Bette Brazel, Author at Focus On Mexico Page

Let’s go to the Feria de los Maestros (artisan fair)

The Feria de los Maestros (artisan fair) has been held Lakeside every year on the second week of November for the past 18 years. This is a unique fair which brings the best artisans from every region of Mexico. All sales proceeds go directly to the artisans and there is no charge for booth or commission fees. Transportation is provided and they are hosted by local expat families. Many friendships are developed through the home stays. Participants Planning for the Feria takes most of the year including choosing the artisans through recommendations from local coordinators in each state … [Read more...]

Let’s Go to the Market

One of the many benefits of Lakeside living are the numerous markets along the north shore. Whether you're looking for fresh vegetables and fruit, chicken, fish, seafood, to fresh cinnamon rolls, tacos, pizza or quality organic products or clothing, jewelry, and home decor and more, you will find them at one of the area's many markets several days of the week. Monday On Monday the large open air market in Chapala features thousands of items at some of the most economical prices in the area. On Monday you will also find a market featuring quality prepared foods at the Sunrise Restaurant in … [Read more...]

A Focus Alumna in Morelia

A few months ago we gave an overview of Morelia, Michoacan in the post Focus on Morelia. On a recent return trip to Morelia, we met Maureen, a Focus alumna who recently moved to Morelia from Lakeside. She graciously agreed to sit down for an interview about her life, Focus, and Lakeside experiences and her move to Morelia. We met for morning coffee at a charming downtown cafe/restaurant where the Morelia expats meet for a monthly coffee and have set up a small English lending library. Please tell our readers a little about your background and how you came to Mexico. I grew up in Southern … [Read more...]

How Lakeside Celebrates Mexican Independence

September 16 is the official celebration of Mexican independence, a big holiday in Mexico similar to the 4th of July in the U.S. and Canada Day. The Grito de Dolores The "Grito de Dolores" is a historic event that happened on September 16, 1810, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell of his church and issued a call to arms to fight Spanish occupation in the small Guanajuato province town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo). Each year the 'grito' is reenacted in villages and towns throughout Mexico, led by the 'grito' issued by the President of Mexico from the balcony of presidential … [Read more...]

What’s on the south side of Lake Chapala – Part II

We are fortunate to live on the shores of Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico whose shores include a variety of interesting towns on both sides of the lake. While the Chapala/Ajijic area is the most well-known, there are many expats living along other areas on the north shore where housing prices are generally more reasonable, and there is the fascinating south shore, where we just returned from our second visit to Sahuayo for the annual Festival de los Tlahualiles , one of the best mask festivals in Mexico. This fiesta is part of the town's annual patron saint festival which happens in … [Read more...]