EXPATS TOLD US THEY LOVE THIS PLACE! (Chapala Mexico)

[@Mission_Command]

Nice to see you guys in our part of the World. I first wrote to you guys when you were back in Cuenca. We stayed in Lake Chapala for 3 weeks until we found our bliss, which is here in Mazatlan. I warn you not to come here, because you will leave Ecuador for good. Happy travels.

[@diose0078]

SoyAnt1953, Please tell us what is so special about Mazatlan, I'm very curious.

[@Mission_Command]

@@diose0078 Imagine an affordable Hawaii, with a minor language barrier. Awesome people everywhere, students at young ages are being taught English in schools, beaches for miles, telecom for miles, and the comida. Enough. I don't want the World to know about this place.😶

[@diose0078]

@@Mission_Command, It sounds sounds very nice. I was in Lake Chapala and visited Ajijic as well, both places are beautiful but I don't think I can see my self living there.

[@kd8199]

@@Mission_Command- sounds amazing, but what about the average temperatures?

[@Mission_Command]

@@kd8199 Well, it is hot and humid there now. We typically travel between June to September anyway. We're in Oregon for a few months and will visit Hawaii on our way back home to Mazatlan. We love it there between October to June. Not for everyone, I understand. Happy travels.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Lake Chapala has far more affordable options than just Ajijic- I fully agree. I know people living on $1000 a month USD in Chapala or Jocotepec. It can be done in Ajijic but it will be more challenging because rentals are expensive :)

[@travelwithmartin3795]

Mexico is amazing! I lived there for almost 4 years

[@manuelericmijangos499]

That "Bus ride of terror" anecdote was hilarious.

[@DarrellTurner2016]

Glad to see you guys in our little corner of Mexico. We live in the San Antonio Tlayacapan area and get into both Ajijic and Chapala frequently depending on what we're shopping for. Our first visit was for 2 weeks at an Airbnb in downtown Chapala. We felt very safe there and never felt like we needed to be concerned. Great review!

[@russellbarnes7728]

We live in Morelia, where the cost of living is so low, that we can afford to go to Chapala any time we want. Viva Mexico!

[@patysal9985]

What area of Morelia do you recommend?

[@k.k.9897]

Hola! Chapala was beautiful, thank you for taking us along! I am also not a fan of buses or public bathrooms. What I really wanted to let you know is how much I enjoyed and appreciated your latest newsletter! Give the unicorn 🦄 and puppies a hug for me!😂

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Love it! Gracias! 😁👍

[@leemg4560]

Those hats look perfect on you both!

[@resourcefulqueen]

Thanks for the map of the area. It helps me orient. Please continue to show maps to highlight locations. 🙋

[@ScottYun]

I was outside of that Walmart last year. I drove through Mexico, so I didn't use the bus. I stayed a couple of weeks in Chapala and another 2 weeks in Ajijic.

[@Rob-vl1vc]

Love your content guys! I've lived in Ecuador in some of the "safer" areas (Manta, Quenca, Vilcabamba) and always felt pretty safe day or night. I now live in Boquete Panama which is the most beautiful place I've ever been and I've never felt safer. I feel the locals here are even more incredible here which I didn't think was even possible coming from Cuenca!

[@danielarmstrong1541]

Staying at the same condo you did in Playas. What a great place. Thanks for sharing!

[@59simonh]

Your channel gets better! You are both having real fun, it comes through..a favorite internet channel. 🤣🤣❤🕺🕺..great stuff, well filmed.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias! 😊

[@ethanmandelkern]

Love that you found our favorite 2 places Casa Cacau and Vegan Town in the other video. The owners of both places great people and great food.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The food was great!

[@bananapatch9118]

We are also curious how that whole area compares to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.

[@kamalosa4958]

Like the videos you sharing with us, you guys make us like Ajijic & thinking to visit it. Thank you 🌷

[@diose0078]

Hola JP, Hola Amelia, nice to see you traveling around Mejico. I was around this area a few years ago and I liked Chapala better than Ajijic. I felt safe in both places. Amelia, cuando tu esposo te habla en espan~ol, tienes que contestarle en espan~ol.

[@CumbiaDancer5678]

Great video! I spent 2 months in Chapala a couple of years ago. I never felt unsafe for a second. Perhaps, things have changed a bit because of the Pandemic but, when I was there, it was a very nice, secure place for a single female, travelling alone. I liked Chapala much better than Ajijic. I loved the daily walks along the malecon. Probably, the only thing I disliked about Chapala were the herds of stray dogs. There were SO many stray dogs there!

[@elizabethbadger8295]

I totally agree with you. We were just there in October for a 2 week stay. We stayed at Plaza Hotel just across the street from the main Plaza. We had an amazing time and felt extremely safe even when we took those late night strolls. Of course, just like anywhere else in the world, be cautious of your surroundings. I'm glad you guys are enjoying beautiful Chapala and their surroundings ❤️

[@csnyder23]

We were there last week. It snowed here in Louisville. Yuck.

