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  1. I have thought frequently thought about leaving Mexico. I am blessed with decent health and good finances....and then I factor in my experiences with the people and I know that this is where I will stay. Last night, we had a power outage, one of many recently....and my oxygen deprived wife needed help as her air supply was failing.....one neighbor went and rented us a 14 hour o2 tank.....not easy on a Saturday night. Another one helped me get my generator up and running to charge our battery operated portable and two local women came and comforted my frightened wife. Offers to shop for us, (not needed but appreciated)....going with us to help get her into the doctor's office.....and much, much more. The Presidente in my village, yes I can call him and he has always been willing to get info as to CFE's progress in restoring power and last night was no different...WOW! When I think of the negative comments about local government, transitos, roads, noisy restaurants, etc.......I see my personal scale always tilts towards more pleasant thoughts. Is it perfect here? Certainly not but, pretty good for me.
    24 points
  2. At Tuesday Market, I was looking over a vendor's merchandise when a gringo came up and asked the price of an item. She told him it was 105 pesos. He said, "I only have 100 pesos so you'll have to take that", picked up the item and started to walk away. I said in a loud voice, "That's terrible, I'll pay the 5 pesos. She shouldn't have to take a loss just because you're cheap." She thanked me and we discussed the fact that she had to raise prices because her costs went up. That 5 pesos was a part of her rather meager profit. So, if you can't afford something, don't buy it. Don't be a jerk and make the rest of us look bad.
    20 points
  3. Yeah, next time you are in for a surgical procedure, just explain to the doctors that you don't need them to wear masks since you understand it is no longer medically recommended and it might be uncomfortable for them anyway...Forget the gowns, gloves, and all that hand washing beforehand. It probably dries out their skin anyway and those gloves just get all messy and they make the hands sweaty. And those gowns on top of perfectly good clothes? Please, read an article on the internet if you want the real (Q) truth! Alan (being sarcastic)
    19 points
  4. This morning as I pulled into a parking space in front of my bank a man returned to his car parked alongside mine. The case of wine sitting on my passenger seat caught his eye. He leaned in and gave me a thumb’s up, one wine lover to another. In the bank the line was long and very slow moving. The woman in front of me noticed that I seemed to have trouble standing (my bad back). She told me to go sit down and when her turn came she’d let me go ahead of her. I gratefully took a seat. There’s not much to cheer us these troubled times, but a stranger’s good humor made me laugh and another’s kindness touched me. They made my day. Lexy
    18 points
  5. Harsh measures? They are logical, common sense measures proven to work to contain a highly contagious and dangerous pandemic. And those measures are designed to protect everyone- measures that are being employed, all around the world, where people have sense and education, that have kept the infection and death rates down in those places. Places that don't have any "old ex-pats". You criticize endlessly the things that are quite normal in Mexico, yet now you're the big defender of Mexicans who want to work. And no one is telling them they can't work. All they have to do is wear a damn mask, not around their neck, but properly, stop having parties as if the pandemic is a joke, and enforce distancing in their stores. It's not that complicated.
    18 points
  6. Yesterday my car a/c went out so I went to EuroFreeze next to Gossips to get it repaired . As I got out of my car I tripped over a broken curb and fell HARD . Before I hit the concrete , Manuel and one of his helpers were there to help me up . Lots of blood , cuts and bruises but nothing broken . Sore as hell today . As soon as I was up and while I was trying to stop the bleeding which is no easy task since I am on blood thinners , Manuel went to the Farmacia next door and came back with bandages and other stuff to treat my wounds . He never hesitated to do this and would not take a single peso although I offered him a nice amount . Needless to say there were a lot of tacos and cokes for Manuel and his men today . Don't feel sorry for my accident because I know I need to be careful when walking in the village but rather concentrate on the great kindness shown by these guys . I am not looking for reviews of their work because that wasn't the important thing in this case .Please give them your business should the need arise . Their phone number is 331 584 5209 .
    18 points
  7. As you're aware from your travels, every place is different, with some aspect appealing and others not so great. Different strokes, and all that. Whether YOU like this location will depend on your own preferences and personality. First rule: Don't believe anybody who tries to convince you that Lakeside is "paradise" with no down side! Listen to the negatives as well... don't ignore them because you already like the area from things you've heard. Take the good, the bad, and evaluate realistically based on your needs. Second: Heed the suggestions to visit in person. Depending on you, a couple of short, intensive research trips might work. 6 Months that span both the hot/dry weather and the pleasant rainy season would be better. Renting for a year would be best. Like Hud and others have said, this isn't everybody's cup of tea and some end up leaving to go back "home" or elsewhere. Real estate commissions are expensive... don't plan to buy until you're more certain you'll stay for a few years, at least. That said, we did about 5 years of thorough research before coming here, including 2 trips during the different seasons. We considered many other places to relocate and decided on Lakeside for retirement. We moved here 11 years ago and have stayed, loving some things and hating others. The things we enjoy outweigh the negatives enough that we have no immediate plans to leave, but we recognize that situations change. From my experience, the main reasons people stay awhile then leave are: 1) Didn't research enough in advance to realize certain things would be such a turn-off, 2) Health changes, making it advantageous to return to a familiar system back home, and 3) Family situation creates a change of heart - either missing family back home, or a partner separation/divorce leaves someone without their main support. Here are some of the positives, which we find appealing about Lakeside (keep reading for the negatives to consider)... The people - both locals and other expats are generally pleasant, welcoming and helpful. There ARE exceptions to this on both sides, but the overall feel is very positive. Slow pace - we seldom feel rushed to be anywhere in a hurry. Appointments and movie times are the exception. Meals are wonderfully relaxed, with the expectation that you'll take your time visiting or enjoying the scenery/weather afterward. No rushing you away from the table to seat the next customer. Weather - we're from Kansas City originally, which is cold with ice/snow in winter and hot/humid in the summer. We tended to live indoors or in our cars to stay comfortable for months at a time. Here our house doesn't even have HVAC. It gets chilly in the evenings (great for sleeping) and sometimes hot during the day (mainly in May to mid-June), but we get by with a small space heater in winter, or fans in summer. Natural ventilation is key, with most businesses having doors/windows open all the time along with outdoor seating. Some people add a small room a/c unit for when it's hottest... after this last summer we're considering it! But generally the weather here is one of the main draws. Medical - good care is available and much less expensive than in the US. Dental and vision care is inexpensive enough that you don't need insurance. Other medical can be paid out-of-pocket, depending on what you need done. Many hospitals are top notch quality with very modern equipment and procedures. Senior care is available, with attitudes about caring for the elderly much different than the warehouse mentality up north. Culture - even though Lakeside is becoming more modern and caters to gringos in many ways, local culture and traditions still have a strong hold. There are frequent celebrations and events to enjoy and even participate in. Art - this is an artist community and art is EVERYWHERE, from museums and galleries to murals on buildings and other structures to art shows. There is even a children's art program at LCS to encourage future artists and feed the soul. "Art" extends to performance as well, with many live music, dance and stage productions to enjoy. If you're artistic yourself (and even if you're not), you'll find plenty of opportunity to let your creativity flow. Dining - we love to eat out and there are literally hundreds of options to choose from within the Lakeside area, from little taco stands and inexpensive spots to mid-range to upscale and even some high-end dining "event" opportunities. Lots of variety as well. That's just in the Lakeside area... Guadalajara multiplies that beyond imagination. Natural beauty - the lake is huge and helps moderate the weather in addition to being scenic. Mountains ring the lake and turn a gorgeous green during rainy season, very much resembling the scenery in other volcanic areas, like Hawaii. The climate supports both tropical and dessert plants, so there is ALWAYS something blooming and color everywhere. Expat support - with so many expats here already, you'll find plenty of help in relocating and existing comfortably. There are major groups (LCS, American Legion, etc) with many resources, religious groups, special-interest groups, neighborhood groups, classes, and social media. In addition to this discussion board, there are many Facebook groups that are very active and at least one other discussion board. Be sure to take everything you hear or read with grain of salt... some people love to hype the area and offer a view through rose-colored glasses, while there are some curmudgeons and trolls who make a hobby of griping and moaning. The truth is somewhere in between, flavored by your own perspective. Guadalajara - separated by a mountain range to keep the big city from encroaching, but close enough to have available all the resources of Mexico's 2nd largest city. An international airport is about 45 minutes away (depending where you start from), major shopping malls and familiar stores/dining provide plenty of shopportunity (Costco/Sam's, Sears, Home Depot, Office Max, McDonalds/Burger King/Chili's/Carl's Jr/Popeye's/etc.), Large