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barrbower

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Everything posted by barrbower

  1. It's not just to and from WalMart. It is going from Riberas to Ajijic or Costco on the west side. It is an ambulance trying to get from Chapala to La Floresta. It's a delivery truck trying to make a living taking product from San Antonio to Ajijic. It's a person from Chapala trying to get to Tony's Meats. It's visitors trying to get to restaurants in San Juan Cosala. It's people trying to get to CI Banco or Sterens or Telcel. It's not just about you not liking WalMart. Bad traffic affects everybody as you will see the next time you drive through the area. Really bad when logical options were available. Alan
  2. The problem really began when they decided to put in a bus priority lane. They should have just left the bus pull-off area like it was. Then they could have just made lights at the main intersection with left turn lanes. Both left arrows E and W go at the same time then both straight at the same time. Then both N and S left turns at the same time then both straight at the same time. Simple. Once the eastbound bus passes the light it pulls over just as before. WalMart exit on the east side could be only for traveling east. Exit at the light to head west or straight up the libramiento. How f'in hard could that possibly be? People are going to die at this intersection. I've already see one accident. They will never admit they were wrong in their designs and much less fix this mess so just add it to the list of things that will make the expats who are thinking about retiring here to take a second look at other places. I'm glad I'm old enough to not be here in twenty years to see the place. I was first here fifty years ago and it was a fairly charming dumpy little fishing village with almost no infrastructure and a few writers, hippies, and artists. Over the ensuing forty years it improved in many ways but the last ten years it has been sold to the highest bidder regardless of the adverse impact on the quality of life...especially for the locals. We seem to be able, as a species, to find paradise and "love" it to death. We are from Colorado and the same is happening there. My 2 cents worth. Alan
  3. The problems are as follows. Much longer traffic delays. Making a u-turn across a busy libramiento from a parking area where people already make up their own rules. Having to travel through twice as many traffic lights where more accidents occur than any other place. Expecting Mexican drivers to know/obey the rules (even if you are) is a pipe dream. And this is why I won't go there unless I have to. One plus of the whole disaster is that there will certainly be fewer folks traveling to see the newest Pueblo Magico and fewer folks moving here once they get a look at this hot mess. If that is what the state govt., local officials, and businesses had in mind then...job well done! Alan
  4. Well, the expected has happened. Coming from the east to WalMart, the traffic was at a standstill beyond the hospital at Chula Vista. There also doesn't appear to be any legal way to enter the parking lot after waiting 30 minutes to get there. We waited where the light is now working that lets cars go across in front of Autozone from the libramiento and just waited until there was a small break in traffic and turned left with no left turn light. I guess the only way in legally is to turn right at the libramiento, make a u-turn and go straight at the light. The only way, out if heading west, seems to be to exit at the light at the east end and turn left heading west, if the cars aren't blocking the intersection, and then wait through a couple of light changes to continue west. When leaving we saw several traffic cops directing traffic about as efficiently as the lights were operating. I asked a WalMart employee how we were supposed to enter from the east and he suggested (seriously) to turn left where the construction east of WalMart is and the drive up the lateral the wrong way and then enter the east side exit illegally. I told him we would probably just shop at Soriana when we need a trip to a large store. Thankfully we have a very nice abarrotes near our house for much of what we need and Pancho's is not too far. Can't wait to see what high season and midday rush hours looks like! Alan
  5. When things are green 80 is some of the prettiest scenery in western Mexico. Lots of blind curves and up and down so passing can be difficult. If you are not in a hurry it's the way to do it. 80 takes you right to the edge of Melaque and very near Coastecomates and La Manzanilla. Both worth checking out. Alan
  6. Like I said, just buy good synthetic oil of the correct viscosity and the appropriate filter. You don't have to use a filter that says "for synthetic oil." Those filters are better only at trapping smaller particles for higher miles between changes. Some companies don't even have a synthetic filter available for all cars. If you change oil once a year, I doubt you would ever go over 10,000 miles (16,000 km) on an oil change. Just buy a good brand oil and filter but don't use Fram filters...they are the worst on the market. If you doubt anything said here, look on the internet to confirm. Alan
  7. Just go to Autozone or Orma and ask what kind of oil is recommended by the manufacturer if you don't have the owner's manual. Buy a name brand synthetic oil and a good oil filter (not Fram) and then go to any mechanic in town. They might charge you a couple hundred pesos for labor. You can watch then do it. Check the level on your dipstick when you get home as it might drop a little. They all seem to return any unused oil so you can use that to top off if you need to. I've used Escalera in Riberas near the Food Lake Container place a couple of times and they did a fine job. You only need to do it once a year. Alan
  8. There are now three lights at the intersection in front of Autozone when you head east instead of one and still no light when exiting Walmart to head up the libramiento or turn west. The light at the east exit appears to be so you can exit there to turn west. ????? Alan
  9. A little head's up. You prepay for everything at the recaudadora office where you pay refrendos (car registration.) They give you a receipt which you take to the license building. I think you will need to make an appointment,which in true Mexican style, will be loosely adhered to. Alan
