Lake Chapala's rainy season has begun

by Kristina Morgan

Oh, it just doesn't get any better than this! Finally, finally--the rainy season is here! This is my favorite time of year. Those of you who are tired of rainy weather in places like Seattle need not fear. This is not like Seattle. The rains here are similar to Hawaii's weather...fierce thunderstorms that pound down and then are gone...leaving blue skies and sunshine afterward and very clean and green.

To the left is a picture my friend, Dila Suriel, shot with the rainy season of the village of Ajijic in all its glory.

Typically, it only rains during the night here like Camelot. Pretty idyllic!   It does sometimes rain during the day but when that happens it is infrequent enought that people will talk about it.

This is my favorite time of year and I am so glad its finally here...the temps dropped by 10 degrees down to 78 and dipping even cooler for the best sleeping conditions. I love living in paradise!

This is a video that was taken of the night the rainy season in Ajijic started. This should read June 12th 2010 instead of July. Have a look:

Community is alive and well at Lake Chapala

by Kristina Morgan

I am just really blown away by the sense of community at Lake Chapala...and I have been amazed by the cohesiveness here time and again over the years we have been here since 1995.

The Lake Chapala animal shelter had 24 hours to find homes for 15 dogs and we did it. Between phone and email everyone in town knew what was going on and helped by either adopting or signing the petition or passing on the information. Many people received the same email 4-7 times! People in San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta were even on the horn offering their help.

The dog shelter's crisis passed and they will be staying open after all. We can consider the dogs being adopted for free a 24 hour blue-light special. They gave the dogs away and they were all spayed or neutered, had their shots and even came with collars, leashes and food! And their dishes. We have welcomed Hope into our family as a result of this community effort. :)

Another example of community is this. There is a dentist here and he has been diagnosed with cancer. Within a week this community pulled together a fund raiser to help him off-set expenses for his treatment. And they'll probably do it again.

People here pull together to help whatever situation is thrown their way. It's as if we like a challenge or making our time count.

I have heard so many people say that one of the things they miss most is a sense of community north of the border. As an American, I sympathize. I see the errosion of good, old-fashioned community there, though it seems to be hanging on a bit in the southern states. I am not going to go into all the reasons, etc that I think community has been so diminished. I think most people can reflect and figure it out as the culture and priorities have shifted.

Conversely, the Lake Chapala community seems to be growing in strength. I think this is for two reasons. First, the Mexicans' values and belief system support this way of living. They pull together. They support each others businesses, they have a strong family foundation. Mexico has survived for centuries by having a strong sense of community.

And secondly, it's because the people who come here from somewhere else are a different kind of person. You have to be open to change, somewhat adventurous, and have a sense of humor to make a move like this to a foreign country. So in essence, I think expat communities, or at least Lake Chapala in particular, draw the best people there are from somewhere else. Who wouldn't want to be friends with someone who is open, adventurous and has a sense of humor? So what if 90% of the people who migrated to an area were like that? Wouldn't you want to be here, too?!

That's what we have here. Yes, sometimes it feels a little "small-town" as people generally do know your business. On the other hand, if you ever really needed help the community here would pull together. They move mountains in a very short amount of time and the grapevine works really well! Never underestimate the power of people at Lake Chapala!

Schools in the Lake Chapala Area

Joel and I decided to raise our children in the Lake Chapala area and as a result we have had a lot of experience with the schools here. Some great and some not so great. This is all based on our personal experience and that may not be your experience, so it is important to do your due diligence to find the best fit for you and your child. When you meet other people with children here ask them where their children go to school and why they didn’t choose a different school. The information below is just intended as a guideline to get you started.

Most people choose to put their children in a private, bilingual school while they are here in the area. The reality in the public schools is that most of them are over-crowded, having up to 50 students in one classroom. That just wasn’t an ideal situation for us while our kids were younger, though some foreigners here have had very positive experiences with the public schools here.

Mexican schools are on the British school system and are typically two years ahead of American schools. Surprised, aren't you? The reason for this is that, historically, many Mexican children never finish school past Jr. High and they go onto help with their family business, get a job to augment the family income or apprentice somewhere. This resulted in giving kids as much education as possible in the shortest amount of time. Children in Mexico start Kinder (pre-school) at age 3 and they are required to have a certificate showing that they completed their third year of kinder to enter first grade. Sometimes, if the child is from the U.S. or Canada, these rules are relaxed a bit if the child can keep up. Children are expected to know how to read and write, including penmanship in cursive to enter 1^st grade. 9th graders here are on their 3^rd year of Physics and if they are adept at mathematics, they are already taking calculus.

