Living in Lake Chapala- This Couple Is Living The Mexican Dream With Their Large Service Dog

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thank you all for watching- small correction At 9:10 into the video the captions re Dry vs Wet seasons are reversed. Rainy season is June to September/October, Dry season is October to June. Get our FREE LIVING IN MEXICO GUIDE FOR EXPATS bit.ly/44cWxnp Ready to explore Lake Chapala? Consider a private relocation tour bit.ly/3Ur9fvG Ready to Move to Mexico? We can help you make the process a lot easier. Check out our online guide bit.ly/3UdoqHy

[@lisaann6965]

That was so interesting thank you so much for sharing that information. We visited Mexico in 2021 and I fell in love with the country. My son has autism and he’s so unhappy in school here in the uk. I would love to take him out and move somewhere he was happy. He loves to be outdoors and with animals. Maybe one day we can get there. Blessings to you both.

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! I wasn't diagnosed until I was 50 and it explained so much about the challenges in my life. I wanted to be brave and share what we've learned and show that it can be done. Invisible disabilities are tough, and it's been eye-opening to see that I've had an easier time navigating the world with my service dog Sebastian outside of the US. I wish your entire family nothing but love and light. 💝

[@SharrellKline]

@@lisaann6965 🦮💝

[@sira451]

Invaluable interview! Many years ago I researched this area. Sadly I didn't take action to move there. This interview has given me so much information. As a 70 year old, single female, I don't want to live the last chapter of my life in the US. Now I feel more comfortable choosing this area as my final destination. Thank you!!

[@alexbaltazar4403]

@@sira451 Hi Sira, I went to Chápala Last year and it was Beautiful. I’m from Yuma AZ

[@dsword331]

Mariana, thank you so much for this share on this beautiful couple and there experience relocation to Lake Chapala. All of your videos are first class in providing a wealth of information especially on real time. I've been enriched with much guidance and resources via your posted ongoing video shares. Truly I am looking forward to my relocation to Huatulco at the end of 2024 or as early as January 2025. I will be traveling there next month for May at least 3.5 weeks to organize my relocation process and have some amazing contacts there that will be lending their help with this new life journey. I will be in touch with you for when I'll be obtaining your "Mexico Relocation Guide" as an extra layer of resource for ensuring a positive transition to Mexico... Wishing this loving couple all the best and you and all the amazing expats and the Mexican people for sharing their culture and beautiful country with us all... 🦋🥰🦋

[@SharrellKline]

💝

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thank you so much. And happy to help you whenever you feel the time is right for you to buy the guide. Saludos

[@mallarkey6999]

Hi Andy and Sharrell, we also moved to the Lake Chapala area in May 2022, and started renting in Jocotopec where everything was included. Last August we moved out to San Nicolas east of Chapala paying considerably less, but we pay all our utilities but water. We visited Morelia last year during the butterfly migration and found the city quite hot and that was in March. In January we took a trip to Zacatecas and the city was amazing and beautiful. This May we are going to San Miguel de Allende with stops in Leon and Guanajuato city. We are lucky as we have a truck from the States and a car we bought here. Your story is very similar to ours, moving from Washington State, where my kids still are. Having lived in Oregon for 12 years also. We love Mexico. I volunteer with kids for the Foodbank here, and it is so rewarding. I say pour yourself into the place and community and you will learn so much Spanish. I already had a pretty good command of the language, so that helped. Hubby is still learning. Maybe we will bump into you someday. Loved the video, so honest and interesting. Pam and Steve

[@SharrellKline]

Hola Pam and Steve. Thanks for the positive feedback. As it's been toasty here this month -- almost 90 -- I've been watching the temps in Morelia. Much to my dismay it's been 10 degrees hotter there! If you find on your journey a place you like that runs in the low 80s or cooler -- unicorn temps for us -- in the hot season, if you can please shoot us a reply here and we can rent a car or catch a cross country bus this time next year and visit it. I hope our paths do cross.

[@alexbaltazar4403]

Hi Sharrell I went to Chápala last year and Loved it! I’ll probably be going back over there by the beginning of December

[@RonConnal]

This video provided authentic and exceptional information. This couple is very inspiring!

[@SharrellKline]

💝Thank you so much!

[@ONOC4]

Lovely couple ❤ and Sebastian is beautiful! As a Mexican I appreciate the fact that they're wanting to contribute to the community as oppossed to just moving there to get something out of it 🙏🏼

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much for the positive comment.