  10. The Texas power grid was mostly designed for hot weather which drives usage in the summer. They were woefully unprepared for extreme cold. The wind turbines not being winterized was a mistake which they probably won't make again. The turbines that did continue to operate still provided their normal percentage of power to the grid but could offer nothing extra once the gas and coal fired plants went off-line for the same extreme cold conditions. Try to imagine what wind turbines in Denmark or Norway would be facing if their summer temps went to 110 F and stayed there for three months. I'm betting they'd have some heat related issues due to unusual demands. As weather extremes worsen around the world, money needs to be spent for worse case scenarios. Pay me now or pay me later...Alan
  11. We just got our paperwork and circulation card but it seems that windshield stickers are not being used this year. Not sure if that means they have eliminated that completely...or maybe the Chapala office just doesn't have any. Alan
  12. Does that mean that the book library will be open for browsing? Is that considered a scheduled activity? Or will the library only be available online as it has been? Message is not too clear so you might try explaining in a little more detail what you actually mean. I'll renew my membership when the library is back to normal operations with appropriate protocols in place like other businesses have been doing. Thanks, Alan
  13. Seems that the UNOTV is owned by Carlos Slim...so good luck trying to get rid of it. Alan
  14. For those who live in condos or cotos where owners and renters share common areas, there should not be any AirB&B or VRBO operations. The state of Jalisco has very clear statutes that prohibit any kind of business operations including short term rentals for profit. It does not prohibit multiple owners, like families, from sharing a property or having parties. But all condos and cotos can have rules about noise, pool use, kids, etc. As to the business issue, it prohibits everything including things like yoga classes, consulting, hair salons, lawyers, etc. and any kind of VRBO type of business. Law also requires any person who witnesses abuse of the law to report it to authorities. Of course, since we are living in Mexico, don't expect any kind of quick enforcement/resolution if you complain. This is what most count on when knowingly breaking the laws. Culturally, Mexicans mostly have a live and let live attitude about noise and other things that might irritate some folks. That makes the issue even more delicate. Alan
  15. We went to WalMart this morning and there was a man standing out front who appeared to be the guy whose job it was to discriminate but he didn't bother us. I was prepared to ask for the manager and point out that the sign says "people over 60 shouldn't shop here" not "can't shop here." When we entered there were lots of older folks in the store but when we were leaving the same guy was having a discussion with a Mexican woman concerning the issue but she was let in also. I think the stores are being put in a bad situation by poorly thought out political mandates. Those mandates were seemingly made to reduce the spread of infection, on an emergency basis, but nobody is enforcing rules against the large family gatherings, parties, bars, gyms, etc. that seem to be the sources for most of the spread. Those are surely "non-essential" compared to food stores. I do recognize that anybody who has any kind of a business considers it very essential. It does pay for his family's survival as well as the families of his employees. Just do the best you can to protect yourself and others and understand we all have different levels of risk tolerance as well as general health even when we get to be 60. Also understand that stores are risking a municipal shakedown by bending a very unclear mandate to provide services to our age group. Alan
  16. Water does not come from the lake but does come from wells unfiltered and no chlorine is added. The pipes are also old in many places. We have a settling trap, a sand filter, a sediment filter, and a charcoal filter. Then it goes through an ultraviolet light tube. Been here several years and no problems. You notice that it is hard water and many people use a softener. Not having chlorine added makes calcium easier to absorb, thyroid problems reduced, and your fingernails grow faster and stronger according to the internet which is, of course, 100% accurate. I notice the "swimming poo"l odor in the tap water when we travel back to the states. I don't miss that even if that was the only real benefit. Alan
  17. Well, since AMLO stated that he was never going to wear a mask until corruption in Mexico was eradicated...everybody around him should have been cautious about getting infected. Let's hope they were smarter than he is. He never grasped that masks are to protect others more than yourself although they help in that way too. Think about doctors who wear masks and gloves when operating. That is to protect the patient. But if a doctor enters a room where somebody has TB, for instance, they wear masks to help protect themselves. I'm not sure why AMLO decided to link two unrelated issues like COVID and corruption into his "red line" but he has proven on many prior occasions to be in over his head. I don't wish anybody to get sick but we shouldn't be surprised that he did fall ill...just like another recently retired leader. Alan
  18. If you are expecting your insurance company to pay the value of the total loss, you will need to get proof of the previous five years of refrendo payments. If you don't have copies, they will look them up and, of course, charge you for doing it. If your car was from another state and converted to Jalisco registration you might not be able to get the proof you need. The insurance agents will not do any of this for you. I just went through all of this for a friend very recently. It also will take a couple of months to get your money from the insurer and they want to do a deposit into your bank account directly so hope you have an account. Like insurance companies everywhere, it was just such a pleasure doing business with them...Alan