and modern supermarkets are available in case you enjoy shopping outside the options available Lakeside (Mega and Fresco are amazing), there are loads of museums and historic sites to see, a wonderful zoo, awesome architecture, movie theaters and major concert venues... the list barely scratches the surface! Nearby attractions - the ocean is a reasonable drive (3-4 hours), and there are so many interesting towns and natural attractions within a day's drive from here. Multiple companies provide English-speaking tours to many places, either as day trips, or multi-night travel with tours at the destination and along the way. If you're comfortable driving, you can get to many of these sites on your own, without the tour. Like I said, this is just a partial list of the highlights we enjoy here. There are negatives as well, however. If somebody tries to gloss over the bad parts, they're probably trying to sell you something. Here's a few things to weigh on the other side of the scale... The people - along with the good, there are bad. With the difference in "wealth" created by gringos and middle-class Mexicans coming here, it provides opportunity for a fair amount of property crime and scams. You have to be aware and careful. Don't flaunt money or expensive things that will draw attention from bad actors, and plan to use protection for your home and valuables to discourage burglaries. Watch out for pickpockets and those who would trick you into parting with your money for a sales pitch or promises they won't keep. Prepare yourself for the scourge of entitled expats, who feel "their way" is always better and that they are more important than others, especially locals. Some people are real butt-holes! Medical - although there is plenty of good quality, there is also shoddy service and poor quality, even dangerous, care around. It's a buyer-beware environment and you really need to research before deciding what hospital or medical professional to use. You don't have the same protections you have up north in case something goes wrong. Trash, litter and clutter - we're often amazed at how clean places are kept... you even see street vendors and shop keepers sweeping the sidewalk and street around their businesses. However, there's a lot of trash and litter scattered around since people think nothing about tossing things along the street or leaving trash bags where street dogs can tear into them. Businesses, although clean, can seem cluttered and run-down with wiring and pipes everywhere, structures in need of repair, paint that is sloppy, and "things" stuffed/hanging everywhere. It takes some getting used to. Prison walls - home and business security measures can seem intimidating and make you feel like you're surrounded by prison walls... tall fences, electric fences, razor wire, glass shards embedded in concrete, thorny plants, gates on carports, cameras, big dogs, bars on doors and windows. All intended to encourage invaders to seek a softer target, but the appearance can be a bit frightening. Language barrier - unless you speak fluent Spanish, you will feel a bit lost with so much chatter around you that's not understandable. Many businesses have someone who can speak at least some English, but there are some that don't. If you get into an emergency situation it can be scary not being able to communicate your needs. Signs are usually in Spanish and the messages might apply to you, but you're not sure. Google Translate (or your preferred translation app) is a great friend for helping with translation of words, phrases, signs, and even spoken conversation, but it's not perfect. Unfamiliar procedures - many things are handled differently than in the US/Canada/Europe and it can be confusing knowing how to tackle even the simplest task, such a paying bills or buying certain products. This is where the support of other expats comes in handy, but you'll often run into situations that are unfamiliar or confusing. It's a learning process. Some people hire "facilitators" or helpers to get over the hump with some hand-holding. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance or guidance. Crime and danger - yes, the cartels and other organized crime is active in this area and all around Mexico. They are well funded, equipped, and dangerous if you run across them. Lakeside is usually excluded from the US State Dept warnings about dangerous areas, but you need to be aware and careful even here. I feel safer where we live now than back in the US, but every place has its active hot spots that are to be avoided. Sign up for the State Dept STEP program to receive updates (problem areas change frequently), and keep and eye on local social media to stay aware of any potentially unsafe locations or activities. Use common sense but realize that some of the dangers here are different from what you're used to... get educated. Politics - the politics can be confusing and worrisome, but unless you're a citizen you're not able to vote and are generally discouraged from being politically active. Causing problems can get you kicked out of the country. Although the government at Lakeside is open to input from expats and foreigners, we don't really have much say in many things that happen around us. Adjust your thinking to accept that you're a guest here and that you have limited options. Police - local police, traffic cops, state police, military and others are everywhere. Some drive around in vehicles with mounted machine guns or openly carry weapons at the ready. They are armed and they are serious. Generally, they are present to keep things under control, but some can use their power to intimidate or scam. You'll hear stories about police asking for "mordita" (bribes) and threatening to take your vehicle or toss you in jail if you don't comply. This has never happened to us and I think it's less common than some would have you believe, but the problem DOES exist and we know people who have been robbed by these authority figures. Lake Dangers - you won't see the lake used much for swimming or recreation because of concerns about pollution and underwater hazards. While some lakes in the US would be a great draw for boaters, fishing, water skiing and such, this one is far less active. There are kayakers and sail boats, but most of the fishing is by locals who use the fish to help feed their families or to sell to other locals. Every year we hear of some drownings... from people falling off boats or wading into the water from shore. There are water plants that are easy to get tangled in, plus barbed wire and other structures just below the surface (constructed when the lake levels were down, then covered when water comes back up). If you want to go in the water, use a pool, head to the ocean, or find some other recreational lakes. Utilities - service can be inconsistent, especially during rainy/stormy season, but any time of year actually. Internet has frequent outages in some areas and slow service at other times. Power can go out for hours at a time. Water service can be unreliable depending on your water source and location. Sewers are old and overburdened so it's not uncommon to trash used TP instead of flushing it, and sometimes it's tough to get the toilet to flush at all. This area is growing much faster than government is updating infrastructure to handle new construction, so there are concerns about systems not being able to handle the load. Traffic - there's ONE main road around the lake and between villages, where most traffic flows. It can be difficult to get around on side streets because many are cobblestone with lots of bumps, holes and frequent construction. Therefore, traffic is slow and often backed up, especially on weekends and holidays when tourists flood the area. There is a nice, new bicycle path along the main road, which is getting much more use from those who want to get around more quickly, and bicycle shops provide options for transportation including eBikes. However, car/truck/motorcycle traffic continues to get worse. Patience is required, and it's always appreciated if you're considerate enough to let people turn or get onto the main road from side streets. Noise - from cohetes (LOUD fireworks) to traffic to dogs and livestock to businesses to celebrations and church bells to street vendors and vehicles with loudspeakers... there is a LOT of sonic ambiance in the area. Different areas more than others, and different noises depending on where you live. One good reason to visit the area or live somewhere for awhile is to find out what it sounds like. There are lots of "eventos" (event centers) that seem quiet most of the time, but have parties with fireworks and loud music that last into the night. Some restaurants have live music late at night. Daytime salespeople drive around with messages repeated on loudspeakers to let residents know they are near. It's difficult to know what type and duration of noise you'll endure without being in an area for awhile since it can be intermittent. Some people enjoy the activity while others hate it. Nervous pets can be especially affected by loud sounds during storms or celebrations. Don't be one of those people who come down unprepared and then complain when you're bothered by not being able to sleep, or because your dog gets upset. We're tired of hearing the whining. Home Entertainment - generally you can't just turn on your TV and get what you're expecting. Having usable programming is a constant challenge that requires some investigation, configuration, and getting used to. Cable options are generally in Spanish. Satellite services are unreliable as NOB companies change equipment to exclude use in Mexico. Various Internet companies can be used for streaming with a variety of services, but you have to pay something to get going and service outages are common. If you're not tech savvy, it can all be confusing and complicated. There are people who can help, but you'll have to do some digging to figure out what options are best for your area or house. Some aren't available everywhere. Enjoy the journey! Oh, and if you're used to turning on your car radio for entertainment, understand that mostly you'll get static here or something in Spanish. Music streaming services on your phone connected to car radio via Bluetooth will be more friendly. OK, geez... that's wordy and long, so I'll leave it at that. It will give you a start for your own research and snapshot of the area from one perspective. My interests and preferences will probably be different from your own, however, which is why visiting in person can be very important. When we were researching originally, I had LOTS of input from others, but found that their priorities and perceptions were often different from what I found when we checked things out in person. You'll be the same. Be sure to check some other social media options if you haven't already to get a wider variety of opinions. Happy researching!