[@chrisnagel4827]

I like this format of interview where you are showing the area they live and not just a couple people in a room.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks! We've been doing that a lot on recent interviews so glad you like them

[@amylbeam9229]

Welcome to the area. I am in Las Agulillas, Ixtlahucan de los Mebrillos, just 13 minutes on the Chapala bus to Chapala bus station.

[@SharrellKline]

Hi Amy! Thanks for the welcome.

[@amercofab6771]

Amy, how safe is Ixtlahuacan de los membrillos? I heard some horrible stories about that area in the past. Thanks

[@paulknappenberger6475]

Aqui viven solo nacionales. Si no eres Nacional no eres vienvenido.

[@amylbeam9229]

@@amercofab6771 I feel very safe walking around here in this Mexican neighborhood. Neighbors on my street are friendly. Many worked for years in the US, then retired back to Mexico, so they speak English. I can walk in 1 to 5 minutes to all shops and services. Chapala bus stops at the corner and takes only 13 minutes to Chapala bus station for 12 pesos.

[@CarnivoreDownSouth]

Absolutely LOVE that you said you eat predominantly meat!!! I am carnivore and wondered how this would work!!!

[@SharrellKline]

Yes, we are carnivore -- 14 months -- and buy meat locally very easily and affordably. We've each lost 80 pounds.

[@CarnivoreDownSouth]

@@SharrellKline LOVE THIS!!!

[@eugeniebreida1583]

I am also predominantly carnivore for auto immune, not weight, issues. SO very glad to hear/see meat options . . . hopefully some beef/goat/sheep?? that is organic and grassfed? And organic greens/etc? Great info : ). Thank you.

[@franyo8014]

How beautiful and clear description of how they ended up chosing the Lake Chapala area and Mexico, specially concerning culture, people, food and climate.. Wish them a long and happy stay in Mexico.. being from the Ajijic area and living in the desert, I feel i did my time in the desert, planing to move back next year...gretings from Southern Ca. to both.

[@SharrellKline]

💖

[@HopeGastelum]

Oh my goodness this is awesome thank you for information. I have been wanting to live in Mexico, I am by myself 70 year old, excited to take the leap and live in Mexico, so thank you for all your knowledge insight of living abroad International..Love it again thank you

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

happy to help you with your move when the time comes - check out our site mexicorelocationguide.com

[@SharrellKline]

We are excited to see the video premier and hope people get some useful information from it. We'll be checking the comments in case anyone has questions we can answer. -- Sharrell and Andy

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

You're the best! Thanks for being a guest on the channel. You have a great story and a lot of good info to share

[@SharrellKline]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide 💝You have the best crew! We liked them so much and spending 8 hours together offered a chance to have really good conversations! It was one of the most enjoyable days we've experienced in our retirement, even with being nervous during the interview!

[@rebeccacope2410]

We have lived in Mexico for 8 years. We agree with Sharrell and Andy about their feelings of Mexico. We love it here.Great interview, good series!!

[@jenafter40]

You two are the sweetest! This was such a helpful explanation of your experience in Mexico. Thank you so much!

[@SharrellKline]

@@jenafter40 💖

[@FlawlessCFO]

That's very nice, Andy. Volunteering your help in your expertise.

[@lupercio1987]

so jealous of them 🤪 I’m from Acatic, Jalisco and here I am living in Oklahoma 🤷🏿‍♂️🤠

[@SharrellKline]

💖

[@thookay56]

This is one of the most helpful relocation videos I have seen and I’ve watched a LOT of them! Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😊!

[@SharrellKline]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I thought I wrote a reply to you earlier, but I don't see it now, so if I'm repeating myself, I apologize. But I just want you to know how much I appreciate your comment.

[@johngretzinger]

The wet and dry seasons are described in the sub-titles incorrectly. They are actually just the oposite of what is described there. The dry season is from Sept. to about June and the June thru Sept. it rains a bit.

[@mistymiller673]

Thank you for the great interview. My husband and I are hanging in there at our foodservice jobs in the midwest, 4.5 years from retirement to the lakeside area. We won't have a car either. Your video really shows that this is possible in a really reassuring way. Thanks again

[@SharrellKline]

We're so glad you found it useful. This is such a great place to land and with so much help available. I am serious when I suggest setting up a tour through MRG because there are multiple communities along and near the lake and they all are different in personality and price. Too many people just come and think it's all the same and really miss out on finding the perfect fit. Mariana's company has people who will help you learn so much in just a couple of days. And if you're in the area reach out and say hello.