  19. Contact Tio Sam's. They have a Bosch stove/oven repair person who comes from Guad with an appointment. Alan
  20. The drive through Aguascalientes takes about 30 minutes and there are several ways to do it. The easiest way is to take the well marked periferico when coming from the north. It is basically a business loop with lots of gas stations, places to eat, etc. Crazy traffic after mostly driving through deserts but just follow the signs and you eventually end up turning left on the highway that takes you towards Guad. You really don't have to make any tricky turns or maneuvers through the old part of town. Alan
  21. After crossing the border into Mexico, we have never had anybody check anything about the dog. They did pet her through the window though. Returning to the states, we had them check her vaccinations record from our Mexican vet so be sure to get that done here before returning. In most vet clinics here they don't keep your pet's history. You keep it in a little booklet. That is changing some as the bigger vet clinics have computerized record keeping. Alan
  22. Most folks from this area use the Laredo area to cross back and forth. There are easier places both south and north of Laredo. Coming from Illinois, you might consider a more northern entry point. Laredo is about 11 hours from here and most drivers make that in one day. If you can't do that, and are planning to spend a night in Mexico, you might consider crossing at Del Rio into Ciudad Acuna. It sort of depends on when you get to the border. But if you stay in Del Rio and cross as early as you can, the entire process will only take you 20 or thirty minutes. As you cross the bridge you end up on the plaza of a very small town. The inspection takes place right there, the immigration office is right there. The Bank where you pay for your TIP is right there. There are copy shops and money exchange places right there. The road out of town is the one on the near side of the plaza right next to where you park your car where a guard will watch it for you. Many times, we were practically the only car there. There is another inspection area about one hour south where they are checking your car papers and TIP. Be aware that legally, they can question your type and quantity of household belongings unless you have a non tourist visa. We brought is a lot of stuff as tourists and a smile and a shrug and a point to your wife seems to do the trick. Just don't bring things that look new or might be for resale. Ciudad Acuna is a 13 hour drive from here but you save a least two hours time by not driving so far south to Laredo and you save that much time by not waiting in lines in Laredo. The Laredo crossing area also has a bit of a reputation for bogus traffic stops requiring a bribe to proceed. There are hotels in Saltillo and Monclava to break up the trip. It depends on if you cross early or later in the day since you might not spend the night in Del Rio. Don't let the gas tank get too low before stopping. There are areas that make west Texas look over-populated! You will start to think of a Pemex station as an oasis. Some bathrooms are free and some require a coin to enter. Most are surprisingly clean but the free ones might not have paper so come prepared. It's all part of the adventure. Be safe, Alan
  23. OK, here we go...all are my opinions only. US plates are no problem as long as you are on Tourist visa or Temporal visa. Tourist visa good for 6 months and your car will require a TIP (temporary import permit) which will require a refundable deposit in cash or credit card which you will pay at the port of entry. Do not leave the border area without getting your TIP. If you think you might need a repair shop while travelling, I'd recommend getting a different car. Repairs are not expensive but waiting for parts could be a problem. And there are roads between here and the border that are very remote and not close to any kind of repair shop. Tasers are available locally at the local Wednesday market. Just the contact type, not the ones that shoot out with wires. Pepper spray as well. You might need, and should have, a current vet certificate but we have never been asked for one entering Mexico. Same requirements when returning to US and we have been asked for it there. Any visa other than tourist visa will have to begin in a Mexican consulate in the US. You can Google the requirements but it's not recommended until you have lived here long enough to be sure you want to stay. Mexico is not for everybody. Millions visit, thousands stay, hundreds surrender and return to their home country. Mexican travel insurance for the car is cheap and easy to get online...usually for one year and is good even if coming and going. Your US insurance can stay in effect or can be cancelled and reinstated when you return. You current US health provider might arrange for you to be covered while travelling or you can buy a seperate travel policy online. Health care costs are relatively low here and if you have Medicare they will cover emergency problems while on vacation in Mexico. There are no breed restrictions for dogs. There are leash laws but they are commonly disregarded. Dogs are welcome in public and even in some restaurants. Not in most retail establishments. The best places to stay with a car carrier or stuff in your car are what they call No Tell motels or "hot sheet" joints. They are clean, cheap, and you can bring you dog. You drive right through the private entrance and park in a private garage. An employee will arrive to collect cash payment through a lazy susan in the wall. You can order food and beverages which will be provided the same way. I will caution you not to turn on the TV unless you are looking for a certain kind of adult entertainment. Lastly, you probably won't be able to open a Mexican bank account unless you have a Temporal or Permanente visa. Most folks just hit the ATM's to get pesos at whatever the current exchange rate is. You can usually get up to 500.00USD equivalent for a few of about 4.00USD. Good luck...enjoy the adventure! Alan
  24. I actually found ours at the vivero just up the street (on the mountain side of the highway) between Multiva and the Ajijic Hospital. You never know what they'll have but all viveros have clay pots so just keep looking. Alan
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