Money, cars and other info

We have found that "Effectivo" or cash is almost the only way to pay here in Ajijic. The dentist took American Express but otherwise checks, credit cards or travelers check are not accepted. The dollar has gone up from about 10 to 1 to about 14 to 1 so it is pretty simple to keep track.

We also learned that when you live here you can get car license tabs from South Dakota through the mail. It looks as if all of South Dakota is here along with Canadians but the mail-in tab thing and the low cost is the answer.

We are talking to many people about where they live and how long they stay. We are full of questions and everyone is so helpful with information and suggestions. We visited the American Legion in Chapala and met a woman who works there and gave us all kinds of good info. The American Legion has many activities throughout each month and a monthly publication.

We really, really are enjoying the weather here! The birds are so beautiful and there are very few pesty bugs like mosquitos and flies.

Living in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico in January 2009

We are enjoying the mild weather and the wonderful scenery and great food of Ajiic. We have met people from many states and from Canada. All escaping the cold weather. Our "casita" is very nice and convenient to the little town and to the lake. This week we have visited Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque (a beautiful artsy town) on Sunday when all of the tourists from the city visit too. During this time a thief (probably an inside job) stole Steve's Nissan Z car and some other stuff from his house in Ajijic. This is his first burglary in 6 years here. Anyway, he dealt with the police and insurance etc on Monday and we house sat and TV watched on Tues while he followed up on paper work.. The police came soon after he left and they had found his car and wanted Pete to come with them to identify it. I did not have my camera ready to take a photo of Pete being taken away by the police. Too Bad. He made it back okay. One of the police had lived in Renton.

We have taken a bus tour around the lake (Lake Chapala) thru all of the very little no gringo towns and learned a lot of history of the area. Of course we visited churches and city halls and we saw pelicans on the lake by the hundreds near a very very small fishing village. Yesterday, Fri, we attended a reading of a play by the Lake Chapala Society members and tonight we will go to a musical production. Lots of things to do each day. Next week we look into classes. I'll try to attach a picture of something.