Life in Mexico: bugs, disease and puppy dog showers Karen Blue

One of my readers asked me to talk about bugs and diseases. These are simply my experiences or observations and they apply to the Chapala/Ajijic lakeside area south of Guadalajara. I'm sure different p... read more

Santiago's funeral Cat Gonzales

At ten in the morning the day was already hot enough to dry the tears on my face as I walked into San Juan Cosala to attend little Santiago's funeral. His teacher and his six-year-old school friends fi... read more

original-fiction Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Winter flying in Mexico: Paragliding Mexico's skies Juan Laos

Being a typical Northern California paraholic, the winter season just drives me crazy! Sure there's a little bit of flying here and there but there are very few thermals to hook on to and more often th... read more

recreation Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco Jocotepec, Jalisco Tapalpa, Jalisco

Buying property in Mexico: Watch out for landmines Karen Blue

Anyone interested in purchasing land Lakeside has watched the prices skyrocket over the last two years. It's next to impossible to find single lots because the contractors are buying open land, subdivi... read more

lifestyles real-estate Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Living in Mexico from A to Z: Part Two 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 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

Mexico's Dance of the Sun: Danza del sol Sheila Forst Ruof

Every so often, an event or circumstance occurs which changes the way we think of ourselves, or our place in the universe. Today was a day like that. Late yesterday, a guest of my neighbor learned of ... read more

exploring-tourism fiestas-traditions indigenous-groups Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

The fake ID that brought me to Mexico 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

In the parish church of San Andres Dale Hoyt Palfrey

The graceful 18th century Parroquia de San Andrés, is not only Ajijic's chief landmark, but also the hub around which village life revolves. It is the focal point for those important milestones that b... read more

culture-customs lifestyles Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Food and frolic in and around Chapala and Ajijic, Mexico 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 Highlands

Lake Chapala: attractions for all Tony Burton

The earliest human inhabitants of the Lake Chapala area were probably nomadic tribes of Indians who had settled on the shores and islands of the lake, catching fish, extracting salt, and trying to herd... read more

exploring-tourism Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Candelaria's Cookbook Reviewed by Sophie Annan Jensen

Candelaria is back, with her special logic, folk wisdom and Mexican home-style recipes in the bilingual ‘Las Recetas de Candelaria,’ or ‘Candelaria’s Cookbook.’ Readers of Dane Chandos�... read more

book-reviews Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Impressions of Mexico: interview with a couple from Calgary Karen Blue

This month, I'm interviewing a couple from Alberta, Canada who've come for a six-week vacation. This is the end of their third week. I actually met Julia and Marc over the Internet as a result of this ... read more

exploring-tourism Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

What's the down side of living in Mexico? Karen Blue

My editor asked me to share with you some of the down sides of living in Mexico. He said, "no one will believe it's all wonderful." He's right of course, but for me, the good far outweighs the bad -- u... read more

lifestyles Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Chapala and Ajijic, Mexico: drinking, dining and dancing Karen Blue

The most often asked questions by visitors when they get here is "Can I drink the water?" followed closely by, "Is this okay to eat?" Okay, I admit I asked those same questions when I first got down h... read more

lifestyles retiring Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Mexico: a typical day in paradise Karen Blue

One of my readers asked me to describe a typical day here in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. Others have asked, "What do you do all day?" So, I am inviting you to spend this day with me in the charmin... read more

lifestyles perspectives retiring Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Mexico: weather, utilities and prejudice 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 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

question retiring Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco

Building costs in the Chapala area Discussion Thread Forum

My wife and I have just returned from Ajijic. While there we toured real estate with a very competent man. We are currently negotiating for a property which is a walled lot with all utilities installed, a basic foundation, cistern, etc. for a small home. What we are trying to determine now is what the cost per square foot will be for average construction. We realize that costs can very greatly due to luxury ammenities. That's why I indicated average or middle of the road construction costs. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Boating on Lake Chapala Discussion Thread Forum

We've thoroughly enjoyed reading this site recently and now have another question. With a lake the size of Lake Chapala there must be pleasure boating but haven't found much info. We're thinking about bringing a boat or buying there. Does anyone know about marinas, boats for sale, boating activities, living aboard, etc.? Any help is appreciated...

Lake Chapala: Can Mexico's largest lake be saved? Tony Burton

Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest natural lake, is dying. The lake right now plays a vital role in a gigantic ecosystem, the River Lerma-Lake Chapala drainage basin, which includes more than 8 million peo... read more

ecology fauna social-issues Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco