Pranzo Bistro in Ajijic, Lake Chapala

On Saturday a friend of mine and myself went to Pranzo Bistro in La Floresta for the first time before we attended the Opening Concert of Northern Lights.

I decided to try this restaurant for two reasons. One – because it was located near the Auditorio and two – because every time we had driven by it was filled to the rafters with, obviously, happy diners.

I stopped in to make the reservation and found out that it is Italian Cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I looked at the regular menu and also the specials and booked forthwith.

The regular menu has all kinds of breakfast items, paninos, salads and sandwish bagels to choose from. All options have delightful, fresh fillings.

Dinner seems to be on the Special Menu which included a number of fresh homemade pastas, fish, shrimp, chicken and steak dishes all cooked al gusto. (To your taste).

I ordered the fish and chips without the chips but with a Caesar salad instead. The fish was beautifully cooked in a light delicious batter and the Caesar salad was fresh and crisp.

My friend order the Chicken Caear Salad and also enjoyed her choice thoroughly. We also had a delicious white house wine full of flavor.

Although we did not order dessert we noticed that there were several wonderful looking freshly made cakes on display.

We found Pranzo Bistro to be charming with very good food and wine and a warm, friendly staff.

You can have a table inside or outiside and the restaurant is brightly lit up and very welcoming with what I call fairy lights.

Pranza Bistro is located on Boulevard Ajijic # 103 in La Floresta, Ajijic, and their phone #’s to make a reservation are 766-2511 and 766-1668.

Dinner for two with wine was $200.00 pesos each including tip which we thought was very reasonable.

I am sure you will enjoy this restaurant as much as we did.

Buen Provencho or should I say Buon Appetito!

Friday, February 18th
11:00 am – Gate opens
11:30 am – Noe and his guitar serenade us
12:30 pm – The Hawaiian Dancers of the Alakai Kela Academy
1:30 pm- The Hot Rhythms of Bozza Brasil
2:30 pm – The Mr. Chili Cook Off Contest
4:00 pm – Salsa winners announced
5:00 pm – Gate closes

Saturday, February 19th
10:30 am – Parade starts at Seis Esquinas (Six Corners), travels east on Constitucion to Encarnacion Rosas, north to the Carretera and then east to Tobolandia
11:00 am – Ribbon cutting and awards for winning parade entries
Noon – Dancing Horses
1:00 pm – Los Soles Raggae, Rock and Latin Jazz
2:00 pm – Hawaiian Dancers
3:00 pm – Jerry Mayfield croons country
4:00 pm – Home Cook winners announced
5:00 pm – Gate closes

Sunday, February 20th
11:00 am – Gate opens
11:30 am – Daniel Cordero in concert
12:30 pm – Dancing Horses
1:30 pm – Javier Raygoza and friends on strings
2:30 pm – Belly Dancers
3:00 pm – Cindy Paul sings
4:30 pm – Irish Dancers from Guadalajara
5:00 pm – Gate closes

People’s Choice tasting begins at noon each day. The salsa category on Friday, home cooks chili on Saturday and professional cooks chili on Sunday.

See you there!

If you are considering retirement it is a very important to know that Mexico was given the #1 rating in International Living’s Global Retirement Index for the years 2007-2008. Here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala things have only improved in the last two years. This means that it’s not only as good as retiring in the U.S. or other countries; it is, in fact, better. Besides being right next door to the U.S., with quick, an inexpensive and easy flights home (albeit a tad intrusive if you opt for the pat down), the cost of living in Mexico is very low, as are taxes –property taxes, sales taxes etc.

Modern state of the art health care is available for a fraction of the price in the U.S. and health insurance (full coverage) is available very inexpensively.

These advantages are great for retirement but they are also real bonuses for anyone considering living in Mexico.

Here are the top 3 reasons to live in Mexico, whether for retirement of other reasons:

The first reason to come to Mexico is affordability. High quality properties are available for around $250,000.00 US. Those looking for something to suit a smaller budget, or an excellent investment opportunity, can find land with all the necessary services for as low as $55,000. US where you can design and have your own dream home built.

