Always seek the advice of your doctor before making any changes to your diet, health routine or treatment. I am sharing my personal health journey with you.

In our last blog I promised to discuss foods to add to anti-inflammatory vegetables. I am going to digress and concentrate on what Don and I consider the most important meal of the day - Breakfast.

The reason for discussing breakfast comes from a request that I had from 3 women that work with me. asked if I could help them lose weight like I did. We had a one hour session discussing sugar, carbohydrates and foods to avoid. This takes me back to my nursing teaching days!

I had made the following spreads for my toasted special bread that I make weekly, actually twice weekly as my husband loves to eat it also!! I gave them tastes of each and they loved them. We eat them at breakfast time.

Slow Cooked Apple Peach Sauce - allrecipes.com

Simple Berry Sauce - www.360-5.com/Dailydose

Strawberry Sauce - Driscoll's .com

California Walnut Butter - www.walnuts.org

Food Processor Almond Butter - www.almondboard.com

I substitute Stevia when Agave syrup or other sugars are called for in the recipe. These are delicious and fresh tasting quick and easy to prepare spreads.

Our breakfast menu usually consists of the following:

* Don's omelet for two - 3 eggs, Parmesan cheese, filled with spinach sauteed in olive oil and garlic with some on the side. The ingredients may change using egg whites, Swiss Chard, mushrooms and onions.

Sometimes I make home made pork sausage.

*1 piece of Bran and Cheese Bread - (a recipe from my doctora/nutritionist)

*One tablespoon each of one of the fruit spreads and nut butters.

* Cup of coffee.

This is a delicious and filling breakfast and truly nutritionall !!

The nutritional anti inflammatory power houses in this meal are: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, spinach, Swiss chard.

Super foods are loaded with compounds important for a long and healthy life.

They contain large amounts of nutrients called antioxidants and phytochemicals which may have the ability to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the effects of aging, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are among the most potent super foods, and research has shown that eating berries has a positive and profound effect on health and disease.

It is difficult to overestimate the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach

.

Here area few reasons why spinach should find its way into your grocery bag.

One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

Cancer Flavonoids - a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach -- have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach has shown significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls that play an important role in regulation of inflammation and are present in unusual amounts in spinach.

Antioxidants - The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure - By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/11-health-benefits-of-spinach.html

READ what I learned on the internet today in my next blog.

One of our breakfasts prepared by my husband Don.

,

The last picture is the Bran and Cheese bread that I make - 1/4 of a pan is a serving. I cut them in 1/2 lengthwise and toast - yum!! Beside the bread is a Berry spread and an Apple and Peach spread.

proteins,fvery low carb

**Before I begin this blog, I would like to encourage anyone using any diet to consult with their doctor/nutritionist to find out what foods may or may not be the best for them.

Any references are subject to unintentional error or omissions and are for your information only.

As a pre-diabetic, a substance that I need to avoid in my diet is sugar; many recipes call for honey which is a sugar. Another food eliminated from my diet is wheat flour. I use a special wheat bran bread recipe provided by my doctora/nutrionist –yummy! Now my husband eats it – we do not buy any bread at the store! Wheat bran is the only whole grain in my diet. You may add other whole grains if they agree with your system.

Let me add that I test my blood glucose levels randomly with my "One Touch" meter and report to my doctor.

“Meals That Heal Inflammation” is a new book on the market.

Other nutrition writers have advocated the diet over the years since they considered inflammation a source of many diseases. Dr. Weil , Dr. Perricone , Michelel Borboa,MS are a few that may be found on the internet.

How do you know if your body is battling inflammation? You won’t necessarily feel it. I didn’t!! There are blood tests that your doctor can order.

Is your diet high in inflammation-provoking foods? If so, what foods are they? Inflammatory triggers in the diet may include saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, processed foods, fast foods, refined grains, potatoes, pastries and deli meats.

Omega-6 fat, arachidonic acid is a particularly potent inflammation promoter. That is why my doctor suggested that I give up peanuts and peanut butter. I have replaced them with... almonds, walnuts and pecans and their nut butters. The Omega-3 fats in these nuts inhibit inflammation.

So let's see what my doctor ordered.

Low glycemic vegetables that are also anti-inflammatory are a large part of my diet

Lettuce,cucumber, celery, spinach, swiss chard, olives, cabbage, broccoli, bell pepper, poblamo pepper, Jalapeno, nopales, leeks were in the first phase of my diet. As you can see they make great salads. I was allowed tomato and onion, sauteed only I also could have one lemon a day which I used in salad dressings.

The second phaseincludes avocado, green beans, radishes (which I love), asparagus, chayote, zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms and artichokes.

Dressings include: olive oil and vinegar, Italian, Ranch, Blue cheese, Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream

Vegetables that I am to avoid are potatoes, carrots, beets, yams, corn and Jicama.

Beverages: water, mineral water, tea, coffee, diet soda (0 calories).

Added to the above are some proteins and fruits which I will cover in my next blog as this can get a bit lengthy.

