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Well, we have a very good pedestrian/bike way along side the carretera and it is well used these days. And frequent buses but of course the public transport is being badly hampered by the same self caused (by government) traffic situation. So we already have that of which you write. If you lived here you'd see that although we do have more traffic than we used to, the real problem is how the carretera is mismanaged to make it almost impassable. As I noted before, when we had that week when all the lights were shut down, there were no backups either on the carretera or the side streets. That tells us the road has the capacity to handle the traffic most of the time. This is no longer a matter of just getting backed up at the peak times when the Tapatios come and go on weekends and holidays. It is every day now and it starts with that total debacle encompassing Walmart and San Antonio.

While my wife comes from a middle class Mexican family, I grew up very poor. I didn't even have new shoes to wear to school. I worked my way through University and have a Masters degree as does my wife. I know first hand how it is to be poor and my friends are working people who work hard and make for themselves a better life. You cannot buy friendship and I think the interaction between people is more important than any money you might give them. I treat people with dignity which is more important than giving them a few pesos.

Jaysus! A twenty percent tip is plenty for servers in restaurants and that's for good service. If you want to give to the FoodBank here, you will really be feeding the hungry. They do a fantastic job! Everyone should treat everyone with dignity. I don't care where you live or who you are.

I believe the secret to living here lakeside is very simple. You just treat everyone as a human being, nothing more, nothing less. It is true I only tip in the 10 to 15 percent range but this is nothing different from what I do in the states. In addition, I give to all the beggars although sometimes I think I am being hustled. I have a fondness for the nino's so I contribute to their causes. We have a gardener and maid and we pay them the going rate and if they do something extra, we pay them extra. My wife always provides a meal for the maid and eats with her. Both the gardener and maid have been with us for 5 years and they are wonderful people. Sometimes they need extra money and we will loan it to them, they always pay us back. My wife is a psychologist here in Mexico and had her own television show in Mexico City, I worked for the government and traveled all over the world. Here lakeside we are just lakesiders who probably relate more to the Mexican community than the expat one. We are respected by the Mexican community as we are simply a member of the community. Unfortunately there are rich expat's and rich Mexicans who think money is all important. We believe a good heart is all that is important.

Well RV, to each his/her own. And we know that you and the Missus liked living in Chapala town, BUT I don't find the other areas to be less 'normal' and many people don't see the other areas as 'gringolandia' whatever those tags are meant to portray.

I received this from a business man in the community who is in the know... "No, it is not legal for someone to do this, let alone and official municipal vehicle/employee. We're going to forward your email to the Ecology department so that they're made aware of this situation and hopefully put an end to this. We're going to follow up with them via a phone call, in case they don't understand your concern or if they have any doubts. We'll let you know if/once we get a response from them." Also, sent him two photos/

The westerly branch of Intercam is much closer to you and has plenty of parking.

If you get around by car, one of the considerations to make, when choosing a bank, is the convenience of driving to and from your bank of choice, and parking. One wonderful thing about Actinver for me, is that it is very close to home, the parking is fantastic, and it is easy, via a green/red signal light (or whatever they are called) to get back on the Carretera.

Yes, because we all know how much food you can buy with your dignity.

... no but the CAT might!

I wonder if you stuck your catś tail into solar system panel inverter if the CFE meter would run backwards?