    17 points
  8. It makes me very sad to continually read these posts. Everyone on our planet is under a great deal of stress. We, the retired ones are the lucky ones, we don't have to go to work, we don't have to deal with young children at home and wonder about their safety retuning to school this fall. Do you think everyone on this board could show a little love and concern for our fellow man instead of the constant insults, opinions etc. Come on people, time to grow up and try to comfort those amongst us who have serious health issues and may just be terrified for their lives. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it. You have no idea who you may be hurting. Wear a mask, it won't kill you. It just might save somebody else's life.
    17 points
  9. I've lived in six locations on the north side; lake front in Ajijic (2), mountain side Ajijic, Ajijic village, San Antonio, and upper Chula Vista, as well as Jocotepec over eight plus years, and now living (happily) lake front near San Luis. Telmex does have phone and internet here, IF, you can get an available line. I've been on the waiting list for something like six months. I don't know the local speed for Telmex, but they commonly offer only a fractional upload speed, compared to the download speed (10Mb dn/perhaps 0.5Mb up). Spyderweb offers internet in many locations here (needs line of sight from their towers and uses wifi frequencies to a local modem) but their prices are quite high comparatively. However, you can choose your up and download speeds, to a point... I used them in Joco and here in San Luis, but they aren't exactly a customer oriented company, more like a buyer beware, and I haven't experienced a steady, reliable signal from them. Ilox has been here (south shore) for years. Currently, they say they will only install to "businesses", but the definition is not clear, might be that telling them you have a business is enough. Yet, I have a neighbor who's had their residential service for a couple of years. He reported there were some outages from time to time, and, you pay a year in advance. Speeds can be much higher than Telmex. When it's working, it's a good service. Ilox's system was installed at Roca Azul (rv park in Joco) around a year ago, and the residents there report continued, frequent outages of the internet (as well as with the electricity and water) and, it's only provides a 20Mb service for the ALL the RVs, which can number as high as 35 to 40 units when a caravan come in. One full-timer there uses Spyderweb and generally reports a reasonably steady service, but not without occasional calls to fix problems. The new options from both AT&T cellular and Telcel, are cell system based internet modems (essentially Hot Spots) are providing much better speed and reliability (so far). (AT&T less so while they are solving a problem, which might be from overselling their system. I have a modem from both companies. Each offers a choice between 5 and 10Mb speeds, same prices, and both throttle speeds down after passing certain monthly bandwidth usage. These will only work well ( i think), if you are close enough to a cell tower to pick up the 4g service and don't have many buildings between you and the cell tower. The AT&T office in Joco is buried in the downtown buildings and there he seldom gets much speed from his modem. For non-imported groceries, you can find a lot in Jocotepec, as well as a number of restaurants, but, they aren't the gringo oriented ones as in Ajijic. You can also get basic groceries (vegies, breads and meats) in any of the villages. The need for speaking Spanish is most relevant to how you live. If you are spending lots of time interacting with the locals (south shore), you'll need more Spanish but, MANY speak at least a little and others speak a lot of English. At the government offices, less so. Can't offer much about boat docking. I plan a boat in the future, but it won't be until I can build a secure boat house, or long (perhaps) rail based access down to the water. Leaving a nice boat unprotected on the shore is probably a precursor to giving your boat to someone else... However, if you bought something like one of the old fishing boats here, might be less threat of loss. (Like having a rusty old bicycle or rust-bucket car that nobody would want to steal.) One could easily have a trailer sized boat, stored at your home and just get it wet when needed, but if you aren't going to have a car at all, that's more complicated. NOT having a car over also offers complications. Walmart (as a point of reference) is 25 miles by road (8 to 10 miles by water) and can sometimes be driven in 40 minutes, if you drive fast where possible, but will normally take an hour, unless you are east of San Luis. The closet hospital I know of is east of Joco, about 25 minutes by car. Travel time to Costco (in Guad) is no longer, maybe a little faster than from Ajijic, about 50 minutes (+/_). You might want to have a plan in place if you need sudden transportation, such as an unplanned trip to the doctor. And, if you choose east of San Luis, you will learn to hate the road "through" San luis. It's about 1 1/2 miles of narrow two lane, with cars randomly parked on the side causing a one lane event with countless car and trucks (and backhoes/farm equipment) trying to get through. The highway is busy much of the day and night, thus, of you live close to it, means traffic noise, mostly from the countless truck (jake breaks and lost mufflers) and weekend motorcycles (in mass). Otherwise, this side seems quieter to me. And, finally, the view looking north (as compared to looking south from the north shore) is really, quite a lot nicer. One things is seeing the night lights of the far more developed north shore. Another might be just the difference between the mountain ranges on the north and south sides. And in the dark, you see the 'light' of Guadalajara over the mountain top, but you also see lots of stars overhead. Fire trucks will come from Joco, which means you should get your hose turned on while you wait... Real Estate scams and problems can occur anywhere around the lakeside (around Mexico?), caution is obviously needed if you are buying. Still, lots of gringos have purchased properties along the south shore, many have never had any "title" issues at all. A long-term lease would remove those specific concerns. Regarding water and electricity, San Luis appears to pump (pressurize) water (on the west side) three late afternoons each week, Tues., Thur. and Saturday. This water fills your own tanks, and you draw water from them. Of course, some scheduled days they might not pump (it happens), and sometimes the pressure could be lower than other times. If you design a new water storage system here, it might make sense to have a week or more capacity to avoid a possible day or two without water. If renting, buying a second storage tank is easily affordable. Electricity seems normal for Mexico. Voltage (mean voltage target in Mexico is 127v) during the day is commonly lower, and in the evenings/overnight commonly higher. There are occasional brief (a minute or two) outages, and when there's a break in the power line (storms or auto accidents) power can go out for some hours, which isn't significantly different from the other lakeside locations I've lived. However, I have a general inclination for installing a proper voltage regulator (boost/reduce functions). There are many choices and sizes available. You might find voltage Controllers, as well as true Regulators. Iso Solabasic offers both such systems. Both can function with input from about 90 volts to about 147 volts. The output is essentially flat with their regulators, but their Correctors output from 102 to 132v. A 50amp corrector has a retail price around 4,500p and the Regulator is around 8,000p. I've seen them for less in the big Commercial electrical shops in Guad. Lots of Gringos have solar panels and many pay next to nothing each month as a result. Not all include a battery storage system, but having one and a suitably sized inverter can eliminate brown/black outs. In west Ajijic a few years ago I saw voltage as low as 65 and as high as 160. That high isn't normal, but lows aren't uncommon. Also, some will probably have to debate, during the rainy season, I have observed lots more clouds and rain on the north side, then here on the south side. Perhaps I am delusional, as well as decrepit... I prefer being on the south, but, if you think about going out to eat more than, perhaps once a week, or participating in any of the countless groups and activities on the north shore, you'll spend a lot of time on the road and probably tire of it fast. I suggest you consider keeping (or getting) a car, possibly an small economy type, and use it as sparingly as you like, but, have it for when you need it. (trips to Costco?) This side is certainly more peaceful and relaxed and probably represents what the north shore was 30-50 years ago. I expect property values will climb here, but, who is going to live long enough to enjoy that? Last, take all dire warnings about anything posted on this webboard, with a load of sale (or maybe BBQ sauce). There are so many old people here passing on old stories and fears and rumors and guesses, about nearly everything, things can sound a lot worse than they