It is interesting to note that for children born in Mexico, a college education is free at any of the government universities, such as the University of Guadalajara provided that they can pass a very rigorous entrance exam. As a result of the difficulty of the exam only the best students can get in and there is a very low drop-out or failure rate and it is highly competitive. After 4 or 5 years students have their degree and then must “donate” a year to social service. For example, my daughter is interested in being a doctor and the University of Guadalajara has the best reputation of any college in Latin America for medicine. She will be given her GP license upon completion of college at the University of Guadalajara and then she will have to serve for a year at a clinic, such as the Red Cross, typical in rural communities working with families there, in addition to a year for her residency. The University will supply her with room and board and a small stipend during that time. Another benefit to Mexicans is that depending on their specializations in their chosen field, the University of Guadalajara has partnered with other colleges all over the world for exchange programs. For example, again drawing on the medical field, top students studying neurology have the chance to study in Germany. There are also a number of excellent private Universities here with top recognition in other countries, including Canada and the U.S., and they are much less expensive than schools in the U.S.

In 2009 the law in Mexico changed to make high school attendance compulsory. This is a great step for Mexico but one that I’m not sure how they are going to enforce.

The ideal time to register for the new school year is in February. If you can register in February, most schools will give you a significant discount for the registration fees.

There are a number of great private schools here that run the gamut from $50 USD a month to $300 USD a month to attend.

All of the schools in the Lake Chapala area require uniforms. That’s just the way its done here and it is meant to help the children and their parents to not have an economic burden with school clothes and heads off teasing or superiority among the children.

Preschool Options

Don Bosco

Instituto Loyola

Instituto Terranova

Octavio Paz

Tohui

>Primary grade Options:

• Instituto Loyola
• Instituto Terranova
• Mocel
• Octavio Paz
• Roosevelt School
• Terranova

Jr. High options:

• Instituto Loyola
• Instituto Terranova
• Octavio Paz
• Terranova
• Roosevelt School

High School Options:

• Instituto Loyola
• Instituto Terranova
• University of Guadalajara high school in Chapala
• University of Guadalajara high school in Jocotepec

I have added the University of Guadalajara Charter high schools, even though they are considered public, because there are fewer options for high schoolers here.

I will go into the schools in more detail below, including the two public high schools here.

Kinder Don Bosco

Pre-school, East Ajijic

This is a bilingual, private pre-school. It is fairly strict. If you have a child that is quite bright and would fit comfortably into a very academic setting then Don Bosco is worth taking a second look at. They teach reading and writing, in English and Spanish in print and in cursive. Ages are 3-6 years old. They require uniforms. This is run by a bilingual Mexican lady in La Floresta, in a beautiful neighborhood. They have a clean school with a great playground. They will require you to bring supplies, such as glue, paper, etc on a fairly regular basis. They do have a teacher turnover rate every year.

Tuition runs about $100 USD a month. Uniforms required. 376-766-0970 Paseo de las Canoas 4-A La Floresta, Ajijic

Intituto Loyola de Chapala:

K-12, San Antonio Tlayacapan

Once known as Oak Hill School, this is the oldest private, bilingual school in the area. Once when talking with parents about the three most popular private schools here (Loyola, Roosevelt and Terranova) it was said that Loyola is more free-spirited. More the “hippy,” laid-back school compared to the other two. Loyola actually has school dances for the high school, which is something no other school in the area does besides Terranova. They also participate in cultural and traditional events here, such as the Nutcracker Suite Ballet performed every year and the Dia de los Muertos exhibition as well as being in involved in some Lakeside Little Theater productions. They also have a robotics program and occasionally an astronomy event where the students and their parents can view the stars through a telescope at night. They are also partnering with the new Media Center here that will be producing movies and have classes in animation, video game design and cinematography.

Fees are about $250 USD a month. 376-766-0676 Allen W. Lloyd 151, San Antonio Tlayacapan

Mocel:

Grades 1-6, West Ajijic

A new school here that is part of Tohui. They seem to be the first school that is prepared to help kids with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. That is not to say they are proficient at it but they are the first school to be looking at this and getting up to speed. They demand a LOT of parental participation. You would have to participate in class parties and maybe help make a meal or costumes, etc. They have a nice campus with a big yard and work closely with a pre-school, Tohui, next door. They school goes up to 4th grade right now and will go as high as 6^th grade probably within the next year or two.

Fees are about $250 USD a month. 376-766-4646 Rio Lerma 19, Rancho del Oro, Ajijic

Octavio Paz:

Pre-K-12, Riberas del Pilar

A school with fairly small numbers of children in their classrooms, they typically have no more than 20 students per class. They have had a problem with keeping teachers. They teach karate all the way up to advanced levels and even have the kids walk on coals and glass. I know that sounds alarming but no child has ever been burned or cut. Sometimes they perform their martial arts in parades and at other community events.