Drive over to Tucueca or San Pedro Tesistan and pay attention to the real differences you see. If you are lucky enough to have a little tienda your only employee is likely to be family because most working age folks have left town. There is almost nothing to do there except barely survive. In 1972, when I first arrived in this area, Ajijic was a little fishing village which was mostly supplied by many very small farmers. I'm talking dozens of boats and groups of men pulling in heavy nets which could take hours. There were gringos living here then and it was a much cheaper place to live. A house could be rented for less than 50.00 USD/month. There were about four or five recognizable restaurants, two little hotels, no hospital, ambulance, telephones, television, library, immigration lawyers, car rentals, street lights, banks, clothing stores, malecon, etc. Folks complained a little about the hippie influx bu t most of the gringos were retirees who lived in Chapala. In those days the exchange rate was 12.5 pesos to the USD. Eighteen years later it was 3,000 pesos to the dollar. Prices went up dramatically all over Mexico. Then they removed all the zeros and it became 3 pesos to the dollar. Now twenty eight years later it is about 21 pesos to the dollar. And prices have gone up all over Mexico. If they hadn't dropped the zeros back then it would be 21,000 pesos to the dollar and prices would reflect that accordingly. I don't think gringos living lakeside had much, if anything, to do with any of that. If you think prices are lower in less desirable places because of over tipping or contributing to charities then go visit Patzcuaro or Queretaro or Oaxaca or Merida or even Guadalajara. Prices for housing, restaurants, gasoline, clothing, groceries, etc. will be the same or more than here. What is different is that wages are a little higher here because they can be. Waiters and maids can make good money. Housing is available, as are goods and services, and entertainment options abound. I thought capitalists were in favor of supply and demand and that rising water raises all boats...Places like Amarillo Texas are cheaper than places like Seattle Washington. It has very little to do with any rich folks living in either city who might be big tippers. It has to do with quality of life. Here that quality is relatively high and there is competition for workers many of whom were born here and stay because of that quality of life. I say good for them and good for us. We could not survive any place in the US that has any kind of desirability for us. That isn't true for everybody because there are many happy folks living in Amarillo! Alan

POTABLE WATER SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY 24 IN CHAPALA. The Municipal Government of Chapala informs about the cuts in the supply of drinking water for the following colonies: Neighborhood of Carmen New neighborhood The Purisima Wooden Ave. Center Santa Tere neighborhood Av. González Gallo Networks Raul Navarro Neighborhood of Carmen Due to the maintenance of well No.2 that supplies water to these colonies In case you need water call the following numbers to request a pipe. 376 76 5 76 12 376 76 5 31 08

Yes, I think that one can 'hear' things that maybe once were true or that are true for those with different circumstances still today, but at 84 with a pacemaker and pre-existing conditions private insurance is just not available. And don't assume that everyone here has a $250,000 cushion for medical because they surely don't! Those folks are going to try and make it with public medical assistance but that is not always available and may not be as desirable as sometimes is portrayed. Your $1,600 for assisted living 'tho IS doable and the care is probably superior to the US version with respect to 'kindness'.

Yes, I've used NEXGUARD on our two dogs for the past four years with good results. Between food, Vet visits, grooming and flea meds, dogs are expensive members of the family......but worth it to me. SunFan

Thanks amiga but I have a better and long-lasting solution once we move......😒

And your opinion is based upon what? Your NOB sensibilities? You seem to assume that all foreigners who live in Mexico have plenty of disposable income and that therefore they can afford to tip more than 10-15 %. Which simply isn't true.

No offence but I believe you may be out of touch with the "working class" who scrap by on about 6,000 pesos a month. This observation is based on you and your wife's level of education (government employee and psychologist with a television show).

Who We Are | Intercam Banco

Intercam is a bank. What is your motive for posting a non fact. SNORK!

It is not a real bank.

The Lake within the Lake solution. Build a causeway and breakwater on the lake to bypass Chapala and Central Ajijic, meeting the carratera again in West Ajijic. This is shallow water, therefore not an expensive public project. Then dredging channels, again not expensive, to duplicate the ancient Chinampa floating gardens as in CDMX. Each Chinampa would have a caretaker shack and ecofriendly waste system, like a composting toilet. Then come the boatmen, no gas motors allowed. They take out tourists to buy from the Chinampas. Things like fresh flowers and herbs. This has turned out to be huge success in CDMX spanning hundreds of years. They also have fiesta boats, and the canoes sell them foods and treats. I am sure it would be very successful and draw attention from all over the world, especially among eco conscious communities and the honeymooners. What could be possibly better, out on the Lake watching sunsets, surrounded by wonderful music, flowers, laughter and good food? https://www.fao.org/americas/noticias/ver/en/c/1118851/

Actinver can be good. It was, then we closed it when We became citizens. A few years later we decided to open it again. Then we did not know anyone there, and the person wanted to see and record our American passport. As a Mexican citizen you are never to show a foreign passport as identification. She refused to see our mexican passport. So we just left.

