Not everyone who lands on the shores of Lake Chapala stays on and on, living happily ever after. If there's a single personality trait that marks folks who don't adapt well to life at Lakeside, it's the latent (or overt) need to change and control.
It's an interesting phenomenon. People move here because they are enchanted with the old world charm of the area. By the time they've moved in, they are trying to implement committees, studies, groups, and programs to change almost everything—and promising that it will all be approved, inspected according to OSHA standards.
One early warning sign of discontent is a constant refrain outlining the problems of the area in sentences beginning with "Why don't they…" "Why don't they clean up the trash?" "Why don't they mow the roadsides?"
I sometimes think these folks would be thrilled if the north shore villages were torn down and rebuilt to look like those "nearly genuine, old-style" resort areas back north of the border. Using Disneyland and Dollyworld as guidelines, the Lakeside villages could become bougainvillea-draped almost-real, old mission-style towns. False fronts and adobe-like facades would hide a series of malls, senior centers, and discount chain stores.
Imagine…the villages of Lake Chapala would look like romantic old Mexico on the outside, but behind the façade would be gringolandia, bland, white, clean and uniform -- complete with garbage disposals, neat sidewalks, and trash compactors.
If the litany of foreigner disapproval was distilled into a list of newcomer criticisms, the number one complaint; the most requested plan for changing Lakeside to suit visitors would certainly be: "Why don't they pave these cobblestone streets?"
Mexico Insights Cobblestone Tips:
- Because everything is near to our homes, we drive relatively few miles each year – 4,000 to 5,000 miles – and driving on cobblestones means that we are driving slowly. We replace shocks and tires lon the same schedule as folks north of the border.
- Wear sturdy, thick soled shoes at Lake Chapala. Tennis shoes, Crocs and hiking sandals are all perfect choices.
- Learn the Lakeside Mantra: “Walk, Talk, Gawk…Choose One.” Read more about this important advice in our previous blog.
- Carry a small flashlight for walking on the cobblestones and uneven sidewalks at night.
An Associated Press report of an Oregon Research Institute study which suggested that walking on cobblestones lowers blood pressure didn’t convince expats that cobblestones are good.
The study, inspired by the health enjoyed by elderly Chinese who walked every day on ancient stone paths, monitored subjects (all over 60) as they walked 30 minutes a day on rounded river rocks. In just four months, they showed measurable improvements in balance and mobility, and significantly lower blood pressure.
That study was interesting, but even more fascinating was the response of the regulars on a local internet forum who thought this new-found health benefit was the only positive aspect of Lakeside's cobblestone streets.
I think there’s more, much, much more – take a look at:
Judy’s top ten reasons to have cobblestone streets:
10. There is an unending supply of cobblestones—Lake Chapala was formed by ancient volcanic action. The earth here is full of perfect cobblestones.
9. Cobblestone paving is inexpensive, no specialized equipment is required for installation.
8. When a street needs repair, the stones are removed, stacked on the sidewalk. Then the same stones are replaced.
7. Cobblestones slow rushing water during heavy rains. Water soaks between the rocks.
6. No petroleum products are used in the process. The earth is not tainted by the disposal of dumping used asphalt.
5. Cobblestones slow traffic, reducing the number and severity of accidents.
4. Stone covered streets don't break up or develop potholes from heavy rain like asphalted streets do.
3. Cobblestones are not slick when wet.
2. Cobblestone streets keep property taxes low.
And the tie for the Number One Best Reason to keep Lakeside’s cobblestone streets:
1. They work.
1. It's not about us.
Subscribe