Focus On Mexico

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

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Are You Ready to Party?!

Are You Ready to Party?!

This weekend was the Globo festival, an annual Ajijic tradition since 1947.  This event unofficially kicks off the next seven months of fiestas and the run-up to 'high season', which is basically November 1-April 1.  Here are some cultural tips from local residents, long-term expats, and my own 20+ years of life in Latin America to help you get the most out of your Lakeside visit or move. DO "Enjoy the community and the traditions.  Get to know the background and history of the community, the Lake Chapala Society, the children's art program, and the art galleries, which are an echo of the … [Read more...]

Is Culture Shock A Reality Lakeside?

Is Culture Shock A Reality Lakeside?

With a supportive community of both expats and locals, it might seem that culture shock is not something you have to deal with when moving here, but culture shock is a reality when making any international move even for those of us who are already familiar with a particular language and/or culture from past experience.  Any time you make a big life change, it will shake things up for you and your loved ones.  Understanding and accepting this reality can actually help to smooth out the transition somewhat.  Pink Pangea, a women's travel site, gives an excellent synopsis of what culture shock … [Read more...]

Lakeside Care Options

Lakeside Care Options

Overview Many who are considering a move to Lakeside are interested in local care options including assisted living facilities either for a loved one or for themselves at some point.  Assisted living is a fairly new concept in Mexico, because most Mexicans still consider it a duty and an honor to care for their elderly family members.  Recent statistics point out that in the state of Jalisco there are only ~1,700 elderly Mexicans in assisted living out of an elderly Jalisco population of ~758,000.  However, there are currently 11 assisted living centers and nursing homes Lakeside geared … [Read more...]

Do I Have To Learn Spanish to live Lakeside?

Do I Have To Learn Spanish to live Lakeside?

The short answer is no and yes! You can certainly reconnoiter the area, find a place to rent, eat out and enjoy myriad activities without speaking Spanish.  Many Lakeside natives either speak or are learning English and are happy to practice with you.  However, your adaptation to Lakeside living will be greatly facilitated by at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish.  There are many popular programs such as Duolingo, Babbel, and others that can help you get started. Depending on their home/career circumstances, most of our Focus alumni take at least six months to a year or more to … [Read more...]

Lakeside Joins the 21st Century…Maybe?

Lakeside Joins the 21st Century…Maybe?

Imagine living in a 'newly industrialized' country where you have better internet speed than in most of the U.S.  It could happen here because of fiber optics - the wave of the internet future.  So, you say, why do I care?  Well, current Lakeside residents report download speeds of between 5Mbps and 10Mbps at the best.  Fiber optics download speeds start at 15Mbps and go up to 300Mbps - more than most of us will ever need.  From the chart below you can see that anything beyond standard definition video streaming is getting close to the limits of what is currently available.  For example, the … [Read more...]