Blog

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

There are many interesting places to visit around the Lakeside area. Some of them are close enough for a day trip and others require an overnight stay in order to have enough time to see everything that is of interest. Along the Road to Sayula Sayula is approximately sixty miles south of Ajijic. It can easily be reached by car in about an hour and a half. You can go by bus but you have to go to...

One of the facts of life is growing old. Today people are living longer and in general in good health. There does come a time however that some people can no longer take care of themselves. At that point, who can help with the day to day challenges that face us? I moved from Canada to Mexico several years ago and the attitudes towards the elderly are somewhat different here than what you may find in...

The open markets are called Tianguis in Spanish. They are not to be missed. The best word I can think of to describe the market is ABUNDANCE.  There is an abundance of everything, including people. The Chapala market is not hard to find. It is at the top of the main street in Chapala, across the street from the Pemex gas station. Entrance to the Market You can easily catch a bus, either the large...

The American Legion is the central meeting place for expats in Chapala, just as the Lake Chapala Society is the center for the expats in Ajijic.  Everyone is welcome at the Legion. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the events, to eat in the restaurant or to have drinks in the bar. Entrance to the American Legion Their address is: American Legion Post 7, Calle Morelos 144, Chapala,...

One of the things that concerns people when they think of retiring in the Lakeside area is what to do in case of an emergency. Is there an ambulance here? Inside the Ambulance Yes, there is an ambulance. The Cruz Roja has four of them. They are all fully equipped. There is also a rescue truck with Jaws of Life, an ATV for difficult terrain aid and a boat for aquatic rescue. All the vehicles are...

Have you ever thought about getting involved with the theater? Well, here is your opportunity. The Lakeside Little Theatre is in need of volunteers to get involved in all aspects of production, from acting to set design and all things in between. Artists are needed to do the set designs. Lakeside Little Theatre Sign It is located in San Antonio, in between Ajijic and Lake Chapala, off Allen...

The Maple leaf Club is a social gathering for Canadians and friends of Canadians. They meet at the American Legion once a month on the first Thursday of the month. They meet from three in the afternoon until six in the evening. A Proud Canadian It is a casual setting. I went to their July meeting and it was held on the Patio. Not many people showed up that day but I was told it was because of the...

Can-Am stands for Canadian and American. Since Canada Day was on the First of July, and Fourth of July celebrations for Americans are only three days later, the Lake Chapala Society had a combined day of celebration. Everyone was invited--Canadians, Americans, Mexicans and anyone else interested in having a good time. It was held on the second of July and it was very successful. Entrance to the Can-Am...

The hot springs and hotel are located next to the lake on the way into San Juan Cosala. If you are driving on the carretera from Ajijic, as soon as you pass the lakeside restaurants, you will see the sign over the road. You turn left and one block down to the left you will see it. Entrance to the Hotel and the Spa The hot springs spa and hotel have been in existence for over forty-five years....