Mexico: weather, utilities and prejudice by Karen Blue

Utilities Q. Since I've had several questions on utilities, I'm going to just answer them all in one section here. A. It's important to find out before you rent o... read more

lifestyles Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Mexico: sex, schools and automobiles by Karen Blue

Dear Blue: "Is there a Spanish Language school in Ajijic?" LK There are no Spanish Language Schools in Chapala or Ajijic. There are several in Guadalajara and in other major Mexican cities... read more

lifestyles retiring Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Living in Mexico from A to Z: Part Two by Karen Blue

M - Money, Medicine and Maids Most expats here keep the majority of their money in Canada or the States; however, because of the recent peso devaluation, interest rates are high in the bank--33% last ... read more

lifestyles Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Living in Mexico from A to Z: Part One by Karen Blue

These next two columns will share some dubious gems of wisdom, organized alphabetically. My editor (are you listening, David?), limits the number of words for each column, so you'll have to wait until ... read more

lifestyles Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

The fake ID that brought me to Mexico by Karen Blue

This is the second in a series of excerpts from a book I'm writing that consists of interviews with women who have come to Mexico alone. Join me and Virginia as we sit at the kitchen table of her two b... read more

perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Food and frolic in and around Chapala and Ajijic, Mexico by Karen Blue

It's been my pleasure over the past year to meet many new friends through this column. They've stopped by for a day, stayed for weeks or months. They've rented homes, stayed in hotels and B&Bs. T... read more

exploring-tourism Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco Central Pacific Central Highlands

Easter in Mexico: a blend of cultures by Karen Blue

Santa Semana (Easter week) captured center stage last month in Ajijic. For me, it was a chance to really appreciate both the Mexican customs as well as enjoying some from back home. The celebrations o... read more

culture-customs religion Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Mexico and the US: the best of both cultures by Karen Blue

Last month, during the holidays, I experienced a magical mix of south and north-of-the border celebrations. My parents visited for two weeks during Christmas, which made it a special time for me. In an... read more

perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Living in Mexico:sometimes it's frustrating by Karen Blue

Every once in a while, I get an email from a reader who asks, "What are the down sides of living at Lakeside?" Normally, I have to scratch my head and think a bit, but once in a while, I get a week lik... read more

perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Continuing education in Mexico by Karen Blue

I fussed unnecessarily, before moving to Mexico, worrying about how I would continue with my education, with no grasp of the Spanish language. Why unnecessarily? Because I came just before we were able... read more

art learning-language Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Life for singles in Mexico by Karen Blue

Lately I've fielded several questions from readers (both men and women) on what the single life is like here at the Lakeside. I knew when I came down, that if I were looking for a man, this place woul... read more

perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Looking back over five years In Mexico by Karen Blue

I have to clench my typing fingers to have them not start out with "Time flies when…." I arrived in Mexico on May 28th, five years ago. It doesn't seem possible. In my adult life I've never lived in... read more

lifestyles perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Little Theater in Mexico's Chapala Lakeside by Karen Blue

For two of the last three plays, "Ladies Night Out" and "Steel Magnolias" I worked backstage. I've held season tickets each year for our not-so-little theater and been delighted time after time by the ... read more

culture-customs Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Fun events in Chapala and Ajijic by Karen Blue

It's just about time for the jacaranda trees to bloom, which blanket our lovely village in lavender. That will be exactly five years since I came to Ajijic, fell in love and purchased my home. The gard... read more

culture-customs perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Renewing an FM3 visa and a storm in Ajijic, Mexico by Karen Blue

Each year we must renew our FM3 visas. There's an easy way and a hard way. Guess which one I take? Yep, the hard way. I figure it saves me $50 and takes up two mornings. Time, I have plenty of now — ... read more

perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Living in Mexico: remodeling and morning at the market by Karen Blue

This morning, getting ready for my next vacation, I went to the Ajijic street market. I needed to stock up on dog food. I needed to make enough of it for a month! I picked up three bags of mixed chopp... read more

lifestyles perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

A village street party in Mexico by Karen Blue

Last week my good friend celebrated her sixtieth birthday with a once-in-a lifetime street party near Six Corners in the Village of Ajijic. Linda moved here four years ago after a thirty-four year care... read more

exploring-tourism lifestyles Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Art galleries in the Lake Chapala - Ajijic area

The north shore of Lake Chapala is alive with the arts in all their manifestations. Music and dance -- from folk to classical, theater in English at the Lakeside Little Theatre, book clubs and creative writing groups complement the offering of galleries. Here are some suggestions to get you started. read more

art Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Pilgrimage with La Virgen de Zapopan from "A House in the Sun" by Dane Chandos by Dane Chandos

This is an account of the annual procession of La Virgen de Zapopan from te Cathedral in Guadalajara to her home in the Basilica de Zapopan, as experienced in the early 1940s. The procession always takes place on October 12th. read more

excerpt fiestas-traditions perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Lake Chapala - a local history by Bernando Sandy Ramirez

Chapala: A Formal History ...Ah! Chapala you have the magic of a story book stories of sunsets and earthenware, of romantic moonlit nights Peaceful Chapala, your la... read more

exploring-tourism history Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Freemasonry Is Alive And Well At Lakeside! Axixic Lodge No. 31

Axixic Lodge #31 is located in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, and was founded in 1987. Since its founding, the Lodge has been an activity member of the community, and growing! From eight founding members, the Lodge has grown to over 60 Brothers. From its inception, the Lodge has met in various locations, private homes, art galleries, restaurants, and currently in a hotel conference room that the Lodge rents.

Ajijic: the way we were by Maggie Van Ostrand

In the ancient Nahuatl language, Ajijic means "The Place Where Water Springs Forth." This year marks the 40th anniversary of an historic event: the Great Geyser Eruption. It is said to have been the ta... read more

culture-customs exploring-tourism Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Chapala's Feria Maestros del Arte: guardians of the folk art tradition by Erin Cassin

"Art is a country's history and, before Mexicans could read or write, they were telling stories through their art. If this art disappears, so does history." read more

crafts culture-customs Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Javier Zaragoza: Artist with a mission by Rita Pomade

"I was six when I started to paint," he recalls. "It all started at the public library here in Ajijic. There was this woman, Neill James. She was a great woman, very generous. She gave us kids everything - watercolors, paper, brushes, and even furniture to work on. I spent my weekends painting all day. " read more

artists Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Did you know? Steamboats on Lake Chapala. by Tony Burton

In the nineteenth century, prior to the advent of the railroads, overland travel was decidedly slow and arduous. To get to Lake Chapala, for example, from Guadalajara usually entailed either an overnig... read more

exploring-tourism history Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco