What are the traditions of Chapala and Ajijic, Mexico?
Thomas Hellyer - Chapala Home Sales
Chapala and Ajijic have a lot of traditions. The north shore of the lake, which has most of the expat population, is comprised of nine villages. Each Mexican village has its own series of religious and traditional events throughout the year.
In Ajijic, the biggest festival of the year is the Festival of Saint Andrew (San Andres), which is the patron saint of the main church in Ajijic. They have a 9-day celebration that all happens during the week of the American Thanksgiving....
Chapala and Ajijic have a lot of traditions. The north shore of the lake, which has most of the expat population, is comprised of nine villages. Each Mexican village has its own series of religious and traditional events throughout the year.
In Ajijic, the biggest festival of the year is the Festival of Saint Andrew (San Andres), which is the patron saint of the main church in Ajijic. They have a 9-day celebration that all happens during the week of the American Thanksgiving. They do special events for Easter, Christmas, etc. The event that caters to locals and expats alike is the Festival del Globos, which is the balloon festival. They use handmade paper balloons during this festival. People spend months making these tissue-paper balloons. Then they light up fire on a wax ring and the balloons fill up with hot air and float off at the end of the night. That’s one of my favorite festivals here.
The Carnival, in February, is lots of fun. There are parades and lots of mischievousness and silliness. The town of Chapala does a festival of rides and bands, which is a bit similar to a county fair. There are some fun parades in Ajijic during Carnival. As one of the local traditions, guys dress up as women but with pretty exaggerated breasts. Some of them have balloons as breasts and they wear funny masks. They have satchels full of flour and they throw the flour on you or maybe it is confetti. You’ll never know what is inside their satchel until the last second as they start throwing it on people. There are lots of fun festivals that happen here.
We celebrate Thanksgiving here for both the Canadians and the Americans. If you are lucky, you get two of those per year, which happens in October and November. There are small celebrations for 4th of July. Mexican Independence Day is also celebrated. There is always something going on.
(Thomas Hellyer with his family outside his office in Lake Chapala after being pelted with flour by a passing Carnivale parade, Chapala, Mexico, pictured.)
Are gays, lesbians and others in the LGBT community accepted in Belize?
Tamrah Lozano
Belize is very different from the US, where gay couples can legally marry in some states. In Belize, homosexuality is illegal. However, there are some small LGBT communities in Belize, but their presence is kept unremarkable in order to avoid any discomfort.
Belize is very different from the US, where gay couples can legally marry in some states. In Belize, homosexuality is illegal. However, there are some small LGBT communities in Belize, but their presence is kept unremarkable in order to avoid any discomfort.
Can I see beautiful flowers, plants and trees in or around Nicaragua?
Eugenio Cortez - Hacienda & Ecolodge Morgan´s Rock
You can definitely see beautiful flowers, plants and trees in or around San Juan del Sur. Without a doubt. Plus you will see animals, reptiles and snakes.
You have to get out of San Juan del Sur in order to see the flowers, plants and trees. You have to go through the back roads and the forest that is behind San Juan del Sur. In San Juan, you will only see houses and roads and streets. That’s it.
You will see flowers, trees and plants after 5 minutes of driving, 10...
You can definitely see beautiful flowers, plants and trees in or around San Juan del Sur. Without a doubt. Plus you will see animals, reptiles and snakes.
You have to get out of San Juan del Sur in order to see the flowers, plants and trees. You have to go through the back roads and the forest that is behind San Juan del Sur. In San Juan, you will only see houses and roads and streets. That’s it.
You will see flowers, trees and plants after 5 minutes of driving, 10 minutes of biking or 20 minutes of walking. These are a mile away. Once you leave the last street, it is an entire forest behind.
Among the flowers you will see are the Girasol (which is the Sunflower), the Cobano and Amapola.
We have a one acre property in the countryside 30 minutes from Lisbon. We pay our local gardening team 10 Euros per person per hour (about US $11). Usually two of them come for two to three hours once a month throughout the year.
(Alentejo, Portugal, pictured.)
We have a one acre property in the countryside 30 minutes from Lisbon. We pay our local gardening team 10 Euros per person per hour (about US $11). Usually two of them come for two to three hours once a month throughout the year.
Can I wear jewelry in the Panama City, Panama area of Casco Viejo and feel safe?
Reginald Flagg - Magnolia Inn
Here at the Hotel we tell our visitors that it is safe 24 hours a day from 1st street to 10th street. We give you a map and point out where to stay away from. We also point out the places you should not miss.
Here at the Hotel we tell our visitors that it is safe 24 hours a day from 1st street to 10th street. We give you a map and point out where to stay away from. We also point out the places you should not miss.
What are the things I'll be most happily surprised by when moving or retiring abroad?
Ginny Ophof
Of course what you'll be most happily surprised by when moving or retiring abroad depends on the country you are moving to, but if it is a developing country, than you will be surprised by how your priorities in life change, which will give you a bigger sense of freedom (example: keeping up with the Joneses and fashion trends are not as important) and you slowly feel yourself becoming more of a Free Spirit and more real. Indeed, this is a pleasant surprise that will make you and your...
Of course what you'll be most happily surprised by when moving or retiring abroad depends on the country you are moving to, but if it is a developing country, than you will be surprised by how your priorities in life change, which will give you a bigger sense of freedom (example: keeping up with the Joneses and fashion trends are not as important) and you slowly feel yourself becoming more of a Free Spirit and more real. Indeed, this is a pleasant surprise that will make you and your loved ones happier.
I hear you are Belize bound. Maybe I can help. No, packing plates wasn’t what I had in mind. Sorry. Be of good cheer, though, that your porcelain will remain safely out of my CLUMSY hands.
Now then, let’s consider some handy things you may want to toss in that last box before you tape the top. First, have you included a goodly number of chains among your household items? You look at me wildly. Take it easy, now. I am not...
When a looming medical procedure is staring you down, you want straight talk and cold facts. You might even turn your investigation to a world wide solution. In that case, you’ll want Shai, comparing healthcare services and crunching the numbers for you. Jet Metier talked to Shai Gold about why he chose Panama to direct the international community to its shores for a medical destination and why he deals with veracity, even if it is not pretty.
The theme of Panamá has always had worldwide importance, especially related Panamá's great importance in trade, commerce and American history. In 2013 we commemorate our 500 year anniversary of the discovery of the isthmus and the Pacific Ocean, and also when the first Catholic community was established in the American continent, our Lady of Santa María la Antigua. These are proud legacies from Panama to the world, not to mention the greatest project of all time: The Panama...
In Ajijic, the biggest festival of the year is the Festival of Saint Andrew (San Andres), which is the patron saint of the main church in Ajijic. They have a 9-day celebration that all happens during the week of the American Thanksgiving.....jpg)
We have a one acre property in the countryside 30 minutes from Lisbon. We pay our local gardening team 10 Euros per person per hour (about US $11). Usually two of them come for two to three hours once a month throughout the year. 
I hear you are Belize bound. Maybe I can help. No, packing plates wasn’t what I had in mind. Sorry. Be of good cheer, though, that your porcelain will remain safely out of my CLUMSY hands..jpg)
