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AlongTheWay

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Everything posted by AlongTheWay

  1. The Home Depot portable (frame and cover) garage is around $500 USD. I bought one some years ago, and in the direct sun, that plastic cover doesn't last very long. A couple of years perhaps. You could of course, buy such a product and replace the cover when it gets old, or even start off with a new, better quality fabric. Another alternative would be to buy a cover - similar - to the ones you see the farmers using. Metal framing, either a high grade (UV Blocking plastic (various colors), or the screen type of fabric (black or green) used to make shade but to let some light through. You can get screens rated as blocking 60% to 90% of visible light in many of the hardware stores around lakeside. Most will have someone who can sew it into the size/shape you'd want. Alvaro Revera 33 13 28 93 59 (speaking Spanish) has a company called MacroTuneles in Jocotepec. They are located on the west side of Joco, near the Guadalajara/Morelia Hwy. They build covers for a living, for farmers and smaller applications, and have higher quality, longer lasting fabrics, including 95% light block screen.
  2. Capital One ✔@AskCapitalOne The technical issues impacting some of our services have been resolved. If you continue to experience any difficulties, please reach out to us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. 53 2:11 PM - Nov 1, 2019
  3. There is an International company with multiple locations in Guadalajara called Praxair. I know they supply CO2 tanks, you might contact them to learn if they refill tanks. www.praxair.com.mx This site is in Spanish, google will translate if for you if needed. (They also have operations in the USA and across the pond.)
  4. Is anyone still using the Houston office of Estafeta for re-shipping from the states to Lake side? I've been using them for years, but the service seems to be going downhill... boxes not shipped out when requested, refusal to provide a breakout of the quoted shipping costs (multiple requests), providing incorrect tracking numbers... Looking for any recent, first-hand experiences with Houston, bad or good, and/or any reviews from current users of the Laredo office.
  5. Has anyone here, who actually HAS DF plates on their OWN vehicle, EVER had any problem? Even been pulled over? Lost their car or gone to jail? First hand experience?
  6. I've inquired of various Mexican professionals lakeside, on this exact topic - workers who don't show up (or call to let you know). Several of my contacts told me that, when they need (reliable) workers, they bring them in from Guadalajara. They also told me that it isn't a problem everywhere in Mexico, but the kind of thing that is commonly found outside of major cities. Many of us come here in part, because life tends to be more relaxed. The problem mentioned by the OP is just another part of living this relaxed life - for better or worse. As others have already commented, I don't chase the various workers I try to hire. I let them know I'll be waiting at the time we've agreed to, and, that if they don't show up on time, I'll find someone else. I doubt my comment affects the behavior, but it gives them a chance to understand my expectation. Most still don't show up. On the other hand, I recently set an appointment with a local Architect, and was quite surprised when he called me saying he'd be 30 minutes late. He was actually about an hour late, but, since he'd called, I felt he'd gone above the local norm and didn't make anything out of it. Funny thing, he was supposed to get back to me with his estimate of price, but I never heard from him again. If you've been here more than a few days, you've had these experiences. To whatever degree that upsets us, it's OUR response that determines our own attitude. I get angry, but that's just me trying to swim against the current... While it's common to say "all Mexicans" it does more disservice to the speaker than to the Mexicans. And if the Mexican you're trying to hire senses this kind of attitude, they probably never intended to show up in the first place. Culturally, they want to please, and in this light, tend to say or make agreements based on wanting to please you in the moment, without really understanding (or caring?) how much not showing up will displease you tomorrow. Ask for referrals (of good workers) from Mexicans who you know or other gringos, and you will probably get more satisfying results.
  7. The Pogo Stick style, also known as: Jumping Jack, Earth Tamper/Compactor. Quite similar to a Jack Hammer and nearly as fun to use...
  8. Commonly, when a transformer "blows", you hear the dreaded "bang", it is simply a fuse, not the transformer itself. Fuses are quite cheap, usually 1 or 2 amp is used, and there are usually a sufficient number of locals who can replace it for you. I keep a few extra fuses on hand along with a couple of phone numbers. But only had to replace one fuse in the last year. A transformer itself is unlikely to "blow" or require "fixing". Mine is many years old and still handling the (reported) 23,000 volts per hot - times 2 - off the CFE mains. EVERY option has trade offs, compromises. No single option is always right for everybody. For many, having their own transformer has more benefits than detriments.