are. If you crossed north by your little boat, getting a ride to shops would be easy by obtaining the local Taxi stand phone numbers (to call ahead), or by learning some of the private driver's numbers or even using Uber. In your 40's, walking might be desirable. If you were ready to motor back south across the lake, and see a big storm, there are plenty of places you could wait it out, possibly with a nice beer or music or just enjoying an art gallery. And if the wind happened to come up when you are half way back across, it's only four or five miles more which might be 10 minutes travel time, even a modest motor boat will likely get you to shore before any real trouble. I expect you're an adult and can make reasonable decisions on the fly... Renting first is one of the best bits of advice for anyone coming here to buy. It's easy be enamored with this or that location/community or house, but taking the time to learn how close that house is to an Eventos or how many dogs live next door or on the roof, or which house has parties till tomorrow all weekend long, will greatly improve your happiness. Unless you're deaf, in which case, who cares? In hunting for a house, be it to purchase or rent, get out of the car and walk and talk to everybody. You speak Spanish. Ask. Most small communities are going to have at least shop that the proprietor will know everybody and (nearly) every opportunity. Start at the corner grocery and work your way down the street. You've already spent time lakeside, you already know it can be a great place to live!
    17 points
  10. Huh? I am one of the expats mentioned and am acutely aware of the economic hardship this virus has created, as are many of my fellow expats- you know, those unfeeling folks who have ponied up a portion of their SS checks to support one, or two, or three of the feeding programs in the area. Don't patronize me to promote your own agenda, it won't work. Try harder.
    16 points
  11. Ok, I'm risking of having hundreds of you slam at me now but this is excessive attention-seeking behavior.
    16 points
  12. Harry was discreet. You were not. I thought nothing further about his request. You are the one who introduced “the police” and “breaking the news” and telling “someone in a message.” You could have PM’d Harry instead of partially sharing the news on a public board.
    16 points
  13. My wife continued to enter her final days...little to no food, little fluids, fitful rest periods and more painful bouts and larger use of oxygen tanks in addition to her existing oxygen machines. The oxygen people were there 24/7 and never took advantage of us. My medical insurance agent acted more like a caring brother than a man who sold insurance. I managed to add a pain management doctor to her medical care group but it was only marginally helpful. Then a final surge of discomfort to her body and mind. Yesterday she passed away from heart failure. She was at home as she wished and was never alone. Don't believe that this was a relief or like a scene from a hallmark movie as it certainly was not! I had made plans for cremation and was given a set-price, in writing....it wasn't honored and I had to find another provider and at a final cost of 16,500 mxp. Not much more but annoying. It doesn't matter who the first company was as I think there are defects throughout the industry. Then three trips to different locations to obtain the death certificate. I was aided by neighbors, people I hardly had interacted with but who jumped in...such as a doctor who filled out the final long form and wouldn't take any payment and too many others who embraced me and expressed their honest regrets for my loss....if you have to experience this kind of loss.....be grateful for the Mexican culture and hope they never give up their caring ways. I shared this, as my wife had agreed, to offer our travel experiences to the end. Maybe someone else will gain from what we did right and avoid what I did wrong. I wish I had been more decisive and not waffled as things surprised us....but we both kept our promises and I am proud of that. Some advice from several of you was very, very helpful and some of you should have just read my blog and moved on.....but mostly....I never felt that I was doing this experience all alone and for that....THANKS. Fred Habacht
    15 points
  14. Fred you've certainly demonstrated to all your profound commitment to " .... for better and for worse.... " Because I've recently been a little more connected with you than some, in my heart I can answer "no, you didn't wait too long". She's always made it clear she wants to die at home, with you holding her hand. At least having your daughter there will allow sharing of your heavy burden. You've all suffered long enough. May she pass quickly and in peace. 🙏
    15 points
  15. Re: My quest for a rollaway bed: 1.I was WRONG and some of you were very RIGHT. I wound up, after testing the "no" comfort of the "folding mattress" on a rollaway bed to buy a single base and a "box" mattress from Furniture for Less. Delivered to Joco at no additional fee and guaranteed satisfaction. They have stood by that promise in the past. 2.Selling "Ropa" and getting paid for it. Yes , The Upscale Bazar was there for me as several of you suggested on this and the other board. They came out and took what they felt was saleable and have already made one payment. I didn't have to wait months for the items to be displayed. They were a pleasure to deal with. 3.Selling ROPA in Joco and getting paid for it. My neighbors....100% Mexican came forward. Made signs, made calls, sent pictures, set up lines to hold clothes, shoes, toiletries, jewelry, etc. I offered a 50% split...they insisted on a 20%split. First week...my take was 6000 pesos, second week was 8000 pesos. They insist on holding the sale until every item is sold. A charity will take what we can't move. 4.Losing power in Joco and no ability to supply my wife with Oxygen: I have several O2 concentrators and several larger O2 tanks....power went out and stayed out for too long. Concentrators dead and tanks running out....OxyiReyes in Riberas promises 24 hour service....I believed that to be like expecting some posters to be nice regardless of the subject...but at two a.m. he delivered two tanks and charged the regular rate, didn't complain about the late hour or the long drive....a great asset and saved my wife for another day. 5.Honesty at a Bazar: Todo Bueno is one of three outlets that I use: My wife had hidden a large amount of costume jewels in various places.....This outlet called after finding it and held it for my pickup. I never would have known that this stuff existed if they didn't tell me. 6. We have a new restaurant in Joco....Lago Canoe. They heard my wife's birthday was yesterday....note: she has never been to that restaurant, prepared a meal with a cake for desert and wouldn't accept payment. There may be a lot wrong with this area....but I proudly fly the national flag on my house and certainly don't think I'd be happier anywhere else. Regards to those posters who offered actual suggestions....and a "sorry for you," to those that sent negative statements. This site used to be a great source for newbies and long timers like me....I am glad that sometimes it still is. r
    15 points
  16. Did you know some people get enjoyment from watching the chaos they cause when others react to them flinging do-do? They specialize in stirring the pot so they can watch others scramble when it boils over. The best way to handle these "Trolls" is to simply ignore them, as difficult as that may be... They know what buttons to push to get reactions they need to feed their desire for attention! Discussion groups are the bridges these Trolls hide under. Can YOU cross the bridge without feeding the Trolls? Not pointing any fingers, but I'm sure we can all think of some people (plural) who fit the mold. This board is a valuable resource for people seeking useful information, but I left for quite awhile because of the number of discussions that turned into Troll feeding frenzies. When you respond to a post, here or elsewhere, please take a moment to consider whether you might be bait, with somebody laughing their butt off because they managed to push your buttons. And THANKS to all of the wonderful people who do their best to be helpful in their positive posts, comments and moderation. Your value to the community IS recognized, even if it's not stated often enough! 👍
    15 points
  17. This isn't really a food posting, so that's why it's not in La Cocina. I like to check out the vegetarian/vegan items because it's nice to eat something edible rather than my cooking😁. Anyway, I picked up the usual odds & sods items along with 2 bags of mushrooms in special sauces. Long story short, the codes wouldn't ring up, the young guy who went to look for a price label couldn't find one, and he finally went to ask Pancho. Rather than having me wait, and possibly building up a line, Pancho told him to just give them to me. Result? One previously content customer who will now go out of her way to buy as often as possible from Pancho's. It's a small, relatively unimportant story, but it made my day just a bit brighter. BTW, the checkout girl was super friendly and apologetic for the delay. Again, just a very nice moment in an average day.
