Six Months In: Why Life at Lake Chapala Feels Like Home
Tomorrow marks six months of living in Mexico, and without hesitation, I can say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wondered often how this point would feel—whether doubts would creep in, whether there would be days filled with regret or second-guessing. But honestly? None of that has happened.
Instead, each day has brought something new: a celebration, a discovery, a deeper appreciation for the country we now call home. Mexico continues to reveal itself in layers, and with every one, my love for this place grows.
Why Lake Chapala Is the Right Fit for Us
Lake Chapala has turned out to be exactly what we hoped for—and more. We love the smaller community, where it’s easy to recognize familiar faces and build genuine connections.
The beauty of the lake, combined with easy access to so many other parts of Mexico, makes this area feel perfectly balanced. We can enjoy slow, grounded days at home while still hopping on a bus to a major city or planning coastal or mountain escapes. That combination has been key to making this feel sustainable—not just exciting, but livable.
A January Full of Festivals, Friends, and Flavor
Beyond family visits, January kept us happily busy. One of the biggest highlights was the Festival del Café, Chocolate y Vino, held along the Ajijic malecón. It completely surprised us—in the best way. Vendors from around the region showcased wines, coffee, chocolate, and local specialties, and it was such a joy to stroll along the lake tasting, chatting, and running into friends.
We’ll absolutely be back next year. The day ended exactly as it should—with more friends, dancing late into the night, and that feeling of having experienced a truly perfect Lake Chapala day.
City Energy: A Few Days in Guadalajara
We also spent a few days in Guadalajara, another reason we love living where we do. Having a vibrant, cultural city just an easy bus ride away adds so much richness to life here.
Our first night took us to Teatro Diana to see a concert by Silvana Estrada, a young Mexican singer-songwriter we didn’t know much about going in. The crowd, however, knew every word—singing along with deep affection and intensity. Being part of such a loving, engaged audience made the night even better. On our second night, we went in a completely different direction musically, seeing Godspeed You! Black Emperor, the Canadian post-rock collective, live at C4 Concert House, an awesome show demanding full attention to so much going on musically.
The next day, we wandered through the Tianguis Cultural, a Saturday flea market bursting with vintage toys, 1980s memorabilia, old rock concert t-shirts, and live punk bands. It was easily one of the best markets we’ve visited in Mexico—pure nostalgia and creativity—and unmistakably made for Gen Xers.
Food, of course, played a starring role. One night we dined at Altezza Cocina Italiana, a rooftop Italian restaurant with sweeping views and food to match the setting. The next evening brought something completely different: K Grill Korean BBQ, a delicious departure from our usual Lake Chapala favorites—and yet another reminder of why Guadalajara is such a gift to have nearby.
Fiestas de San Sebastian
January wouldn’t be complete without yet another religious festival—this one the Fiestas de San Sebastián Ajijic, a vibrant neighborhood celebration honoring one of the town’s patron saints. As always, it came with processions, fireworks, and a late-night street party.
These festivals are more than events—they’re a reminder that life here is meant to be shared, celebrated, and lived out loud.
Six Months of Certainty
Six months in, there’s a quiet certainty that has settled in. Not every day is extraordinary—but even the ordinary days feel full. Between the community, the celebrations, the easy access to adventure, and the deepening sense of belonging, this life fits us in a way that feels both grounding and expansive.
If this is what the first six months look like, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
