating. (This also reduces the cost of living, compared to a 40% increase in Canadian energy costs in the past 10 years.)

 

 

 Ajijic- Chaplala, Mexico  - Live the  "Good Life"  You Deserve ! 

                                

 

This is a follow up to the price comparisons made by Sharon. This time we are in the grocery store.

Here are the happy couple on the Malecon (boardwalk) under clear blue skies in Chapala.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Ed and Sharon are typical of the people that we have become friends with here in Aijic - fun loving, friendly, caring, adventuresome, generous and helpful. Need I say more?                       

We feel fortunate to have met them and look forward to their return to Ajijic in April, 2011.

Ed and Sharon, our Super Shoppers

Sharon's grocery store food prices are available to view by clicking on the link below.

Book1E2.pdf (144.88 kb)

We don't miss out on anything here in Ajijic!!

 from Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico

 We feel so fortunate to be living in this Village area of wonderful weather, people, amenities  and caring. Culture, art, theatre, music, fine reasonable restaurants and a myriad of activities abound and are so accessible.

We work with a cohesive, professional and happy group as you can see in the attached short video.

May your Holidays and the New Year be as joyous as ours.

From the Hernandez Realty Group!

 Christmas Party : See Short Video :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M3LGtmvgQM

Have you tried Lumosity? It has me hooked.

The first time learned about it was as a regular reader of Dr. Oz "RealAge.com". Now each morning when I wake up (which is early, 6am - I just wake up!) I play these games until Don gets up and we have breakfast.

First comes the Crosswords, then 2 Sudoko games and then the new one that I am totally hooked on - "Monster Garden". I play until all the tiles are used with all the bonus plays. It is a challenge.

Today Lumosity sent me their newsletter, so I thought I would pass this entry on their site to you. Hey, Canada!!

WATERLOO — The benefits of physical exercise are well known.

Exercising the mind is beneficial, too, although it’s often overlooked. • “For years we’ve not paid attention to our cognitive health and brain fitness,” said psychologist Dr. Lorie Saxby.

Saxby wants to change that at the Cognitive Wellness Centre she recently opened in Waterloo.

“It all gets down to thinking about our thinking,” Saxby said. Services are tailored to the individual after Saxby does an assessment of a person’s cognitive abilities, making recommendations about what may help. Along with her expertise in neuropsychology, Saxby can call on a multidisciplinary team of consultants, including physiotherapists, a dietitian, pharmacist and other psychologists.

Saxby thinks anyone can benefit from “mental weight lifting,” which can hone a person’s memory and thinking and potentially prevent the effects of aging on the brain.

People tend to overestimate their cognitive capacity, which leads to forgetfulness and inattention. And people play what Saxby calls “memory roulette” — not writing appointments and other notes down because they think they’ll remember.

“Often we’re very scattered because too much is going on at once,” Saxby said. “There’s only so much brain capacity.” Saxby said she can help people take inventory and then make best use of that capacity.

That can mean learning to do one things at a time as much as possible and setting limits to avoid taking on too much.

“A lot of it is making conscious choices,” Saxby said.

That’s especially valuable as people age and can benefit from strategies to compensate.

“As we get older, part of it is learning how to adapt,” she said. Saxby also offers a special program — Cogmed Working Memory Training — to help people improve working memory, which is the ability to temporarily store and manage information to perform complex tasks including reasoning, comprehension and learning.

“The goal is to expand and enhance working memory.”

The Cognitive Wellness Centre Director: Psychologist Dr. Lorie Saxby

Suite 25 – 279 Weber St. N., Waterloo

519-746-8515

info@cognitivewellnesscentre.com

jweidner@therecord.com

Try the games for free. It is fun!!

Yes, we have been to the Feria Maestros del Arte at the Chapala Yacht Club last week and what a show it was!!

Watch for Don's video coming soon - so much to show you!!

One of the segments of the show was a stage show with local women modelling the handmade REBOZO shawls draped on them by a Mexican woman who has been designing and creating the shawls for many years.

This website below shows the many ways the shawls may be worn. They are gorgeous.

http://www.rebozomexicano.com.mx/default_en.aspx

Please move the page over to the right when viewing it. 

I came home with my prize possession - my CATRINA. I have wanted one from this particular artist since I saw them last year at the Feria. See the picture below.

"Who is Catrina?" you may ask. Well, we found this good short description on "Jim's and Carol's Mexican Adventrue 2008"

"Several of the artists specialized in Catrinas, which are closely associated with the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Catrinas (known as Catrinos if they portray a male figure) grew out of cartoons by a Mexican journalist Guadalupe Posada who portrayed people from all stations of society as skeletons wearing their natural dress and performing everyday activities. He especially loved showing Mexican woman of the upwardly striving classes wearing the French fashions of the day, with the low cut dresses showing off the bare bones of their chests. Catrina dolls have become a Mexican tradition and can be found in all sizes from a few inches tall to over six feet."

The Canadian Club is a unique club in Ajijic, Mexico. We have been members for a number of years and enjoy the many benefits it offers.

For only $180 pesos a year membership which includes $100 pesos of drink coupons offered at the beautiful Nuevo Posada Hotel where the meetings are held in the garden on the lake. The hotel is owned by former Canadians who have been an active part of the Ajijic community for over 20 years.