    15 points
  18. At the risk of getting slammed, I would like to suggest it would be better for the expat community, which has proven quite effective in protecting themselves from covid, to let the Mexican community who have to be out there working or are living in larger family groups, to get the first few rounds of vaccinations. Personally speaking I'd also be leery of getting around those large crowds of vaccination seekers.
    15 points
  19. I don’t understand the point of the majority of your posts. This board is not your personal diary for you to ramble on about your life. Would you please consider using Facebook for that?
    15 points
  20. And where are people who are stuck here supposed to go? What a nasty thing to say to someone who has suffered such a calamity. Both of you posters should be ashamed. What makes you so self-righteous that you feel you have to post to pile onto someone's misery? Okay, you may feel that way and it is your right,but to post makes me feel sick....this is a time for compassion, not vilification .
    15 points
  21. In times of stress and anxiety I find an unpleasant side of myself coming to the fore. I become excessively controlling and have the overwhelming need to have things exactly the way I want. I sometimes even become a scold. In order to alleviate these symptoms, please, I ask you people to listen up: Grow up. Please. You are all bickering like children. I am too old to be fond of children. Except for Mexican kids, they're about the cutest people I've ever seen. Please do not challenge me, my thinking process or my facts. No, do not. I know what you're thinking, but no. This is a serious situation, do not make light of it. However, I do like a good joke. If you have one, please tell it in such a way that I do not feel guilty. I want you to tell me how and where to buy my food, what masks I should wear, and when; what personal habits and hobbies I should have; and what personality traits you find most appealing. And yet I do not. I sense some protests coming my way now, but please remember number 2 above. And while we're airing things out, I beg you, some of you people, learn how to spell. And for God's sake, when you're in a grocery store, please wear a mask; but above all do not cough directly on the shelf items! Yeah, gramps, you, talking to you. Thank you for your time, I feel better already.
    15 points
  22. Initially I was excited to find this forum of locals to help me learn and navigate living in a new community and country. The more I read however, the more discouraged I’ve become. What makes the world an interesting place is that we all come from different backgrounds and have varied life experiences which of course lead us to have different thoughts and opinions. One thing we do have in common is that we’ve chosen to make this community our home. Is it possible for us to share, consider the points of view others and even disagree without resorting to nasty personal attacks on this forum? I may be completely off base in posting here, but with all the craziness in the world right now it seems like the perfect time to practice some care, compassion and camaraderie within this community.
    15 points
  23. listen guys.... I was 33 when I arrived here in Mexico. I am almost 56 now and as a very young expat, unfortunately I have had to say goodbye to a lot of older Canadian and US friends ( unusual to lose that many friends when you are in your thirties and forties ) and every time it hurt and I never got used to it !! Also, a lot of those people left their pets, which didnt always have the best outcome ! The Mex healthcare system ( like others ) will not be able to cope with this tsunami. Authorities mostly ignore the seriousness and hardly do any testing About myself, yes, I am strong enough to admit that I am scared....but more so ( although at minor risk, I may hope ) to maybe have to leave behind my 15 year old doggie. So, forgive me that I laugh a bit less, when reading the same style and repeated jokes...over and over again. I sincerely wish the best to all of you ( and to myself ! ). No hard feelings. We simply dont have the same sense of humour and a different background Rony
    15 points
  24. Oh, good god Eric, give it a break. We're all gonna die and thankfully we don't know when or how. Worry is far worse for one's health than all the things one worries about.
    15 points
  25. This is just a public Thank you and lots of gratitude to the Riberas Pet Store and people like Sue who work tirelessly and have such a big heart for little innocent animals. I found a little street dog whose leg was broken. Doctor Hector will fix her and they will find a home for her. I would have taken her but already have 3 but my heart ached when i saw her. I just want to say that people like Sue make this world a much better place.....and our little town of Riberas is so blessed to have you in it !!!!! Thank you Sue.
    15 points
  26. It never ceases to amaze me to observe or hear about expats who bitterly complain about these migrants, as the person described in this comment did. The expats here nearly all have vastly more wealth, power, and opportunities than these unfortunate people. The migrants are, in fact, only trying to better their lives and are suffering danger and privation to do it. People like the person described should be ashamed of themselves and, if they are not, then the people around them should shame them.
    15 points
  27. I'm sure I will get beat up over this entry, but my "advice" would be to hold off on the planned move -- if at all humanly possible -- until after your daughter graduates from high school. My "observation" is that Lakeside is not a place where teenagers are provided ample opportunities and peer role models to thrive. (Of course there will be exceptions.) Teen pregnancy and drug abuse are at alarmingly high levels here.
    15 points
  28. Peónes are ranch and farm workers. Albañiles are construction workers. Probably they need the larger stones chipped down to a certain custom size like a jigzaw puzzle to make the wall where the rocks fit together tightly with no overabundance of cement mordar which is ugly and poor workmanship. You could have witnessed a stone craftsman working on his project with pride for all you know. Stewart Stafford
    15 points
  29. This guy showed up around here for a few weeks and became an instant expert. And he isn't just maligning Lakeside, he's attacking Mexico as well. He is extremely negative to the point of going right over the top. He was ignored here which pissed him off. From time to time we get some "burps" of criminal activity. The local population knows where their bread is buttered so they manage to tamp it down pretty quickly. Note that any place that brings relative affluence up against relative poverty is going to have its share of petty theft. This is the kind of stuff you can prevent with simple care, awareness and common sense. We've lived here 11 years and find it no less safe than many places we've lived in the U.S. Here, however, you are more responsible for your own personal and property safety. I don't know anyone who is leaving because of crime. The principal reason people leave is either medical or family too far away or both. That hasn't changed in the time we've been here.
