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cstone

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Everything posted by cstone

  1. Your friend did not use "Uber," but a private driver who can charge whatever they want. I use legit yellow/white taxis, and if possible I give at least a day's notice. I keep a list of 5-7 on my phone. If we want to attend evening activities, which are quite rare, I give sufficient notice and negotiate the price beforehand. I tip well, and am friendly and respectful. I have overheard gringos talking to drivers as if the drivers were way beneath them. Yes, I do speak Spanish, and sometimes we chat as a "language exchange" as the drive goes along. Gather up a list and try them out. She will eventually find one or two or three she likes and can use on a regular basis. Sr. German Garcia (331 340 0361), Sr. Paulino Contreras (331 406 8685), and Sr. Juan Manuel Ramos (331 439 1407/333 456 1756)all come to immediate mind.
  2. It is definitely a difficult situation. As a last resort, you could try this place: Casa de Ancianos Zaragoza 692, Barrio Guadalupe, Chapala 376-765-2497 It takes in the destitute, and I am sure the local population will be in the majority, and Spanish will be the language of day to day living/care. I have no experience or first hand knowledge of this place, but it may be of help as you look for places.
  3. I am a retired teacher, spec ed/elementary/ms/some hs/esl/adult ed. The last 10 years of my career were spent in one of the top 3 schools in Asia. I recommend that you do NOT plan to come and get a teaching job here in Ajijic. I suggest you try to connect with the American School Foundation in Guadalajara. You will need someone to sponsor your work visa, unless you are already a dual citizen or Permanenter of Mexico. You would have to prove that you are NOT taking a job that a Mexican can perform. Salaries here for teachers are abysmal and from what I hear, conditions aren't so great, either. If you are looking for a position that is basically a volunteer post, something to keep you busy with enough pesos as salary to pay for your entertainment and a few meals out, and possibly enrollment in IMSS for medical, OK, check out the local schools. If you want a true international teaching experience with the benefits that go along with it, higher salaries and good medical benefits, vacations and paid time off, go for the international circuit. Apply to a hiring fair and pay the fee. Polish up your resume and look for schools in Mexico. There are good starter schools in Monterrey, for sure and Guadalajara has the American School Foundation.
  4. I stay at a Hilton property when I have a very early morning flight. Hampton Inn by Hilton - Guadalajara Aeropuerto. About 15 minutes from th airport towards Guadalajara, and there is a Chili's next door. It's my preference. While I wouldn't consider it "upscale," it isn't a budget Inn by any means. I think it has a brakfast with the room, but I always leave too early to eat it. I will say that the coffee packets they give you for that little coffeemaker is NASTY ! I travel with my own coffee. The hotel is clean and comfortable, typical amenities, great beds, airport shuttle, breakfast.
  5. Yes, I have tried the 800 number many times. I rarely get connected, and when I do it says please wait, etc. Most of the time, after 5 -10 minutes the line goes dead. I don't need an English speaker, I just need a speaker. The only time I ever got through, months ago, after a 20 minute wait on hold, she said this was an issue best resolved in person. Great, now where can I find a TelMex person ? I went by on Wednesday and the office was closed and there was a long line of people waiting to pay at the machine. I had to do that, too. At least now I can tell you that there was NO ONE in the office on Wednesday, but the machine was working. Im nor sure how beauticians and restaurants andf the tianguis can be open and not a utility office like TelMex. The cashiers are already behind a plexiglass window, and there is plenty of room to space out the staff who work at the desks. They dont even need a full staff, only 1 or 2 people and someone at the door to regulate the amount of people in the office.
  6. Online is fine and dandy when it works ! I seem to have been "disappeared" by TelMex and I am getting billing messages for a number that is not mine. After receiving no bills at my house and getting messages that they were going to cut my service, I tried online AGAIN, but got caught in a voice mail loop. So much for online ease of paying. The system online doesn't recognize me and won't let me in, but TelMex knows me as a person and wants their $$. Sometimes it just isn't all that easy. Each circumstance is different, so don't be all judgy .
