I am realizing now that these are the times, while this Corona Virus pandemic is rampaging about the globe, to take the time to be grateful for the many blessings I have in my new life in Lake Chapala.
After a 23 year failed marriage in Canada, I picked up and came to Ajijic where I met Michaela, now my partner in life and in real estate. I couldn't be happier in my choice of partner or in my choice of where to live. Lake Chapala is truly one of those gems on the face of the planet that ticks off all the boxes. A small village, it still retains all the traditions of Mexican life and culture yet has many of the attributes of a big city, mainly due to the longstanding expat population and proximity to Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara. This proximity to Guadalajara and it's International airport allows me to easily return to Vancouver to attend to family matters as required. This was an important consideration when I made the final decision to build a new life in Mexico.
Lake Chapala. Much has been written about it but you need to come and spend time here yourself to really appreciate it. After 7 years here, it has not lost it's appeal. The consistent, wonderful, year around temperature, abundance of wildlife, friendly locals, fietstas and stunning vistas make each and every day a treasure to behold. Having and being in love with a beautiful, wonderful, caring woman, the icing on the cake!
Whether by good fortune, climate, strict imposed government measures, or the fact that this is still a small town, the Corona Virus has not hit here locally as strong as it has throughout major cites in the world. It's December and we have less than 300 reported cases of the virus and very few deaths. For this I am immensely grateful.
I am also grateful for the many friends (many of them former clients) we have accumulated while living and working here. All of our clients who have purchased a home here are blissfully happy in their choice to live in Lake Chapala. Each one finding something that really appeals to them about the area and lifestyle choice. To see them so happy makes my heart sing with joy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work in Mexico with my Permanant Residency card. First as a personal trainer and now as a real estate agent. Opportunities that I would never have had in Canada with it's expensive regulatory procedures. Life, in general, is just a whole lot easier here. If you've been following our Facebook Page, #buildinginlakechapala, then you know that we have been building our own home. While I admit it hasn't been easy at times, the result is stunning and it will be home for us for the rest of our days. Coming in at close to $100 U.S. per square foot, puts it roughly on par or cheaper than building in the United States. We just moved into the main house from the casita in December and we are enjoying the spaciousness and lovely views.
If you are contemplating a lifestyle change or retirement in Lake Chapala, we are here to help you with information, free area tours, advice from lessons learned, and to make your transition as easy and carefree as possible.
No matter where you are in this world or in life, you can be grateful for the many things that you are blessed with. Now is the time to make that list and give thanks.
Contact Us if you have any questions about living in Lake Chapala. We're here to help. Blessings and love to you all.
Ricardo
Michaela & Ricardo are your FULL SERVICE Real Estate Agents. Along with our Retirement Seminars, our over 20 years of combined experience Lakeside, and our network of area Professionals, we help guide you to from beginning to forever in your Retirement Journey to Lake Chapala, Mexico.