[@cuddlybear6509]

Hi, I am glad you are enjoying your retirement in Mexico. I am a Mexican living in USA for just about 25 years and yes, I consider myself an immigrant also. I don’t try to impose my habits and culture over here, I have always tried to adapt and integrate to the American culture and have mostly American friends. I of course can say am pretty fluent in English now and it helps to integrate. I still like and enjoy my Mexican food and cook it a lot but I also enjoy the American traditional dishes, celebrate Thanks Giving and all the typical American traditions without forgetting my own but never forgetting I am just a guest in this Country despite becoming a naturalized Citizen many years ago. There is another retired American Utuber in the Chapala area I think his canal is “where’s Jerry now” or something like that that once said, I came to enjoy Mexico and adapt I didn’t come to change Mexico, there might be things some foreigners don’t like about the Mexican way of life but it has worked for Mexicans for many, many years and we are happy the way things are, don’t try to change them to make you happier but yes we always welcome people trying to add and improve people’s lives like the gentleman in this video. There’s and old popular Mexican saying, “When in Rome, do as Romans do”

[@CAPerry-ub1ps]

Do you feel that African-American families would feel comfortable to retire and live in your community and gated complex?

[@SharrellKline]

I've met two African-American women my age through attending the local theater. One is a retired doctor. Both of them have mentioned that they love it here. We're having lunch with one of them and her husband this weekend and I'll try to remember to ask her and get back here to comment if I learn anything concerning. But I honestly believe that the locals warmly welcome all newcomers.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

There are quite a lot of African American people living in the Lake Chapala area. See this interview with our friend Sunshine kzbin.infoM4zBJIuORFM

[@CAPerry-ub1ps]

Thank you both for your comments.

[@russshrewsbury6536]

Wow Healthy living and walking .....the food in the USA is killing us....Great information ....hope to join you soon!!!!!

[@treborcsr]

Sharrell, kudos for hosting and talking about the Chapala area. I know it may have been a challenge for you...and I applaud you for doing a super job! ;-) Greetings from South Texas.

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much for your understanding. Invisible disabilities are challenging but I wanted to share what we've learned and hopefully show others that adventure is possible even if it takes a bit of courage. 💝

[@patrickruvolo8427]

I live in California half the time and Cozumel the other half. We are clearly much safer on Cozumel than in California.

[@SharrellKline]

I am sad that the media in the US so distorts Mexico and I'm embarrassed to admit how little I knew about all there is to experience here. But I hope I've done a little to contribute to overcoming that ignorance.

[@brendajohnstone8576]

My husband and I are coming for a visit in September around Independence Day. We also have been interested in the Interior of Mexico and plan to Snowbird to start. We live in the Interior of British Columbia Canada. My questions are....how are the mosquitoes? Comparable to Oregon forests? Are you eating high proteins low carb? And has it helped with overall health and well-being? ( we are looking forward to fresh fruits/veggies) Has your dog had any problems with roaming dogs? Thank you for sharing your experiences so far.....the more people that share....the more confident in our plans to spend the last 1/3 of our life immersed in a new counrty, culture and climate😊

[@SharrellKline]

Hello! There are so many Canadians here in my gated community that snowbird and have been coming for 15 years. There are mosquitoes, especially close to the lake. We have screens including a screened porch. My husband gets them worse than me. But they're not as bad as other places I've lived like Seoul and Washington DC. Lots of bats! Love them. We are eating very low carb. It's good for my Asperger's and has eliminated depression, aches and pains and helps my lipedema. We have had problems with aggressive roaming dogs everywhere outside of the US especially Rome where he was bitten multiple times. When we leave the gated community, I now carry a walking stick so I can hit them. But this isn't just in Mexico as I said, so I don't blame the country, it's just something to prepare to address. It's an adventure to retire overseas and can be challenging. That's why we recommend getting help from places like the Mexico Relocation Guide and their crew because you will learn from experts. For example, around the lake there are multiple towns with different personalities within the town and then within the neighborhoods. They have different price points for the same goods and housing. One may be perfect and the rest a terrible fit. With a paid guide you can learn whether one place will be better than another. And expats tend to stay in their bubbles and are biased based on their own experiences. So just asking in FB groups isn't really enough. Even if you come on your own and hit the ground you still aren't getting the same scoop an expert can give you. I am not financially invested in this; I just know that we will use an expert in every town we check out because it's the only way to really know if it will be a great fit before we pick up and move again.