Tuition is about $150 USD a month. Uniforms required. Tel 765-6266 Santa Margarita #138, Riberas del Pilar.

Roosevelt:

K-9, West Ajijic

This school is supported by its main campus in Guadalajara.  It is located on the west side of Ajijic. Something to consider is that parents are not allowed to come on campus, except the first time when you have a look around. That didn’t work for us as a family but Roosevelt has some of the highest academic rankings after testing of any school, except Terranova, in the area. They have a nice campus, smaller class room sizes.

Cost is about $250-$300 USD a month. Uniforms required. 376-766-2252 Carr. Chapala-Jocotepec 530, Ajijic

Instituto Terranova:

Pre-K-12, West Ajijic

a highly structured, strict Jesuit school in West Ajijic with a lot of after school activities including arts, dancing and sports. It's a beautiful campus. The cost is about $250 USD a month and that doesn't include the inscription fee, uniform, etc. This is a great school if your child is already fairly disciplined and quiet. My oldest did very well there. They have a high academic standard. Your child would have to take and pass an entrance IQ test to get in. They have a student exchange program that is in its second year and they are just beginning a bachalaureate program. They have traveled to San Luis Potosi and Puebla in Mexico as well as Quebec in Canada. Among its achievements are a first place ranking in the national school exams known as ENLACE, given by the Secretaria de Educacion Publica(SEP).

Fees are about $250 USD a month. Uniforms required. 376-2401, located at Rio Lerma #19, Rancho del Oro, Ajijic.

Tohui:

Pre-K 18 months-6years, West Ajijic

Tohui is by far considered the best (and most expensive) pre-school in the area but from what I have seen it is absolutely worth every penny. You will find a welcoming and very progressive staff of teachers and administrators there. They are the sister school of Mocel Primary school and located right next door. Expect to be extremely involved in your child’s education at this school but the standard for excellence is impressive. They work very hard to make it special experience for the kids. Most of the children who leave Tohui are well on their way to being bilingual.

Fees are about $250 USD a month. Uniforms required.  376-766-4646 Rio Lerma 17, Rancho del Oro, Ajijic

University of Guadalajara Preparatorias (high schools) There are two University of Guadalajara high schools here. One is located in Chapala at the east end of the lake and the other is located at the west end of the lake in Jocotepec. They are public, though an entrance exam is required. Both are considered very good high schools, though mainly just in core curriculum until students choose a career path. At that point, if a student wants to become a doctor, for example, they would begin to study more math and science courses. There are after school sports and activities. There is a morning session and an afternoon session. These high schools aren’t bilingual so children who don’t yet speak Spanish would be more comfortable in one of the other high schools mentioned.

Fees: about $100 a year. Uniforms required. Enrollment goes through the University of Guadalajara here: http://www.udg.mx/content.php?id_categoria=71

This information is not exhaustive and new schools open from time to time or things change. If you have more current information, please contact me: Kristina@focusonmexico.com

Do you have to speak Spanish at Lake Chapala or Ajijic?

by Kristina Morgan
We've lived in the Lake Chapala area for over 10 years and Spanish was something we had to learn. My daughter, Kaelyn, is leaving this month for missions trip in Honduras and when asked if I had any tips to help her brush up on her Spanish quickly, I thought of this article I wrote in 1997 about my experiences in learning Spanish. I often say that having to learn a second language was very humbling to me and gave me great story fodder.


Loosing My Inglish

Lately I find myself a very poor communicator. Somehow, after just four years in Mexico, I have all but forgotten how to speak English and I still slaughter Spanish!

Learning Spanish seems to be a combination of osmosis, trial and error. However, I’ve determined that the only thing really necessary to communicate in Mexico is a sense of humor.

U.S. Veterans are choosing Lake Chapala for retirement and health care

It amazes me that there are U.S. veterans that are having to choose a cheaper place to live than the very country they served and in many cases put their lives on the line for but Mexico is prepared to welcome them with a lower cost of health care and with sunny weather and a lower cost of living, many U.S. veterans are researching and finding Lake Chapala and Ajijic the most welcoming and best of the expat communities in Mexico.

Focus on Mexico is here to help you know if this area is for you and recently there was an article telling about what we do on Veterans Today. I was tickled to see us featured there and had to share this article with all of you.

Lake Chapala Mexico, the Number One Retirement Destination for U.S. Veterans

It is a well known fact that Mexico is the number one retirement destination for U.S. Veterans outside of the USA by far with the vast majority living in the greater Guadalajara area specifically in Ajijic on Lake Chapala.
Lake Chapala, Mexico nestled in a mountain valley just 50 minutes south of Guadalajara and 25 minutes from the international airport, is the largest inland body of water in Mexico. It is 90 km long and 20 km wide and is situated on the border between the states of Jalisco and Michoacan and approximately a 3 ½ hour drive from the Pacific ocean. Lake Chapala Mexico has become a retirement paradise for Americans, Canadians, and Europeans; people from all over the world come to enjoy the warm days and cool nights along the shores of our beautiful lake. Crimson sunrises and golden sunsets serve to heighten their enjoyment of each majestic day.

