Van Lilly - 2006 Program 2 Dec to 9 Dec
"Your
program certainly met and exceeded my expectations. First let me say
that you could not have chosen better representatives for native
Mexicans than Ana and Manuel --- they are so very pleasant and helpful
and I really could not say enough good things about them. The outings
were good and I especially liked El Adobe, Villa del Arte and La Tasca
and lunch at El Serape was excellent and everyone seemed to really
enjoy 60's in Paradise. The most impressive of all for me was lunch at
Omar's. The educational speakers were good and will make good contacts
should I come here. Karen, Bill, Marie and Ray were always helpful and
I am especially appreciative of using the Vonage (at Ray and Marie's
house) and the Egg Crate mattress that you brought for Gary's sore
back. I came to this program with a different perspective than most of
the other participants. I think many of them were further along in
their path to decide how they will spend their retirement than I was.
However, I got what I needed and will speak with encouragement to
others who ask me about the program."."
John and Lynda Rujak
"The
Focus on Mexico program, coordinated by Marie and Ray Bullock, provided
a comprehensive overview with presentations and tours and a good
insight as to what could be expected living in Mexico. Areas covered
were real estate, cost of living, banking/investing, law, customs of
the Mexican people, health care options, and immigration. Our most
compelling reason to stay is the friends we have made (and the ease in
making them). The climate of course is great as is the opportunity to
participate in many cultural and community activities available at
Lakeside. The overall cost of living is less than our previous
residence in Canada. Health care is good and the ability to leave the
country if required is but a half hour away."
Marlene Robertson (full time in Lake Chapala)“Eight
years ago, I made a decision that changed my life forever, and not for
one minute have I ever regretted that change. I knew I was too young
to retire. But I was not happy with my job, was ready for some
adventure and a real life change. What to do? A few weeks later I saw
an ad in the paper offering a free seminar about retiring in Mexico.
After listening to Ray and Marie outline the lifestyle they were
experiencing in a place called Lake Chapala, Mexico, I immediately
signed up to explore further. The minute I stepped off the plane I was
smitten. Although it was December, the air was soft, warm and full of
the sweet scent of flowers. A half hour later, arriving in Lake
Chapala – it was love at first sight. For the next few days Ray and
Marie squired the group around the area, took us to Guadalajara for the
Ballet Folklorico, fed us at some wonderful restaurants and generally
introduced us to paradise. They took the time to give me all the
information I needed to make an informed decision on whether or not
this was the place for me – financially, emotionally and forever. It
turned out it was and by the following October I was living in Mexico,
in my very own home."
Grace Lebel -"Although I was generally
familiar with Mexico having traveled there extensively on both business
and pleasure, I felt I needed to be more focused on Mexico as a
permanent destination for retirement. I had read books and other
materials I was able to access but it wasn't until my participation in
the Focus Program that I was able to put it all together. I urge anyone
who has been thinking casually about Mexico as a retirement destination
to seriously consider making the investment to attend a Focus on Mexico
program. Even if the conclusion is that Mexico is not for you, the good
times you'll enjoy and new relationships you'll be able to build as a
result will prove well worth it. The program itself provided an
excellent opportunity to learn about specific areas of concern for
prospective retirees (health care, investment opportunities, etc.), but
more importantly to learn about them in the context of Mexico as a
retirement destination. In addition, information specific to living in
Mexico, such as real estate ownership, insurance and immigration were
all incorporated into the program. The information that was presented
and the opportunity to meet experts in those fields would, in and of
itself, have been well worth the time and financial investment on this
program
Debbie and Jerry Patterson -2006 Program 26 Sept to 5 Oct
"How
do you describe a life-changing experience? That is what we had in the
Lake Chapala area with the Focus On Mexico program. We arrived in the
lakeside area with no preconceptions since we had never visited this
area before. We loved the area but our experience wouldn't have been so
meaningful to us without Focus On Mexico. Ray, Marie, Ana, Karen and
Bill are incredible people and each of them exposed us to the magic of
this area in their own way. We loved the weather, the beauty and the
obvious attributes of the area but Focus On Mexico, besides giving us
great information and speakers, put us in touch with the feel of this
wonderful place which is difficult to describe but wonderful to
experience. We would highly recommend Focus On Mexico and its great
program and staff to anyone who is considering checking out the Lake
Chapala area. Thanks again to Ray and Marie and their wonderful staff,
all of whom we consider to be great friends."