[@brendajohnstone8576]

Thank you for your reply 😊 we will definitely be buying the Relocation Guide from Marianna... closer to when we decide to make Mexico more permanent in our lives. I love seeing all her videos to see others perspectives and I find most persons motives for the move are very similar to ours and this is comforting knowing that it will be for all the right reasons when we do😊

[@Tizoc999]

What a beauriful couple Thank you❤️❤️❤️

[@digger1825]

My girlfriend's from Mexico I go to Mexico regularly but I will not slam the US because that is my country I don't know why people get on here and have to talk bad about the US saying it's unsafe it's very safe in Mexico in certain places is very safe You listen to the locals they tell you where to go we're not to go just like the US they tell you where to go not where not to go stop slamming your own country I love the US and I'm proud to be from the US

[@fmed2412]

You two are such beautiful souls!

[@Faben202]

Very inspirational, thanks for being so open, Sharrell and Andy! And wow, did you say 70 lbs each?!

[@SharrellKline]

Yes 70 pounds since arriving in Mexico in December 2022!

[@phyllissnyder2563]

I’ve lived in Mexico over 7 years- never will move back to the states!

[@SharrellKline]

We fully understand!

[@victorbarrera2894]

I like their attitude.....not like some of the videos of entitled closed minded Americans.

[@tamaravaughan503]

Thank you for your transparency. You both made so many excellent points. Especially renting a house instead of a hotel. I’m a single woman and staying in the US when I retire is not an appealing option. Love and appreciate this video❤

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! That means a lot. 💝

[@ambrosemolina3457]

My wife is from paracuaro gto. About 1 hour from morelia. A lot of small towns. Welcome

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! 💖

[@maap0007]

Can't wait to leave Nova Scotia and move to Lake Chapala.

[@SharrellKline]

Look us up when you visit or move here! Seriously.

[@KatieFarness]

This is a great video with very helpful information. You didn't seem nervous during your interview at all! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@SharrellKline]

That means so much! I was so nervous I didn't sleep the night before and I was almost rubbing the skin off Andy's hand during the interview! But I so wanted to share information that might help people that I did my best to get past the nerves. 💕

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Awww Sharrell... sorry to have made you lose sleep. But you didn't seem nervous at all so I hope we were able to help you feel at ease through it all.

[@thevintageaudiolife]

This is an amazing experience, I wonder what if any social activities are they involved with in Mexico? they look super healthy and decompressed! that's what i want to aim for or my goal. In live in LA, I never go out after the street lights come on, seriously Los Angeles, no thanks, Pass.

[@SCCL1000]

A question: where exactly are you hoping to live in MX? At first, I thought you said Merida, but it's not that. And congrats to you both for chasing and finding your dream.

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! We had planned on Morelia when we were living in Albania. But it now seems like it may be too hot there as it's been running 10 degrees hotter than here at Lake Chapala. So, we're going to be scoping out areas at higher elevations with a smaller expat bubble so we can find cooler temperatures and lower housing and grocery prices. This is the perfect landing spot but it's not a good long term fit for our budget.

[@jessiejoseph1093]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It has given me so much to think about.

[@SharrellKline]

You are so welcome! It was exciting and scary, but we really want to share what we've learned because the more you know the better decisions you can make.

[@valerienail9196]

Thank you for this video. It was very informative. I plan to do my scouting trip this coming July and August, then find my place to live to return to.

[@SharrellKline]

Best of luck. Like I said, the more you know what you want the easier it will be to find it. Mexico seems to have a bit of everything.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks for watching! If you’d like to go on a scouting trip, we can help connect you with a local relocation tour guide See more about our relocation tours mexicorelocationguide.com/tours/

[@jamewoods3605]

Good feedback you two. I'm surprised that I watched the entire video. Hi from Phoenix, AZ 105F today weather.

[@SharrellKline]

💝Thanks so much!

[@mauimixer6040]

What timing. Seems like a great place to get started, especially since reasonable weather (can't handle too hot and humid). Is the area prone to earthquakes, volcanos or serious rainy season. I've been hearing that Mexico is having a problem with water, there ?

[@SharrellKline]

We've experienced fewer earthquakes than I've expected. But then I was in the Northridge quake in LA, the big Olympia quake, mild and moderate quakes in Albania, and a quake in Richmond, Virginia! There is an active volcano somewhere south but the country is HUGE and so you'll be able to find a microclimate to suit your needs for sure. The rainy season is supposed to be wonderful here in Lake Chapala (rain at night with cool temps, lush green and blooming, with mild sunny days) but last summer was an El Nino so we didn't get a rainy season. We're hoping to experience it this summer.