[@23BobTexas]

Love your videos. Chapala does has a great "Molly Cone." 😀

[@janerkenbrack3373]

I see that the sidewalk in front of the old Hotel Nido is torn up. I hope you had the chance to see the inside of that place, both for the art and murals, but also a glimpse of what this beautiful hotel was like when I was a visitor there back in 1976. (As a teenager with my grandfather.) Real elegance.

[@sharoncarrington1474]

I like that Lake Chapala had a more authentic/ less expat touristy vibe. That appeals more to me than the expat enclaves….. Loved your shirt JP and your outfit Amelia 🥰

[@rick-be]

I rode 3rd class to Acapulco with chickens and a goat.

[@dennyup]

Well, you two walked right down the street where I live- A tip about the bus: If you want them to stop for you, you must lift your arm into the air to signal that you want them to stop; otherwise, they won't stop.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

I lifted. Then waved. Then swore profusely 😁

[@dennyup]

@@AmeliaAndJP The bus may have been too full for any other people, but unlikely. It's happened to me; if you're in the middle of the block, they won't stop. You have to be either at a bus stop or at an intersection. I've lived in this area for 3 years and love it.

[@dh2392]

The mountains, and the brightly colored plants remind me of Hawaii, minus the ocean of course. The house prices may be inflated for Mexico, but I could buy 4 of them, maybe 5, for what a house costs in the Seattle area, and the year round weather is a lot more attractive to me in the Lake Chapala area.

[@susanshaver912]

Skydancers were cool. Unfortunate about not feeling very safe in Chapala though.

[@annasmithyates7424]

I love Casa Cacau. I ate there often, as I had a month-long pet sit assignment right around the corner. When you deboarded the bus in Chapala, it was just a few yards from where I'm staying. I prefer Chapala over Ajijic for its "authentic/traditional feel".

[@juliecaron3955]

JP and Amelia i can give You a tour more indepth of chapala i see you did not go amd ixtlahuacan where i live. Been living here around 5 years so if you want can show you different style of Housing too.

[@knjmoorhouse5093]

Amelia's shawl is so beautiful. Is it Mexican handiwork?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

She bought that in Cuenca several years ago.

[@eduardoconstantino1738]

thats were I would like to move to soon,

[@jamescalifornia2964]

😊 The castle reminds me of _Disneyland._ Wal-Mart is a little slice of USA ... Nice video 👍

[@Mission_Command]

We also have our own Airport! 😄

[@Stephan2P]

Found this quite amusing 👍.

[@leapintothewild]

Heading for Cuenca next year, but once home-base is established planning on lots of travel -- excited to see this!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great!

[@BrucesShop]

Thank You

[@josedavila5719]

que envidia/ ya quisiera estar con ustedes

[@bananapatch9118]

Have you done a healthcare comparison between Ecuador and Mexico ? Thx !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Not yet.

[@bananapatch9118]

@@AmeliaAndJP I believe with even temporary residency one gets public healthcare and I think that’s free. I have heard very mixed reviews on public healthcare though, mostly bad. Private healthcare , we’ve heard, is excellent. But insurance for us is $400-$500/month and continues to rise as we age. That is not something we are going to do. We are 55 and 60 and in reasonably good health, so if we were to make Mexico out retirement home we would use public healthcare for small stuff and pay out of pocket for big stuff. Actually we have heard that Medellin is the place to go for cancer. We are Vegan so we eat well and once retired will have time to increase our exercise. It does seem like Ecuador may have an advantage when it comes to retirees looking for inexpensive healthcare ??? Thx !

[@michaelreid8857]

Amelia is thinking romance, JP of what good restaurants are around! 😅

[@shegetscompletehealth]

Hi! Love your videos! Husband and I will be coming through on motorcycle. We are under "Travis Mott". We wanted to reach out to you for tips on parking a bike and leaving it for 90-180 days

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We're not sure about where to park a bike. Storage facilities aren't common in EC. You might ask on one of the FB groups. Maybe an expat will store it for you.

[@shegetscompletehealth]

@@AmeliaAndJP could you point us to a kind group?

[@tonyp2632]

Thank you two for what you do. At least I have some hope for retirement.

[@vernabryant2894]

These are pretty places.

[@peterbreis5407]

Wow that American accent Spanglish! 😀 How long have you lived in Spanish speaking countries?

[@he-him1009]

What did you find to be the biggest differences between Mexico and Ecuador for those that might be deciding between the two to visit first?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We’re going to do a comparison video after our next trip 👍

[@michaelreid8857]

Knowing both countries. Mexico definitely has a deeper culture. And definitely much richer gastronomic treasures. Go see both however, they both will not disappoint!

[@diose0078]

@@AmeliaAndJP, I'm wondering if you would consider moving to Mexico, some time in the future??????/

[@leemg4560]

Amelia and JP, pardon me for asking this, are you guys currently living in Manta or Cuenca?

[@dh2392]

I'm curious, are you thinking of moving here?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

No. Just visiting.

[@appreciatinglife4425]

I don't like public bathrooms either. Anywhere!

[@Rob-vl1vc]

So when are y'all coming to beautiful Boquete, Panama?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Next year 👍

[@vernabryant2894]

Are you having high prices on food and food shortages?