Sue and Greg Ochs - Kirkland, Washington - 2006 2 Dec to 9 Dec
"The
educational segment was the right balance between overview and detail.
There are no words to describe how kind and supportive the Focus staff
was. The culture tour of Guadalajara was excellent, especially the
guided tour through Hospicio Cabanas."
Steve Payne from California - November 18, 2006 Program:
"You
asked us: Did our program meet your expectations? "Yes, in every way,
and more. You have an excellent service, worth much more than we paid.
The overall program was exceptional. We received all the information we
wanted to know, as well as excellent contacts for future services. The
real estate exposure was very informative with a good cross section of
prices. My wife was somewhat skeptical about moving and retiring in
Mexico. After our week with Focus on Mexico, she is "SOLD." As soon as
we can sell our home in California, we are coming. Everyone connected
with "Focus" was extremely helpful. We especially like Ana who was
always there to help us and answer our questions. She is a gem! Marie
and Ray overflowed with valuable information and perspectives on Lake
Chapala and Mexico. They have put together a valuable program to help
bridge the gap of information needed to come to Mexico and settle
permanently. The Mexican government should reward Focus on Mexico for
their contribution in promoting living in Mexico. What a super week!
You made our trip a great vacation... plus your Focus On Mexico program
was outstanding and exceeded our every expectation."
- Judy Payne, California - November 18, 2006 Program
"Marie
and Ray, your program is wonderful. You are two delightful, warm and
interesting people who have grown a business that suits you perfectly.
“Find a need and fill it.” The Focus experience was interesting,
informative and fun. It was a good group. Your choice of restaurants
and food was great; loved the music night at the Cocktail Lounge. The
educational segment was a brief overview of the important areas one
needs to know about; the notebook will be a good reference. The
presenters were all knowledgeable. Your printed information was
helpful. The “Focus” staff was personable, helpful and a lot of fun to
be around. Ana is a sweetheart and helpful in every way. Manuel sure
knows how to drive a bus! Bill and Karen were great also. Her shawl
kept me warmer. That was thoughtful of her to bring wraps along. You
had to cram a lot of info into the 7-Day Program and it worked! Now we
need to digest what we have learned. Thank you for a most informative,
interesting and delightful way to spend a week learning about living in
another culture and returning home with very positive thoughts. We plan
to be back!"
Karen Cottingham, Calgary- 2006 Program 18th to 24th Nov
"Focus
was so comprehensive. Marie and Ray are extremely knowledgeable and fun
to be with. Their staff – Ana, Karen, Bill and driver Manuel were
delightful. I enjoyed spending the week with the Focus guests – all of
whom were there because they have a great sense of adventure."
Paul & Virginia Bastiaansen, Thedford, ON, November 2007
"Very
informative, interesting and exceptionally well organized. There is no
way you could ever learn all of this on your own on a vacation!
Everything was exceptional! No complaints! Exceeded expectations. Ana
is fantastic. She puts 200% into everything. She is so hardworking and
pleasant. Bill and Karen deserve a special mention for their hard work
and dedication to the program and for sharing their experiences. The
education segments were very informative and helpful; makes moving here
less frightening. The food was fantastic. Perhaps too much, but I’m not
complaining – just a lot of food. I’m not sure I have pants to wear
home!!! 10 lbs! Again, Ana, Bill and Karen are simply the best! Thanks
to Ray and Marie for sharing all of their experiences. I can’t express
how great the “Focus” staff is, especially Ana. Manuel is a sweetheart;
an amazing driver. Thanks again. 100% happy!"
Marvin Golden (full time in Lake Chapala)
“We
came on a Focus on Mexico program and have lived here for five years.
