This year's Can Am Celebration was a huge success. It is held every year on the Lake Chapala Society grounds. It is to honor Canada Day and American's Fourth of July. This year it was on the second of July, which was last Monday, from noon to after four in the afternoon. I was there at the opening of the gate and stayed until the end. There was too much to see and do. I didn't want to miss anything.  I...

The Senior Expo was held at the Real de Chapala Hotel on June 8th through June 9th, in Ajijic, Jalisco. It started at nine in the morning and lasted until seven thirty in the evening on both days. There were lectures going on all day in the inside meeting room and at the same time there was entertainment on the outdoor stage. They had many drawings. I saw one man win a five night, six day trip to an all...

Sundays on the Ajijic Plaza are always fun. Many times there are various art and craft shows and events on the plaza. It is a great place to meet up with friends. There is always music, entertainment and lots of fun to be had. Canadian Couple Enjoying Ice Cream on the Ajijic Plaza The Ajijic Society of Arts and Crafts had a show this past Sunday. I love to see all the beautiful things and paintings...

Retirement & Cost of Living in Lake Chapala, Ajijic & Mexico in General Why do so many Canadians, Americans and even Europeans decide to spend their retirement in a foreign country? The cost of living of course. Mexico is on the top of the list. The Lake Chapala area is so one of the most attractive retirement communities in Mexico, due to its year round spring like weather and inexpensive living...

Hamacas is a small development down the street that runs next to the Hole in One restaurant in San Antonio Tlayacapan. It is a beautiful country road just a few blocks from the main highway. It feels like it is out in the country, yet it is close to town. 3 homes in Hamacas It is a very secure, gated community. Fifty two houses are going to be built there very soon. For now, there are six finished...

Developments & Gated Communities The Lakeside area offers a wide array of options when it comes to purchasing a home in different types of gated communities and developments. Typically they consist of Villas, Homes and Condos that have between 20 - 200 units. The majority of them have common areas and amenities which are shared by all the home owners, some include: pool, clubhouse, gym, tennis courts,...

El Dorado is one of the best locations in the Lake Chapala area. It is only a twenty- five minute drive from Guadalajara. It is within a few minutes drive of Ajijic and Chapala.  Building on it started in 2007. It was built on the old driving range known as "Oso Dorado".  That is the origin of El Dorado as a name for this beautiful complex. It is on the Libramiento, within walking distance of the new...

Every year the Lake Chapala Society puts on an art and craft fair in their back garden area. This year it was on Saturday, November 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  I went when the gate opened and stayed until almost the end. It was well attended and there were so many interesting things to see that I kept on hanging out. I ran into many friends. I ate some delicious food. It was great fun. Entrance...

Mazamitla is a mountain town about an hour and a half outside of Jocotepec . It is approximately 77 miles from Guadalajara in the Southeast region of the state. It is about the same distance as Sayula except further east. The scenery on the way is beautiful in the rainy season. Everything was green. Wild flowers were in the fields. The sky was blue with billowy white clouds. Church in...

Barbara’s Bazaar is a fascinating store. It is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. The owner, Tom Thompson, said that is what happens on most Sunday afternoons when the people from Guadalajara arrive for a weekend of fun. It is his busiest day. Front of Barbara's Bazaar Tom bought Barbara’s Bazaar in 1993 from Barbara Weston. She opened it in 1985 a few doors down from where...