If you want to live in complete comfort, you can do well with $2,000.00 US per month, and if a simpler lifestyle is appealing to you, your budget can be even less than this. The value of the peso is low right now – it’s been hovering around 12.25 to the US dollar. This means that your money will last you a lot longer here – longer than it used to in Mexico, and much longer than it would back home.

The second reason is the “buyer’s market” which was created during the recession. While some people feel that we are now coming out of the recession, many American buyers have not yet regained full confidence in taking the step to purchase another home. But this situation means that the properties geared towards foreign buyers are available in large numbers. Considerable price reductions are still being offered on original asking prices. But this situation won’t last forever; once buyers from the U.S. regain their real estate confidence, these opportunities will quickly disappear. The advantages of buying a home in Mexico are becoming known to more people, in any parts of the world. With the exception of these recent reductions, property values have been very stable in Mexico, with healthy increase. Mexico homes also show every sign of being one of the first markets to recover from the price slumps from the recession. A few buyers who know how to identify super opportunities are the ones who have been buying in Mexico over the past years and a half.

Living in Mexico is safe, comfortable and neighborly. Main stream media likes to cash in on big news stories and blow them out of proportion (this is true of anywhere) and has consequently painted a very negative image of Mexico which even people who should know better have bought into. While drug related violence is a real problem along the US border, which the Mexican government is fighting hard to end, most of Mexico is further away and less affected by this than many parts of the U.S.

Day to day life in Mexico is very secure. While many homes are available in private gated communities, some Americans choose to live in other types of communities and feel safer than in many U.S. cities. There are always American neighbors around, as well as many from Canada, Europe and many other places especially here in our wonderful ex-pat community of Ajijic, Lake Chapala. The Mexicans are a very warm and friendly people who also make wonderful neighbors.

If you’ve ever thought about buying a home in Mexico, whether for retirement or just to enjoy life, stop thinking about. Find a good real estate broker and start looking for your new home today.

Chef Laurent DuPrat formerly of La Gasconade Café Restaurant in Ajijic has opened a new restaurant in the Casa Blanca Hotel in Ajijic on Calle 16 de Septiembre # 29 across from the Lake Chapala Society.

Their telephone # for reservations is 766-1500 and they can also be reached by email: laurentatcasablanca@gmail.com

Laurent is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

In a few days they are going to change their menu to include some cold weather favorites such as cassoulet but here is a sample of the current menu:

Soup and Salad

Caesar Salad (Deliciously prepared at your table.)

Chef Laurent Onion Soup

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad.

First Courses

Cassolette D’Escargots with Butter and Champagne

Crepes of Shrimp in Bechamel Sauce

Crunchy Rolls of Duck Confit with Blackberry Sauce

Blue Cheese Mousse

Bruschettas of Goat Cheese with Tomatoes

Foie Gras with Fruit Chutney and Duck Ham

Cheese Drip

Home Made Pate de Campagne (This is one of our personal favorite dishes.)

Second Courses

Fish

Salmon with Aioli and Chipotle Sauce

Filet of White Perch with a Red Sauce

Sea Scallops with Cauliflower, Capers ad Raisons

Vegetarian

Vegetable Tajine

Poultry and Meats

Marinated Chicken Breast Casa Blanca Style

Pork Loin, Apples, Tequila Flambe

Duck Confit Glazed

Lamb Loin, with Ginger, Raw Cashews and Mint

Filet of Beef with 4 Pepper Sauce

Tart of Rabbit with Tomatoes and Tapenade

There is also an extensive drinks menu and a lovely selection of French, Mexican, Chilean, Argentinean and US wines to pair beautifully with your various courses.

We were delighted to hear that Chef Laurent DuPrat was back in Ajijic as we thoroughly enjoyed all our lunches and dinners prepared for us by Chef Laurent at La Gasconade.

Hope to see you there. Bon Appetit o Buen Provecho!

For those who know Mexico, retirement there can be part of a dream come true. They enjoy a great climate, great food, a rich culture and fabulously warm and friendly people.