    15 points
  30. "Places I've Been" I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work. I live close so it's a short drive. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump to get there, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go and I try not to visit there too often. I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older. One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenaline flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not. People keep telling me I'm in Denial but I'm positive I've never been there before! I have been in Deepshit many times; the older I get, the easier it is to get there. I actually kind of enjoy it there. So far, I haven't been in Continent, but my travel agent says I'll be going soon.
    14 points
  31. The complaints are perpetual, and a well-worn hobby of those who come here, then want the door closed behind them. We started researching the area about 15 years ago and I swear all the complaints going around now (Pueblita, traffic, growth, infrastructure, etc) were around when we started looking, but with different names and danger levels. Does anybody remember when Walmart going in was going to be the death of Lakeside? The sky was falling then, too. Things change. If we had settled someplace in the US instead of here, that place would probably have changed and our reasons for selecting that spot might have been compromised. Certainly some of the issues we're seeing Lakeside weren't around or were less severe when we moved here (I remember timing our drive from home in West Ajijic to Walmart... it took 7 minutes with light traffic). Are we going to move away because it takes longer to drive through town, or because of the other reasons listed above? Probably not. At least, not yet. There were various reasons we chose to move here instead of somewhere else, and many of those still apply. The climate is still awesome and we're continuously amazed that we're able to live comfortably in a house without HVAC. There is still a "small town" feel to the area, where we frequently run into people we know and develop great relationships with small vendors and shop/restaurant owners. Overall, the local population and most of the expats are pleasant and enjoyable to be around (and we try to add our own positive energy to the mix, to keep that going). There are fabulous cultural activities, celebrations, and wonderful art everywhere. We're a mountain range away, but still close enough to get to an international airport and large city when we need those things. We have enough dining options that we could eat at a different place every day of the year and not have to repeat. There are great resources for foreigners living in an unfamiliar land... LCS, American Legion, helpful expat population, local businesses that make the effort to cater to expats and English speakers. Good medical care can be had at a reasonable cost. And affordable living, overall, compared to where we moved from in the US. Yes, the cost of living has gone up recently compared to what it was in recent years, but it's still lower than when we were first researching a move here (when it was only 12-13 pesos to the dollar). Some of the changes happening have been positive. We complain about Internet outages, but that's partly because we've come to rely on Internet access now that several options exist for high-speed connectivity (compared to when I got here and Telmex slow-speed was the ONLY game in town, if you were lucky enough to get Telmex service at all since they ran out of phone numbers for new homes). People moan about Walmart, but it still serves lots of customers and provides a helpful one-stop, familiar shopping experience for newcomers who haven't yet developed a network of smaller vendors for their needs. So many people whined about the construction to put in a bike path, but look at how useful it is now, and how many people are riding bikes along there on any given day, including a huge number of eBike users (and shops). When we elected to live in West Ajijic, people wagged their fingers and told us we'd regret the decision because it was "so far away" from everything. Now we have great restaurants, shopping, gas stations, and resources that let us stay on this side of town if traffic is heavy, or if we prefer to walk/bike to something. Efforts to conserve the lake have helped reduce water usage and maintain a more usable lakefront, compared to several years when it was dry at the malecons and the shoreline was a hike, if you even wanted to bother. This is just a partial list, and I suspect some people might prefer to look at the negative side to anything I mentioned, but there ARE positives to growth and change... if you want to find it. That doesn't mean we don't have challenges if we choose to live here. Infrastructure is lagging behind other development and needs to be addressed... it seems they elect to buy a cart before having a horse sometimes. Traffic during busy times of the year is becoming somewhat annoying, although it still takes less time to drive from West Ajijic to Chapala than it did for my daily work commute in the US (and the scenery along the way is much better!). We may consider getting eBikes to simplify some of our trips since we have a safe path for them now. I feel badly for those who have water problems, although we haven't experienced the problem ourselves. I hope people will learn to conserve water and adjust usage to make the best of what we have available, and maybe government will consider putting some restrictions on heavy use, such as new pools. Meanwhile, we don't consider the problems to be severe enough that they outweigh the positives of living Lakeside. We'll continue to monitor the situation and see where the future takes us. As for La Pueblita/Margaritaville... The original developers had a good basic idea, I think (including the settling pond to help handle wastewater). They obviously had some money and weight behind them to start, considering how far they got in the construction process. It would have been nice to have a continuing care facility here for the aging population, along with shops, doctors, and resources to service them. It's too bad that initial plan didn't work out as we might have considered a move there ourselves when we needed the care. However, since the project came to a halt with construction incomplete, I'm (personally) glad that another company has picked up the reins and will move it along to a functional housing and retail development instead of letting it rot as a raw concrete eyesore. I'm also happy that people who invested to buy property there might get something for their money eventually. How much more of a burden on resources it will be remains to be seen, but I doubt this will be the straw that breaks the burro's back in terms of us deciding to stay or move away. And I can guarantee that another 10 years from now will see continued development along Lakeside, as well as spread south of Joco, east of Chapala, and north toward Guad. Hopefully those in charge will wake up to the need for upgraded and expanded infrastructure so the community remains viable. Hopefully the development and increase in value of properties won't price locals out of being able to live amongst us (a greater concern for me). And hopefully those who decide to move away find someplace they consider more pleasant and liveable... keep us posted about where you end up!
    14 points
  32. For reasons known only to the administrator and moderators @chapala @moderator5 @moderator-2, BobbyBrown is allowed to post whatever he wants, including "jokingly" calling others nazis and making what he thinks are 'funny' references to nazi atrocities (making people into lampshades). These type of comments would get others banned, but he seems to have carte blanche.
