Focus On Mexico

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

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Watch Those Pesos…

Watch Those Pesos…

They Spend Like Real Money! While Mexican money may look like Monopoly money at first glance, it spends just like real money, so it's good idea to get familiar with the Mexican peso before you arrive. If you're not used to dealing in more than one currency, it can feel daunting at first to convert from your home currency to pesos quickly and confidently. It's common to see flustered people thrust a handful of cash and coins at cashiers in Mexico so that vendors could pick out the appropriate amount from their hands. That's NOT the recommended way of doing things, even though there are many … [Read more...]

What’s on the South Side of Lake Chapala?

What’s on the South Side of Lake Chapala?

Mexico is full of treasures and lakeside is all around Lake Chapala, which the indigenous used to call the sea of Chapala due to its size.  The north side of the lake that we commonly call Lakeside from east to west consists basically of the towns of Chapala, Ajijic, San Juan Cosala, and Jocotepec.  On the south side of lake you'll find from west to east the towns of San Luis Soyotlan, Tuxcueca, Tizapan, Sahuayo and Petatan (where the pelicans come to winter), Sahuayo and Jilquipan. I've been curious about the 'other' side of the lake ever since arriving in Ajijic almost two years ago.  A … [Read more...]

Giving Back Lakeside

Giving Back Lakeside

Congratulations - the decision is made and you are heading south of the border!  When you arrive Lakeside it's a good idea to take several months to acclimate and manage all the business involved with starting a new life in a new country, but once you're feeling settled you may want to find a way to give back to the community that is hosting us. From the first expats who came to the area, Lakeside has a long history of volunteerism and today there are many established charities that could use your help and, if there is something you would like to do that's not currently available,  you may … [Read more...]

Focus on Day of the Dead

Focus on Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead on November 1-2 is one of the most important holidays in Mexico.  It's a wonderful opportunity to see life and death through the eyes of the Mexican culture as you visit the altars set up all around Lakeside to honor ancestors who have passed and their return to visit their living loved ones on this holiday. If you are interested in a possible move to Lakeside, our October 27-Nov. 1 fast track learning seminar is the perfect opportunity to explore what Lakeside has to offer and the Day of the Dead celebrations.   Day of the Dead Lakeside In Ajijic, the altars are … [Read more...]

We All Come Here To Die!

We All Come Here To Die!

or...People come to Lakeside to die and forget because they are so busy living! Both sayings are true as most expats who move Lakeside enjoy full lives and make significant contributions to the community.  But the day comes for all of us when it's time to move on to the next stage of our journey.  One of the best things about Mexico is the healthy attitude towards death and dying.  People mourn for their loved ones like everywhere in the world, but there is a more general acceptance of death as part of the process. How to Prepare for Death As An Expat in Mexico Many expats moving to … [Read more...]