Some retirees move into Mexican communities, like ours in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, and integrate with life there. This can make the whole experience much more worthwhile and fulfilling.

For those with hobbies, the hobby or interest can almost always be pursued in Mexico. Communications via the Internet will keep you up-to-date with the latest sports scores and coverage and home new if you need that. Most of us have some system of satellite so that we can receive every channel we are used to in English. Name a sport and you will be able to play it in Mexico. Particularly golf and tennis can be enjoyed year round at many excellent facilities right here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

Many people continue their passion for or turn to, art, photography and writing using Mexico as their landscape and inspiration. Some fine that their work can be sold outside Mexico to news and media agencies, supplementing their income. There is a thriving art community in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

Other people get involved in social work. Helping deprived communities to build new infrastructure, sharing their extensive knowledge, experience and understanding of life with others and make a signification and positive contribution to the communities they live in.

There is no better time to learn Spanish. Surrounded by the language, engulfed in a country passionate about its history and culture, there is no better place to learn than in Mexico. Language classes for all levels are available everywhere.

If you view your retirement as an opportunity to improve your golf game, Mexico has no less than three of the world’s top golf courses for you to try and dozens more besides. For example, there is a golf course, Atlas, just outside Guadalajara that is the second longest course in Mexico.

You can retire in Mexico in total seclusion if you want to, buying property in the middle of a stunning landscape, with nothing but nature around you for miles. Or you can live in the middle of one of Mexico’s towns or cities surrounded by the local communities, sharing their culture and their way of live or somewhere in-between. Whatever you want, you’ll find something to suit your tastes somewhere in Mexico.

In Ajijic, Lake Chapala we have the best of both worlds with nature all around us as well as the infrastructure that makes life enjoyable. Ajijic is nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and beautiful Lake Chapala with breathtaking views and is also less than 45 minutes from the world class city of Guadalajara.

Everything everywhere cost money and Mexico is no exception. How much you spend will depend on your lifestyle expectations.

However, you’ll find that Mexico can offer good value in just about everything you will need to buy, from land and real estate through to furniture and Do It Yourself materials, food and drink and entertainment.

Generally speaking, Mexico can be excellent value for money for people who chose to retire there, especially if they are earning a hard-currency based retirement income.

Mexico is also safe with minimal non-violent crime. We do suggest, however, that you do not include drug trafficking in your retirement activities.

So, if you eventually decide to retire in Mexico, and you decide to live inside one of the expatriate communities such as Ajijic, Lake Chapala, you will most likely be sharing the company of Americans and Canadians who will all speak English with you. You will not want to miss out, however, on the warmth of the Mexican people who you will also share your life with.

People who retire to Mexico come from all walks of life. Many have had jobs either in large companies, small enterprises, or have had had their own business and sold it and moved to Mexico. The reasons for moving to Mexico are as many and varied as the people who make them. In many cases people tend to amplify their previous experiences to a more impressive level. For example if you were a private in the army by the time you reach Mexico you were a decorated four star general.

It is a personal choice, and usually research trips or having spent annual holidays in Mexico over several years during their working lives. This is important: if you are going to spend important years of your life in a county other than your own, it is imperative that you get to know Mexico and experience it first hand. My husband had traveled to Mexico for holidays together and separately over 9 times before we made the move to Ajijic, Lake Chapala in 1994.

As a country Mexico has an enormous amount of offer retirees. You have a choice of climates, ranging from spring-like weather all year-round to warm humid sea front location and the dry heat of the desert. In Ajijic, Lake Chapala the weather is 75 degrees and sunny 90% of the year which suits us perfectly. We love traveling to the beautiful beaches for vacations but prefer our more temperate climate to live in year round.

The infrastructure is excellent in developed areas, and the areas you are likely to choose from are as safe as any modern town or city in your home country and in many cases are far safe. (In fact, Mexico has extremely tight firearms and lethal knife laws making it statistically safer than many cities in the US. Outside of Mexico City and away from the drug rings, violent crime is extremely rare in Mexico.

