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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I received the following e-mail this week and thought it was worth passing on. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Click on the address below to see the webalbum pictures of the market held every Tuesday.

"The organic farm, ACA and its brand name Great Greens, have been a fixture in the Lakeside area for many years. Marie Pruden has been in charge of the farming part of the operation, while her partner handled the business end. Through it's years the Great Greens reputation has grown, as has demand. Being able to produce a great product and being able to manage operations are not necessarily compatible. That's why things are changing at ACA. Marie has welcomed the input of a group, "Friends of ACA", to help reorganize the operation of the farm in order to put it on a sustainable financial footing, grow the business end and provide resources to support the non-profit part of the business. Some very knowledgeable and far-sighted people are involved in this effort. You are encouraged to attend a meeting to learn about these exciting changes and to offer input to help maintain this community asset.

The meeting is Saturday, August 14th from 2:00-3:30 at LCS.

We need as much organic produce as our community can produce. Marie is committed to that goal.

Please take time to join us on Saturday. Bring your ideas!

Greg Ochs."

http://picasaweb.google.com/wrightteammexico/AjijicOrganicGardening#

 

GREENS GROWN IN MEXICO

Foreigners considering real estate in Mexico often ask if they can eat the salads in restaurants and do they have to soak all their vegetables. Yes and yes, although what makes them any different than in Canada and the USA? Read on...

 

Continuing along the vein of good food grown and provided us to in Mexico, I thought you may find this of interest.

Well, this week I wanted celery for a recipe and did not find a head of it in the store. What I did find was packaged celery in snack packs with a dip. More and more we are finding that Mexico is ahead of the game in so many things and this is one of them. The brand is Mr. Lucky, a product of Mexico. These products are grown in the state of Guanajuato.

“ 8 bolsitas individuales con aderezo” (8 individual packets with dressing) were in the bag. Here is the information provided on the recyclable bilingual package:

16 calories, +2g Fiber per bag.

Each bag has 10 sticks.

Good source of Vitamin C

Washed and ready to eat

Serving size: 100g (does not include dressing)

26.4 calories

Total fat: 1.2g

Sodium: 108.4mg

Total carbohydrates: 2.5g

Proteins: 1.4g

Keep under refrigeration 34˚F to 36˚F or 1.1˚C to 2.2˚C

Recommendation: To avoid dehydration place celery in cold water just before consumption.

Product is dated July 10, 2010

As an added note, since I am very aware of listed package ingredients, the dressing has no hydrogenated ingredients listed. The full list is supplied. Sugar and salt are not near the beginning of the list.

Note on package: “Thank you for choosing MR.LUCKY Celery Sticks! Our commitment to you is to offer the freshest and safest vegetables, so you can include in your healthy lifestyle ingredients that provide nutritional value to your diet. We are distinguished by the care and effort we put to get out products. MR. LUCKY celery sticks are washed and cooled promptly after harvest, keeping their freshness, flavor and nutrients.”

MR. LUCKY is the first Latin American country to obtain the SQF certificate.

SQF means Safe Quality Food. Certification provides retail stores and supply chains the warranty that foods certified by SQF have been provided according to the Recognized International Food Quality Standard. SQF is a company worldly recognized by GFSI (Global Food Safety Institute) GFSI represents 70% of the amount of food acquired by retail stores world wide and is managed by the FMI (Food Marketing Institute) http:www.fmi.org.

Learn more about the certificate on their website.http://www.mrlucky.com.mx/intro.html

Are we in a 3rd world country? I think not!!

8 packages of 10 sticks each with a dressing. Nutritional information on package. Biligual package is recyclable.	Nutricional information, refigeration instructions and recipe on back of package.

 

 

You may have read in some of our blogs or newsletters about the many things we learn from our real estate clients.

One of our listing clients lives in a pretty community, La Huerta in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. She happened to mention one day that an organic market was held within walking distance of their home, held every Tuesday morning. So one Tuesday, soon after, Don and I took off to visit the market. It is presently held at the home of one of the members of the Green Transition in Actions Group. The group supports local Mexican farmers who wish to develop their organic farms into viable businesses. What a great market and wonderful produce! If you live in the area you too can join the group and support the efforts of the local farmers.

The group organizes events: one which I attended was a tour of one of the organic farms high up the mountain. The farmer is creating a model for others to follow. His vision is to have a community of small organic farms or homesteads. He toured us about his farm, explaining his clean water system and the organic herbs, fruits and vegetables. He is an herbalist also. After the tour a lunch was shared by all

The group is in the development stages and seeking those interested in promoting this endeavour. We have included some pictures for your interest.

Just another reason that we love our Ajijic community.

http://picasaweb.google.com/wrightteammexico/AjijicOrganicGardening#