[@SharrellKline]

As for water, Guadalajara gets its water from the lake and there is long-term concern about that. And we didn't have a rainy season last summer because of El Nino so the lake is lower than normal right now.

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

What a pleasant couple and thanks for sharing!

[@WilliamSchober-l8g]

I have since watched a lot more videos but your experience sounds very positive and different because of being interverted . You sound more interested now living there I’m sure. I hope you both enjoy your retirement. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathykay6602]

What a fabulous couple! They are coming to add a lot more to the community and to themselves. That is the right attitude.Congrats and thank you for sharing.

[@SharrellKline]

Thank you so much for your kind words. 💖

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Yes they are!

[@Wilfredos_]

Hola! Saludos a todos desde Arlington, TX!🫶👋👋👋

[@SharrellKline]

Hola!

[@annettebaker4357]

Great interview with a lovely couple. I love the Ajijic and Lake Chapala areas 😅so much. The weather is Devine! I visited about 9 years ago. This video makes me start to plan my return visit. The Mariachi along the malacon in Chapala is fabulous. There are so many little gems in that area❤❤

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! 💝🦮

[@one100billneoone4]

Phenomenal video and wonderful folks! Thank you for mentioning the immigrant vs expat label. We are all immigrants when we go to another country. What gives us (Americans) the right to think we are to be called something other than an immigrant in another country? Entitlement mentality…!! I am hoping to live in Mexico in the near future. Just began planning and researching on how to move abroad. I become eligible for retirement in 11 months. When the time is right, I will pull the plug and leave the US. Thank you for sharing and God bless

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video. What's important is that we are all trying to integrate into the wonderful country that Mexico is. Afterall, we are all people :) regardless of labels. If you want more info on moving to Mexico, we encourage you to check out our site and join the free newsletter bit.ly/44cWxnp

[@christigallup2175]

Fellow Washingtonion i really want to move to Mexico Trying to get bf onboard

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

hola! totally understand. Why don’t you sign up for our email series and share the info with him so he can do some research also 😀 mexicorelocationguide.com/lp-retire-in-mexico/

[@deana4793]

Great video! We’ll be in the Lake Chapala area in September to check it out. Perfect timing on the video! 🤗🤗👍🇲🇽

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Nice! Thanks for watching If you’d like to take a relocation tour of the area with a local, we have some great recommendations See more on the relocation tours Mexicorelocationguide.com/tours/

[@SharrellKline]

Reach out if you'd like to get together for a meal and don't hesitate to get a local tour guide/ facilitator through MRG because they can really help you with the different towns and their personalities and price differences. Well worth the money.

[@tyionallen6357]

This video is awesome and very informative. Thank you, I’m out of America as soon as I retire 😎. Getting off the hamster wheel 😎

[@sonjaarrasi]

Excellent interview! So informative. They are a lovely couple and have very valuable insights. Thank you!

[@SharrellKline]

💝Thanks so much for your kind words! It was exciting and scary, and we so wanted to offer good advice! Especially because I'd never really found a good resource for having a large medical service dog.

[@sonjaarrasi]

@@SharrellKline Well thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful story. It is much appreciated!

[@SharrellKline]

@@sonjaarrasi 💖

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Agree! They were lovely and packed with great info

[@RockStarEntertainment-g5z]

Hi Sharrell and Andy - Thank you for sharing your experience in Lake Chapala. My partner and I are in a very similar situation to yours. We currently live in Spokane, WA having moved from SoCal in 2019. We've been searching for a more affordable retirement country as well and were considering Italy or Croatia but I don't do well in high heat and humidity so I've been doing the internet deep dive into Mexico for regions that are more temperate. My partner's mom has lived in Puerto Vallarta for 6 yrs and likes it but says the humidity and mosquitos are terrible! I'd get eaten alive as I did when we lived in Honolulu for sure! I've also read that besides mosquitos, cock roaches are pretty invasive as well. Have you had a same experience where you are? What month would be the hottest time of the year in Lake Chapala? I think that's when I'd want to visit - if I can tolerate it during the worst month, the rest will be easy. Your insights are appreciated!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Hola! Mariana here. Andy and Sharrell were guests in our channel. mosquitos are very prevalent and so are roaches and bugs. we recommend fumigating your property from time to time. Saludos!

