Who May Not Like Lake Chapala – Ajijic ?

We all have dreams of what we would like our life to be like. Our advise, don’t just dream about it ! Do a bit of planning, get some professional input (Here’s where I come in), and then tailor make a lifestyle that’s just right for you.

I admit that our area is not for everyone. But, that being said… our area has so much of what most folks want, that I think you should give us a look. To Learn More and See if Our Area Might be Right for You, Please Read On !

First, let me tell you who may not like our area. People who are intolerant of other cultures or think that their way is the ONLY WAY to do things, or they think that anyone who doesn’t speak English must be somewhat retarded. These folks may want to look elsewhere.

This person is the stereotype of the “Ugly American” which has been defined as follows:

The Encarta dictionary defines “Ugly American” as: stereotypical offensive American: a loud, boorish, nationalistic American, especially one traveling abroad, who is regarded as conforming to a stereotype that gives Americans a bad reputation.^[12] In contrast, Dictionary.com defines “the Ugly American” as: Pejorative term for Americans traveling or living abroad who remain ignorant of local culture and judge everything by American standards.^[13]

Thankfully, most people don’t fall into the above category. A lot of folks are however, a bit skeptical, and that’s OK. They say something like, “Well, the Lake Chapala area of Mexico sounds wonderful, but what will I have to give up to live there. ” My answer is always the same: “Nothing except STRESS. You have to leave your stress behind.”

Let me explain: You will read about low prices, low taxes, perfect climate, friendly people, a nice mix of interesting neighbors from all over the world, affordable housing, etc. etc. Admittedly, it sounds almost too. good to be true and so the skepticism.

BUT, it is true that you may need to adapt your thinking a little, especially, if you are like I was. How was that? Well, I’m the kind of person who used to be pretty impatient (with myself, with family and friends, with merchants, with government services, etc.).

That impatience caused me stress and slightly elevated blood pressure. Here, there is much to reduce stress like the calming vistas of our beautiful lake, year round perfect climate, low crime, low taxes, low utilities, and in general less economic stress to make ends meet on a pension.

But, since the culture here puts some things ahead of chasing a peso, like family, church, time to relax, being polite, celebrating life’s important moments (birthdays, weddings, first communions, mother’s day, religious days, etc.) you will notice a difference in how quickly things get accomplished.

Things may not be ready when originally promised, but when they are ready you will usually find them to be done very well and at a low price. Your doctor, lawyer, government official may not be on time for his/her appointment with you, but when you do have your meeting you will find that it is not rushed, that all your concerns are addressed and in a very friendly way.

So, we must adapt, we must leave our stress behind. We must be tolerant of a different culture. And, once we do this, we can truly enjoy all this wonderful country has to offer.

NOW, let’s talk about some specifics of our area to see if it is right for you: Some folks say, “I really just want to sit back and relax. I don’t socialize much.” That’s fine, there’s no pressure here to be a social butterfly. You can socialize as little or as much as you want. If on the other hand you are the social butterfly type, there’s plenty of events to keep you busy.

Most folks fall somewhere between the two extremes. That’s were my wife and I fit in. We have friends that are always doing something and friends that rarely leave home. There’s room for us all.

Then, there are the folks who come to retire, yet wind up doing something with a profit motive. They may have been a world famous chef in a big city restaurant and then decided to open their own restaurant here, not so much as to make a bunch of money, but because they always wanted to have their own restaurant and do it their way.

We have a lot of folks who are learning to express their creative energies in one or more forms of art. Ajijic has a number of art studios, art shops, painting classes, drawing classes, for those who want to try their hand at artistic pursuits.

Some have become involved in little theatre. Have you always wanted to be thespian? Why not give it a try in our little theater group.

Want to continue your education: The University of Guadalajara (less than an hour away) accepts foreign students of all ages and there is always some group studying something worthwhile at the Lake Chapala Society (History, Culture, Great Books of the Western World, Literature).

More interested in fun than scholarly pursuits: (Not that scholarly pursuits aren’t fun for those who enjoy them) There’s still plenty to do. We have a number of concerts each year from visiting jazz groups, dance groups, symphonic orchestras, touring rock groups, and in addition there are several local bands playing Latin, Rock and Country style music at various area clubs and restaurants.

More technologically oriented ? Then the computer club or Ham radio Club might be your cup of tea.

More into physical activities? There’s a number of tennis courts in the area, two golf courses, a water park, ultra light airplanes, horseback riding, hiking in the mountains, and at least 10 swimming pools open to the public in the area all to keep you physically fit while having fun.

There’s self indulgence activities like hour long full body relaxation massages for about $20, or a manicure or pedicure might make you feel special. The ladies will find a number of good beauty salons ( at last count we had 10) at very reasonable prices so you can always look your best.

Veterans will be pleased to note that there are several active American Legion Posts in the area and there are at least 40 other special interest or service clubs in the Lakeside area.

A partial listing includes: The Lake Chapala Society, Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge club, Canadian Club, Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic, Ajijic International Film Festival, Amigos Internationales, British Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Lakeside Garden Guild, Lakeside Fishing Club, Ham Radio Club, Rotary Clubs, Senior Citizens Club, and Writers Group.

And, I would be remiss if I did not mention the many opportunities to volunteer in any number of worthwhile charities and mentoring groups here at lakeside. If you want to give back and thereby receive more than you give in appreciation and blessings, then lakeside is definitely the place for you too.

OK, I know, I left out fishing and beach activities. In Chapala the newly renovated Malecon has a small beach but most North Americans hang out at one of the pretty pools in the area surrounded by palm tress with nice lake views,

But, if this doesn’t quench your thirst for a beach like atmosphere, the real beaches of Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Barra de Navidad are all less than half a day drive away. All offer superb beaches, and great fishing, not to mention night life, and great seafood.

But you don’t have to go to the coast for great seafood or night life as we have that right here at Lakeside, thank you very much. It’s nice to know that world class resorts are close by, when we feel the urge to play tourist.

Speaking of tours there are several local tour companies here at Lakeside that offer inexpensive tours to areas throughout Mexico and all over the world, some with Senior discounts.

So, it’s up to you. It’s all here for you…. Just waiting for you to take advantage of. Some folks try a little of this and a little of that activity to see what pleases them and makes them feel self fulfilled, and some just jump in and get the whole meal deal.

IT’S UP TO YOU ! YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEP BY REACHING OUR WEBSITE AND LOOKING OVER WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER. I HOPE YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE MORE STEPS TOWARD DESIGNING A RICH, ENJOYABLE, SELF FULLED LIFE FOR YOURSELF.

I want to help you, to smooth the way, to prevent the mistakes you might make on your own, to make you a new friend, and of course if you decide at some point to buy a home in our area, I am one of the few exclusive Buyer’s Agents fully accredited as a local Realtor in our local real estate association referred to as GIL (Grupo Inmobilarios del Lago) and the Mexican National Real Estate Assocation (AMPI).

So, give me a call or send me an e mail today. Let’s get started on your new life !