44 replies to this topic

[lobita]

Hola gringos and gringas ...

My partner and I are visiting Ajijic for a full month beginning April 11. We hope to get a sense of what it's like to live in the area.


Is there anything we might not ordinarily think to bring on a trip that would be useful or essential?

On a related note, if there's anything someone needs from the States, let me know and I'll see if we can get it. We're coming from Seattle, fwiw.

[Malaya]

You're coming right during our hot season so bring shorts, sleeveless shirts and lots of sunscreen. Unfortunately you be leaving right before the best time of the year...the rainy season. Have a good trip down.

[Bisbee Gal]

Some sort of head covering...sun hat, ball cap....the sun is the strongest that time of year.

Flashlights for evenings.....especially for Ajijic village; navigating unfamiliar cobblestone streets with various sidewalk surfaces after dark can be a challenge!

Good walking shoes....walking is a delight here, but you need good shoes. Because it's warm, I suggest hiking or sport sandals (Tevas or similar).

When you arrive, get good street maps of Ajijic and Chapala, usually found at local realtor offices for free.

[GeckoGretchen]

Have fun, visit the Wednesday tianguis, walk the malecon, take a horseback ride along the shady trails, and don't even bother thinking about cooking, there are enough amazing restaurants in this town to keep you full for MONTHS! Anything you could want is in Ajijic village, you could almost come with an empty suitcase... almost!

[lobita]

Flashlight! -- thank you, Bisbee, I wouldn't have thought of that.

Malaya, why do you like the rainy season best?

Gretchen, I am so looking forward to the tianguis! ... but what is the 'malecon'?

[ohjoni]

Flashlight! -- thank you, Bisbee, I wouldn't have thought of that.

Malaya, why do you like the rainy season best?

Gretchen, I am so looking forward to the tianguis! ... but what is the 'malecon'?

The Malecon is the walkway that runs along the lake. Most villages have their own. The o e in Ajijic is about 1/2 mile. Wonderful place for an early morning stroll or to watch the sunset over the lake.
I am a fellow Seattlite (Dash Point) and live here full time. You will. meet many of us from the Northwest.
Where are you staying?
Joni

[lobita]

Joni, we have rented a house for the month in the Hacienda Ajijic community, by the Casa de Waffle.

Is there someplace that expats congregate to socialize, where we could show up and meet people?

[Jeanette]

I'd add that I always bring my favorite US made bar soap with me. The Mexican made bar soaps seem to have a much stronger smell that makes me sneeze.

You can easily buy sunscreen, shampoos, etc. but the US made stuff is generally quite pricey. So if you must have YOUR brand, try to bring it with you.

[EnglishRose]

Bring a wide open mind, a welcoming smile to use on everybody and learn to say gracias often and you will have a fantastic time. Leave your watch at home and eat when you are hungry and sleep when you are tired, including an afternoon siesta. Don't forget to come to Chapala and stroll our malecon and I hope that our wider sidewalks are all put back in place. Bienvenidos!

[jnc]

Joni, we have rented a house for the month in the Hacienda Ajijic community, by the Casa de Waffle.

Is there someplace that expats congregate to socialize, where we could show up and meet people?

The Lake Chapala Society is "expat central". Located on the corner of Calle Marcos Castellanos and Calle 16 de Septiembre. Great place to hang out at the tables in the beautiful gardens, drink a cup of coffee and meet people. You don't need to be a member to just hang out, but you do to check out books from the library and access some other services. Don't be afraid to say hi and strike up a conversation. People here are generally very friendly and helpful to newcomers. Another good place is the Ajijic Plaza. The Jardin Restaurant on the northeast corner of the plaza (look for the blue umbrellas) and the little coffee place across from it are both places where expats congregate to while away the beautiful days.