  9. If the pump and air conditioning will be new additions to your house system, it can reasonably presumed that, as a result of adding and using these items (regardless of either 110v or 220v) you'll be using more electricity. More usage = higher total CFE bill. Residential connections to CFE commonly have three rate levels. If your usage exceeds the maximum for level one, you'll be pushed into level two. And if you exceed level two maximums, you'll be pushed into level three. If you are interested in keeping your monthly bill low, aside from the obvious, "use less electricity", there are a few options... The one many here choose is adding solar panels and an inverter, some even have back up batteries for emergency. The initial investment pays off over some years (local solar companies can calculate that for you). Or, if you have a Casita (and even if you don't) you might be able to get a second meter. This is also quite common here. Under this plan, you might carefully "balance" electrical usage between the two meters (done by choosing which items are connected to each meter). You might have two meters that are both in rate level one, instead of having one meter, that might be pushed up into rate level two, or even three. By looking at your current CFE bills, you can see your routine, current usage level, and by reading the specifications on the (if new) new pump and air conditioning units, and estimating how many hours per day each might be expected to operate, you can estimate what your new level of usage might be, and thereby, determine if you'd likely be exceeding maximum usage for any of the three rate plans. Another option, with a higher initial cost, is to purchase and install your own "transformer", which can be sized to your expected usage. This is allowed for residences as well and commercial/industrial. (I have one.) When you have your own transformer, the three rate levels no longer apply. Instead, you'll have a fixed rate, commonly mid-way between the kilowatt rate levels one and two, regardless of how much electricity you consume. No rate level bumps for usage. There is a company about two miles east of Tuxcueca (south shore) that builds transformers to your specifications. In Guadalajara there are commercial electrical supplies companies which can offer you various other transformers (Schneider & DESA are two). Personal transformer = flat rate/single tier pricing structure. Solar systems owners can end up paying next to nothing after the purchase and installation costs.
  10. It's possible that the system (MiTelcel) that shows how much data you've consumed, may not be a "real time" measurement. It might take a few hours or longer before that system is updated. If so, when you shut down the modem and then check MiTelCel, if you check it later (maybe in the morning) before turning the modem back on, the data may have changed. Is your Telcel modem a Huawei model? Is Wifi turned on? Do you still use the original Huawei password? There is talk of apps available that can provide the original passwords used for (all/some) Huawei modems. Having the app and a little time, a person may be able to determine your password, and then possibly using your Wifi for their own needs. Even if you've changed from the original, a determined knowledgeable person can probably figure out your password by using other tools available. There are various programs that can offer you some information, "whosonmywifi" is one. A program for Windows, it can scan your modem's Wifi connections and tell you the ID of each device connected. You can learn the ID number of each of your devices by checking them individually, or, you turn on the modem, make sure no one is connected, and scan with the above program. In this fashion, there shouldn't be any devices connected, and the program should tell you there are no connections. Then you can add devices one at a time, and rescan between each one connected, and write down the device ID's the program shows you. Another option might be to (get help) set up your modem so that only the devices you approve, can connect via your Wifi.
  11. Several years ago I talked with the LTH in Chapala (near/across from the 7-11), they said it might take them a month to get the batteries in. I didn't wait. I stopped at several LTH location in Guad and was unable to help them understand what I was looking for. But, up in N.W. Guad, near the Home Depot there, I stopped in a LTH and after clearing the confusion (what is a deep cycle battery?), they said it would take about an hour, they could send somebody to get them for me. It took two hours, but I bought and took home two of the 6 volt deep cycle batt.s that day, and returned a couple of months later for another pair. Seems like price was around $150 or more, each, but again, several years ago. Plus a core charge if you're not giving them the old batteries. If you go to Sam's or Costco, you might be able to order what you want through them? You probably know what you're doing, but in case not, let me just say, don't let anyone sell you a "Marine deep cycle" battery, that's not the same thing and won't perform nearly as well. Also, if I buy again, I won't buy these "wet" lead acid batteries, instead, I will go with one of the newer dry options, which cost a lot more, but offer plenty for the money, longevity being one such benifit.