Lake Chapala has been the number one destination for U.S. Veterans since World War II when GI’s starting moving into the lake basin setting up homesteads, shops, businesses, and even the Lake Chapala Society along with a branch of the American Legion.  There are so many reasons to move to Lake Chapala and Mexico, here’s a top 10 list for you.

Top  10 reasons: Why so many people choose Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico! 

1. Near-perfect  weather – little or no humidity, average temperature 78  F (25.5 C) – year ‘round.
2. A safe and secure environment.
3. Accessibility – international airport 30 minutes away, making travel easy.
4. Established  infrastructure. Many of the conveniences you are used to are available in Chapala and everything you want, in Guadalajara (2nd largest city) a scant 50 minute drive.
5. Excellent communications: phone, high-speed internet, satellite TV, news and information from home
6. High quality health care, and pharmacies, with many bilingual professionals  trained in the US or Canada.
7. Lower cost of living – estimated to be at least 30% lower if not more than is most of the USA
8. English spoken – you can get by without Spanish, although it is fun to learn at least a little.
9. Stunning beauty, rich culture and history, breathtaking sunsets over the lake, and majestic mountain views.
10. Beautiful and unique homes – still offering great value (you get a lot for your  money).

So many others reasons to retire and live in Lake Chapala include a diverse cultural experience where you’ll meet up with intellectuals, artists, educators, lawyers, doctors, judges, and so many more super interesting people is such a small village.   Just join a civic group or sit in at a local cafe and you’ll hook up fast.  This is not a resort town its’ a place to live and enjoy so the locals are permanent not transient.  You love it. It’s amazing, fun, and everyday brings a new surprise.  Exhilirating!
So if you are ready for a whole new lease on life, your invited to experience their little pocket of paradise in Lake Chapala Mexico.  Join Focus on Mexico on their 8-Day Educational Focus on Mexico program for a life changing experience.

This was first posted here: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/04/11/lake-chapala-mexico-the-number-one-retirement-destination-for-u-s-veterans/#respond

Real Estate at Lake Chapala just got better

Up until now, there hasn't been anything else like La Reserva in the entire Lake Chapala area. It will be a 260 home, gated community with a marina and yacht club on the lake. The homes are just stunning...for those of you who loved Los Sabinos, wait until you see La Reserva! I made a video for it that I'll share here.

Father's Day at Lake Chapala

This Mexican dad has his priorities straight!

Father’s Day is coming up and we are going to make it a special one here at Lake Chapala. We'll probably head into Ajijic to one of our favorite restaurants--Simply Thai or Ajijic Tango come to mind--and spend some time appreciating the men in our lives.

In honor of Father's Day, I couldn’t resist posting about this father who made the news in the U.S.

He is the reserve team manager for the Mexican soccer team, Las Chivas, who has quit his job after they refused to let him take time off to go see his son play for the world cup.

This story really encapsulates what a priority family is to Mexicans but what struck me even more was his understanding of time and what is eternal.

Goal.com reports:
Mexico star's father quits coaching job to watch him at World Cup
Javier ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez has quit his job as manager of Chivas' reserve side in order to watch his son, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, play for Mexico in this summer's World Cup in South Africa...

Why so many people fall in love with the Ajijic and Lake Chapala area of Mexico

by Kristina Morgan

Chapala and Ajijic are ideally located about 40 minutes from Guadalajara (Mexico’s 2nd largest city), 25 minutes from Guadalajara’s international airport, and as close as 3 hours to the pacific coast. The Lake is centered in a ring of mountains and we’re a mile high so we have very little humidity (maximum of 15%) and enjoy the world’s second best climate (first is in Kenya) according to National Geographic. The distance inland is still close to the ocean but far enough away to not have to worry about storms and hurricanes off the coast. We have all the same flora as Hawaii as well as the same vegetation in arid states like Colorado—pines and cactus—growing equally well, side by side! Temperatures here average 74 degrees year-round.

We have lived in several areas of Mexico and this is by far our favorite. We’ve been in this area for ten years and in Mexico for 13 years and are raising our kids here instead of in the U.S. because it is so safe here. Lake Chapala isn’t on the drug corridor and I have never even seen a bandito in all my years living here. Thanks Goodness! Those would have definitely been deal-breakers for us. We never would have stayed here if we felt like we or our children were in danger.