    14 points
  33. 14 points
  34. Please feel free to comment or point out errors or suggest comments or oversights How to Die in Mexico While many focus on coming to Mexico to live a relaxed lifestyle, nothing lasts forever and old age and bad fortune can befall us all one day. As Benjamin Franklin said the only two sure things in life are death and taxes. The reality is that the narcos won't get you (loose animals in the road at night are a bigger danger) and the vast majority of the deaths I see are from illness and a few auto accidents. Planning ahead will allow your heirs, whether family, friends or charities to have fewer hassles when administering your estate. Planning ahead means having a will as well as beneficiary clauses for your assets wherever possible and know who will handle things when you are gone as well as have your cremation prepaid and have a good relationship with a doctor who will be able to come and issue the death certificate. Here in Jalisco for real estate people can put a beneficiary clause to avoid probate and make the property transfer easier, the only restrictions are that you can only name as beneficiaries your spouse or parents, grandparents or children and grandchildren. You will have to prove this relationship when you want to change the deed by providing marriage or birth certificates along with apostilles or legalizations depending on where the certificates are from. Other states do not have provisions for beneficiary clauses in property deeds so you will need to leave a will. Most banks allow you to leave your account to beneficiaries if you die. It is a good practice when designating beneficiaries to name replacements as things happen and you may live a long life, longer than the first person you named as beneficiary. A will serves to dispose of your assets, both assets you have now and others you may later acquire. Also an important part of having a will is the naming of an executor. Many people put off making their will as they say they have beneficiary clauses or have few assets but an important part of a will is the executor who will fight for you when you are gone, as powers of attorney expire upon your death and the will then kicks in. If someone steals your property or embezzles your funds or if your death was related to an auto or other accident, the executor of your estate will be the legal representative to pursue your case with the insurance companies and in the courts. While naming your children as executors may make you feel comfortable, do they speak Spanish and will they be able to travel down to Mexico to properly take care of your affairs if needed and if there is a prolonged legal matter? A Mexican will, to dispose of property that has no beneficiary clause, if done through a Notary Public is registered in the national will registry so nobody can change it after the fact. A few US and Canadian attorneys living in Mexico offer to make wills but they are not registered and suspiciously in many cases the heirs never find the wills and later find out that friends and families of the attorneys now have the deceased's property. A will made in Mexico in front of a Mexican notary is valid in Mexico as well as in other countries. The only requirement may be an apostille and translation although we work with notaries who do dual column wills in both English and Spanish so that way all involved know exactly what each part of the will says. You may choose that your will is only valid in Mexico or worldwide. Generally speaking it is best to have a will in each country where you have property to avoid having to validate a foreign will and it is also better when having to transfer real estate. When naming people as beneficiaries, heirs, leaving them bequeaths or other items or assets, please be sure and check their full legal name to avoid problems when they come to receive the asset. Mexico is very strict with names and Billy Smith is not the same person as Billy James Smith. In wills and property deeds you can place name variations to clarify that a person is one in the same such as Ana Valeria Salas also known as her married name of Ana Valeria Mac Gregor. Also if you wish to leave property to a charity or legal entity, it is best to ask them for their corporate documents to see their exact legal name. Many people know entities by their nicknames or names in English but are ignorant of their true legal registered names in Spanish. Be sure to specify which office or branch will receive the money, merely naming the Red Cross may cause problems as there is the national Red Cross, Mexican Red Cross, Jalisco State Red Cross and one office in Chapala and another in Ajijic. Being specific will avoid disputes later on. After having a will you need to have a personal doctor. This will prevent your being taken to the morgue for an autopsy if you are found dead alone unless foul play is suspected then you will want to call the police. Your doctor can come to where you are found and see if you died from natural causes, avoiding having to make others fill out forms to claim your body. Your doctor should also know your full legal name (best to give him a copy of your birth certificate and passport) as well as your parents names and spouse´s name. This will ensure that there are no errors on the death certificate which are harder to change after the fact and which could cause problems or delays in the probate process. Your doctor will need to do something with your cadaver so best to pay a prepaid cremation plan with one of the funeral homes so that way no person or authority is storing your body until someone comes to claim it and pay the fees to take it to the funeral home. We have seen cases where the family or friends went on vacation and the body went unclaimed for weeks and had to be taken out of refrigeration. A prepaid plan where family, friends and neighbors know about it will make sure the doctor knows where to have the body sent and will not have to pass the collection plate around in order to pay for it. The funeral home will usually coordinate with the doctor, your home country´s consulate and the civil registry for the death certificates and the report of citizen death abroad. As soon as possible after the death the legal representative / executor / family needs to be notified in order to secure the valuables and important papers of the person. Police, "friends", neighbors and others many times feel it is their right to steal property of the deceased or that it is not unethical. Locks should be changed immediately and all property photographed and inventoried and nobody should be left unattended inside the property. It is amazing how many people abscond with property saying oh Joe told me if he dies to take all his jewelry and sell it. Getting it back is harder and if they bring items back, usually things are missing. Make sure nobody is left alone in the home and that it is properly secured and if police or others need to enter the home that it is on a strictly necessary basis and at no times should anybody be left alone in the home. To recap to die properly in Mexico you need to do the following: Prepare: 1) Make sure you have beneficiary clauses on your bank accounts and home (if your legislation permits) 2) Have a properly done will for each country where you have assets naming substitute heirs and executors. 3) Have a family doctor who knows you 4) Have a prepaid arrangement with a funeral home. 5) Have recently issued and apostilled / legalized copies of your birth / marriage certificates / adoption papers as well as those of any biological children who will receive property. 6) Have your executor / family / representative know where a copy of your will and other legal papers are as well as let those close to you know who these people are to notify them immediately. Let them know what you want done with your body or ashes. 7) Register that you are living abroad with your home country´s local consulate so they will have your emergency contact information. Upon your death: 1) Have somebody immediately notify your executor / family / representative / family doctor 2) Have your executor / family / representative notify your attorney and home country consulate 3) Have your executor / family / representative secure your property and assets and bar entry to everyone (except police and MP) to avoid theft of items or claims of possessory / squatters rights. 4) Have your executor / family / representative obtain copies of the death certificate, ashes, certificate of cremation and consular report of death abroad (first 20 copies are free so always request the 20). 5) Have your executor present copies of the death certificate to all banks with a request to freeze all accounts to avoid embezzlement and use of ATM cards, credit cards and checks tied to the accounts. 6) Prepare any probate filings and if necessary ask for a provisional designation of executor to fight legal battles in the courts.
    14 points
  35. In various areas of Mexico, people are attacking medical workers who they think have been in contact with COVID cases. How do you think they might react to people who have actually been tested and confirmed? Please stop calling for information on the specific patients... those in charge are probably doing as much as they can to trace any contacts, but their options are limited. We should not put people in danger by "outing" them as infected. The best strategy is to assume ANYONE you come in contact with may have been exposed, and may therefore expose you to infection. Take necessary precautions... masks, hand-washing, disinfecting, etc. Stay home if you are concerned or in a high-risk group. The virus IS here, and probably has been for awhile. It will CONTINUE to be here for months or even years. We need to learn to deal with it rationally, without panic, and without treating others as though they're the enemy. Please be kind to those around you, and be considerate of the need for privacy. Digital hugs to all!
    14 points
  36. I live in the center of Ajijic, and I work. So I am contstantly driving and seeing the carretera, at all times of day. The bike path is used by TONS of people, most of whom are workers going to and from jobs. It was used before the improvements, and now it will be even more. IMO all of the foreigners on this forum who have condemned the project and called it a "bikepath for nobody" are flat clueless, driving occassionally in their cars, and for whatever reason unable to see all the traffic in the bikepath. Go take a look at it during "rush hour".