Mexico’s pace of life is ideal for retirement – you can relax, and still lead an active retirement. Here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala you can be busy every night if you so choose or happily do nothing at all. Stress levels are insignificant here.

The food is wonderful. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish are available at the local markets and you’ll get great value for your money. There is an enormous variety of tropical fruit which is sweeter and juicier than the kind that is shipped to colder climates. Food is also less expensive in Mexico.

Healthcare is widely available. Mexico has good doctors, dentists, hospitals and other medical specialists. There are a range of insurance services available for you to buy to safeguard you and your dependents from the cost of private medical bills.

Your retirement income can go further in Mexico. Exactly how far with depend on your lifestyle expectations. The essential point to remember is that the basic foods and drink are considerable less expensive in Mexico than they are in Europe and most places in the US and Canada. Eating out can be less expensive too and extremely good value for your money.

Utility bills can be lower (with the exception of electricity which has risen significantly recently) property taxes and maintenance coasts are very low, and you may be able to structure your finances so that your retirement income is very tax efficient for you.

If your retirement income is generated in hard currency, you will find your earnings stretch further on the basics needed for everyday living that it would in Europe, the US or Canada.

You will have a lot of questions about retiring or moving to Mexico and specifically, Ajijic, Lake Chapala so feel free to contact this site to get answers to all of those questions. We did it 16 years ago and are happy to share our knowledge with you.

As we want those “snowbirds” and retirees to continue to come to Mexico I thought I would outline a few excellent reasons to live in Mexico.

A lot of people worry about the language problem in Mexico but here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala there is a lot of English spoken as it is largely an ex-pat community. You only need to learn Spanish if you wish to do so. For me, I found learning a new language at this age a very exciting and challenging undertaking.

Leaving the rat race behind is another excellent reason to move to Mexico. Things move a little slower in Mexico and the Mexicans seem to have a better perspective, like the French, of the work to fun ratio. This does not mean you have to do nothing. With the technology available one can carry out whatever business they choose from the comfort of their own home.

The cost of living is still a lot less in Mexico than it is in many other countries in the world. Here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala property taxes are extremely low. This year our property taxes were about $150.00 Canadian for a 5 bedroom home with a swimming pool. Also one can easily afford a cook, maid and a gardener. Food prices are less especially for fresh fruits and vegetables and you will not have to mortgage your home to call a tradesperson or a mechanic for your car.

The weather is a huge plus as we live in arguably the best climate in the world. Kenya is also up there but the political climate is not very conducive. Our climate is around 75 degrees and sunny most of the year. The rainy season from June 15 – October 15 is our most beautiful season and it usually only rains at night leaving the days fresh and fragrant.

The Mexicans are a wonderfully warm people and in many ways moving to Mexico is like taking a step back to a kinder, gentler time. Even with the increase in violence as the Mexican Government try to clean up the drug cartels, keep in perspective that these problems are restricted to isolated and specific areas. I would suggest, however, that you do not engage in drug trafficking as a means to earn extra income when you arrive.

As the population ages another excellent reason to live in Mexico is the low cost of very compehensive and inexpensive health care with many good hospitals in Guadalajara less than 45 minutes from us here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala. The hospitals are clean and the care is exceptional. You can get necessary tests in short order and also dental care is about one third of the cost of dental care up north and people come from all other the world for the wonderful and very reasonable plastic surgery.

Living in Mexico is not for everyone and certainly those A Type personalities have to learn a little patience. For us, however, we have been happy every minute of every day since we moved here from Toronto, Canada in 1994. My only regret is that we did not make the move sooner.

So whatever your concerns or questions might be contact us and we will give you the answers you need to continue to make Mexico your holiday or retirement destination.

This is very good news for all of us. Unfortunately, the down side is that the job market is not coming back as quickly as people out of work would like and probably never will.

Also for most of us the economy is not recovering as quickly as we would like but the fact that it is growing again is great news nonetheless.

Houses are selling again and many of the foreclosures are being legally reversed albeit it is a long and difficult process.

Many Americans are still suffering and are out of work and are, in some cases, taking two or three part time jobs just to make ends meet.

