Clay & Jutta McAdam are Focus alumni from our February 23, 2008 program. Clay's contributed to our newsletter before, but this is a first from Jutta. I know you're going to enjoy it!
So we made the big move from a mid-sized Western Canadian city to Lake Chapala, Mexico. Things, of course, are different here. Ajijic is a village, albeit a large one with some nods toward North of the Border conveniences--such as a couple of paved parking lots. A huge Wal-Mart that will greet visitors to Lakeside who come to escape either the big-city atmosphere of Guadalajara or places north of the border will be a mixed blessing. But walking the streets of Ajijic I am constantly reminded that this is indeed a Mexican village. I thought I knew the meaning and appearance of cobblestones, but these are unlike any I have experienced on my many travels. Let’s just say that while crossing or walking on an Ajijic street, I can only looks at the road, nothing else, or a twisted ankle may very well result. I often get extra exercise by mounting steep curbs and negotiating unexpected steps. A special ladies’ shoe has even been designed to navigate the streets of Mexican villages (for those new to the area like me, you can buy these wonderful San Miguel Allende shoes at Mi Mexico on Colon in Ajijic!). They’re supposed to stay on one’s feet while still displaying elements of style. Women riding down these streets in a car, on the other hand, would benefit from wearing a good sports bra.
Walking the village street, I see houses that are grand beside those that are quaint or very modest. The wrought-iron work on doors and windows has been raised to an art form and attests to the skill and imagination of Mexican craftsmen. High walls and gates shield home owners from the curious and those who might have ill intentions. Sometimes, when a gardener leaves the gate open temporarily, I can steal a glimpse into the elaborate gardens. Even on narrow streets tiny cement planters have been attached to the curb to hold neatly trimmed small trees. Many walls are covered in abundantly flowering vines. And stone, stone, everywhere!
Parking in the village can be a challenge at the best of times occasionally. It was just not built for thousands of northern invaders with their SUVs. Parking styles can be creative; they remind me of Paris parking. But since it’s a village, I am not surprised to see other modes of transportation. Some villagers keep and ride their horses down the narrow streets and then park their mounts, just as others would park their cars. In fact, one horse’s owner lovingly groomed and even washed his mount while it was ‘parked,’ front legs on the curb and hind legs on the street. On empty village lots, I see several horses grazing. I spot goats, horses and cows tied up along the Carretera (the major road connecting Lakeside villages). I hope that the cows I spot along the highway are not the ones they serve as ‘triple AAA beef’ in the local restaurants.
Until our house was completed, we were living in a rented casita (guest house) in upscale Upper La Floresta. Here we see beautiful properties with large gardens. No two houses look alike. The vegetation is incredible: tall avocado trees laden with the most enormous fruit I have ever seen, banana, mandarin orange, lime and papaya trees, and many more that I have not yet been able to identify. Some of the enormous pines are globular in shape, while I spot colourful birds at the top of tall Norfolk pines. Right now the huge umbrella-shaped tabachin trees are covered in large bright orange blossoms. Bougainvilleas, palms, flowering vines and all kinds of exotic flowers abound. No wonder there are gardeners at work here and across town every day, as the vigorous growth of all that vegetation needs constant attention in order to keep properties well-groomed.
The mountains that rise almost right behind us are a welcome and lovely sight each day. They are completely covered by vegetation. A couple of weeks ago, yellow blotches appeared on the mountain sides. Is this autumn already and the leaves are turning? Oh no, the hillsides are spotted with yellow flowering shrubs. They stay that way for a few weeks, and all of a sudden, it seems, the yellow has disappeared. After several weeks of walking in the neighbourhood, I have come to recognize the landscaping and plants in the neighbours’ gardens, even if I do not know the names of all the plants. All of a sudden, I see some shrubs covered with red tips. The poinsettias have turned bright red without the benefit of a greenhouse!
In my previous surroundings, people usually attend indoor concerts. We leave our coats in the car and make our way through an underground parkade to the concert hall. Dining al fresco is never a given due to the unpredictability of the northern climate. How different things are here: dining takes place mainly outdoors or under a structure without permanent windows. Concerts may be outdoors or in a venue with doors wide open. Choir practice takes place in a church, again, all windows and doors open. I can take yoga in a park-like setting on the lawn under a huge pecan tree with birds and large, colourful butterflies flitting by. Spanish lessons? Outdoors in a courtyard. Fruit from a large lime tree is gratis.
And then there is the lake. There definitely is magic to it. I cannot describe it, I only know it. That’s why I have to walk along its shore frequently. I have been watching the waters rise to healthy levels; so healthy that now, at the end of the rainy season, the waters have flooded even the Ajijic malecon and playground. One thing surprises me: Even on bright sunny days, the water never looks really blue. What might be causing this?
I am pleasantly surprised how easy it is to meet new people. Introductions are easily made, and when I meet someone again, it’s handshakes and immediate conversation as if we had known each other for a long time. The Mexicans are friendly, but a language barrier makes contact and conversation a little more difficult. However, I know that I will also meet and be friends with Mexican people, in time.
Now our waiting is over and we have moved into our new house. The views of the lake and mountains are incredible. Palms sway in the slight breeze. Colourful birds and butterflies, as yet unknown by their names, flit through the air close to us. In the morning, I peer out of our still curtain-less bedroom window to be greeted by a daily changing nature show. I have to pinch myself to see that we are really here, and here to stay; as in my case, such beauty had previously been reserved for short-time vacations.
Am I in paradise? Well, almost.
Focus On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2nd Best Climate in the World). Join us on a Focus program and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala. Our programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more...
You’ll get everything you need to help you decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus have a lot of fun doing it. Retiring in Mexico couldn't be better.