Bobby Lakeside

24/09/2025

🌊✨ Monthly Lakeside Cleanup – Join Me! ✨🌊

This month, on September 27th, I’ll be picking up trash along the La Canacinta shoreline in West Ajijic. The water level is high right now, so sadly a lot of debris is underwater—but I’m committed to making this a monthly effort to help keep our beautiful lake clean and welcoming! 💙

I’d love your input and help:
📍 Suggest another area along the lake that could use a cleanup next month
🤝 Join as a volunteer—bring a friend, make it fun, and let’s make a difference together!

Every small effort counts, and your ideas and hands make this a real community effort. Drop a comment below or DM me if you want to volunteer or suggest a location! Let’s make our lake sparkle—one month at a time. ✨💪

22/09/2025

🌅 3 Things to Handle Your First Week in Lake Chapala

Your first week in Lake Chapala is all about getting the essentials and feeling at home. Here’s how to handle it like a pro:

1️⃣ Grab Cash (But Prepare Before You Arrive) 💵

Most street vendors, tianguis, and mercados only take cash. Before you come, open a Charles Schwab checking account—their debit card can only be mailed to a U.S. address, but it’s worth it: Schwab reimburses all ATM fees worldwide (except currency conversion).

Once here, start at Walmart—it’s central and has three different ATMs. Right across the street at Laguna Mall, there’s also an HSBC ATM if you prefer that option. Having pesos in your pocket will make everything from street tacos to souvenirs hassle-free.

2️⃣ Stock Up on Groceries & Local Goods 🛒

Walmart and Soriana cover basics, but there are also gringo-friendly stores along the carretera:

Pancho’s – Riberas, Ajijic, and West Ajijic

Superlake – San Antonio

El Torito – Ajijic

Fresh Market – Riberas

And don’t miss the local markets:

Monday Market in Chapala – local produce and artisan goods

Mercado at the Pavilion in downtown Chapala – traditional tianguis-style market

Tuesday Market in West Ajijic – organic-focused, health-conscious vendors (fruits, veggies, baked goods, kombucha, artisanal products)

Wednesday Market in Ajijic – traditional tianguis, popular with expats

3️⃣ Explore & Connect 🌟

Visit the best malecóns in the area to experience local culture and lakefront beauty:

Chapala Malecón – lively, colorful, full of shops and restaurants

San Antonio Tlayacapan Malecón – peaceful lakeside strolls

Ajijic Malecón – a picturesque lakeside promenade along Lake Chapala, perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. Stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, colorful flowers, lush trees, and landmarks along the path. At the east end, eucalyptus groves host parakeet nests, adding a touch of local charm. Popular with locals and expats for its natural beauty, cultural vibe, and recreational opportunities.

Also, make time to check out the best local cafés:

Café Paris – Chapala

Córdoba de Fleur – Chapala

Café Huerto – Riberas

Doppio – Riberas

The Gr**go Cage – Ajijic, next to the Pavilion

Café Grano – Ajijic

El Gato Feo – just down the street from LCS

Monster Café – West Ajijic

Vicki’s Donuts – San Antonio (just donuts & baked goods)

Donas Donuts – Ajijic (café style, great breakfast & coffee)

Walk your neighborhood, chat with vendors, and enjoy local cafés and malecóns. Join Facebook expat groups or community clubs to pick up insider tips, meet helpful people, and discover spots you’ll love.

❓ Question for those who know: What are the best Facebook groups here for newcomers and expats?

22/09/2025

Take stroll in my neighborhood

21/09/2025

🌮🔥 Calling all foodie friends in Guadalajara (or those planning a visit)! Let’s talk about the ULTIMATE Tapatío obsession: Tortas Ahogadas! 😍 This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance mariachi! Picture this: a crusty birote roll stuffed with juicy carnitas, drowned in a spicy, tangy tomato-chile sauce that’s just the right kind of 🔥, topped with pickled onions, a squeeze of lime, and a side of pure joy. It’s messy, it’s bold, and it’s SO Guadalajara. Who else has had one and lived to tell the tale? 😜

For the most unforgettable torta ahogada experience, you HAVE to hit up Tortas Ahogadas El Güerito at Mercado Corona, Centro Histórico, Guadalajara, Jalisco (yep, right in the heart of the city!). This place is a legend, carrying the torch for the original torta ahogada created by Don Ignacio "Nacho" Saldaña. 🥪💦 Their birote is perfectly crisp, the carnitas melt in your mouth, and the sauce? Oh, it’s a magical balance of spice and soul—customizable to your heat tolerance (ask for “media” if you’re not ready to sweat!). Locals swarm this spot, and it’s been a staple for decades, serving up tradition with every bite. Pro tip: pair it with a cold horchata to cool the fire and thank me later. 😎

📸 Snap a pic of your saucy masterpiece and share it in the comments—let’s see those messy hands and happy faces! Who’s your go-to crew for a torta adventure? Tag ‘em and plan a visit to El Güerito! 🌟 Bonus points: Tell us your fave topping or how spicy you dare to go! 💬

21/09/2025

A need to visit. The center of this city reminded me exactly of Europe. It’s really cool there!