    14 points
  37. Now is not the time to let up our vigilance.
    14 points
  38. Hi Catbird...I lived in Ajijic for about five years (1999-2004) and still visit occasionally. I have lived in Morelia for a total of 8 or 9 years, with a break when I lived for 8 years in Mexico City. I've been back in Morelia for exactly a year. Morelia is home for me. Morelia bears absolutely NO resemblance to Lake Chapala--except that as you mentioned, the weather is similar. It's generally cooler here than there, and can be quite chilly in the winter. Our altitude above sea level is 6400 feet; Lakeside is at 5200 feet. Morelia is a colonial city of 1.2 million people; the English-speaking expatriate community is approximately 300 to 400 people. The city is extremely cultured, with at least 6 major universities, a symphony orchestra, a chamber orchestra, frequent festivals of importance, including the Morelia international film festival in October-November (considered to be the best film festival in Mexico), the international music festival during the last two weeks of November (concerts range from popular music to classical music, many are free to the public), plus annual jazz, organ, classical dance, and other annual festivals. There is no large body of water close to Morelia--Lake Pátzcuaro is about an hour away. We have a small international airport 45 minutes to an hour northeast of the city. We have a long-distance bus terminal about 15 minutes from Morelia's Centro Histórico. We have excellent taxi service and good Uber service. There is no organized community of English-speaking foreigners, no animal rescue group of foreigners (that I am aware of), no ladies' lunch groups, no little theatre (although we have two theatres that often have traveling companies of concerts, dance performances, and Spanish-language plays), no 'bar scene' for foreigners, no restaurants oriented to foreigners. Really, nothing in Morelia is directed to a foreign community. There is quite a bit of national tourism here, and some foreign tourism---but nothing like the level one sees at Lakeside. We treasure and preserve our history, including our culinary traditions. There is a large indigenous presence here, primarily the Pur'epecha community, whose presence is crucial to our ways of thinking and believing. Morelia's Centro Histórico is considered to be the most beautiful in all of Mexico. Our buildings here are made predominately of cantera stone blocks and date to the mid-1500s. This is not the colorful tourist-oriented town that, for example, is Ajijic. We are typically Mexican: conservative and relatively formal in dress, building exteriors, etc. On the other hand, there are many historical families here, many intellectuals, and quite a bit of non-conservative thinking, music, and art. We have a number of fine museums and many, many historical buildings in the city. Unfortunately, the level of narcoviolencia in and around Morelia is substantially higher than that at Lakeside. Unlike the Lake Chapala area, we in Morelia are very little influenced by foreign ideas of what central Mexico is like. If you have more questions, please ask.
    14 points
  39. My jaw just dropped when I read these comments. The Feria is not a Texas flee market. It is one a marvelous outlet for these artists from all over Mexico that supports their world class art, and two a chance for us to see it and maybe even buy a piece. An 80 pesos entrance fee doesn't come close to covering what it takes to bring these artists and their art right to our doorstep. As for haggling for art.... well I won't go there.
    14 points
  40. They aren't "expats"- they are refugees. Calling people you don't even know "trash" is despicable. It says much more about you than it does about them. And no, they can't legally work in this country. If they did, you'd probably be ranting about them working without work permits.
    14 points
  41. I can't believe the crap on this thread. NO ONE was hurt. I was there; spoke with the lady. Yes, she got in the wrong gear, and as bad luck would have it, her brakes repeatedly failed. She has insurance. Pancho has insurance. The woman is incredibly distraught, and Pancho is pretty upset himself... just think of what they are both going through. By the way, she has her driver's license, and the postulation that people come down here and avoid having such a thing is ageist and ridiculous. A gigantic unfounded rumour within a rumour. Shame.
    14 points
  42. I have lived in Chapala Haciendas for 17 years, been on the board in the earlier years, and feel pretty comfortable adding my 2 pesos to this topic. There have been tremendous improvements to our fracc in that time. While things aren't perfect, I know that the folks who serve on the board are doing their best to get things straightened out. It takes time. It takes patience. More importantly, it takes residents who actually want to HELP the board rather than be an armchair critic. Is this the case with you, Nikolas? I don't know and I'm not judging, but if you feel so strongly about things, then run for the board. Who knows? You may even be elected and then you can dodge all of the shit that is thrown at them. I've seen many, many questionable moves by past boards and yet we're still standing. We have lots of remodeling and new construction going on and the place is looking better than I've ever seen it. Our property values are really rising. Our location is great...far enough from the noise and close enough for all of the conveniences. Yes, we have a well problem and yes, it's going to cost us, but the value of our own well (without government interference) is one worth fighting for. This is the first board and President (I hope Mr. Edwards is still the President) who are actually putting teeth in the efforts to go after the morosos. Most of us know that the law is tricky and it's not just a case of pointing a finger, plonking down some money at the municipality for a form,and then being able to get the leeches. Every "t" has to be crossed and every "i" dotted or the paperwork will hang in limbo forever. For the last few years, I've actually seen a difference in our workers and the office. We've had some relatively small issues (ie, water line clogged as we're at the end of the street) that were addressed immediately after I reported them. The workers actually work now and you don't have to hunt them down. Truthfully, they bust their asses for us, only to be constantly criticized by those who think they can do better. I won't go into detail because that's not really the issue here, but a few years ago I reported a recurring problem following bad rainstorms. I was blown off each time. A couple of weeks ago, I reported it to David (office) who relayed it to Mr. Edwards who PERSONALLY came to our house to see the issue for himself. Being on the board is a thankless, no-win, and UNPAID position. Folks do it because they care. It takes a special person to volunteer for the task, take the abuse that residents heap on them, and continue to do their best for very, very little in return. FWIW, this is just my personal opinion. No one asked me to write this, nor do I expect special treatment for writing it. I'm just one of many residents who actually appreciates the challenges that a board faces. Sorry so long...guess it was more than my 2 pesos.
    13 points
  43. On behalf of Mayor Moises Anaya, I would like to express the Mexican community's condolences to the American people and all those who lost loved ones on 9/11. And in this terrible tragedy, all the amazing heroes who ran into danger and gave their lives to save others, we salute your example! Our prayers are with them and all who suffer today! Your friend Hector España Ramos
    13 points
  44. I'm sorry he has Covid. However, he IS the President and has access to health care and the most promising treatments. HOWEVER, his cavalier attitude may have infected OTHERS who don't have access to that kind of care. He should have listened to experts in science and healthcare and led by example because, obviously, his talismans and faith are worth nothing.
    13 points
  45. I am a patriotic American and I applaud the way Canada has handled the Covid crisis. No genius just basic common sense. The way the pandemic was handled in the US was criminal and things like that led me to Mexico 20 years ago. Corruption is everywhere;no need to debate it. It is a fact. When they say 80 - 90 % of US deaths could have been adverted and nothing will be done about it I am infuriated and ashamed.
    13 points
  46. Dichos - the entrance fee does not cover the cost of setting up and running the show. There is a charge for the location, rental of tents, tables and chairs, advertising and so on. The artists do not pay for their booth space, but they do donate two items to the Feria, one of which goes to the raffle, and one of which is sold in the Artists Supporting the Feria booth, the proceeds from that booth go to the operating funds of the show. The artists are housed and fed by local residents. You cannot put on a show of this size without money - how much fund raising would you be prepared to head up in order to have free admission??
    13 points
  47. Yeah. Because no one should lift a finger to help another human if they would not be able to bring that person to live with them? Do you also tell your residents and their families “the way it is” in the same cold, uncaring way as you do here?
    13 points
  48. No human being is trash. Even you.
    13 points
  49. What makes you think the cruel home owner was gringo and what makes you think our very very small population of foreigners should even mess with what has been established as the official standard of wages in this part of México? When a gringo thinks that THEIR maid or gardener deserves to receive a 5 o 6 times increase in wages, more than what is paid to the average worker, how is that really helping things? Paying a local worker US standard pay has the potential to do more harm then good to the other average middle class Mexicans who also need a maid and gardener but can only pay them a fair steady salary by local standards. Some are creating much resentment and boasting where it is not needed. And nor is it fair to the Mexican community as a whole. Think guys, think!
    13 points
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