  12. The distance between those two points is approximately, seven miles, and varies quite a lot with changes in the lake level. (more water, farther shore to shore, longer travel time) A small open boat with a smallish engine, similar to the style many of the lake's fisher-folks use, might travel eight to twelve miles an hour (52 / 23 minutes), which would be a similar for sailboats with a good wind. A nice ski boat with a larger engine is probably able to travel 20 to 30 miles an hour (21 / 14 minutes) to. Headwinds, broadside winds, rain, changes in the lake surface, hidden sub-surface ... impediments (generally more trouble when the lake is lower) and visibility issues could easily make those times much longer, or as has occasionally happened out there, possibly ending the trip before it's completed. Plenty of small boats for sale locally, a few places to park them, and an amazingly underused lake at your doorstep. (your speeds may vary) The distance between those two points is approximately, seven miles, and varies quite a lot with changes in the lake level. (more water, farther shore to shore, longer travel time) A small open boat with a smallish engine, similar to the style many of the lake's fisher-folks use, might travel eight to twelve miles an hour (52 / 23 minutes), which would be a similar for sailboats with a good wind. A nice ski boat with a larger engine is probably able to travel 20 to 30 miles an hour (21 / 14 minutes) to. Headwinds, broadside winds, rain, changes in the lake surface, hidden sub-surface ... impediments (generally more trouble when the lake is lower) and visibility issues could easily make those times much longer, or as has occasionally happened out there, possibly ending the trip before it's completed. Plenty of small boats for sale locally, a few places to park them, and an amazingly underused lake at your doorstep. (your speeds may vary)
  13. I am not specially knowledgeable regarding data transfer speeds, so, take the following with as much salt as needed... Speed tests are comparable to snapshots, whereas using the internet might be comparable to a movie. And I want to see the movie, not have to take time from what I am doing in order to see what my "possible" internet speed is for just a given instant in time. Nearly everyone wants to know what speed they are getting from their internet source but using a speed test to answer that question, isn't so different from taking a single frame (snapshot) of a movie and thinking you might know what the movie is about. A speed test tells you a number at one point in time, and just like bandwidth in general, can be affected by numerous factors, all for the worst. It's certainly a nice tool, but it doesn't really answer the question with great accuracy, as is demonstrated by using various speed test sites - each one commonly gives a different answer, and, using the same test again and again and again over a few moments, will often give as many different answers as the number of tests you run. Knowing this, I still run a speed test from time to time, but, what I want to know is, "what speed am I getting when I am using the internet for all the regular things I do", be it reading the news, downloading or perhaps streaming. And I believe it's a fact - a speed test don't answer this question. Instead, I use the well known and well regarded software product called DU Meter. It is not a "Speed test" (snap shot) it is a Bandwidth Monitor (real time movie). Having mentioned this product and using it's data to inform various internet service provider's technical people, in multiple countries over a few decades, nearly all argue that it's just a speed test, but they'd never used it themselves. It's not. A small window shows me "live" action, every minute I am on the internet, what bandwidth speed I am experiencing (both up and down), and that number is changing all the time. If I notice a stall while streaming, for example, with my 10Mb Telcel or the 10Mb AT&T cell system based modems (I have both), a glance will tell me what the bandwidth is in the moment, live, without having to pull up a speed test site. I have no connection with or financial interest in DU Meter (sadly) but, I do recommend it for the inquisitive. You can try it for free for 30 days. https://www.hageltech.com/dumeter/about
  14. Near the top left corner of an Amazon page, you may notice a smallish indicator titled: "Deliver to" which includes a "location". Example.: Deliver to Audubon 08106 This information is based on either, 1) the I.P. address (local or VPN) that Amazon sees for your computer connection, or 2) if you are signed in, commonly, lists the most recent shipping address you used. Moving your mouse over that spot may cause a highlight, surrounded by a dashed-line "box" around the location data. You can left-click on that box, which triggers a "Pop Up" window titled: "Choose your Location." There, you can, 1) if not signed in, enter a different country and/or zip code, or, 2) choose to sign in, and then choose between the/any addresses you have listed, as the poster above indicated.
  15. After $5,000 (USD) worth of dental work from Dr. Don, around 2008, I couldn't chew anything. He was the nicest guy, like your best friend (think Velvet Glove). Then was introduced to a dentist in Chapala, who looked in my mouth for 1 minute and said, "I can't fix this, but I know who can", and I was introduced to Dr. Eloy Barrangan. Eloy worked out a repair plan, and I confronted Dr. Don in a gentlemanly fashion. He told me he'd refund my money, he just needed to meet with his accountant... Good thing I didn't hold my breath. Mutilple additional contacts, NO refund. It cost more than $6,000 additional (USD) to get it all fixed. He doesn't get my recommendation either...