[@dr.davidmiller6682]

Hi there, folks, I’ve been a fan of the voice, Betty videos of yours. As a long-term Expat, I’ve lived around the world in various areas, but have been for the last 10 years in Southeast Asia nonetheless, being from California, Latin America has long intrigue me as a potential place for retirement. Quick question! Do you two have intentions of leaving Ecuador? Is Mexico on the radar? It’s been a gap of probably 16 months since I’ve western guys, so I’m not sure what has led up to this viaje Mexico

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have no plans to leave Ecuador but we will be traveling more.

[@Queenie-the-genie]

Is the lake swimmable? I don’t see anyone in it.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s not recommended for swimming.

[@leealexander3507]

We can't do without a car in Mexico because I am in a wheelchair not to mention our two large dogs. That makes public transportation out of the question.

[@racay9082]

No es pero, es perrrro that's how you pronounce the double r in Spanish and another tip remember that the H is silent. As far as the bathroom issue just go to a restaurant and have a small something. Good Luck

[@AmeliaAndJP]

My fat tongue won’t roll! 😭

[@johnwhitney6736]

Are you moving to Mexico??

[@AmeliaAndJP]

No. Just visiting.

[@steveforde8712]

We have visited Ajijic/Chapala area and enjoyed our stay but soon found that we were bored. It is very limited for everything. Definitely not our cup of tea. Prefer the coastal cities

[@leealexander3507]

I don't worry about being harassed. I don't have to worry about the safety of my daughter in law either. She's from Mexico and knows her way around. Although my son is very kind and gentle he's a big man with wide powerful shoulders and a look that scares off anyone who might otherwise do us harm. He looks like he stepped right out of a mob movie. He's half Italian and has the look of a mob boss or an enforcer. Given his personality type it's really sort of funny to watch people nervously move aside when they see him coming with his wife and mother beside him. It can be awkward because we step aside to allow others to pass as they part to allow him to pass.

[@robnorris4770]

“Not very many English speakers” 👍

[@Sharon-py5ns]

Sure seems you need a car in those Chapala areas. Kept w a I t i n g (!!)for you to sit down and show us some good lunch, living in Ecuador its restaurants leave a LOT to be desired.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Restaurants in Cuenca and Olón are fantastic.

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

Sorry you don't like busses in Mexico or US, if you have a chance to take one in China, Japan, Korea, Europe, you probably would change your view on that. Travel safe.

[@PEREXUSREX]

But I only like Ecuador ✨ Not Mexico 😩

[@travelingtimothy]

Malecoln is not mollycon it is maluhcon. Sorry.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That’s not correct and we’re not saying mollycon. It’s pronounced mah-leh-KOHN. www.spanishdict.com/pronunciation/malecón

[@jose.vargas1409]

You guys are so recognizable, THE LAST PLACE ILL BE IN IS Mexico...its very bad there .and your there like you on vacation...crazy times we are in whey do u choose to be in Mexico now?????

[@k.k.9897]

The world is crazy all over. I' d rather take my chances in Mexico than ,say ,Ukraine or Iran just to name two ,but there are many worse places to be than Mexico. As a matter of fact, I'd rather be in Mexico than the U.S. where I am now.

[@k.k.9897]

@chronicreaderActually Ukraine and Eastern Europe were being pushed for expats right up until the troubles, many videos on them,I didn't realize I was limited to expat havens, but glad you got a chuckle out of it! Peace and love from the U.S.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Did you watch the video? It’s beautiful there!

[@alohafamily1]

@@k.k.9897 Ukraine used to be one of the nicest, cheapest and safest countries just 10 years ago. Shitty politicians ruined everything. :(

[@CKPill]

It probably did not stop cause it thought you were tourists who never use them

[@AmeliaAndJP]

I waved but the driver had no intention of stopping. The bus might have been full since it was the only one for 30 minutes.

[@CKPill]

@@AmeliaAndJP i had similiar experience. Thanks for the videos. Hope all is going great for you two.

[@bananapatch9118]

We hope to visit someday but picture that whole area as an expat enclave with higher than normal prices, tons of expats n tourists, and declining amounts of real Mexican culture….USA-light….are we wrong ? That is not at all what we are looking for. We speak Spanish and have lived in Latin America before.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You are not wrong.

[@rick-be]

I don't trust taxistas.

[@dl1130]

Mexico seems too Americanized.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Parts of it really are.

[@traceyb715]

Well they are in one of the biggest Expat communities in Mexico.

[@jmac3327]

Chapala is an outlier. Also, those areas on the Mexico/US border are somewhat Americanized. Once you are out of the tourist zones, and in the interior of the country, you will soon learn that virtually nobody speaks English and American products are simply not available and the culture of the region reigns supreme.

[@chrisgross2043]

Mexico is part of North America so I guess you can say it's Americanized

[@jmac3327]

@@chrisgross2043 One could, but that was not the import of the posters comment, and you know it.

[@bobanristic8721]

" Expats love this place" is bad news for average expat. Place that have a lot of expats is usually much more expensive...

[@koatzingo361]

Amelia kind of looks like Angela Aguilar older version