What could be more enjoyable than sitting under canopies that protect us from the sun, with soft lake breezes blowing and listening to one of the monthly well informed speakers, with Lake Chapala and Mount Garcia as the backdrop?

The Speaker topics are varied and informative.

This week it was John Pint (as in print), a native of Milwaukie, Wisconson, who has spent the last 25 years discovering caves in Saudi Arabia and Mexico.  

His talk was about the wonderful places that he has discovered within a circle, having Guadalajara as the centre. He named this the "Magic Circle" which touches on parts of 6 neighbouring states: Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guadajuato, Michoacan, Colima and Nayarit. Don and I have been to all of these states, not being aware of some of the fabulous nature spots that John urges us to visit.

Within the Magic Circle are 5 ecosystems: temperate forest, grasslands, arid scrub, tropical deciduous and tropical evergreen. Wow! and with them come varied wild life.

We now have new adventures and places to discover all within a short drive from Ajijic. We thought going to the opal mines was special, which it was, but there are so many more special places to discover!

Some we  will visit on our next adventures are: The cave of the full moon, the highest water fall in Jalisco, boiling mudpots, Los Cazos which has deep cauldrons which may have been the original fermentation vats in the making of Tequila and too many to mention here.

We eagerly await the book that will be available soon with directions how to get to the areas and history of the area in which they are found.

In all his years of discovery John says he has always felt safe no matter where he found himself. In fact people welcomed him and shared their stories.

Below are the maps of the areas and a You Tube of one of the waterfall areas.

**Listen to his comments on the safety of our area of Mexico in the last video!**

We would love to hear your ideas and experiences in Mexico!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween and the Mexican Music Scene, Ajijic, Mexico

It’s that time of year again that we think of ghosts and goblins and the big kids (50 -92 years of age) in Ajijic, Mexico had a monster ball at La Tasca Restaurant and bar.

The costumes were amazing, the music terrific and the food and service was great. We danced and sang along with our very own Ajijic “ Tall Boys”. They are a testament that we don’t get old, we just get better!!

If you were not At La Tasca you could not imagine how much fun it was!!

However - to enjoy a bit of the La Tasca evening, join the TallBoys, and some of the happy patrons by clicking on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIoUrSmZpDk ( and 20 plus other videos about Mexico events)

The Mexicans get in the spirit (sorry about the pun) as Walmart and other stores have costumes and all things Hallowe’en (Dia de Bruha-wiches’ day). For the serious costume buffs there are some super costume stores in Guadalajara. The Mexicans traditionally celebrate in a different way and many of us foreigners attend their festivities.

The Day of the Dead is a 3 day celebration and starts on November 1st, the day to remember angelitos (little angels), children who died in infancy. It is also Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day).

November 2nd is reserved for older children and adults (Dia de los Fieles Difuntos- Day of the Faithful Dead). Families return to the camposanto (Holy Ground). The grave sites have been cleaned up and decorated with votive candles, floral offerings of large colourful wreaths and crosses. Memorabilia of the departed one is part of the Altares de Muertos (memorial alters). At the alters the family and friends honour lost loved ones with prayers, feasting, lively music and shared memories. We plan to attend the Calle 5 de Mayo, Chapala celebration. The street is lined with family alters for 3 blocks or so. You may be offered food and drink as you stroll the street. It really is magical. Foreigners new to the area may find this odd, but after you have been here a while you understand that for the Mexicans it is a loving tribute to the departed and a way to temper the grief that they feel. Why not remember those who were dear to you?

To See the complete, TallBoy’s video on You Tube: “Tall Boys Band – Somewhere in Mexico”.

 

6 Days, 5 Nights, All Inclusive- for only $649.00 USD per couple.

This Package Includes:

Nicely Appointed Hotel accommodations at the Krystal Vallarta or Cancun

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks and Tips included!

Hotel Taxes Included

Full Service Concierge

Discounts on Tours and Excursions

Bonus! Children 12 years of age and under are FREE (2 maximum)

Bonus! Free VIP Transportation from Airport to Krystal Resort

Custom tailored Packages available upon request

 

If you are interested in this exceptional package please send us an email to wrightteammexico@yahoo.com (subject:Vacation) with approximate or firm timing and we will provide you more detailed information. Space is very limited and some qualifications by the hotel, apply, so please plan early.

VACATIONING: Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of our favorite Vacation places in Mexico. We visit a couple of times a year.

RETIREMENT OR PART TIME LIVING: Ajijic-Chapala

If you are also interested in a possible retirement or part time living location why not consider (as many have) taking a side trip to the Ajijic/Chapala area – possibly, the largest American /Canadian expat population in the world. Just 5 to 6 hour ride on a very 1st class bus from Puerto Vallarta.

Lakeside-as it is called, on the north shore of Lake Chapala, (Mexico’s largest lake), just 30 minutes south of Guadalajara ( Mexico’s 2nd largest city) is home to thousands of vibrant, happy foreigners- enjoying excellent year around climate, art, activities, health care, reasonable cost of living , shopping and easy-quick access to the USA and Canada.

If you would like to investigate our small piece of Paradise, we would be happy to assist with accommodations, pick up at the Bus depot or Airport. Just send us an email to the above address.

For a small glimpse of the above just click on:  http://picasaweb.google.com/wrightteammexico/NHKrystalPromo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMvFtOKHpKWLpQE#

Don and Linda Wright   http://wrightteammexico@yahoo.com