Author Dru Pearson has done an excellent job of researching and compiling almost everything anyone needs to know about adopting this country as a place to spend one's leisure years, either part-time or full-time. I can't think of any important topic that isn't covered here. Also, while it isn't the first book of this type to become available, I think it's the first - to my knowledge, at least, to be strictly computer accessible. read more

I'm filled with admiration and respect for The Insider's Guide. Its 368 pages are so complete and comprehensive and so well thought out and so well organized. Teresa Kendrick and her colleagues have done a wonderful job of providing and packaging a full authoritative range of information, not only for long and short-term residents of the Lake Chapala area but also for those many people who seem to be contemplating coming here either to live as permanent retiree-residents or as snowbirds. read more

.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

By Jon Sievert © 2004 Jon Sievert November's U.S. Presidential election is shaping up as the most passionate and volatile in memory. Candidates from both major parties are already ... read more

Teaching English in Mexico is an enriching experience that will allow you to get to know Mexico more deeply than you would by just traveling. It can also offset much of the cost of a long-term stay. Bu... read more

Marketing Yourself So once you are in your new home town how do you impress the directors of the local language schools? First of all, it is important to remember that while this is a big adventure fo... read more

Mexico's ornate old churches are beautiful and romantic settings for weddings. Saturdays there always seem to be three brides at the charmin... read more

FM-T Tourist The basic entrance immigration status for tourists is the FM-T. It is valid for a maximum of 180 days and is issued at your point of entry into Mexico-either at a border crossing or an ai... read more

...compared to heading west in a Conestoga read more

I. Preparation The Boat. If you're going to sail to Mexico, the size of your boat isn't nearly as important as the quality. Make sure the boat was designed, built and has been maintained for open-... read more

I think that it is time to cover some of the Spanish terms used in construction. There isn't room in the space I have for this column to cover all the terms but perhaps a brief primer is in order. Fir... read more

HOW TO MOVE ABROAD (TO MEXICO) - AND STAY SANE!   By Linzi Eisemann of Directmoving.com Her Email Moving is always a rather upsetting experience and meticulous planning and o... read more

Notre Mission La Chambre a éte fondé en 1995 par des Mexicains étudiant au Canada. A ce jour, nous avons plus de 100 membres évoluant dans diverses industries. La Chambre a pour mission princi... read more

Dreaming of that storybook wedding on a scenic cliff above crashing ocean waves, blessed by a Mexican sunset while mariachis croon? Or amid bougainvillea'd stone arches in a colonial setting? Few place... read more

Enjoying the Mexican beachfront or colonial hillside town, you've decided to put down roots in Mexico and "save money" by buying in. Think twice: you may make the deal of a lifetime, or you wish you'd ... read more

"Protect Your Health at All Costs!" If you want to "Live Your Mexican Dream", you've got to be healthy.   Drinking w... read more

Permission from the Secretary of Foreign Relations is required for the formation of 'Fideicomisos' or real estate bank trusts to invest in this industry. These permission may be given under the followi... read more

Once the rainwater drains off the roof, where is the water going? After two strong rainfalls in Guadalajara, I was up on my father-in-law's roof last weekend to help a contractor from Chapala clean an... read more

Expats living in Mexico have other considerations and better economic choices not commonly shared with the short-term traveler. First, there is no need for evacuation to a home country. Second, beca... read more

Let's look at the construction business here at Lake Chapala. This is like many businesses in that just about anyone can hang out a sign and call himself or herself a contractor. I believe the freedom ... read more

Advice to heed before heading out the door to the airport, questions you'll have after landing, and money issues that will arise in the course of your vacation You don't need to take travelers' checks... read more

In village businesses, it is common to see a sign in the bathroom asking you not to throw tissue paper down the toilet. The debate among friends in high school was whether the toilet paper shou... read more

Before heading south of the border, skipper and crew should review the boat's emergency gear, systems, and engine controls.

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Why do some properties take so long to sell? After offering advice to buyers purchasing real estate in Mexico, it seems only fair to discuss the issues for a seller in a foreign country. You have dec... read more

It is rare to see windows made of wood and, still rarer, is to observe high-tech windows. Windows and doors are elements in our home that we use frequently. Yet we never give them a second thoug... read more