We have gotten to know Ray and Marie well, and are impressed with the
number of others who have come here through Focus on Mexico. So many
lives have been greatly enriched by them. I wonder if they know how
well thought of they are in the community? If you have a chance to
come on a Focus on Mexico Program, take it! It is the best way to get
to know Lake Chapala and has been a life-changing event for many. Come
and find out for yourself how much better your life can be. Ray &
Marie, thanks for being a part of our lives.”
Bill & Sue Levy (full time in Lake Chapala)
“Focus
on Mexico was a great way to learn about the possibility of living in
Mexico. The Focus Program was designed to provide us with all the
information we needed to make a decision about living here and the
Focus team was able to answer all of our questions in a straight and
understandable way. They brought in local experts in Health Care,
Immigration, Taxation, Law, etc. … they took excellent care of us
while we were in Mexico. … they made it possible for us to see a range
of local real estate but there was absolutely no pressure on us to make
any decisions…."
Bill & Donna Squires (part time in Lake Chapala)
"All
the folks at Focus have been most friendly and helpful during the
’10-Day Focus on Mexico Program’, as well as the years since. Whenever
a question arises, we know where we can turn to get the correct answer.
What started as a business/client relationship has turned into a
lasting friendship."
Mary & Brooks Wingrave (part time in Lake Chapala)
“The
Focus on Mexico program lived up to all our expectations and more. We
had about 30 people on our tour and about half of us are still friends
to this day. We were boarded at a lovely local hotel where the
conferences were held - on law, immigration, health, real estate,
insurance, plus much more. We couldn't believe the information we
received. It was just fabulous. We also had the opportunity to talk
to others that have already settled in the area; this was very
informative. There were lots of fun times, we visited great
restaurants, learned important facts about the villages and how to
operate within a Mexican community. You cannot describe the area to
anyone - it is so unique. We can say we recommend whole-heartedly that
if you are looking for a place to retire to or to just spend the
winters in, that you take a good look and join a Focus on Mexico tour.
The program was extremely valuable and I would highly recommend it to
anyone remotely interested in Mexico. We are definitely glad we went
and you will be too. In 2006 we bought our own home in a gated
community which we just love and we are very pleased that we took the
initial step and came down with Focus on Mexico.”
Patti Kirkpatrick Bellevue WA, November 24th, 2006"I
loved it all – Excellent information and very professionally done. We
stuffed in a lot. I was glad to have two extra days and highly
recommend excursions in Chapala – Ajijic area for personal exploration.
The Educational segment was excellent, very informative. Hope I can
remember it all! The Hotel – Excellent – service and accommodation
great and friendly. Outings: Excellent. The mural description by Efren
gave a good sense of history of the area. Food and entertainment -
great variety of food (oink) and I ate every morsel. What a great
variety for such a small town. Focus Staff: Super: What can I say? All
of you were warm, friendly, enthusiastic. Ana and Manuel were wonderful
and you couldn’t have better representatives of Focus. Thank you Ray
and Marie, Bill, Karen, Ana and Manuel I hope to see you soon," Patti
Richard S. Case, Georgia (Focus program October 2006)
"Thank
you, Marie, for your follow up notes. I say again - your program is one
of the best organized and complete programs I've ever attended for any
subject. It was so all-inclusive that I felt comfortable purchasing a
home after only ten days under your tutelage. Yes, I would love to have
my wife Mary-Anne attend your classes too. You can work your magic on
her."
Linn and Carol Biggs, San Antonio, Texas (Focus program December 2006)
"Your
program more than met our expectations. The educational sessions were
very informative. It is hard to meet everyone’s likes in a large group
but you managed to do it very well. Marie and Ray, your passion for
living here led us to buying a home here! Ana could not do enough for
us. Bill and Karen were so delightful and fun. They are a true asset to
your program. We feel this experience has not only provided us with a
new appreciation of Mexico but also given us new friends. Please call
or email when you are in San Antonio so we can have dinner and get
together."