Guadalajara and Lake Chapala

[jimgkiss]

Originally Posted by steve cross

I would have thought there would be a regular meeting place for expats where you could relax, have a few beers, maybe play some darts or shoot pool and generally get to know each other. Are there any " sports " bars in town? With all the expats who live there I would think a large portion of them would be sports fans.

Hey Steve, I'm coming down in Feb/Mar and hope to make it to Chapala/Jocatepec. I'd be game for a beer at a sports bar if you find one. I'd enjoy keeping up with your experiences down there. I'm going to Queretaro and Tequisquiapan but hope to swing over and check our the Chapala area. I'll look for your posts here or maybe we could stay in touch with regular emails. Look forward to hearing from you.
Jim

[RVGRINGO]

There are such places in both Ajijic and Chapala. The game of choice in Mexico is, of course, soccer.

[steve cross]

Do they have satellite dishes in these places to pick up broadcasts from N. American cities? Being an avid sports fan ( and enjoying having a few suds while watching ) the idea of relocating anywhere and NOT being able to enjoy my favourite pasttime is a deal breaker.

[RVGRINGO]

Yes, there is at least one place where that is possible in Ajijic at Tom's Bar and also, in Chapala, at the American Legion. Both are popular with expats watching major games. Of course, most folks watch at home with their own satellite service; Dish or Star Choice.

[bournemouth]

Originally Posted by RVGRINGO

Yes, there is at least one place where that is possible in Ajijic at Tom's Bar and also, in Chapala, at the American Legion. Both are popular with expats watching major games. Of course, most folks watch at home with their own satellite service; Dish or Star Choice.

Add Hotel Casa Blanca on 16 de Septiembre to the choices - betting too.

[steve cross]

Does anyone know of an up-to-date website where I could get some info on the nightlife in Lake Chapala?

[RVGRINGO]

Steve,
If you want "nightlife", you will probably find yourself migrating toward Guadalajara. The vast majority of expats at Lake Chapala are retired folks. You might also want to consider that you will be entering another culture; one which doesn't post everything on websites and doesn't even consider answering e-mail a priority.
Nightlife at Lake Chapala is primarily enjoying the company of your neighbors on the town plaza, eating a taco and watching the kids play for a while in the evening. During fiestas, there are pageants, fireworks and street dances. Sometimes the circus is in town, etc.

[steve cross]

Not to sure about Guadalajara, Larger cities tend to have a higher crime rate ( at lease up here in Canada ) and I've heard the air quality is quite poor there. It's not so much that I need an active nightlife scenario, both my wife and I will be retired and, even now, we don't normally go out to clubs or anything ( she doesn't even drink ). I was just wondering what life is like in Chapala. Kinda disappointing that there is not much fishing at the lake though.

[RVGRINGO]

Now, I understand you more. Newly retired people, at Lake Chapala, soon find themselves wondering when they ever had time to work. You won't be short of activities here and they certainly don't need to be restricted to 'nightlife' because you are free all day, every day, and they are all sunny and warm.

[steve cross]

This Casa Blanca place, is it in Chapala? When you mention betting as well would that be strictly for soccer or are other options available? Thanks for the info.