Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Post kinda got hijacked and ended up about parking so I decided to start a new one here.

Question: I never see mexicans parking in my driveway or in the no parking areas it is almost
always Gringoes. Soooo Do gringoes have a problem seeing how far they are away from the
curb or are they color blind and can't see the yellow or red curbs?

Not trying to be critical but trying to understand why it happens. Right now a Gringo has
parked in a red area neer LCS and the big trucks can't get by and everybody is backing up.

I think we villagers already have our ideas and opinions I am looking for visitors parking
perspective and comments.

Why??

Z

Apr 22, 2011, 12:05 PM

Post #2 of 29 (2825 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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To carry the egg concept one step further:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk9exJKq6Nk
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Apr 22, 2011, 12:31 PM

Post #3 of 29 (2817 views)

Re: [chinagringo] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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WOW! Good touch setting the chicken on it.

But seriously folks.........why do they do it? Park so near the corners of these narrow streets that any fool can see no one can get around them? Park in other peoples' clearly marked driveways? Park so far from the curb that it's nearly impossible to get by, even in a small car?
In short.......what are they thinking? Beats me. Mexicans don't seem to be doing it; it's mostly gringos.

The other one is: They stop in the middle of 16 Septiembre, get out, go to the library and return books, etc. That's a mystery.
I'm not talking about the lame and the halt, who have their driver stop and let them out, then drive around the block to pick them up again. Sometimes it's a real time consuming production, but that's okay. Any of us may be in that shape someday.

The offenders just stop, leave the car and do their LCS business without regard to anything at all. It's really fun when there's a parade behind them honking their horns.

Apr 22, 2011, 12:41 PM

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Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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The examples that you give can only mean one thing: It is all about me (the offenders)!

I see that type behavior everyday be it with a vehicle or managing a shopping cart at Trader Joe's or our single neighbor with a two car garage & two car parking pad in front of the garage but both cars end up in the street. For whatever reason, many people have become inconsiderate and their priorities are the only ones that matter.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Apr 22, 2011, 1:00 PM

Post #5 of 29 (2811 views)

Re: [chinagringo] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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China........I think you've nailed it.

mexicobuff

Apr 22, 2011, 3:29 PM

Post #6 of 29 (2779 views)

Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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It's a very common disease, particularly among those who are from the USA. It's called entitle-itis.

Apr 22, 2011, 4:07 PM

Post #7 of 29 (2769 views)

Re: [mexicobuff] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Entitle-itis: not unique to those from the USA as I think we all have seen similar attitudes from citizens of countries who experienced success and easy money way too quickly! Mexico tends to play into this attitude because they know they are far superior to the local residents. Add to that border promotions and then you see a real attitude.

Nouveau riche? Either real or perceived?
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

(This post was edited by chinagringo on Apr 22, 2011, 4:13 PM)

johninajijic

Apr 22, 2011, 6:36 PM

Post #8 of 29 (2751 views)

Re: [mexicobuff] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Mexicobuff - You are apparently short sighted and bigotted. It IS also the Canadians who do this.

But, let's not blame it all on the NOB types, Mexicans park ANYWHERE they want ESPECIALLY against yellow curbs at the intersection of streets. They too park away from curbs on any streets and stop in the middle of the road to chat with friends on the sidewalks while traffic backs up behind them.

Apr 22, 2011, 6:57 PM

Post #9 of 29 (2746 views)

Re: [johninajijic] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Once again, the real John comes out of the closet! It makes little difference who does it! The fact is that it is rude and inconsiderate no matter who does it.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Zardoz

Apr 23, 2011, 6:10 AM

Post #10 of 29 (2693 views)

Re: [johninajijic] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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John he made a mistake he meant US and Canada that does not make his a bigot. Go to your room and
don't come out until you can just make a plain statement and not offend people. No tv for you tonight. :-)

Here is a typical conversation with a NOB parker near LCS

You know you are parking in a yellow/red/garage door zone?
Or
You need to pull over tighter to the curb or you will lose the side of your car. (they understand that one the
nice one above they don't.)