There was an ABC News article in May about Ajijic:

Best Places to Retire to That You've Never Heard Of

Homes, Weather, Culture Draw Boomers Off the Beaten Path to Ajijic
Ajijic, Mexico May 13, 2010

It's not easy to pronounce (hint: Ah-hee-heek), but American retirees love this quaint Mexican village set between lush mountains and a sparkling lake.

"It has a spring-like climate year round, it's not too far from Guadalajara, and it's pretty," says Margaret Wylde, CEO of retirement consulting firm ProMatura Group. Because there are many Americans already living there, the town offers most amenities you could find at home. Retirees join one of the dozens of English-language clubs ranging from the booming Lake Chapala Society, with its English-language library, to the American Legion or the Lakeside Little Theater.


"They have everything that an American might need," says Daniel Prescher, editor of special projects at International Living magazine. "You can get a can of Campbell soup if you really need one."

At the same time, Ajijic and neighboring San Miguel de Allende do not get flooded by drunk college students during spring break, and they also offer cheap medical services -- which local experts say rival U.S. standards.

The Mexico retirement boom is only likely to grow: the Mexican government recently launched a national initiative to attract more foreign retirees and is working with developers to build more senior communities.

But hands-down, the reason I love Lake Chapala is the strong sense of community. I think this is the most friendly, charming and unique place in the world and we have traveled quite a lot. The Mexican people are warm and gracious and the ex-pats here (from all over the world) have a sense of adventure, a pioneering spirit and generally are very accepting of Mexico and make positive changes by their presence here.

This video also talks about some of the myths and misconceptions here:



Kristina Morgan: Director of Public Relations for FocusOnMexico.

To help you in making a choice, Focus On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2nd Best Climate in the World). Join us on a Focus program and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala. www.focusonmexico.com

Our programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more...

You’ll get everything you need to help you decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus have a lot of fun doing it. Retiring in Mexico couldn't be better.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico

By Kristina Morgan and Joelle Lau-Hansen

Many Baby Boomers are going to experience a role reversal in caring for their aging parents and will need help to provide care for them.

Many people are moving south of the border for more than sunshine and a slower pace of living—they are coming to seek out assisted living or long-term care options that are at least half the cost of care north of the border.

The median cost for long-term care in the United States is $3,622.00 per month. That’s $43,472 USD per year and many states are significantly higher, according to the Genworth Financial 2009 Cost of Care Survey...

Climate, Health Care and Real Estate draw retirees to Lake Chapala, Mexico

By Kristina Morgan

Between the faltering economy in the U.S. and a rising cost of living, many people find themselves looking at moving to other counties to retire, and Mexico tops the list.

But where in Mexico? You want a low cost of living, affordable real estate, a perfect climate, amentities in English, stunning beauty, a slower pace lifestyle and warm people waiting to welcome you as a part of a community. Of the English-speaking enclaves in Mexico, Lake Chapala and Ajijic top that list. 

As many of the expats who have gone to Mexico and made their new home at Lake Chapala will tell you (about 20,000 have made this area their home) the reasons to look at Lake Chapala go beyond the lower cost of living, which is 30% to as much as 50% less than where you are living if you are currently in the United States or Canada.

Affordable real estate at Lake Chapala is one of the reasons. In fact, real estate there is much less to buy than in San Miguel, Puerto Vallarta or even Guadalajara. You can live in paradise but get far more for your money if you buy a home at Lake Chapala. You can view listings on the Lake Chapala MLS here: http://www.focusonmexico.com/Mexico-Topics/Real-Estate/Real-Estate-Listings-in-Lake-Chapala-Mexico.html

Climate

The Lake Chapala area also boasts the best climate of any of the other popular expat enclaves in Mexico. There’s also an infrastructure that is already in place making most expats feel very comfortable with their move to a foreign country and dealing with a foreign language--a change that would normally be daunting for most people.

Culture

Still, it is important to add that the Lake Chapala area is by no means “Little America.” The fact that this is an area comprised of small fishing villages and not a city and that it tends to draw people intent on creating a new life for themselves that respects the local people and culture has added to it’s laid-back feel and friendliness. People go there for all the climate, proximity to the U.S. and Canada and low cost of living but they stay because of the warm and friendly people.

Safety

In towns far from the US border such as Ajijic, Mexico's drug wars seem like another world. In fact, according to a recent survey by the International Community Foundation, violence reduced the frequency or duration of trips to Mexico for only 7 percent of American retirees who live or travel frequently to Mexico.

Health Care

The possible extension of Medicare benefits to Americans who retire abroad could further fuel that. But even now, health care to Americans and Canadians is affordable. To learn more about it this video goes into what is specific to the Lake Chapala area, as well as Guadalajara.



Of 5.25 million Americans living abroad, 1 million are estimated to live south of the border. With America's baby boomers retiring, potential for further growth is huge. The International Community Foundation found that Mexico remains their retirees' No. 1 travel and retirement destination abroad.
 