Que bonito es Querétaro de noche!

I ❤️ Qro

21/09/2025

The gate (arches) that welcome people to GDL. This is the 40’s with 1 million inhabitants.

Vamos llegando a una Guadalajara hospitalaria, la bienvenida la gente que llegaba a la Ciudad, que llegaba todavía al millón de habitantes, los Arcos recibiendo a los visitantes, son mediados de los años 40

20/09/2025

Hey friends—big heads up for anyone eyeing Mexico as their next home. 🌅 The 2026 budget proposal just dropped, and if it passes, residency visas are about to get a lot more expensive.

Starting Jan 1, 2026, the costs could double:

1 year temp: ~$290 → $580

2 years: $435 → $870

3 years: $550 → $1,100

4 years: $650 → $1,300

Permanent: $355 → $705

(All pesos converted to USD—details in comments if you want exact numbers.)

There’s some talk of discounts in certain family or humanitarian cases, but nothing solid yet. What we do know: if you’ve been thinking about applying, waiting could cost you big.

Honestly? This one stings. Places like Ajijic, Vallarta, Mérida—they thrive on the mix of locals and expats building community together. Doubling the cost risks making that dream out of reach for a lot of good people.

So, what do you think—does this push you to move quicker on paperwork, or are you betting Congress tones it down? Drop your take, share with a friend who’s planning a move, and I’ll keep you posted as this develops. 🇲🇽

19/09/2025

Just in case you miss Thanksgiving around here and there are no friend group dinners.

🍁🦃 Canadian Thanksgiving is just around the corner! 🦃🍁

We’re already getting ready to serve you the most delicious Thanksgiving meals! 😋✨
📢 Place your orders early to make sure you don’t miss out on a cozy, mouthwatering dinner with your loved ones. ❤️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or both — let us help make your table unforgettable! 🥧🍂🥔🍗
📅 Don’t wait — Thanksgiving comes fast!

📞 Contact us now to reserve your feast!

18/09/2025

Global Shipping Shake-Up: Mexico Pauses US Mail Amid US Tariff Changes
Hey shippers and shoppers! Mexico's postal service (SEPOMEX) halted all shipments to the US starting August 27, 2025, due to a US Executive Order ending the de minimis exemption. As of September 12, 2025, the pause continues—no resumption date yet. This affects everything from gadgets to care packages.
The Cause: EO 14324
Signed by President Trump on July 30, 2025, the order eliminates duty-free entry for packages under $800, effective August 29. All imports now face taxes, targeting illicit drugs (fentanyl via 1.36 billion packages in 2024) and protecting US jobs (e.g., textile losses from Shein/Temu). Consumers could pay $136 more yearly; examples include $1,400 duties on a German part.
Global Impact
Over 30 countries paused services:

Australia Post (Aug 26): Adapting to customs.
Canada Post (Aug 28): Compliance delays.
Germany (DHL, Aug 23): Chaos from charges.
Japan Post (Aug 27): E-commerce backlogs.
New Zealand (Aug 26): Small biz hit.
UK Royal Mail (Aug 25): Gifts under $100 exempt.
France/Spain (Aug 25/27): Logistics issues.

De minimis (from 1930, boosted in 2016) fueled $64B in low-value imports. Now, e-commerce giants like Etsy/Shopify scramble; niche sellers (e.g., UK vinyl to Portland) suffer.
Economic Effects
Boosts US manufacturing, curbs drugs, but slows deliveries and raises prices. Brands like Coach face $160M losses. Postal services need new systems for duties/HTS codes; full compliance by 2027.
What's Next?
CBP requires ACE filings; Mexico negotiates resumption. Watch Federal Register for updates. Gifts under $100 often exempt for individuals.
This trade twist brings chaos but aims to fix loopholes. Share your stories—how's it hitting you? Subscribe for updates! 🚀💸