I am just parking for a minute
I will park where I want to (my personal favorite makes me want to clean my roof right now)
Oh I didn't see it.
Oh really I have to be less than a foot from the curb with my Cheby Suburban? (the answer is yes fyi)

If it didn't work I use the following speech.

As I walk away. Well hope you don't like that $300 mirror on that SUV cause it will be torn off in the next
half hour by a dump truck coming by and they don't stop especially if you are misparked and if that doesn't
happen the police do tow cars from red yellow zones down here when the traffic has to back up like right
now.

At that point they get very coy and move or I move it for them closer to the curb.

Also we are talking about down by LCS and it is very rare to see a Mexican parking funny down here and
many Jalisco plates are gringoes. I do see mexicans stopped and talking but gringoes do that also. I bet
Gringo will agree with me it is mostly NOB types down here misbehaving.

I do admit many of us gringoes down here love to sit on our porches/mirador and watch you folks try to
park. Goes well with a beer or shot of tequila. It is kinda a neighborhood thing down here.

Z

Apr 23, 2011, 12:42 PM

Post #11 of 29 (2623 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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"I do admit many of us gringoes down here love to sit on our porches/mirador and watch you folks try to
park. Goes well with a beer or shot of tequila. It is kinda a neighborhood thing down here."

lOl. A bit far afield, but it used to provide much amusement to sit near the boat ramp in our nearby harbor and watch the fools who didn't hold with chocking their wheels slide slowly down the ramp with their boats. Glug, glug. I'm sure it's not just an NOB thing. Fools are born everywhere.

Most people from NOB never learned to parallel park and this is their first shot at it. It is downright sad to watch a lady behind the wheel of the big car she probably wound up with as a widow....attempting to wiggle it into a parking place near LCS. Back and forth, and often crash and crash between the cars fore and aft. They don't seem to get any better at it, either.

I'm of the opinion that in addition to Spanish classes, LCS could offer parallel parking classes as a public service.

I don't really mind when a Mexican or a gringo stops for a brief chat with a friend. They have their priorities straight, IMO.
After all, I'm not on my way to the emergency room.... Anything more than 5 minutes though crosses over into......too much. HONK.

Apr 23, 2011, 3:44 PM

Post #12 of 29 (2598 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Hey Z, I know where you live, and it is absolutely the worst traffic jam in the world near your home and as close to LCS as you are. Always was and will be. Had friends who lived right across the street from LCS and we could not get together for anything until after two, when Lcs closes. Most of us who live here fulltime respect parking. I think the issue is when the snowbirds arrive, of which, you are one. Think they do not have a clue as to the understanding of the signs, painted curbs, etc. It is my absolute delight to see a Ford Expedtion or Lincoln Navigator sideswiped for parking incorrectly. Why in the hell did they bring these monsters to Ajijic? Did they do no research at all? T

Apr 23, 2011, 3:55 PM

Post #13 of 29 (2593 views)

Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Gringal, are you serious? Folks pull up in front of LCS to go to the library and leave their vehicles blocking the road? This is hysterical, but I am sure not for you guys. LCS has a 24 hour drop off box for returning books, as you probably know. May I remind those of you that live in Centro Ajijic, that you freely chose that for the convenience of walking to stores and restaurants. Did you give any consideration to the noise, dust, lack of parking? Personally, I would never consider living in Centro Ajijic, even if I was offered free housing. T.

Apr 23, 2011, 8:17 PM

Post #14 of 29 (2545 views)

Re: [T] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Ah, choices, T.
I picked this spot deliberately. I also made sure I had off street parking on the side of the street where my driveway wouldn't be blocked. It's called "thinking ahead". I really don't give a hoot if they stop in the street while dealing with their LCS business since it only affects those unfortunates waiting behind them. I am merely pointing out the comedic aspects of a situation that seems to come to a head at that location; those who can't park; those who don't care if their windows get removed........all the stuff that Zardoz mentioned, too.