Another group of out of work people have been diligently been looking for work for almost 2 years. They have sent out hundreds of resumes and are networking like crazy.

The suggestion is that the best places to find jobs is in the health care industry, the clean energy field and any other area of the future such as computers and related industries.

Many people who have had trouble finding a job after being let go are looking to themselves and entering the wonderful world of entrepreneurial security. They are going online to find help in opening their own business and to also find suggestions as to what might work for them.

It is a oft used expression that the best way to be happy is to find something you love and are passionate about and devote your efforts in that area.

I had many very good jobs mostly in the advertising agency business before I opened my own head hunting business in 1980.

I had always been in a managerial position doing all the hiring and firing for the companies I worked for but for some reason did not think there was any real money in head hunting.

A lot I knew. In the first year my income was double what my lawyer had forecasted for my first year and business continued to grow for the next 14 years.

With the internet it is now very easy to open and incorporate your own business and never have to worry again about keeping your “job”. Although the commission business is not as secure a weekly or monthly paycheck the income you will derive far outweighs the uncertainly of when you will make that next sale.

Most people here are retired but they have children and grand children who may be suffering so this blog is for them. With the internet one can now be anywhere in the world and operate a successful and lucrative business.

It is very nice not to be tied to any one cold climate or high tax bracket country and live in relative warmth and ease in a country more suited to your wants and needs.

So although the recession is over and the economy is growing if this is not yet affecting you, think about your own business. For me it was truly the happiest time of my life.

Day 1

The first couple left from Durango, Colorado about 10:00 am on a Tuesday with a full car and roof carrier bursting at the seams.

They had dinner that night at Las Cruces in New Mexico and then arrived on the west side of El Paso at 7:30 pm. They stayed at La Quinta at Exit 11 because they had two pets with them.

Day 2

They left La Quinta at 8:00 after a hotel breakfast and filled up at the gas station next to the hotel. Drove back to Exit 8 after a Starbucks run then drove down into New Mexico on the Pete Dominici Highway to a small border crossing at Santa Teresa about 25 miles west of Ciudad of Juarez. Got tourist visas and required auto papers in about 30-40 minutes.

There was a lot of military presence around which made us feel very safe and they were friendly and we had no problems.

Their philosophy for driving in Mexico is to drive only in daylight, and stay on the cuotas (toll roads), have snacks in the car and keep the “top half” of the gas tank full. This may require a lot of stops but extra bano (bathroom) stops are OK.

They had some apprehension because of all of the media hype but settled into the drive without mishap.

Pemex attendants were very friendly, efficient and greet them with a smile and made sure you knew they zeroed out the pumps before filling up your car with much fanfare.

The Mexican landscape is quite scenic. Their first night in Mexico was in the town of Jiminez where they arrived around 5:00 pm to a very good 3 year old hotel called the Hotel Jiminez Plaza which had large very clean rooms with A/C, hi-speed, TV, nice pool, great margaritas and decent Mexican food in the restaurant.

Day 3

Was their biggest day of 10-11 hours so they got going around 7:00 pm. Planned snacks for breakfast and lunch, but know that OXXO and Pemex have lots of snacks and drinks too. Road are great except for a few stretches of rough spots that have not been resurfaced yet.

Some military roadblocks and evidence of Federales but again they made you feel secure. Keep the “top half’ full and smile like an idiot at all times.

We recommend that you do not try to cross into Mexico with drugs of any kind among your possessions nor should you plan to deal drugs on your arrival. This activity is frowned upon.

They arrived in Ajiiic for dinner 1500 miles from home …. 1000 of those miles in Mexico without incident.

They had a great trip and are very glad to be back to their little piece of heaven.

The following is an email from another couple who safely crossed the border into Mexico at Laredo this month:

“We had a very uneventful boarder crossing, only 20 minutes to complete
everything including auto permit. We have now reached our last stop
over, in Matehuala at The Hotel Las Palmas, where we all stay as it is
the only destination for overnight within many miles on our way
to Ajijic. The trip was very pleasant, wonderful weather, not a lot
of heavy traffic, beautiful scenery. We sure feel very safe wherever
we are….. Now enjoying a very strong drink…. to be followed by a
nice shower and a good meal…….