The main sources of my recipes are dLife:http://www.dlife.com/ which are listed as Carb safe (30g carbs), Low carb (15g) and Very low carb (3g)., whfoods: http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php. and California Walnuts: http:http://www.walnuts.org/walnuts/

Try this recipe from California Walnuts

Mollie Katzen's Broccoli Salad with Mushrooms & Walnutshttp://www.walnuts.org/walnuts/index.cfm/all-recipes/mollie-katzens-broccoli-salad-with-mushrooms-walnuts/

Next blog: Low inflammatory foods added to the vegetables - proteins (poultry, meats, eggs), nuts, and fruits.

I must apologize for the time lapse in my blogs, as my mission is to share all that I have learned while fending off pre-diabetes. A lot of information surfaced and are catalogued for future blogs.

This blog is a result of researching why my doctora put me on an Low Arachidonic Acid Diet. The first disappointment came when she said ; No peanuts for you - Ouch!! I was addicted to peanuts and natural peanut butter (it didn’t matter that it was natural). Peanuts are inflammatory to my body. What does that mean?

Let’s get started.

Over the last decade much medical research has focused on the role of inflammation in skin aging, other outward signs of aging and disease. Click to the article in Time Magazine, Feb. 23, 2004 – Health: The Fires Within.

Inflammation is a complicated series of biochemical reactions mounted by the body in response to a viral invaders, injuries and even cancer cells. We are all familiar with inflammation when we injure our selves. It is nature’s way of repairing the injury. Sometimes the body fails to turn off this desirable response in a reasonable period of time leading to chronic low-grade inflammation (sometimes referred to as systemic or “silent” inflammation).

Chronic inflammation isn’t beneficial for the body. It acts like a slow burning fire, continuing to stimulate pro-inflammatory immune cells when there are no foreign invaders to fight off. These excess cells circulating in our systems can damage healthy areas in our bodies.

Obesity if one of the biggest generators of silent inflammation. Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat – not at weighing too much.

Normal weight obesity or “skinny fat”, a newly coined term, refers to having a very disproportionate percentage of body fat to lean body tissue on the inside. It is called visceral fat – fat stored around the organs in the abdominal cavity and not visible from the outside. Fat stored around vital organs can eventually lead to diabetes. Here we go!! I had developed a “muffin top’ above my waistband and was shocked to learn what I weighed. No one ever called me fat!

Jimmy Bell, Ph.D., found that people who watch their diet but do not exercise regularly have higher amounts of visceral fat!! . Someone who is skinny fat may eat a low fat/low calorie diet, looks thin on the outside but they hardly ever exercise – they do not have lean body tissue or muscle mass on the inside. On the flip side, people who work out all the time yet eat poorly or drink high caloric beverages may also be skinny fat!

Carbohydrate foods also influence the inflammatory process. One of the biggest factors in chronic, low level inflammation may be the food you eat every day. We don’t get enough of the nutrients that naturally reduce inflammation.

You can moderate the inflammation process by keeping blood sugar low and stable. That means eating less bread, white potatoes, crackers, chips and other snack foods, pastries, sweetened drinks, less refined and processed foods and by avoiding fast foods and products made with high fructose corn syrup. Instead, you may eat more whole grains, beans, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and other vegetables and temperate fruits such as berries, cherries, apples and pears instead of tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapple, mango and papaya. Visiting a doctor specializing in nutrition is a best bet to learn what is best for you specifically, as we each react differently.

1 The Inflammation Factor, Monica Reinagel

2 Health: The Fires Within, Time Magazine, Feb 23, 2004

3 Jimmy Bell, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Imaging, Imperial College, London

Next blog: The Low Arachidonic Acid diet helped control my inflammation. Learn how.

Here is one of my breakfasts lovingly prepared by my husband: poached eggs on sauted spinach, home made pork sausage. We'll talk about the nutrional benefits of these foods in a later blog.

 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.

 

 

 

This is a follow up to the blog - "Medical Mentors Matter and Measure Up in Ajijic!!"

Because my doctora is such a good teacher, I have become an avid student on the subject of pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. I would like to share with you some of the things that I have learned and hopefully help others along the way.

I always thought that I followed a good diet, reading food information labels when shopping, eating my fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc. I followed a regular exercise routine -walking and weights.

It wasn't until my doctora put me on a Low Arachidonic Acid diet that I started to learn how to eat well to reduce my added weight and elevated blood sugar. Arachidonic acid is Omega 6 and requires being balanced in a what we eat. I have come to love this diet as it is so easy to follow and I have found great recipes that I will share with you on a regular basis.

Some of the subjects that I will touch on include:

Insulin resistance

Silent inflammation

Obesity

Hyperinsulinemia

Arachidonic acid (AA)

Inflammation mediators

Visceral fat

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

C-reactive protein (CRP)

Type 2 diabetes

Inflammation Factor Rating

Ant-inflammatory foods

Pro-inflammatory foods

Diet

Low arachidonic acid Recipes

I want to repeat this information from the previous blog: 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.

The next blog;

Inflammation -what is it?

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.