I wouldn't live anywhere else, given a choice.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Apr 23, 2011, 8:18 PM)

Zardoz

Apr 24, 2011, 8:59 AM

Post #15 of 29 (2476 views)

Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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The saving grace is most people don't use there cars here. I use it for trips to Cosco/Mega
or visiting people at night. The only time it becomes impossible to park is when people park
one foot on either side of my driveway than you can't even get a Sentra in or out. Luckily
it doesn't happen much and I throw a couple of old plastic chairs next to the driveway on
both sides and people get it and don't park close. Seriously if you have a job or need to go
in and out I do not recommend lower village unless you get a setup like Gringal has. We still
are trying to figure out if we need a car here anyway. This is one of the last decisions we
have to make before moving here permenantly. Cars are always trouble and getting rid of
it would be nice. Less paperwork and money spent even if you spend it on Taxi/buses I think
I would be ahead especially worrying about the car.

Z

Apr 24, 2011, 9:40 AM

Post #16 of 29 (2466 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Just a few thoughts on cars and parking, for anyone contemplating moving here. I've lived in Mexico for seven years now, coming from CA, where people have wheels like they have arms and legs........and it takes a while to realize that a car is actually........an option.......here.

My advice: when you rent or buy......be aware, be very aware of your parking situation.

You only realize you need a car when you don't have one. LOL. The taxis around here aren't exactly cheap, and the buses aren't always a pleasure, especially if you're hauling groceries. Then, there's the pleasure of taking off on little excursions on your own. As we already figured out, a small car will do the job 99% of the time. For that 1% when you need to haul stuff or more than four people......rent something that will. It's cheaper than owning a big one and filling the tank.

Also, get a car that's easy to park, preferably bought here in Mexico so that it has local plates and of little interest to the mordida-loving coppers. The idea that cars are more expensive here is a leftover from the past, when they were. They make a lot of cars here in Mexico, now. There is more than one reason for the tumbleweed blowing through the closed U.S. factories. Very little difference, if any, in cost. We checked the net before buying our Honda FIT last year. Cars made to be sold in Mexico also have higher clearances because of the road conditions.

"T" has some ideas about living in Centro that just ain't so. It's dustier up on the hillsides because they are in the direct path of the dry lake out on the flats over the hill. It's noisier up there since the Plaza sounds travel upward. Traffic? Sooner or later, no matter where you live, you're going to be on the Carretera gridlock, so you want to have soothing music, good AC in your car and the right attitude.........which comes easily after life on the L.A. freeways. Zen out and there's no problem.
People with the "gotta get there NOW" outlook are going to have a hard time living happily n Mexico.

Above all, RENT before buying. Zardoz now knows first hand about living in Centro. A few others I know who bought way out on the West side before renting also know first hand about living there, to their regret. Some have rented in a number of places before buying and knew what they wanted as a result. As far as cars are concerned, bear in mind that if you stay here long enough.....you won't always be up to driving and that's another car and parking issue.

mevale

Apr 24, 2011, 1:04 PM

Post #17 of 29 (2420 views)

Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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In Reply To

Also, get a car that's easy to park, preferably bought here in Mexico so that it has local plates and of little interest to the mordida-loving coppers. The idea that cars are more expensive here is a leftover from the past, when they were. They make a lot of cars here in Mexico, now. There is more than one reason for the tumbleweed blowing through the closed U.S. factories. Very little difference, if any, in cost. We checked the net before buying our Honda FIT last year. Cars made to be sold in Mexico also have higher clearances because of the road conditions.

