Search Results for: State of the Lake 2018

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...]

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!

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...]

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 It Too Late to Move to Ajijic?

There is a lot of current social media buzz about the flood of foreigners moving to Ajijic, rising prices, etc. A recent video by Tangerine Travels points out some of the drawbacks of Ajijic and generated a flood of comments. Additionally, some people say the town is ‘full’ and the expats are ruining the character of the town. So let’s look more in depth at the ‘ugly’ side of Ajijic: Rising Real Estate/Rental Prices It is true that prices for both home purchase and rental are rising. The Tangerine video stated that there is nothing available for purchase in Ajijic for less than $250,000 … [Read more...]