[@SharrellKline]

Mid-April to Mid-June are the hottest months, with low humidity and around 90 degrees. Hopefully we'll have a great rainy season starting mid-June to mid-October with high 70s and rain every night with everything turning green. But even now during the dry season, even though the mountains are browner, there are flowers blooming everywhere. You have to get your house sprayed every three months for roaches and ants. It takes care of the roaches but there are little kitchen ants that need bleach spray regularly and no food out except in sealed containers or the fridge. I'd definitely recommend coming for the month of June because most places don't have a/c and you'd have to check it out. But it's not as hot as Spokane in the summer! We have a portable swamp cooler, a portable a/c and both ceiling and floor fans. If we owned, we'd have mini splits installed for sure.

[@RockStarEntertainment-g5z]

@@SharrellKline thank you so much for your insights. We're going to plan to come for the month of mid June-July to check it out. We were going to use AirBnB to find a place but if you have a better local source for short term rentals, we'd love your recommendations. Thanks again for your time and invaluable information!

[@rosalindhb]

Awesome video. I would like an update and hear about the dog experiences and vets. Also you should get your service dog lettering in spanish.

[@SharrellKline]

Mexico Relocation Guide/Mariana is going to look into having her producer use some of the information I shared in the interview about service dogs, especially having a medical service dog outside the United States. We've been outside of the U.S. for three years now, since he was 14 months old, and we've had a lot of learning experiences. It's very different than what you learn in training, even though we were in training for a year before we received our U.S. and international certifications. The vet care both here in Mexico and Greece/Albania has been far superior and more affordable than in the U.S. Overall, it's a fraction of the cost and we've seen outstanding offices and equipment. Except high quality dog food here in Mexico is noticeably more expensive than in both the U.S. and Europe. So far, I have not found service dog lettering in Spanish. I probably could have gotten it while in Europe but not here in Mexico it seems, at least so far. Unlike the U.S. and Europe, service dog protection is hit or miss here in Mexico. We've talked to two different attorneys and not received satisfactory information. As a result, finding housing has been a challenge because they're considered a pet. As for travel, domestic flights have been accommodating and I was told cross country buses are as well. I have the necessary documents. However, the local buses are big outside but packed with seats that are very close together and a tiny aisle, so he won't fit. And not all taxi drivers or private drivers will take him. It's not a problem with the taxis at the airports but the local taxis and drivers here are hit or miss. Europe was much, much easier with a large service dog. I only encountered one instance of problems while traveling Europe for two years and that was with taxi drivers at the ferry on Corfu where most wouldn't take him and the ones that would charged us double even though it's illegal in the EU. But otherwise, it was smooth sailing across Europe and the Balkans on all types of transportation from ferries in the Greek islands, tour busses, taxis, trains, planes and vans.

[@JoseMendoza-gb2od]

Carne azada tacos mariscos good food enjoy the good times

[@klharndt]

Really informative video! Your $2,200 budget is for all living expenses (rent, food, utilities, etc), or just rent? I rewatched that section and wasn't sure. You're so right that it's less expensive to live there than to qualify to live there. I'm very glad I got my residency when I did (2022). I've stayed in Ajijic Centro and San Antonio and really liked San Antonio's proximity to Walmart and the mall.

[@SharrellKline]

Total budget. Our rent is MX$18,000 plus gas, electric, and internet. But that's at the top end of prices since it's a gated community and a 2-bedroom/2-bath.

[@joseizaguirre4887]

Spanish it's of matter of time guys......y wish you the best.and enjoy live.....in Mexico.......

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks 💖

[@antoniochevalier797]

I will say I do like the Dog.

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks!! He's a great dog and has changed my life. 🦮

[@rband8792]

I would say definitely stay away from Morelia. Ajijic & Morelia safety wise are different. Pls be safe.

[@300rivers4]

The medical care numbers I near in these videos is astonishing. It's sinful what we pay here in the u.s.

[@SharrellKline]

It's been eye-opening from our first experience in Europe. I could write about it for days. But I will never use the US system again. It's terrible and expensive. They no longer treat the problem. Instead, they prescribe tests and drugs for profit; drugs that will cause the need for other drugs. Doctors are trapped and forced to put profit over health. After spending over three years gaining first-hand experience between us and our dog, we are certain about what we now know.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Yes it is... unfortunately that probably won't change in the U.S. anytime soon

[@WendDesaulniers]

Were they on the Carnivore diet to have lost so much weight, they mentioned eating mostly meat?