  16. ExpressVPN is streaming Amazon Prime video using D.C. locations. Some devices (computers/notepads/etc) may leak your local IP address, which Amazon would then see and block viewing based on Prime (you can still watch if you pay extra). A search of "solving IP leaks" (or similar) and a few adjustments to settings might improve your results, as does contacting Express by 'chat' on their web site if things aren't working as you want expect.
  17. Go to the Telcel customer service office and they will be able to help you solve the problem.
  18. I've lived in six locations on the north side; lake front in Ajijic (2), mountain side Ajijic, Ajijic village, San Antonio, and upper Chula Vista, as well as Jocotepec over eight plus years, and now living (happily) lake front near San Luis. Telmex does have phone and internet here, IF, you can get an available line. I've been on the waiting list for something like six months. I don't know the local speed for Telmex, but they commonly offer only a fractional upload speed, compared to the download speed (10Mb dn/perhaps 0.5Mb up). Spyderweb offers internet in many locations here (needs line of sight from their towers and uses wifi frequencies to a local modem) but their prices are quite high comparatively. However, you can choose your up and download speeds, to a point... I used them in Joco and here in San Luis, but they aren't exactly a customer oriented company, more like a buyer beware, and I haven't experienced a steady, reliable signal from them. Ilox has been here (south shore) for years. Currently, they say they will only install to "businesses", but the definition is not clear, might be that telling them you have a business is enough. Yet, I have a neighbor who's had their residential service for a couple of years. He reported there were some outages from time to time, and, you pay a year in advance. Speeds can be much higher than Telmex. When it's working, it's a good service. Ilox's system was installed at Roca Azul (rv park in Joco) around a year ago, and the residents there report continued, frequent outages of the internet (as well as with the electricity and water) and, it's only provides a 20Mb service for the ALL the RVs, which can number as high as 35 to 40 units when a caravan come in. One full-timer there uses Spyderweb and generally reports a reasonably steady service, but not without occasional calls to fix problems. The new options from both AT&T cellular and Telcel, are cell system based internet modems (essentially Hot Spots) are providing much better speed and reliability (so far). (AT&T less so while they are solving a problem, which might be from overselling their system. I have a modem from both companies. Each offers a choice between 5 and 10Mb speeds, same prices, and both throttle speeds down after passing certain monthly bandwidth usage. These will only work well ( i think), if you are close enough to a cell tower to pick up the 4g service and don't have many buildings between you and the cell tower. The AT&T office in Joco is buried in the downtown buildings and there he seldom gets much speed from his modem. For non-imported groceries, you can find a lot in Jocotepec, as well as a number of restaurants, but, they aren't the gringo oriented ones as in Ajijic. You can also get basic groceries (vegies, breads and meats) in any of the villages. The need for speaking Spanish is most relevant to how you live. If you are spending lots of time interacting with the locals (south shore), you'll need more Spanish but, MANY speak at least a little and others speak a lot of English. At the government offices, less so. Can't offer much about boat docking. I plan a boat in the future, but it won't be until I can build a secure boat house, or long (perhaps) rail based access down to the water. Leaving a nice boat unprotected on the shore is probably a precursor to giving your boat to someone else... However, if you bought something like one of the old fishing boats here, might be less threat of loss. (Like having a rusty old bicycle or rust-bucket car that nobody would want to steal.) One could easily have a trailer sized boat, stored at your home and just get it wet when needed, but if you aren't going to have a car at all, that's more complicated. NOT having a car over also offers complications. Walmart (as a point of reference) is 25 miles by road (8 to 10 miles by water) and can sometimes be driven in 40 minutes, if you drive fast where possible, but will normally take an hour, unless you are east of San Luis. The closet hospital I know of is east of Joco, about 25 minutes by car. Travel time to Costco (in Guad) is no longer, maybe a little faster than from Ajijic, about 50 minutes (+/_). You might want to have a plan in place if you need sudden transportation, such as an unplanned trip to the doctor. And, if you choose east of San Luis, you will learn to hate the road "through" San luis. It's about 1 1/2 miles of narrow two lane, with cars randomly parked on the side causing a one lane event with countless car and trucks (and backhoes/farm equipment) trying to get through. The highway is busy much of the day and night, thus, of you live close to it, means traffic noise, mostly from the countless truck (jake breaks and lost mufflers) and weekend motorcycles (in mass). Otherwise, this side seems quieter to me. And, finally, the