Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and the "Pearl of the West." Founded in 1542, Mexico's second largest city is a bustling metropolis with a colonial heart and a provincial soul. Guadalara is a cen... read more

The venerable old Zuno residence is a historic house in its own right but was designed to teach Mexican history. So it's doubly "historic." It stands at Avenida Union and J. Guadalupe Zuno and was built in the early 1920s. The house was designed for and by artist-politician Jose Guadalupe Zuno, whose paintings are still hung in museums. He was assisted with designs and suggestions from three old pals, all prominent artists, David Siqueiros, muralist, Gerardo Murillo ("Dr. Atl"), said by many to be the father of modern Mexican art, and Amado de la Cueva. read more

The Lake Chapala region of Jalisco, Mexico, (Ajijic, Chapala, Jocotepec) with its wonderful climate and large base of ex-patriate residents, has become a very desirable place for retirees, those wanting to escape aspects of "Home" (such as the winter weather), and those who desire to live and work in Mexico. read more

I know what you're thinking: "Tequila prices have been rising for years, but 225,000 dollars for a bottle is ridiculous!"

It may be ridiculous, but it is nonetheless true. The tequila company Tequila Ley .925 issued a press release in July 2006 proudly announcing the introduction of three different presentations of "Tequila Ley .925, Pasion Azteca, Gold and Platinum."

The tequila itself is exclusive, a premium quality 100% blue agave tequila, aged for 6 years. The bottles it comes in are even more special. The company has won several awards previously for its unorthodox designs. This time, each bottle is shaped like a barbed sea shell and engraved by Mexican artist Alejandro Gomez Oropeza. read more

Before the revolution, haciendas dotted the countryside of Mexico. With their classic architecture and splendid great houses, each Mexico hacienda is surrounded in an aura of romance. Located 40 kilom... read more

As the rains begin, there is that smell of wet earth, as the layers of dust and grunge slowly melt off the roofs and sidewalks and wash into the streets. The showers quickly became a very intense rain. It comes down in torrents that overflow through the village and make certain streets look like the arroyos that, in some cases, they once were. How does this affect your Mexico real estate? read more

Mexico smiles and accepts many foreigners — because they bring money. Most prove to be some degree of blessing. Some gripe and complain but do no real harm. A few become curses. read more

Three thousand years ago engineers in Persia devised an ingenious solution to one of mankind's most serious problems in areas without rivers and lakes: how to get water from point A, where it abounds, ... read more

Cradle of the mariachi, tequila, and the 'Jarabe Tapatío,' or Mexican Hat Dance, for many, the state of Jalisco is the essence of Mexico. read more

During June, we investigate the history, lives and legends of Saint Anthony of Padua, the beloved patron saint of San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosala's Saint John the Baptist as these communities on Mexico's Chapala lakeshore focus for nine days on processions, masses, sky rockets and devotions. Each community will begin each of the nine days preceding their Saint's Day with early morning firecrackers to awaken the village for the morning pilgrimage to mass... read more

Yesterday was Palm Sunday and I drove to meet my friend who lives on the street of processions. Men, women and children were sweeping the street and sprinkling water on the cobblestone roads in preparation of the holy procession. Doors were festooned with arches of palms. After the street was cleaned, residents scattered alfalfa on the street, carpeting the entire procession route. Wide-eyed children in their Sunday best sold palm frond wands expertly woven into intricate designs... read more

Reynaldo the Rugman has a problem. He and his relatives have made more rugs (beautiful colors, skillful weaving) than he can sell. Reynaldo Vasquez Hernandez is a fifth or sixth-generation artisan in spring, summer and autumn and a traveling salesman — representing the entire clan — in winter. read more

Dating back to pre-Hispanic times, the nahual is a shape shifter who switches between human and animal forms and is often characterized as a shaman. read more

Part of the wonder and adventure of experiencing life in Ajijic, Mexico is the incredible diversity of color in the natural world — pungent reds, a range of blues, pale purples, brilliant yellows —... read more

Bob and Judie Terry are not only veterans of the Peace Corps — which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year — they actually met at a National Peace Corps Association meeting. Judie (whose mother... read more

Popular Ajijic photographer Jay Koppelman has two things to celebrate this winter: one, the recent opening of Studio 18, on Colón 18 in Ajijic, which features exclusively his photographs; and two, the recent publication of the first collection of his Mexico photographs, in a handsome coffee-table format, The Through Line. read more

The men and women in the Chapala-Ajijic area whom I admire the most are those who can give so generously of their time to help others (without expecting anything in return), and Lakeside seems to be ov... read more

This is the third installment in a story about my love affair with an old house in Mexico. One day I found myself standing in front of a beautiful three story, art nouveau town house. It was shabby, obviously neglected, and unlived in, but it had certain magic about it, which captured both my imagination and my heart. I knew, in that moment and with great certainly, that one day I would buy it. read more

For some, illegal immigration is a simple equation, what you risk for what you get.

Luis Alberto Martinez Gomez became an illegal four years ago. He was 16.

The family concluded Luis might be better off in the United States. There was an uncle who once made a promise to help the nephew if ever needed. He came through with cash for a border coyote.

Going north sounded so simple.

It wasn't.

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All the world has been told that tequila, the drink was born in Tequila — the town located 45 kilometers northwest of Guadalajara — but is this really a fact? Curiously, the famed Tequila Express t... read more

If man's best friend is really a dog, Nick Lampiris is richly blessed. He has 37. Nick lives in Mexico, at the end of a mile-long dirt road, on ejido land, in the high country above Lake Chapala, in the colorful state of Jalisco. From his back door, he can see Mount Garcia and the lake, all the way to Scorpion Island. To the front is Mount Viejo. read more

When it's winter up north, the skimboarding season is in full stride along the Pacific Coast beaches of Mexico. This is when the best talent goes head-to-head to determine ultimately who will make it t... read more

Often, when we think of starving children, we're thinking about Central Africa or parts of India or even remote areas of South America. But Mexico has its share of the poor, as close by as the Chapala area. The truth is, unremitting hunger is right here under our noses and most of us aren't aware of it. Three Lakeside residents have formed what they call "Operation Compassion." read more

In Mexico, it is said you never know what's behind the walls. Typical of Spanish architecture, most homes have high walls around them, affording privacy and sanctuary. It is often impossible to tell if it is a small house or a grand estate behind the walls. This is true of the Casa del Sol Bed & Breakfast Inn in the heart of Ajijic — a 16th century village on Mexico's Lake Chapala, just one hour south of the major metropolis of Guadalajara. read more

We have a magnificent lake and a nearby international airport. At the Lake Chapala Society, there are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet. We have great music, boutique hotels, fresh air and pyramids not too far away. Think about it! Ajijic could be that magical place you're looking for. read more