Most of my Mexican friends are generous. And most of my expat friends also. I tend to hang with persons who have gratitude in their lives. I appreciate a well prepared meal served by attentive staff. They are providing a service to me and with respect I show my appreciation. Others have the mindset that they are funding the economy here with their dollars so the locals are just lucky. Tan feo. Not much tolerance for rich Mexicans or expats who have the conquistador gene

I know LaBodege has an open mic and I think one other place. I know Open Circle has a variety of presenters. My question: Is only singing allowed, or can a comic, or storyteller etc. "perform"? Snarky, non-relevant, "I want attention" comments by PM please.

rafter you are out of your gourd. For every Mexican you think feels the way you say they do, there are 10,000 that are grateful that someone more fortunate than they are has made a decision to share. I have worked jobs for tips in my younger days, and also relied on commissions in sales jobs. I never once felt someone was a fool for giving me a tip larger than normal, or increasing my share of a sale. No matter how much you squirm and use others to try to justify being a cheap so and so the truth is evident.

Well, that certainly hasn't changed! 😁

The term economic terrorism or financial terrorism is strictly defined to indicate an attempt at economic destabilization by a group. When wages are paid beyond the "normal rates" it creates an artificial economy. This is not beneficial to anyone since it creates inflation which has an impact on everyone. Some Mexican people I've spoken to are finding it impossible to hire any help, since the help only wishes to work for the foreigner with their inflated wages. BTW, I understand that some people may think they are helping the situation and mean well, but unfortunately the reality is something different.

Don't try to convince yourself that being cheap is somehow a good and noble thing. We tip well, pay for services well, donate to charities, provide dispensas to needy families, volunteer at non-profit organizations, and help a couple of families with kids. I have never heard a single person complain that it made them feel bad to get a little extra of our time, money, or energy. I speak Spanish fluently and visit with many folks about many issues including local costs and wages. They all know that many expats do help the local economy and help many individuals. I know of folks who pay for kids (especially girls) to attend school through university. And who help with medical bills. And gift old vehicles. And help with quinceaneras or funerals. I don't ascribe any of that to any social or political system...it's just doing the right thing with the resources we each have at our disposal. All of us have a different capacity to do those things that are needed. If that is being "part of the problem" then I think most of us have been misled about good deeds. As to socialism, it is not like communism. All democratic countries have socialist foundations. Police and fire departments are paid for with taxes collected from everybody even though you might not ever use either one. We paid property taxes for other people's kids to attend public schools. There are a thousand examples of things like that. Officials are elected, they work to decide who needs what where, and services are provided for the entire community. Military, highways, community hospitals, food stamps, CDC, food inspections, waste water treatment, parks, libraries, etc. Some countries provide more services with tax money than others. Things like public transportation, medical care, and higher education. They are all socialism. Unless you want to only pay to have your house fire put out after paying the fire fighters what they think it will cost...or never drive on a freeway or never drink clean water or flush your toilet but if you like all those kinds of things and use them without thinking then you are a socialist. Now if you don't like what your elected officials do with your tax money then vote them out. As to immigration comments, you should know that most folks from south of the US are not just excited to enjoy the fruits that the US democratic socialism would provide, they are just trying to survive and would gladly go anywhere they thought that was possible. Alan

Socialism and Communism are not the same thing. Th countries you list are dictatorships that lean toward Communism. You want a country that leans toward socialism? Look to Sweden.

Socialism? The "nun" says you have zero idea what socialism is. FYI, it isn't just a catch-all term for anything that you disagree with. You can have any arrangement with your employees you want. But you stated that it isn't necessary to give vacation pay because they are part-time, which is patently untrue.

They would agree because after 10 years they now consider me family and I treat them very well. It is a 2 way street and neither they or me need a written change or agreement since this is the road straight to Socialism. Thankfully this is still a Democratic country and believe in FREE CHOICE!!! I have the choice to pay them a fair wage and they have the choice to walk away and ply thier trade elsewhere. This is all BS and I do not even believe it exists. PLEEEZE just get a life and understand that here in my long time adopted country, the best relationships are not based on a piece of paper but on personal respect for each other. Thankfully, also most Mexicans I know want to get government out of thier lives as much as possible!!! ¡¡¡Viva México!!!