However, one size doesn't fit all and Mexico, even with all it's benefits, isn't for everyone. At Lake Chapala, Focus on Mexico gives informational 8-day tours to the area that give you the information so you can decide if Mexico is right for you and be able to navigate efficiently in Mexico. Focus on Mexico helps you with all your real estate needs and paves the way for you during your transition from beginning to end.  www.focusonmexico.com

Puerto Vallarta vs Lake Chapala

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by Kristina Morgan

This is the third in my series comparing popular retirement destinations. So far I have compared Lake Chapala vs. Hawaii and Lake Chapala vs. San Miguel. Now I take on Puerto Vallarta and share why even though I love the beach, we settled on Lake Chapala.

Both of these locations are jewels in the state of Jalisco’s crown and are within five hours drive of each other. I ran into my friend, Pat Carrol, today and he said he spends winters at Puerto Vallarta and summers at Lake Chapala. My family also enjoys occasional jaunts to PV, as it is known here.  The road can get a bit harrowing and traffic can get quite backed up if you get stuck behind a semi chugging along. However, they are working on a highway that is supposed to be finished for the Pan AM games in 2011 that will cut the drive time down to two or three hours, which will be great!

I love the beach. I love coconuts and palm trees and watching the sunset over the ocean but when it came right down to it, I didn’t choose to live there. Making that choice was very personal to me and so keeping in mind that it’s all about what makes the most sense for you, these were our main reasons...

Living and Retiring in Ajijic Vs San Miguel de Allende

I have begun a series comparing the Lake Chapala and Ajijic areas to other popular retirement areas. My last article compared Lake Chapala to Hawaii, a comparison I felt compelled to make after so many people said that Lake Chapala reminded them of Hawaii—only better! In this article I will take a look at Ajijic vs. San Miguel de Allende.

To me, when you compare Ajijic and San Miguel, the best choice is a no-brainer. San Miguel is cold and very expensive; I didn’t come to Mexico to live where it’s cold and expensive! I’m partial to Ajijic’s genuine warmth and quirkiness, too. I love the rogue colors everywhere and the mountain and lake vistas. The natural beauty is riotous and abundant here at Lake Chapala.

Ajijic is also located outside of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city and within close proximity to other places you’ll want to check out.

Lake Chapala VS Hawaii: Retire in Paradise without the high price tag

 By Kristina Morgan

Hawaii. What could be better than Hawaii with its beautiful scenery, waterfalls, ocean views and native culture? It may be surprising to most people to hear that Lake Chapala is very much like Hawaii but with a couple of compelling differences. I finally interviewed two people who lived in Hawaii and each spontaneously shared how much Lake Chapala reminded them of their time on the islands.

Lake Chapala is still relatively unknown to most people, unless they’ve been researching the best places in the world to retire. Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico, boasting low humidity and near-perfect weather and is a mile high like Denver. But Lake Chapala is far more similar to Hawaii than Denver...

Crime and Safety in Lake Chapala, Mexico

We live in Lake Chapala, south of Guadalajara and a few hours drive from Puerto Vallarta. My husband I have lived here for many years and we’re raising three of our children here and one of the primary reasons is because it is so safe. Clearly, there are facts to back up my feeling.
>If you look at the NationMaster's Crime Per Capita, the U.S. is #8 on the list of high crime and Mexico is down at #39.

To help put this in perspective, Christine Delsol writes, “Everything is relative.

Would knowing that Miami has the highest violent crime rate in the United States keep you from going to the Grand Canyon, or even Disney World, in the same state?

A study just published by RE/MAX Investment Properties indicates that major tourist zones in Mexico are up to 26 times safer than some tourist zones in the United States. Clearly, they want to sell real estate and that is their interest in doing the study....but they also sell real estate in the U.S. so I have to wonder if their study had any adverse affects on their sales in the cities they mention below.

Their study reveals that the state of Baja California Sur – home to Los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto – has a homicide rate 26 times lower than Orlando, 18 times lower than Miami, 17 times lower than West Palm Beach, 12 times lower than Tampa and half that of Honolulu.

In addition, the study points out that Mexican tourist zones are even safer when the homicide rates are compared with major cities in the United States and Canada. For example, Baja California Sur has a homicide rate 39 times lower than Washington D.C., 19 times lower than Houston, 17 times lower than Dallas, 7 times lower than the city of New York and 3 times lower than Vancouver.

Lake Chapala is one of the safest places I have ever been and I didn’t live in big cities North of the Border. Greeley, Colorado certainly doesn’t top the crime lists anywhere but it was far more dangerous to live there with murders, rapes and armed robberies reported every week than it has ever been here in the Chapala/Ajijic area of Mexico.

