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

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

PASSION: According to the Random House College Dictionary it is "any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling." It is further defined as "a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm or desire for any... read more

I'm sitting behind a small desk in the English department of a Ciudad Juárez politécnico - a sort of combination senior vocational high school cum junior college - across the Rio Grande from E... read more

"When I walked into the museum and saw my ceramic sitting there beside the plaque for the Galardón, I was astonished. I had had no idea I had been awarded the Grand Prize." José Quezada sat with his ... read more

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

Immersed in the history of art and literature, weaved into the superstitions of the collective consciousness, and illumined by the silver screens of cinema, the Wild Man paradoxically basks in the ligh... read more

Juan Mata Ortíz is a small village of potters, farmers and cowboys in Northern Chihuahua. About 30 years ago, an unschooled artistic genius, Juan Quezada, taught himself how to make earthenware jars i... read more

Over and over and over this is all I hear. It would appear that this noise means that my uninterruptable power supply is currently being interrupted. Click-clack, click-clack. Click-clack, click-clac... read more

Corazoncita, or little heart, is a Mexican expression of affection, similar to 'sweetheart'. This is a story of my first visit to Mexico, and how a sweet, little Mexican girl became mi corazonci... read more

The streetlamp on any street, in any city, sees so many people passing by... Alberto Cortez I live now in this junkyard. It is not such a bad life. The open sky, the s... read more

Juan Mata Ortíz is a small village of potters, farmers and cowboys in Northern Chihuahua. About 30 years ago, an unschooled artistic genius, Juan Quezada, taught himself how to make earthenware jars i... read more

I'm sitting behind a small desk in the English department of a Ciudad Juárez politécnico -- a sort of combination senior vocational high school cum junior college -- across the Rio Grande from... read more

I had had a bad day. I had gone back to work after being sick for three days with the flu. People who were supposed to pay didn't. My appointment this morning didn't work out as well as I could have ho... read more

Is driving in Mexico safe? Can I take my young children in the car? Are the toll roads expensive? There are so many questions and stories about driving in Mexico. Unless you're in Chiapas, driving is ... read more

Secreted behind a thick adobe wall that runs along Calle Ocampo, Ajijic's main thoroughfare, lies doña Carlota's patio. I cherish this tiny, private paradise for to me its warmth and simplicity repres... read more

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

The recent demise of one of my dearest friends has made me reflect on how my experiences in Mexico have not only enriched my life, but also taught me to better cope with death. I am deeply grateful to ... read more

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

Excerpt from a work in progress "Have Pets, Will Travel" Curiosity can kill a cat, but in my case, it got me a parakeet. When I first arrived in Mexico, everything fascinated me. In this particular c... read more

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

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

Taking up residence in a Mexican village has meant, among other joys, the chance to live out my greatest childhood fantasy: to be a cowgirl with horses of my own. I've now relinquished illusions of bec... read more

Updated May, 2009 Are you renting in Mexico or did you buy? Why? Can you own your house outright? These are questions I’m frequently asked. Generally, my recommendation is to rent for at least six... read more

Although the three countries that make up North America are physically close, Mexico is simply a different country than her northern neighbours. Mexico has a different history and thus a different cult... read more