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 ! 

                                

 

We received this news this morning and wanted to share it with you.

Don and I were fortunate to see this young artist and his work at the 2010 "Feria Maestros del Arte" in November. His work is fine museum qulaity.

Our thanks and congratulations for Marianne starting this show on her own 9 years ago!!

Wed, December 8, 2010 6:12:47 AM Great News about one of 2010 artists

Spencer MacCallum from Casa Grandes/Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, just calld me and Diego Valles has been awarded the "Best Young Artist in Mexico" award. He doesn't know the date yet - but it will be before Christmas and will be presented on National TV by President Calderon.

Lynda and Pancho Deriger who hosted Diego also let me know that he had won the award. We are soooooo excited for him!! He has worked so very hard for this and we know he will use this award to help other artists in Mexico - to call attention to their abilities. --

Don is in the process of creating a video of the whole show. Keep tuned! (done-click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM0iUbcwQfQ 

See the photos below. You can just see Diego's name tag on the left.

Marianne Carlson

Feria Maestros del Arte

www.mexicoartshow.com Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico

 

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."

What is Feria Maestros del Arte? Feria Maestros del Arte is a "heart" show - not just another "art" show.

The Feria, a legal Mexican and US non--profit organization, hosts a yearly Mexican indigenous and folk art show in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. Donations made to the Feria from Mexico and abroad are tax deductible.

When is it? November 12-14, 2010

Where is it? The 3-day Maestros Del Arte folk art show will be held at- Club de Yates de Chapala (Chapala Yacht Club)

$50 pesos admission - worth every peso!!

HERE IS A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE AT THE 9th ANNUAL FERIA http://www.mexicoartshow.com  

See you there if you can make it - do try!!

 

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

 

As fall and winter does approach, and you begin to sigh,
Would it not be really great, to have a warmer sky?

To lounge, to walk, to dine, to play,
More crafts, more art, more culture, I say,

To delight and experience someplace new,
Where there are both those alike, and unlike too,
But all are friendly and love to help,
Make you feel at home, no tightening your belt.

The joy of family is often seen,
In Plazas, on Malecons and in between.

Fiestas and music with family and food,
Are abundant and set a harmonious mood.
The many restaurants are varied and good
Pleasing foreign pallets, the way they should.

A delightful place to visit and live,
Ajijic and Chapala, with so much to give.

The time is right, the dollar is high,
It truly is, a great time to invest or buy,

As a Snowbird first- then perhaps full time.
Where to the Borders- not far from home,
To beautiful Mexico, it’s a joy to roam.

www.wrightteammexico.com 2010

Lakeside Little Theatre – 46 Years and Counting- Ajijic/Chapala

Another Great Season “Kick – Off” Party For those who enjoy live theatre; comedy, drama, mysteries, musicals, and more- either from the audience or by participating, the LLT, offers so much.

Check our Video Link here to get a taste of the excitement at the Kick –Off party.

http://www.youtube.com/user/wrightteammexico#p/a/u/2/H8tpg6v1vsY

This year’s winter season includes 6 plays, one per month, October thru Mar-April, each running about a week in the 112 seat cozy Theatre :

Our Lady of the Tortilla

Blithe Spirit

Lend Me a Tenor Tribute

The Pajama Game

The Foreigner

In summer there is also activity with courses for those who would like to assist in Set Building, acting, directing, etc. and more. Casts include both those with professional experience on the stage and newcomers who would like to try their talent.

When the curtains rise we can always enjoy a very profession performance, all for less than $13 USD per evening. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Lakeside during performance week- if you can get a ticket!

Pottery Making- The Old Way, in the Lakeside Area-Jalisco,MEXICO

It was a fun filled, both educational and entertaining day for a group tour to Ixtlahuacan, a neighbouring town to Chapala, to see very manual pottery making; then to El Salto, to see a more automated plant that manufactures the ROMERTOPF clay cookware plus other products. In both plants many beautiful pieces of pottery were purchased by the dozen, on the tour.

Our next stop was in Tlaquepaque, one of the artisan hot spots of Jalisco. Here we visited The Cultural Center, El Refugio, built in 1890 as a convent, which has a selection of prize winning pottery from Jalisco, over the years.

A short walk down the street took us to Casa Luna for a fine lunch. A little window shopping along the Independencia walking mall, then into the vans to Chapala’s Artisanian Mercado that offered a fine selection of works from 20 + creative and skilled local craftsman in the Chapala area.

The linked video: http://www.youtube.com/user/wrightteammexico#p/a/u/0/_a2V4fSlGN0 covers our first and last stops due to time constraints.

More later perhaps .

 

An  EXPERIENCE in El Salto

We had a truly amazing field trip. Let me tell you about it.

You may know the name “ROMERTOPF” clay pots.

We set out to see the production of these clay pots used for cooking. Cooking in clay pots is a new experience for me, although familiar to a number of others on the trip.

Our group met in front of the Guadalajara Pharmacy (farmacia) close to 9am a few weeks ago; about 12 or more of us boarded 2 vans and headed in the direction of El Salto, (which turn off is on the way to Guadalajara.) After an hour drive, we arrived to a long driveway that led us to the plant.

The El Salto plant manufactures “ROMERTOPF” clay cooking vessels. We were in awe of the size of the plant and the automation used in production. Our guide through the plant showing us the production steps, teaches pottery at the Lake Chapala Society. What an education!!