Focus on Mexico recently sent out a survey to find out what other residents had to say about crime and safety in the Lake Chapala/Ajijic area, and these are a few comments that seem to embody the general sentiments of the people who responded:

Clay McAdam:
I would like to share my impressions and feelings from the perspective of a retired Edmonton police officer who has chosen to live permanently in Mexico. We feel perfectly safe walking in the streets of Ajijic at any time of day or night. It never ceases to amaze me when walking down the street and being greeted with an ‘hola’ or ‘buenos dias,’ by people whom we do not know. Not since I was child in a small town in southwestern Saskatchewan have I been greeted in this manner.

The North American news media has taken a situation that is occurring in the border areas and is blowing it totally out of proportion as far as I am concerned. My advice is to come to Lake Chapala and see what it is like to live in a happy and enjoyable environment.

Jerry Pounds:
My personal feeling is that Lake Chapala is as safe a place as one will find anywhere.

I decided the second day that I was in Mexico (with you wonderful folks at FOCUS on MEXICO) that I would spend as much of the rest of my life in the Lake Chapala area as possible. Two years later I think of myself as Mexican/American and am very happy with my decision. As soon as I can finish business obligations in the states, I will live full time in Ajijic and have absolutely no fear of violence in Mexico. In summary, Lake Chapala is much closer to Andy Griffith's Mayberry, as far as safety goes, than any place I have been in the states, in Europe and the rest of Mexico.

Lori Truly:
I would be happy to comment on the "crime" (or lack there of) in the Lake Chapala area. First of all when my husband and I lived here in 1997, we had no children and I asked my husband “if we ever have children, can we raise them here?" He said sure and chuckled, because we never thought the dream would come true. Well, it has, and the children love it! Why did we want to raise our children here? The safety. Is there petty theft? Sure, like anywhere, lock your doors when you leave the house, and don't be careless with your belongings, and you'll be O.K. just like any "nice" neighborhood in the states. I feel so much more secure her, than I do in the States now. When I visit ther,e I am nearly uncomfortable. Always looking over my shoulder, making sure my children are safe, and always holding on to my pocket book. Not here!!!! I just love it here, and have NO desire to go back north at all.

Sheila Turner:
I have always lived in large cities in the U.S., and I am no stranger to crime. Here, I live alone and there has been no time that I have felt insecure or fearful. All I can say is "It's a great life."

In summary, I have no idea if the American media is just lazy or if they have an agenda, but I cannot sit idly by and allow all of Mexico to be painted with such a broad brush. Lake Chapala is, indeed, safe.

Flying Over Lake Chapala

For my daughter's 16th birthday, her dad and I decided to get her a gift that would be a memorable experience so we chose paragliding over Lake Chapala. We are either the coolest parents in the world or the most stupid parents in the world. But in any case, it seemed safe and like a memory she would take with her in life, as opposed to a material gift. She wrote a blog about her experience and I want to share...and her photos are amazing! You'll have to click "read more" to see her photos.

By Lily Barker 
 
“It’s about the moment when nothing else matters, when you’re catching an experience that will turn into a long-lasting memory.”
Have you ever dreamt that you were flying? That you were soaring over the expanse of the lake, with mountains underneath you and a blue sky above? Well, not only have I dreamt that but I did it. One word: Paragliding...

Somewhere in Mexico by the TallBoys Band

My husband, Joel, is a guitar and bass player for the TallBoys Band. He and his friends, David and Flip make up the best band in town...and even if that sounds horrifically biased it's just a fact and everyone here knows it and loves them. They are entertainers...they involve their crowd and they have a kickin' set of originals they play. They have two albums out and are working on their third. This is the title track song on their second album, Somewhere in Mexico. Perhaps the best thing about this video is all the footage of Ajijic and Lake Chapala. You can really get a feel for what it's like here! Notice the bride and groom...not actors! There happened to be a wedding that day. Also, when the people sing in the street with them, that was also spontaneous. Just more reasons to love Mexico. People here are so full of life, so supportive and just....happier!

Surprising News About Mexico

It still amazes me how much the people talk about why they moved to Lake Chapala. I think it’s a topic in just about every conversation I have ever had since moving to Mexico in 1993. Most of us are still thankful that we found this wonderful community and even though it is well-established it is still very open and very friendly to newcomers. Despite the simple, peaceful life we lead here at Lake Chapala with the second best climate in the world, the low cost of living and safety, I still get a lot of emails asking me about crime here from people wondering if we’re all just nuts to be living south of the border in a "dangerous place."

According to UN statistics, you're 3 times more likely to be a victim of crime in the U.S. than you are in Mexico.

Recent FBI statistics paint the picture even more clearly... The murder rate (per 100,000 people) in Baltimore is 43.3... in Washington DC it is 29.1... and in Detroit 47.3... But in Mexico, the murder rate again is just a third of that... about 13.