As to things to bring, I agree with what everyone said above, but also--if you are hikers--don't forget your hiking boots. There is great hiking in the mountains that overlook the Lake. Every Tuesday and Friday morning at 9 AM, groups leave from Dona's Donuts on Donato Guerra and the Carretera (the only asphalt road in town) to go hiking. Show up at 8:30 with at least a liter of water. Oh, whether or not you hike, bring a day pack. Very useful for toting things around town. Ajijic is very much a walking town. You can get inexpensive, broadbrimmed hats at many places around town. I recommend them over trucker's caps since the sun can be so intense at 5000 feet and you will be much closer to the equator than at home. As someone from Seattle, you may find the weather in April and May to be somewhat warm, although anyone from Texas or the Southwest States wouldn't consider it particularly so. It will be very dry, so drink plenty of fluids. Between the altitude and the heat, you can dehyrate quickly.

If you want to get a feel for the Ajijic/Lake Chapala area, you can check out my photo-journal blog here: http://cookjmex.blogspot.com/ I'm currently doing a series on our recent adventure in Northwest Yucatan, but if you go to the Index of Topcs, there are a number of past posts on Ajijic and Lake Chapala.

Buen Viaje (Good Journey!)

[Travis]

If, like me, you're highly susceptible to mosquito bites, you might toss into your bag a favorite repellent. Locally available stuff doesn't work very well for me. Many/most people here aren't bothered by them, and some will suggest there's no problem at all. So it just depends. But if you're like me....

[lobita]

Sunscreen and insect repellent, check. I will also bring bar soap as I have sensitive skin and perfumes can trigger it. Thanks!

I can't handle much hiking (bad knee) but my partner will be happy to learn of the hiking groups. I am not normally a hat person but I will try out the local options.

I grew up in Texas (Austin) and though I have loved the PNW I do miss the sun and warmth. Hopefully I can reacclimate quickly!


Jim, I've seen your blog before in my research -- some gorgeous photos.

[Luke]

You asked why someone likes the rainy season and I didn't notice an answer yet. Most all of us live for the rainy season To me May and the first part of June is the hottest and driest part of the year. When the rains come it cools off, the brown mountains turn beautifully green, everything looks very lush. It usually only rains part of the day ... many times it rains at night and the days are warm and sunny. This isn't rain like you experience in the Pacific Northwest ... My sister lives in Seattle and speaks to me about "sunbursts" or something like that ... where the sun peaks out a little during the day. We usually have lots of sun and welcome a nice rain to cool things down and lull us to sleep at night. Also, of course, during the rainy season there is not as much dust and all the burning of the fields is over for the most part and the air is just warm and clean. We love it here anytime of year and hope you do too.

[Malaya]

Luke said it very well. After 7 months of no significant rain, the rainy season just makes you feel reborn. The air smells good, everything turns green again and the positive ions in the area make everyone happy. Rarely rains in the daytime, clouds up late afternoon and then the downpour comes at night. If you live higher up the mountain the lightening shows are spectacular.

[tomgates]

REI sells a Ultra Deet 30 that is very good. No fragrance.

[AWC]

And some of us, the minority, would choose to leave from mid-June to mid-September during the rainy season. I prefer mid-March thru mid-June, the hot, dry and dusty.

As to what to bring, a pair of closed toe shoes with soles on them, something like a boat shoe. The cobbles and uneven sidewalks also make for puddles.

[Atlas]

And some of us, the minority, would choose to leave from mid-June to mid-September during the rainy season. I prefer mid-March thru mid-June, the hot, dry and dusty.

As to what to bring, a pair of closed toe shoes with soles on them, something like a boat shoe. The cobbles and uneven sidewalks also make for puddles.

There won't BE any puddles during April and May!

[ASL]

Lobita,

Welcome. It's a great place.

I need to get a laptop down here. I've been hired to do some audio and video editing work, and the company will loan me a computer with the necessary software and files installed. The two people I know coming down arrive this weekend, and the man I'm working for didn't get everything ready that quickly.

Is it possible for you to bring it? I'd be happy to take you to lunch and answer any questions I can about the area in return for your troubles.

Please PM me and let me know. Thank you for your consideration.

[AWC]

Atlas, opps... you are right, not during their visit.

[Catinmex]

REI sells a Ultra Deet 30 that is very good. No fragrance.

What is REI? ......and when you tell me I'm going to slap my forehead and say "of course"!