[@SharrellKline]

Yes we have been eating carnivore for 14 months. We deliberately didn't use that term but it's working for us.

[@peteranthonyofthefamilybir18]

THANK YOU BOTH for sharing your expiriences.. I'm doing the VanLife and thinking of heading that way. I'm originally from London England and have just retired so I'm busy watching videos and making a Mexico travel plan. I'm presently on O'ahu Hawai'i and looking for less humidity - Thanks again

[@mauimixer6040]

How clean is the lake, for swimming and what about fishing, is it any good catching and safe eating ?

[@SharrellKline]

There are fishermen who fish daily and sell the fish. Local dogs, horses and cows drink from it. It supplies water to Guadalajara. It doesn't look clear, and no one seems to swim in it. There are expats who state it's "horribly polluted", but it seems to me if that were the case, we'd see dead fish. That's all I know at this point.

[@mauimixer6040]

@@SharrellKline thanks, it's good to know and expected as in most 2nd n 3rd world countries, but not a deal breaker. Though I would be careful about buying the fish from there without knowing more, just like fish farms are fed some nasty stuff. Wishing you both most enjoyable adventures.

[@Mmch2112]

Thanks for sharing your video. I think this place is on my radar in the future.

[@johnkennettle7567]

Gringo town.!🥴

[@robertfry6738]

Love this video, I plan to move to the Lakeside area very soon. Looking for friends, learning about life in Mexico. I’ve always lived in Texas, and as a single male, this move will be a huge change for me. Hope to meet you guys..

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

We’re happy to help you discover more about life in the Lake Chapala area and other parts of Mexico. Check out our site mexicorelocationguide.com Thanks so much for watching ❤

[@SharrellKline]

Don't hesitate to get in touch when you move to the area. We're certainly open to new friends here, especially people new to the area like us.

[@ex-patandyk.5167]

One of the things this area has to offer is a multitude of activities with other folks much like your self. Huge live theater community with several small theaters, great arts and crafts classes, studios, and galleries', and clubs of every kind.

[@Averyakam]

I just moved lakeside a few months ago and it's wonderful!❤🌻

[@donkelly9458]

Thanks for all the info!

[@redcrucible2ify]

Yes🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@Raquel-ro1bs]

The dog ❤️❤️❤️

[@KorenBurley-ze9dr]

Great video and yes this is a great deal. Thanks for sharing 🌹

[@peterz53]

@20min: very nice message about wanting to be good immigrants, and adding, not subtracting, to the local culture. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@kaydavis4241]

I had to smile at 'researching for 10-15 years'. I'd recommend people reading this go back two years...everything has changed since COVID. Mexico has changed as much as your Old Country(whatever that is). Also, most people think of "beach!' when they think of Mexico. In fact, beaches are only 20% of the country.

[@rondunn4336]

With all that water, please be specific about mosquito and humidity averages by month..Thank You!

[@maricelaledezma1869]

Thank you! Great advice! I love that you are using the word immigrant. ❤ God bless!

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Great ,I am into off grid also.

[@alalesc3796]

For Americans and Canadians Mexico is their best option. I don’t know why they move to all this far countries in the world or to countries like Ecuador that you know eventually they would have to many problems. Mexico is the best option for expats in Latin America and one of the best in the world!

[@mwiebe2663]

At 9:10 into the video the captions re Dry vs Wet seasons are reversed. Rainy season is June to September/October, Dry season is October to June.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Yes apologize! We got that title wrong

[@annelise8014]

Over 4 years in Mexico and I couldn't agree more about safety and security. Mexico is not the cartel and the cartel is not Mexico. I feel safer, and am statistically safer, than my whole life spent in the US. Viva Mexico!

[@irenemassey6292]

Downtown Baltimore is so scary

[@yerbasicyt]

Thank you. What nice people!

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! 💕

[@cindyk3076]

Sharrell and Andy have a really nice story to tell and seem so nice! Sebastian is so cute, I had forgotten how large a standard Poodle can be. It is great that they have found the country that they want to remain in having had a not so pleasant experience in the Balkans. We visited Morelia for 8 days staying in Centro and really loved it, maybe it will be the right fit for them.

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Sebastian is a double doodle (one parent a goldendoodle -- with standard poodle and one parent a labradoodle again with standard poodle). He's huge and if I could change one thing it would be his size, especially here in Mexico where there aren't legal protections for service dogs (other than guide dogs for the blind) and his size creates issues with travel, unlike in Europe, the US and Canada where I could take him everywhere with ease. But he's amazing and has improved my live immensely.