When you say "the idea that cars are more expensive here is a leftover....", you do realize, don't you, that when comparing prices you have to take into account currency exchange rates to make the comparison? What may be true today could be totally false a month from now. Just out of curiosity, I priced your Honda Fit here and in Tucson, AZ. What I found is that the basic Fit with automatic here costs 216,000 pesos. At todays exchange rate of 11.61 that works out to $18,604 US. The same car in Tucson is sold at an average price of $15,800. That's $2,800 higher, or almost 18%. Not insignificant, and understandable since cars here have a 16% IVA attached. People who are thinking about buying a car here should realize at what point it makes sense or doesn't. The IVA alone on a $300,000 peso car is $48,000 p. That amount will cover quite a few mordidas.

And also, where did you find out that cars made in Mexico have a higher clearance? I can't find that information.

(This post was edited by mevale on Apr 24, 2011, 1:07 PM)

mexicobuff

Apr 24, 2011, 1:33 PM

Post #18 of 29 (2406 views)

Re: [mevale] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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The Honda Fit sold in Mexico is made in Brazil.

Apr 24, 2011, 1:38 PM

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Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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I am happy for you. None of us could possibly live here without an incredible sense of humor and a large amount of patience for the eccentricities ( I just know that I spelled that wrong. Should stop using big words) of this crazy, but wonderful country. I never lose patience with a Mexican, but let me tell you some of these snowbirds really piss me off. Think us full timers should have a celebration when they depart, which is now. Definitely not all, but a small number want me to hide my head in embarrassment for how obnoxious they are. Guess what country most of them are from? T.

Apr 24, 2011, 1:42 PM

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Re: [mexicobuff] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Yes, it is.

Apr 24, 2011, 1:45 PM

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Re: [Zardoz] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Z, Agree and disagree. Most of us are used to having vehicles and the majority of us drive and have vehicles. You and your wife are unique, as I do not feel that most of us, as do you guys, walk ten miles a day, nor could we do so. Personally, I get claustrophobic when my car is in the shop for two days. No, I may not need it, but just need to know it is there should I need it. Just my perspective. T

Apr 24, 2011, 1:50 PM

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Re: [Gringal] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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Sage advice, as is expected of you. Except for the part where you disagreed with me. T

Apr 24, 2011, 1:57 PM

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Re: [mexicobuff] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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As I think most of us know, any vehicle not made in Canada, US or Mexico cannot be nationalized here. I know, as I am dealing with one. T

Apr 24, 2011, 1:59 PM

Post #24 of 29 (2395 views)

Re: [mevale] Ajijic parking problems near LCS......Septembre 16th st.

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We gave a check for $18000 US to the local dealer when we ordered our Honda FIT last July. That included all taxes and fees. We then discovered that the gov't. had suspended the tax on new cars to help the new car dealers, at least for that year. We were issued a refund for that. We paid it again in 2011, but it is scheduled to phase out and be gone for 2012.

It was our dealer who told us that the car was made in Brazil, and that the clearance for those sold in Mexico was slightly higher. We had no reason to doubt it, and we have had no problem with the local topes. We have no intention of taking the car off roading........so it's not going to be a problem.

We first discovered the pointlessness of buying an SUV when we lived in San Miguel with it's unpaved streets and various road hazards out in the barrios. Our standard 4 cylinder, non-four wheel drive Toyota pickup was more than adequate, and we noticed that the taxis running all over those streets were most often small Nissan passenger cars. Quite a surprise.

From reading so many posts on the topic, I have concluded that many people simply prefer to bring down a big U.S. vehicle when they move to Mexico..........and there's no point in arguing about that one. Of course, if it's big and black with tinted windows..........................

One more thing: We are on our third year of FM2's and intend to proceed to Immigrado status at the end of the five year period. After becoming Immigrado, you MUST have a nationalized car. If you have a "working" FM2, you must have a nationalized car right away. The advantages of having an FM2 are even greater as of this year than before, including those involved in selling real estate.......but that's another topic, covered elsewhere.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Apr 24, 2011, 2:08 PM)

Apr 24, 2011, 2:18 PM

Post #25 of 29 (2386 views)