Focus On Mexico

Your Guide to Moving and Retiring to Mexico's Lake Chapala

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Benito Juaréz – the Lincoln of Mexico

Benito Juaréz – the Lincoln of Mexico

Who is Benito Juaréz? This week we celebrate Benito Juarez's birthday, a national holiday in Mexico. Benito Juaréz was a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln inaugurated in the same month and year as Abraham Lincoln (March 1861).  He was a controversial figure remembered among other things for his declaration of the supremacy of civil power over the Catholic church and the military, and respect for the rule of law.  Today, Benito Juaréz is still known by many as the "Lincoln of Mexico." In his book, "Abraham Lincoln and Mexico," Dr. Michael Hogan refers to a note written by Abraham Lincoln to … [Read more...]

What Are the Focus a-la-carte Programs?

What Are the Focus a-la-carte Programs?

At every FOCUS seminar we offer modestly priced a-la-carte options that include the following: The Sunday full-day tour of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hospicio Las Cabañas and a detailed review of the famous murals by José Clemente Orozco, a contemporary of Diego Rivera, including one of his most famous murals "Man on Fire". After a morning in the historic center of Guadalajara, we tour the unique artisan shopping area of Tlaquepaque and enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in the area, followed by a performance by the famous local … [Read more...]

Carnaval Lakeside – What’s A Sayaco?

Carnaval Lakeside – What’s A Sayaco?

Carnival is celebrated in almost all Catholic countries as the final festivity before the commencement of Lent.  At Lakeside we are in full Carnaval season with a series of events including the Sayaca parade in Ajijic on February 25 beginning at 10:30, starting from behind the church.  The Sayacos are a pre-hispanic tradition native to Ajijic and there are several versions of the legend about their origins that have been passed down orally from one generation to another. The Legend of the Sayacos One version of this ancient tradition says that the Sayaco and the Sayaca were born prior to the … [Read more...]

Can Mexico Be Fixed?

Can Mexico Be Fixed?

As widely reported, the Lakeside community is shocked and saddened at the recent murder of a local Canadian resident and we join the rest of the community in offering our condolences to the family and friends of the victim.  This incident only added to the anxiety caused among some by recent reports regarding the purported upswing of crime in the area, and recent writings and interviews conducted by visitors to the area.  So let's take a closer look at current events Lakeside and address the question of how bad is it and can Mexico be fixed? CRIME In general, there is some level of increase … [Read more...]

Lakeside Retirement Budget Planning

Lakeside Retirement Budget Planning

When planning a move Lakeside, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to plan your Mexico budget in advance.  Of course you will inevitably make adjustments once you are on the ground in Mexico, but having a proposed budget will give you the peace of mind you need when making a major life move.  While prices have risen in recent years, the good news is that Lakeside life is still quite affordable with careful planning. Visa Costs - the Bottom Line Your first expenditure once you've made the decision to move to Mexico will be your resident visa. To get some detail on the … [Read more...]