Can anyone provide me with more information on the Lake Chapala area? We''re considering moving there and would love to hear from other expats what life there is like. Thanks! Susan W.

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" Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico, some 50 miles long. The Chapala-Ajijic-north shore community is about 40,000 people, and about 8,000 of them are North Americans. Thus at least some English is spoken in most shops, restaurants, etc. Many people get by with no Spanish, but it is very helpful to acquire the basics. Medical care is excellent, and cheap by US standards. I recently visited an Orthopedist about a problem, which he diagnosed as tendonitis. He examined me, he took the xray, and we chatted in his office while the film was developed. Then he wrote two prescriptions. Total was $250 pesos, $27.50 US. He spoke little English, and those who speak excellent English charge twice as much! But still relatively cheap by US standards. If you are not yet 65, you can get a comprehensive medical insurance program at fairly reasonable cost. We have a group program that gives us extensive coverage in Mexico and the option to go to the US for full coverage care in case of catastrophic illness. Cost for two is about $3,000 per year. Not cheap, but less than we paid in Philadelphia. The hospitals in Guadalajara, 30 miles away, are excellent. Many doctors are US trained, and they have modern equipment. The medical school is very good, and its presence helps keeps the standard of care high. We live in a subdivision outside of town as we prefer a semi rural atmosphere. We can be in either Chapala or Ajijic in 5 to 7 minutes, or at the International airport in 20 to 25 minutes. Others live in the village and get by without a car. There is regular bus service around the lake and to Guadalajara. Because the buses are privately owned and competitive, the service is frequent and runs every day, even holidays. Come for a vacation, you''ll like it. Martin G. Wolf mgw@masmgt.com "

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" Martin Can you tell me more about Lake Chapala? We too are interested in the area. What about the rents,and prices of food "

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" My wife and I would like to visit the area to evaluate the pros & cons of spending the winter months there. We have had numerous vacations in Mexico but would appreciate suggestions on where to stay, local transportation and others items of interest. Thanks. "

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" where to stay depends on your budget. The best are about $50-70/US per day, others as low as $30. My preference would be Nueva Posada (hotel) or Aldama House B&B (they have a website). A car is expensive here due to insurance, which is a MUST. You go to jail while they investigate accidents if you do not have insurance. Check out www.chapala.com, including the rental condos for $38/day. They are reasonably nice, and the location is good. Also see www.mexconnect.com and go to Sponsors. A number of hotels and B&B''s.QQ is very nice, and the Birds of Paradise condos (only by the week or longer) are excellent, but a car is a must there. Contact me directly with questions, mgw@masmgt.com Martin Wolf "

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Martin--I would like to visit Lake Chapala prior to retiring there( or nearbye) from Canada---I have read so many different things on the less expensive lifestyle there and the freedom from Foreign Income Taxation---some of them indicate a more expensive lifestyle--but I have read about rentals (1 bedroom) for $US500.00/month or less---is this possible for a 1 month stay?---in Ajijic or Lake Chapala---Would appreciate any advice

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