Sharing Our Lake Chapala Life: Family Visits, Setbacks, and So Much Gratitude
One of the greatest gifts of settling into life at Lake Chapala has been the chance to share it with the people we love. Over two separate visits, Joe’s parents—Lois and Jim—came to stay with us, followed a few weeks later by Joe’s brother Dan and his wife Mara. Within just six months of our move, all of Joe’s immediate family have now made the journey to see our new home, something that has meant more to me than I can fully put into words.
An Unexpected Setback—and Making the Best of It
I’ll admit my biggest fear when Joe’s parents arrived was the cobblestone streets. And sure enough, on the very first morning, Lois took a hard fall and was injured badly enough that she couldn’t walk. It was devastating and immediately shifted the tone of the visit.
Still, we did our best to adapt and create meaningful moments. The next day, we celebrated Lois’s birthday at home, ordering in filets and topping the evening off with a delicious tres leches cake. It wasn’t what we’d imagined, but it was warm, loving, and exactly what she needed in that moment.
On the final day of their visit, we rented a wheelchair and went all in. Lunch at La Vita Bella in San Juan Cosalá, perched on the mountainside, delivered sweeping lake views that reminded all of us of the Mediterranean coast. From there, we headed to the Jocotepec malecón, enjoying the scenery, the lake air, and the many friendly local dogs that seem to rule the place.
That evening brought one of our favorite Ajijic experiences: Juvenil Ajijic Mariachi playing at Donald’s food truck, a spot we’d been eager to try. With incredible food and mariachi musicians performing just feet away, it felt like a private concert. After such a challenging start, it was deeply meaningful to finally have a full day where Joe’s parents could glimpse why we love living here.
A Weekend with Dan and Mara—and a Surprise Bat Show
A couple of weeks later, Dan and Mara arrived for a long weekend—and immediately got an unexpected welcome. Because they came in late, they were treated to the Ajijic bat show, something I discovered after wondering why my hummingbird feeder was mysteriously empty every morning.
It turns out the culprits were long-tongued bats, drawn to the sugar water during dry season. Watching them swoop through the night was magical—a very Lake Chapala introduction.
Art, Tacos, Boats, and Local Music
With Dan and Mara, we spent our time exploring Ajijic’s murals and art, soaking up the color and creativity that defines the town. We also took a day trip to Jocotepec, strolling the malecón and embarking on a mini taco tour, because no visit is complete without excellent tacos.
Back in Ajijic, we joined friends Larry and Jeremy for a boat tour on Lake Chapala, and it was nothing short of stunning. As we made our way back toward the malecón, the sky put on a show—first a glowing sunset, then the moon rising over the lake.
Later that night, we caught some live music and introduced Dan and Mara to more of our local friend crew. It was a late night, but one filled with laughter, music, and that easy joy that comes from good company.
These Visits Matter So Much
Being able to share this life—with its beauty, imperfections, surprises, and community—with Joe’s family has been incredibly meaningful. Each visit has layered this place with more memories, more connection, and more reasons to feel rooted here.
It makes me deeply happy to build this chapter alongside the Bollini family, and to welcome them into the life we’re creating at Lake Chapala—one visit, one meal, one sunset at a time.