But you wouldn’t get that impression from watching the news! People who come to Lake Chapala say that in general they feel safer than or just as safe as they did back home.

You also might enjoy watching this video about more myths and misconceptions about Mexico:

Growing up at Lake Chapala

by Kristina Morgan

Huele de Noche is an unassuming flowering plant that gives off a heady perfume that will fill an entire yard with its beauty at night. My daughter Maya thinks it looks like a weed. But that “weed” is one of the most beautiful flowers in our yard because of the sheer pleasure I have when I smell it at night. It even fills our house with the sweet smell. I admit that if you don’t recognize Huele de Noche for what it is that it is a little unexpected coming from such a modest flower.

Tonight, as we were leaving the house I stopped and showed my youngest daughter, Maya, the Huele de Noche plant and we both breathed in the scent of this surprising flower that may be small but packs quite a punch! We were leaving the yard and I was driving her to a dance where she was meeting her sister, Lily, and their friends.

As we were driving along, Maya and I chatted about whatever it is mothers and daughters chat about on the way to a dance. Time to be picked up, where she would meet Lily, etc.

Hot Babe Fairy Dust at Lake Chapala

By Kristina Morgan

Those of you who have read my past articles have read about the bromide here, a mineral in the volcanic basin of the lake that evaporates into the air. I call it our Happy Gas. But unless you live here you may not know about what I call the Hot Babe Fairy Dust, a phenomenon that occurs at Lake Chapala.

I feel like living in the Lake Chapala area has kind of taken me back in time. There’s the obvious fact that it is like stepping back 50-70 years here regarding the pace, culture and values but that really isn’t what I mean.

I’m turning 39 on March 8th but I look younger than I did when we moved back here in 2002. I feel younger now than I did when I lived in Colorado and I was in my late 20s and early 30s. I’m not the only one. Many of the people I talk to have had the same experience. Some people have chalked it up to this being a retirement area so there are always people older than us. I don’t think that’s it though. Because there are many young people who live here with their families, working or as entrepreneurs in businesses, or they have an internet business that allows them to work anywhere, or they are in the small percentage of people who came into money or retired very early.

The Maya speak About 2012 at Lake Chapala Mexico

by Kristina Morgan

2012Unless you’re completely out of touch and don’t watch the news or read tabloids you’ve heard of 2012. There’s even an action-packed movie by Mel Gibson that promises to scare the heck out of you if most websites about 2012 haven’t already. So is 2012 the end of the world? The beginning of a shift in spiritual consciousness that heralds the Golden Age of humanity? Or just a bunch of conspiracy-theorist hype?

A History Channel program titled "Decoding the Past: Doomsday 2012: End of Days" says a galactic alignment or magnetic disturbances could somehow trigger a "pole shift."

"The entire mantle of the earth would shift in a matter of days, perhaps hours, changing the position of the north and south poles, causing worldwide disaster," a narrator proclaims. "Earthquakes would rock every continent; massive tsunamis would inundate coastal cities. It would be the ultimate planetary catastrophe."

Living in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico makes the Mayan prophecies that originated here particularly fascinating to me but I wondered what the Maya really think of their prophetic date and about being at the source of all this hoopla, especially where it concerns a prophecy that may be ladled out in heaping mugs of fact-distortion and fear—or mean the end of the world. So what do the Maya have to say about these interpretations of their calendar?

Are you taking a risk by coming to Lake Chapala?

by Kristina Morgan

I had two very similar conversations this week. Both went something like ths:

“I’m old now. I can’t take risks like I did when I was younger. It’s very important to me that I feel secure and I really don’t like change. I have basically had the same life for the past 45 years and I’m comfortable as I am. I am intrigued by the idea of visiting Lake Chapala to see if I might like it there but I really can’t see myself taking a risk by moving there to a foreign country….even if I like it.”

Both of these conversations left me questioning what is it about change that to one person feels positive and empowering and to another feels dangerous and uncertain?

What are the benefits in taking a chance?

Focus on Mexico, Friends and Lake Chapala: A life changing combination

By Kristina Morgan

I just said goodbye to two of my favorite people, Brad and Mary. They are both Focus Alumni I met on the Focus on Mexico program here in LakeChapala during my very first group (February 2-9, 2008) after I came on board with FOM as their Public Relations Director. An irony I’d like to share regarding our friendship is that we are all from Colorado but we had to come to Lake Chapala to meet!

Since their time here, they have bought a house and have plans to move here and have visited several times. They were here for a week this time and I always tell them, “A week isn’t long enough!” On our Focus programs, it is long enough to know that this is a great place to retire. But the subsequent visits feel like teasers from past participants who have become our friends and long to be here permanently.