By Alan CoganCOGAN'S REVIEWS
Mexico's Lake Chapala and Ajijic
Mexico Travellers Information. Copyright 2000.
The Insider's Guide to the Northshore for International Travellers
By Teresa A. Kendrick
Order now through Mexico Connect!
There has been a need for this kind of guide for many years with all the new arrivals in the Lakeshore area. The wonder is that with so many writers living here it took so long for such a book to appear. Now, however, we can safely say someone has written it and - we should all be grateful - they've done it well. I find this a quality production that more than fulfills what it set out to do.
It's hard to imagine any newcomer arriving in the area in the next few years not acquiring a copy early on in the visit. I know that we would have bought one in the first week or so of our arrival six years ago - it contains such an abundance of useful, practical information.
Which is not to say that it applies only to new arrivals. I don't care how long you've lived here you'll find something new or useful.
Teresa Kendrick and her collaborators have produced a well-organized compilation of facts, figures, names, prices, addresses and phone numbers, etc. etc., along with some good old-fashioned advice about life and living in this unique part of Mexico. In fact, it's hard to think of anything that isn't included. There's an excellent index and the page layout and overall organization lends itself to easy discovery of whatever information you're seeking.
It's also very attractive book with a large number of color photos, most of them taken by Pablo Fernando del Valle.
The obvious stuff is there in abundance - places to dine, places to shop, banks, ATM's and places to exchange money, places to rent or buy accommodation. Health care services are all fully described and listed, not only for you and your spouse but for your four-legged family members, too. Places to get your car fixed are included, along with people who do house repairs and fix all kinds of appliances. Indeed, I only had the book in the house for an hour or two before a visitor arrived and casually inquired: "Do you know of any place I can get shoes repaired?" In less than a minute the Guide gave us the names of three places right here in Ajijic.
The Guide isn't simply a directory. In its 200 pages it offers plenty of advice on proper behavior and how to get along with the locals. There's an entire chapter on 'How to be a Good Visitor to the Area'. Also covered is information on exploring this interesting part of Jalisco, not only if you're driving your own vehicle but if you choose to take taxis or buses.
It's all the kind of stuff that makes the adjustment much easier for the newcomer. At the same time, it is so well researched and detailed that there still a few things that "veterans" - like my wife and I - didn't know.
Another useful feature throughout are the vocabularies that cover various situations, like shopping at the butcher's or the fish shop or the supermarket, or getting your car repaired, mailing and shipping various items, dealing with taxi drivers, buses, car rentals, video rentals, cyber cafes, ATM's, tipping, etc. etc..
All the local fiestas are described and listed. You name it, it would seem to be included here. And if you're looking for slightly more offbeat stuff, like yoga and tai chi classes, homeopathic medicine, ballet classes, internet connections, services for the handicapped, legal services, English newspapers, and so on….then look no further.
My only caveat is it will attract even more people to this already over-crowded area. I have to admit to mixed feelings on this subject. As much as I enjoy meeting new people, I really do feel that there are more of us than the area can support. And oddly enough, although we live beside a huge lake, water resources are the number one concern.
However, if people are going to be attracted here - and they obviously are - they might as well come knowing how to get around and how to get along with the locals. The Insider's Guide is probably one of the first places to start the process.
In my humble O: No Lake Chapala resident or area researcher/traveler should be without a copy.
Index of Cogan's Reviews