[@ramonsanudodiez9129]

Very interesting. Welcome.

[@HugoFlores-ok3nt]

Thank you so much. Saludos from Tesistán, Jalisco

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Saludos!

[@carlaeljabsheh1361]

Great video. 👍🏽

[@SharrellKline]

💕

[@sherryjohnson2654]

Perfect timing! I have been thinking about Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area recently. Your interview was a great help. Thank you!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks! I encourage you to learn more about living Lakeside through all of our blogs and videos on our site. Go here mexicorelocationguide.com/?s=lake+chapala

[@Nitestalker65]

They didn't say how old these 2 cruisers are??????!!!😂

[@commonwealth6]

How did you learn spanish?

[@SharrellKline]

We are taking beginner's Spanish right now. We hope to have enough of a start to make an exploratory trip outside of Lake Chapala next spring. Housing is considerably less in other places we're interested in seeing like Morelia and Guanajuato because we'd like to cut our budget even more.

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

@@SharrellKlineStrongly recommend Duolingo- I thought I would hate it, but I’ve been doing it, virtually daily and often twice a day, for more than 3 years because it’s so easy once you get the hang of it, and I would say it’s improved my (basic) Spanish probably 4-fold … unbelievable. I use the paid version, and I think it’s $80/year- a community college class would be 5 or 6 times more… 🇲🇽

[@SusanKornhauser]

How do non citizens qualify for medical care at such a low cost?

[@LaurieSequana]

These are great people!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Yes they are - thanks for watching

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much Laurie! I really appreciate you watching. 💝

[@stevenmarcus8933]

It sounded like a heart attack-level emergency was the cost of a co-pay. I know a lot of expats pay out of pocket for most medical stuff. I thought you needed some type of plan for serious medical events.

[@SharrellKline]

We plan on applying to the IMMS system here in Mexico this fall and if we don't get in, we both will be eligible for Medicare next year. In the meantime, we have travel insurance for emergencies and otherwise have paid out of pocket over the last three 3.5 years, which has added up for all three of us to less than two months' worth of medical premiums before retirement. But we will have full coverage for both emergencies and serious illnesses going into next year even if we don't yet know what that will look like.

[@SharrellKline]

See my answer below for the main reason we're looking to move out of the more expensive Lake Chapala area (we start scouting trips next spring) where we can reduce our monthly costs by at least 25% -- if not 30% -- to offset any new medical insurance costs.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

We encourage you to check out what your medical options are in Mexico aside from paying out of pocket with our free guide mexicorelocationguide.com/healthcare-options-in-mexico/

[@ronaldschroder1643]

Hi Sharrell and Andy. I clicked on your video this morning because I am homesick for Lake Chapala. We have been living there for almost 3 years and made the decision to make it permanent. We came back to WA in April to sell our home here, have some major surgery, and attend our grandsons wedding this month. We are close to returning, only about 5 weeks to go! Agree with everything you said 👍 We love our life there and miss all our friends and the Mexican people we love. We live in San Antonio as well and if we see you out and about will say hi when we get there. Buen Dia…see you soon.

[@itzelouise8714]

She said such beautiful things 😊❤

[@joseizaguirre4887]

Fees. Fees meat and vegetables..and walk..and people's it's the real 🪙 in Mexico

[@kimharris6649]

Excellent!😎

[@SharrellKline]

Thanks so much! Very exciting and scary at the same time! 😁

[@learn2bstill412]

Lots of ads but a good video. I understand making money bu i losten while doing chores and i had to stop several times just to skip

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

feel free to unsubscribe if you don’t want to support our channel. We sell a product🙃 and make free content for our viewers ☺️. Saludos

[@evareyes7211]

jajaja how do you communicate with people because in mexico only some people speak english

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Surprisingly in Lake Chapala area many people speak English and Espanol. that’s why a lot of foreigners move there

[@luisaroderigues107]

Hi Mariana, Do you have videos of cities closer to California like San Felipe and Ensenada?

[@JBlinky67]

Excellent video and info. Thank you MRG.

[@dallasmove537]

Gotta feeling y'all are about to be real busy. Guess we'll see come November.

[@storres1368]

🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@SharrellKline]

💝

[@martinestrada3960]

The Mexican people are very friendly and Mexico heve Manny nice places to go

[@Gori-hv9qi]

Liberals