Mexico Magic by Dru Pearson Reviewed by Allan Cogan

.Dru Pearson begins her account of her first four seasons in Ajijic starting in the summer of 2000 when she loaded or, rather, overloaded her VW van with as many belongings as it would hold, and she and her dog, Bailey, drove (slowly, she emphasizes) to Laredo. However, before she even reached the U.S./ Mexico border, the vehicle broke down and she found herself by the roadside in 110 degree temperatures, unloading twelve boxes of belongings, plus a TV, a computer complete with monitor and printer and other sundry items. However, a mechanic answered her call and the car was repaired and she made it across the border at Laredo, starting the 750 mile stretch to Ajijic on the shores of Lake Chapala. read more

Mexico sights and sounds by Marvin West

Because most of our neighbors don't speak English and because our Spanish is at least awful, some strange things happen in our Mexican community. The other evening a woman stopped at our front gate. A ... read more

exploring-tourism perspectives Jocotepec, Jalisco

Enough water hyacinths, more than enough by Marvin West

Ancient Chinese proverb say ox in ditch bad news. Really bad if your ox. Lirio (water hyacinths) on Lake Chapala, in the colorful state of Jalisco, in this magical country called Mexico, is bad news. ... read more

flora lifestyles perspectives Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco Jocotepec, Jalisco

Wedding invitation by Marvin West

Petra is the grand matriarch in our Mexican community of Nestipac, in suburban Jocotepec. A daughter and two children live to the right of her home. Two sons and their familes live to her left. Those o... read more

culture-customs family lifestyles perspectives Jocotepec, Jalisco

Insulted at Tom's Texas Bbq by Marvin West

Cantankerous restaurateur Tom Sandilands, 74, has completed a rare gastronomic circle. Years ago, he was in the barbecue business. He switched to pizza and became a far-out legend -- far out at the cit... read more

exploring-tourism perspectives Jocotepec, Jalisco

Joco boat show by Marvin West

Thousands of you missed the Joco boat show, hot attraction at the west end of what was once Lake Chapala, before lirio (water hyacinth) covered it up, marring and scarring the colorful state of Ja... read more

exploring-tourism perspectives Jocotepec, Jalisco

Old pickup truck in Mexico by Marvin West

Don Whitehead, distinguished author of "The FBI Story" and twice a Pulitzer Prize winner for reporting on the Korean War, was an early hero of mine. In semi-retirement, Don was a columnist for Th... read more

lifestyles perspectives Jocotepec, Jalisco

Keep it simple by Marvin West

Half a lifetime ago, the West family went south for a Christmas vacation in a quaint, little village on the Gulf coast of Florida. The pencil factory was long gone from Cedar Key. Tourist traffic roari... read more

exploring-tourism lifestyles perspectives Jocotepec, Jalisco

Lake Chapala through the ages, an anthology of travellers' tales Reviewed by James Tipton

There is something for everybody in Tony Burton's, Lake Chapala through the ages. Whether you are fascinated by the early history of the place where you now live or visit (or would like to visit), or whether you are interested in early accounts of the natural history of the region, or of the lake itself.

Link to clickable interactive map of Lake Chapala by Tony Burton

Click on map for interactive PDF map of Lake Chapala: Chapala, Ajijic, Jocotepec, San Juan Cosala, San Antonio Tlayacapan and other villages... read more

exploring-tourism maps Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco Jocotepec, Jalisco

Ajijic-Lake Chapala accomodations, hotels, restaurants, services

Although Lake Chapala's north shore is quaint and beautiful, services are world class. From cozy B&Bs to gracious hotels and bungalows, the traveler will find the perfect place to feel at home in e... read more

accomodations food hotels Chapala Ajijic, Jalisco Jocotepec, Jalisco