Living at Lake Chapala in Mexico

While our September issue touches on all of these Mexican icons and more, we're leading off with the definitive walking tour of downtown Guadalajara?see the Feature Article. Guadalajara's internationally famed ballet folkloric dancers returned to the beautiful downtown Teatro Delagado for the month of August and will be back into their "home" theater later this fall. We've taken into consideration that many visitors to Guadalajara attend the two-hour performance, so we've started our downtown historic tour at the theater's front doors. You'll be amazed at how much Mexican history you can learn in the course of an afternoon stroll around this beautiful historic area.

If your heart's desire is to become a Mexican charro, you may want to bring your horses when you move to Lakeside. There's more involved than loading them into their trailer. Phyllis Rauch has been out talking with local horse owners and shares the skinny on this wrinkle in the normal Getting Here article. You'll also learn how to keep those trusty steeds healthy, fed, shoed and stabled. If you don't have horses to bring along, Phyllis' contacts can point you to other directions so you can enjoy riding on the beach or in the mountains.

Independence Day Foods and Traditions
We're celebrating Mexico's Independence with a traditional dish created in 1821 to honor the country's new leader by repeating the colors of the Mexican flag. Chiles en nogada (stuffed peppers in walnut sauce) is one of my favorite Mexican dishes, and we know you'll love the combination of the meat and fruit stuffing in the very mild green Poblano chile topped with a delicious walnut cream sauce. You'll find the recipe in the Mexican Kitchen.

Next we're getting to know some of the heroes of Mexico's Independence. You'll meet three local heroes of the war in the From the Editor's Column and then learn more about the times and trials that led to the call to arms in the new Soul of Mexico article.

There's more happening here besides Independence Day. First in Markets and More we're off on a Saturday afternoon shopping trip with our friend Carol Powell. Carol hadn't used the stockpile of points for free groceries at Soriana. On our shopping trip, she traded in enough points to take home a whole basket of groceries?all basic items on her list--without paying a single cent. Wait until you see the list of groceries she received?FREE. Then we'll tell you how you can do the same and how to use Soriana's other programs.

Lake Chapala Bad Girls and Lakeside Bad Deals
Gabrielle is back in September with one of the many ways residents at Lake Chapala have great fun. Meet the Lake Chapala Bad Girls in the People, Places and Things column. Then Sandy Jeronimo has been talking with friends who are only too anxious to relate their real estate pitfalls, near misses and downright horror stories. You'll not want to miss this important Homes and Lodging article.

Artists Unite

A new grassroots group is promoting the artistic efforts of local writers, poets, dancers, singers, musicians and artists. La Cueva has been founded by San Juan Cosalá lovers of the arts. Recently the group sponsored a concert to raise money to send an area singer to a Minnesota opera workshop. Judy Dykstra Brown's article in the September Community column will introduce this group and the series of art shows they are planning for San Juan, Ajijic and Chapala.

Is that it for the September issue? Of course not. Our Out and About column details Bill Mesusan's latest day trip adventure to the south shore city of Jiquilpan. Jim Tipton is telling the story of a Lakeside couple's experiences using Mexico's IMSS medical system in the Health and Safety column and Sandy Jeronimo returns to fill us in on the ins, outs and costs of rental cars at Lakeside in the Cost of Living piece

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Be sure to read all of these valuable articles in the September 2007 issue of Living at Lake Chapala at www.mexico-insights.com