Jim & Carole's Mexico Adventure

Photoblog Expat retiree Sportsman

A photojournal of our travels and adventures in Mexico's Western Highlands, and our life in Ajijic at Lake Chapala. Everything from fiestas to wildlife, ancient ruins to life in a Mexican village...and much more.

Tags: Spanish colonial cities, Mexican fiestas, Hiking, Mexican village life, Ancient ruins

The author

cookj5
cookj5

My wife and I decided to move to Mexico when I decided to retire early. It was basically an economic decision: we are health care refugees from the US. However, we both have wanted to travel and find adventure in other countries and Mexico seemed a relatively close and easy jump to make from Oregon. Mexico has exceeded all our expectations so far, and neither of us can find any good reason to go back to the US. Cost of living is about 1/2 of our US expenses, and health care is good to excellent and laughably cheap compared to the US. We love the people we have met, both expats and local Mexicans, and there are countless fascinating places to visit.

Comments

Enjoyed reading your story. Did you visit prior to your move? Can you give an idea as to how long a person would have to visit to get a reasonable idea of your area, ie week, month etc? Also did you have trouble getting to know people? I have heard that there are clubs or social groups you can join for activities. Can you confirm. I am a little older than you, but am also looking for retirement relief in the future. I am still working, but plan to retire within the next 6 months. I have heard the weather is very good in the Lake Chapala area, but probably drier and warmer than Oregon. I am in Okla and it is currently 105 here today. Another need for relief. Thanks in advance for any input and would love to hear from you all. Susan Ott
by susan ott on 05/08/2008 at 00:12:00

Susan- I didn't have your email or I would have responded directly. Answers to your questions: 1) Yes, we did visit for a week about a year before we actually moved down. We had done a great deal of research beforehand, so the visit was to confirm our information and get the feel of the place. I would strongly advise visiting before you make any commitment to move. You may want to visit several places in addition to Lake Chapala. 2) If you can afford it and get the free time, it would be worth while coming down for several weeks or even a couple of months. Depending on what your timeframe is, you might want to visit in a couple of different times of year. October-March is "the season" when the weather is nearly perfect, no rain, warm sun with cool breezes. It is also the most crowded season and most expensive in terms of rents, since we get loads of Canadian and US "snowbirds". April and May are the hot, dry season (95 degrees F. in the afternoon with cooler mornings and balmy evenings). Best time to rent because the snow birds all pull out and the landlords are desperate to find renters. June-Sept. are the rainy season, but it generally only rains at night with cool cloudy mornings and warm sunny afternoons. We actually like this season a lot because it is quieter and, despite the late night rain storms, it is actually quite pleasant. 3) Both expats and Mexicans are very laid back and friendly. People tend to be very helpful with advice to newcomers and visitors. 4) Google up the Lake Chapala Society, Ajijic. The LCS is a volunteer organization of expats with about 3000+ members. Many, many activities, clubs, classes and great facilities. They also great much good will in the Mexican community for the fundraising and volunteer work to help children and the poor. 5) Also Google up Judy King's website "Living at Lake Chapala" where you can get detailed info about living here, issues around moving to Mexico, and much more.
by Jim Cook on 05/08/2008 at 23:35:56

Hi Jim: I am Cesar and I have been checking your Blog guys, I love it! My wife Jen and I have a dream, we would like to open a Non-Profit Organization (community Center) in Ajijic, Jalisco. It is grat project, we do not have the money yet JAJA but what we want to do is already set. Since you and Carole live down there,I would like to know if this sound like a good idea to you. We live in Montreal Canada. My wife is from Trenton, Michigan and I was born and raised in Queretaro, Mexico. Thank you!!
by Queretano on 19/11/2009 at 17:43:38

Jim: I forgot adding my e-mail address! pato_zamudio@hotmail.com Thanks!
by Queretano on 19/11/2009 at 22:14:08

please email the expenses to ove to mexico. i would like to retire ther but need dollar figures to help me make up my mind. ptaz42@windstream.net
by ptaz on 23/10/2009 at 04:01:25