  7. Well, I am one of those who cannot pay the bill online. Somewhere, somehow, the online app of TelMex has decided we are no longer real people, has stopped sending a paper bill, and will not let us sign in online, as we have done before. I have called the Customer Support people who walked me through the exact same things I did before, and when it didn't work, the suggested I go to the office to clear it up. I did this 2x, just to be sure, once in Spanish and once in English. So, last month, off I went to the office. This now requires a cab ride, since the bus is not an option as it usually is and I am too old to walk that far into town. Office was closed. I paid at the machine, but the charges were more than usual, and there is no one to talk to there. Looks like the same thing is going to happen this month. I had no problem with the machine. It works fine. Social distancing wasn't a problem, because i asked the person behind me to step back. Sometimes one just needs to do things in person.
  8. We live HERE. This is our home. We own it, we have been here permanently for 10+ years, and currently cannot think of anywhere I would rather be. (Other than the big, long vacation I planned/paid for to escape the May heat and had to cancel.) Where would we go ? We were visiting family when TSHTF in the USA, and all we wanted to do was get back here to Mexico. I just cannot imagine having to be up there all this time in a place not my own and imposing on people. We are happy here, have our doggies, all things familiar that we need to make us happy and content and comfortable. As long as we are together, we are fine. We are too old to be out and about that much, as we have no car (by choice), but walk to get everything we need. Our day to day life is basically the same as before CV. Changes are in only personal services- housekeepr, doggy day care, pedicures, massages and an occasional lunch out with girlfriends. I do rely more on shopping delivery services.
  9. I bought "cancel for any reason insurance," and Avalon Waterways refunded 60% of what I paId, telling me that I needed to get in touch with my insurance for the rest. I did receive an email today saying they are "looking in to it." It's been 3 weeks since I contacted them to start the ptocess. I MIGHT get some of the 40% back. I did not want to choose another date, because I am unlikely to ever cruise again. I have never been on a ship that held more than 150 passengers, and I definitely don't want the BIG BOAT experience, so it is land and air travel for me, should the travel pathways open again. This was a European river cruise, and since Europe isn't letting anyone in, they cancelled it and offered other bookings and "sale prices + extras." Hah !
  10. I think cruise lines are seeing strong future bookings because refunds are almost non existent and they are offering "enticing deals" if you rebook rather than lose your money on the cancelled trips.
  11. Great service from Lakeside Shopping Services. i do not think it is fair to hijack a thread like this. Start another thread if you want.
  12. If you use Lakeside Shoping Services, they bring the CostCo ham and many other products to your home. I am getting my delivery today.
  13. In San Antonio, a block or so west from the school corner, is a papeleria that I swear has everything! It's tiny but has an apparently magic room at the back from which they produce an amazing array of items. I would check there.
  14. Thanks for reminding me. I apparently cannot keep track of her number. I promise to write it down this time !
  15. Good Evening, Folks. I am contemplating changing packages/upgrading with Shaw. I have lost my contact number for the lady who originally helped us set this up. If any of you know her, can you PM me with her number ? Thanks.
  16. The fabric district, Sta. Teresita in GDL, and a number of shops in historic Centro GDL have loads of yarn. That said, everytime I go to the US, I bring back a lot of yarn from JoAnn's where I can use a coupon to get better deals.
  17. I live in Mirasol. There is a house on Lirios that has recently been renovated for rental. I do not know the $$, but it is more than likely a 3 BR/1-1.5 bath, and it meets all your requirements. Not fancy, easy parking on street + driveway behind a gate. 1 block in from carreterra. I would recommend a driveby and if you like the looks, leave a note for the landlord, who, by the way, speaks Spanish. If you want , you can PM me for any questions about the area.
  18. I have both color/b&W. I use B/W more frequently, but print things for my service organization, occasional photos and charted needlepoint and x stitch designs. I can afford the ink. The wells are huge and they last quite a long time. I pay attention to what I print. I would have to walk to a papeleria to have the copies made, so having my printing capabilities here at home is more convenient. I like my instant gratification !
  19. Retired special educator here. Are you asking about an adult or a child ?
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