view looking north (as compared to looking south from the north shore) is really, quite a lot nicer. One things is seeing the night lights of the far more developed north shore. Another might be just the difference between the mountain ranges on the north and south sides. And in the dark, you see the 'light' of Guadalajara over the mountain top, but you also see lots of stars overhead. Fire trucks will come from Joco, which means you should get your hose turned on while you wait... Real Estate scams and problems can occur anywhere around the lakeside (around Mexico?), caution is obviously needed if you are buying. Still, lots of gringos have purchased properties along the south shore, many have never had any "title" issues at all. A long-term lease would remove those specific concerns. Regarding water and electricity, San Luis appears to pump (pressurize) water (on the west side) three late afternoons each week, Tues., Thur. and Saturday. This water fills your own tanks, and you draw water from them. Of course, some scheduled days they might not pump (it happens), and sometimes the pressure could be lower than other times. If you design a new water storage system here, it might make sense to have a week or more capacity to avoid a possible day or two without water. If renting, buying a second storage tank is easily affordable. Electricity seems normal for Mexico. Voltage (mean voltage target in Mexico is 127v) during the day is commonly lower, and in the evenings/overnight commonly higher. There are occasional brief (a minute or two) outages, and when there's a break in the power line (storms or auto accidents) power can go out for some hours, which isn't significantly different from the other lakeside locations I've lived. However, I have a general inclination for installing a proper voltage regulator (boost/reduce functions). There are many choices and sizes available. You might find voltage Controllers, as well as true Regulators. Iso Solabasic offers both such systems. Both can function with input from about 90 volts to about 147 volts. The output is essentially flat with their regulators, but their Correctors output from 102 to 132v. A 50amp corrector has a retail price around 4,500p and the Regulator is around 8,000p. I've seen them for less in the big Commercial electrical shops in Guad. Lots of Gringos have solar panels and many pay next to nothing each month as a result. Not all include a battery storage system, but having one and a suitably sized inverter can eliminate brown/black outs. In west Ajijic a few years ago I saw voltage as low as 65 and as high as 160. That high isn't normal, but lows aren't uncommon. Also, some will probably have to debate, during the rainy season, I have observed lots more clouds and rain on the north side, then here on the south side. Perhaps I am delusional, as well as decrepit... I prefer being on the south, but, if you think about going out to eat more than, perhaps once a week, or participating in any of the countless groups and activities on the north shore, you'll spend a lot of time on the road and probably tire of it fast. I suggest you consider keeping (or getting) a car, possibly an small economy type, and use it as sparingly as you like, but, have it for when you need it. (trips to Costco?) This side is certainly more peaceful and relaxed and probably represents what the north shore was 30-50 years ago. I expect property values will climb here, but, who is going to live long enough to enjoy that? Last, take all dire warnings about anything posted on this webboard, with a load of sale (or maybe BBQ sauce). There are so many old people here passing on old stories and fears and rumors and guesses, about nearly everything, things can sound a lot worse than they are. If you crossed north by your little boat, getting a ride to shops would be easy by obtaining the local Taxi stand phone numbers (to call ahead), or by learning some of the private driver's numbers or even using Uber. In your 40's, walking might be desirable. If you were ready to motor back south across the lake, and see a big storm, there are plenty of places you could wait it out, possibly with a nice beer or music or just enjoying an art gallery. And if the wind happened to come up when you are half way back across, it's only four or five miles more which might be 10 minutes travel time, even a modest motor boat will likely get you to shore before any real trouble. I expect you're an adult and can make reasonable decisions on the fly... Renting first is one of the best bits of advice for anyone coming here to buy. It's easy be enamored with this or that location/community or house, but taking the time to learn how close that house is to an Eventos or how many dogs live next door or on the roof, or which house has parties till tomorrow all weekend long, will greatly improve your happiness. Unless you're deaf, in which case, who cares? In hunting for a house, be it to purchase or rent, get out of the car and walk and talk to everybody. You speak Spanish. Ask. Most small communities are going to have at least shop that the proprietor will know everybody and (nearly) every opportunity. Start at the corner grocery and work your way down the street. You've already spent time lakeside, you already know it can be a great place to live!
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