Why do some folks here try to make things so complicated...this is still a democracy, working on the free enterprise system. So you pay what think is fair (under a few government mandates) and the workers either accept it or move on!!! I have employed a great family part time for over 10 years and have a mutually accepted verbal agreement...no written contracts. There is a father and son, my gardeners who come by once a week and know what to do and get it done and collect MX500. The daughter and aunt, the maids, come every 2 weeks, go to work like a wind flurry, and get it done and collect MX500. Nobody is watching the clock however the time here for both is about two and a half hours. As far as holidays, I tell them that they can make thier own schedules and if they want to take a day off for any reason they just substitute another day in the week to work. Vacation pay...no way...they are part time workers!!! Yes, I do give them a 2 week Christmas bonus (MX$1,000). Everyone is happy and have had not one complaint. A few times such as when the mother (she used to be one of the maids also) needed eye surgery I loaned them money that they repaid with work over the next weeks. I go by the old KISS format...keep it simple stupid!!!

I told people who told me I was overtipping when I came here that it was none of their f....g business what I tip. Still feel that way. As far as help getting snooty, then their tip goes way down. Pretty simple really. And yes. I believe folks who tip Mexicans 10-15 % are cheap, unless they truly can't afford more. but, it is their prerogative.

I would tend to agree that the large influx of foreigners here does contribute to the out of whack wages here. I had lunch with friends the other day, they tipped $350 on a $1100 peso bill. Sorry but that’s just flat out embarrassing. Giving a server who came to the table probably a total of 5 times the kind of money that a laborer working all day would get for a days work is just gross. And while maybe well intended, it seems patronizing when I hear folks say, well the locals have so little. Pay what you feel is fair but don’t think you’re saving the world doing it.

I expect most of us pay our help more, in part, because although we don't have a lot, we have more than they do. And they are doing work we don't want to do.

Guadalajara maids don't speak one word of English. There are hundreds of them in every neighborhood and many looking for full time jobs. Competition might not allow them to charge more or they would. Besides who cares about Guadalajara labor rates? Apples to oranges.

And some of us who have had excellent, even life saving treatment at HSAT would disagree with you and avoid RMC. My Cardio,Gastro,Surgeon and GP all have privileges to practice there and both my Orthos are affiliated to it. It's 5 minutes from my house by ambulance which I've had to use twice. We are fortunate to have a facility like HSAT right here and they are constantly adding additional services. There are some affiliated drs. there I refuse to have near me but that applies to drs. from elsewhere too and is a common situation around the globe ,ain't it.

Four of us went last night. We were all pleased. Due to a misunderstanding, we ended up with 5 entrees. Here are our comments: Shrimp Tempura - as good as other place Pizza - never had in old location, but it was good. Thin but not ultra thin crust, nice toppings on Americano. Enchilada - Shreded beef and I'm not sure which one I got because I asked her about 2 of them. It was beautifully presented and tasty. Sauce with cream and then cheese was very rich. Burrito - I didn't get a good look at it but our friend cleaned to plate. Chili en Nogado - comments from friend, tasted like Christmas, lots of meat and fruit filling. She said it could have used a tad more seasoning. It's a big menu, so there is something for everyone. Try it to support Laurie.

Last evening, my spouse and I had dinner at Yves. For the price of a meal, the salad bar is included. My husband ordered a filet mignon steak (Sonora beef) which was large and tasty. Well under $300 pesos. I had a ham and cheese quesadilla. Huge portion, with excellent quacamole. Well under $200 pesos. A small after dinner drink came, too. There is outside or inside dining. (We prefer inside, since the seating is comfortable in equipale chairs.) So far, after years in the area, I think this is the best all around dinner we've found. We've noticed that Yves constantly improves the quality of the ingredients used.

With the power outage this morning, we went for breakfast at Yves. Everything was excellent, from the fresh orange juice to the omelet. I highly recommend it!

Bewary of small new banks in Mexico. Check out their history,

The solution to traffic issues isn't building more roads. It's encouraging and making it easy and convenient for people to walk, bicycle, and take public transport. Many years ago in Canada I read a quote I've always remembered where someone said something like "Building more roads to "cure" a too much traffic problem is like loosening your belt to "cure" obesity".

My Mexican wife and the Mexican people I know do not consider people who over tip as being kind and generous. Rather they consider them to be condescending and stupid.