Guadalajara and Lake Chapala

[RVGRINGO]

Casa Blanca is a B&B in Ajijic with sports TV and wagering. There is also a small 'casino' in Ajijic with one armed bandits, I believe. It is new and somewhat controversial, especially in this economic crisis.

[sbrimer]

Originally Posted by 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.

Rodrigo84 on this sight has a post on Sky TV the partner with Directv, in Mexico. I think you cam call Directv too for more info. There is some service aail in most areas of Mexico.

Steve

[Curiousgringos]

Hola, and a question for you who live in Lake Chapala area: when is the best time to visit Chapala, i.e. cheapest time to find accomodations, etc.?

I want to come check out the areas around Chapala as a place to retire in 22 months or so (if everything works out.)

Gracias,

Sandy

[RVGRINGO]

The least expensive months are April through July.
November - March are "Snow bird season" when rents are the highest and places are harder to find.
August and September attract "Sunbirds" escaping their own hot & humid weather for cool Chapala.

[Southbound]

Originally Posted by RVGRINGO

The least expensive months are April through July.
November - March are "Snow bird season" when rents are the highest and places are harder to find.
August and September attract "Sunbirds" escaping their own hot & humid weather for cool Chapala.

RVGringo,

Would the above be true also for most other poplular expat areas of Mexico such as San Miguel, Tequisquiapan, Guanajuato, San Christobal etc?

Are April though July the rainy months in Chapala?

Thanks

[RVGRINGO]

Most expats come to Mexico in the winter months to escape winter weather further north. Some come to escape summer heat and humidity. Anytime is a good time to visit the central highlands of Mexico with its temperate climate.
The rainy season at Lake Chapala is from late June through October but it is also a fine time to visit because everything is lush and green, the weather is pleasantly fresh and the rains are almost always during the night. It seldom rains in the daytime.

[steve cross]

How about the price of food? Some websites boast that the locally grown fruits and veggies are dirt cheap but I'm not inclined to believe some of these sites, would prefer hearing from somebody who actually lives there. As well, meat/poultry/fish, having an idea about the cost of eating would be great. Neither my wife or I am big fans of restaurants ( a nice brunch once in a while would be the exception ) so again, am simply trying to figure out how much I will need if we go through with the move ( when we reach retirement age ). Thanks so much for any info you have time to share.

[RVGRINGO]

Short of typing all the individual prices that we can remember, I'll simply say that the two of us spend anywhere from 4000 - 7000 pesos per month in grocery stores. That includes household cleaning supplies, occasional roasted chicken, etc.
I would not say that anything is "dirt cheap" any more, although it did seem that way when we moved here eight years ago. Of course, we haven't been in the USA for many years and have no real idea of costs up there, other than the fact that friends who go for visits often remark that prices are out of sight and that they hesitate to visit the USA again.

[Curiousgringos]

Buenas Noches, RVGringo.

I've tried to answer you on a 'Visitor Message' but I cannot seem to find a way to do so.

Thanks for your kind offer of a rental, but I will only be staying a week when I visit Lake Chapala area, and it will be in late June, 2010.

If you can let this newbie know how to us either visitor or private messaging on this board, I would be most appreciative. The FAQs did not seem to help.

Gracias,

Sandy

[octavo centava]

Originally Posted by 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.

It's a nice friendly place with a full bar but not too big. As I understand it, hey are hooked up with some kind of international wagering network so take wagers on everything they receive from horse racing to UFC. When I was there a few months ago, they had, I think, about 10 TV's going most of the time and were planning on expanding to include a private 'high-roller' room. Joseph, the owner, and his staff are great people.