We should reach our destination in Ajijic sometimes late afternoon
tomorrow, Sunday. We are so looking forward to see our friends and of
course our little house.” So here are two recent stories of successful and safe border crossings into Mexico. So do not be dissuaded from entering a most wonderful country where you will have an exciting vacation or happy and peaceful retirement or relocation. Come on down and find your little piece of heaven too

Healing from nicotine addiction is a process and some improvements are dramatic and happen quickly and others will come more gradually. In some cases a sense of smell can take a huge jump in sensitivity up to 8 months after quitting smoking which can be a delightful surprise.

The changes do not stop with physical health improvements only but also can bolster your confidence as you accumulate smoke-free time. Very simply put, breaking the chains of slavery to nicotine addition is very empowering.

It takes a lot of work to fight and finally beat the addiction to nicotine but you will be rewarded with an incredible feeling of freedom and control and these are just the beginnings of the benefits headed your way.

Smoking cessation will change your life! Why, then, would you not wish to get off cigarettes as soon as possible?

At one year of being smoke-free your excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker after one year .Cigarette smoking is directly linked to 30% of all heart disease deaths in the US each year. It plays a part in coronary heart disease and causes damage by decreasing oxygen to the heart. Quitting tobacco is the absolute best thing you can do for your heart and for you health overall. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of both men and women which is a little known fact especially in the case of women.

Smoking affects who we are more than most of us realize. Quitting tobacco is similar to peeling back the layers of the onion to find the person you were meant to be before addiction stepped into and took over your life. It is time to take the reins of your life back.

Smoking relapse rates drop off sharply after two years. Only 7% of those who quit without support of some kind are still smoke-free at the end of their first year. This is why it is so important to have some support system in place to help you get past the 2 year milestone where statistics tell us we will be safe.

20 Quick Tips to Help you Quit Smoking

Believe in yourself. Believe that you can quit.
Create you own plan for quitting with support.
Write down why you want to quit.
Ask your family and friends to support your decision to quite and to forgive you your mood swings in the early stages of nicotine withdrawal.
Set a date and write it down. Realize this date will be the first day of the rest of your life.
Talk to your doctor about quitting and ask for his support and guidance which will enhance your chances of quitting.
Begin an exercise program which will help your body recover from years of damage from cigarettes. Start slowly even with a walk and consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Do some deep breathing each day. Breathe in through your nose very slowly, hold the breath for a few seconds, and exhale very slowly through your mouth.
Visualize your way to becoming a non-smoker. Visualization works just ask the superstar athletes.
Cut back on cigarettes gradually but be sure to set a date on which you WILL quit.
Quit smoking “cold turkey”. For many this is the best way to quit.
Find another smoker who is trying to quit too. They can be your “quit buddy”.
Have your teeth cleaned. Enjoy the way your teeth look and feel and plan to keep them that way.
Celebrate milestones in your journey to becoming a non-smoker and celebrate your new chance at a long, healthy life.
Drink lots of water. It will help flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your body.
Learn what triggers your desire for a cigarette, such as stress, the end of a meal, entering a bar etc. Avoid these triggers understanding that these triggers are false and it is only your addiction trying to trick you into smoking again.
Find something to hold in your hand or mouth to replace cigarettes. Gum, sugar-free candy or an artificial cigarette called E-Z Quit available at: www.quitsmoking.com/ezquit.htm (I suggest sugar-free as I once replaced smoking with rum and butter lifesavers and then became worried about losing every tooth in my head.)
Write yourself an inspirational song or poem about quitting cigarettes or try to help others quit.
Keep a picture of your family or someone very important to you and remind yourself you are quitting for yourself and them.
Whenever you have a craving for a cigarette, hang in there, it will pass. You just have to understand that it is worth it to quit and for all the reasons why you should quit there are no reasons why you should keep smoking and expose yourself to so many serious health problems.

Remember you CAN do this.