Ajijic, Jalisco

Ajijic is a charming little town that sits upon the shores of Lake Chapala in Jalisco, Mexico. The town thrives on it's mixture of traditional Mexican culture and that of the laid back, trendy Americans who flock to the town during the winter months or have retired there. Although some usually frown upon the ever growing influence of the United States on Mexico, Ajijic maintains its charm with cobbled streets and sun kissed central plaza, and is far, far away from the commercialism of other costal tourist hotspots like Cancún or Puerto Vallarta.

It's possible to while away the hours perusing the art galleries, boutiques or simply wandering the streets, soaking up the sun. We came across Babaras Bazar whilst meandering through the different through streets, a Bazar of everything and anything, from antiques, to first edition Harry Potter books, to old kitchen appliances and material. It was a treasure trove of goodies each way you turned and cost nothing to look at all the different things you wanted, Magimixs or 19th century German chairs. Ajijic continues to please with little hideaways such as these, so pleasant for a first timer to the town! 

Breakfast at La Una. 

Another enjoyable way to explore a different place is, of course, through food!  However, since I am still ill, I have to be very careful about what and where I eat and I am always beyond thrilled when I can eat something in a restaurant.  Fortunately, Ajijic offered a wide range of eateries that are relatively gallstone-friendly.  Richie 88 is a charming cafe offering baguettes, salads, burgers and delicious Italian sodas, all of which can be enjoyed in a shaded patio.  We also had breakfast in La Una, a French-style cafe with free coffee refills with breakfast.  La Una offers continental-style breakfast (a generous portion of fresh fruit, with yoghurt, granola), eggs (of every variety!), waffles and French toast, again with a leafy green patio area.  What better way to enjoy breakfast?  It's worth paying a visit to Cafe Grano as well, extremely good Mexican coffee to revitalise you after a morning in the sun.  The ambience of the cafe was relaxed and informal, and you can buy a variety of  ethically grown coffee beans to take home if you
desire.  Ajijic also has a wide selection of restaurants of different international cuisine.  One restaurant that has had nothing but good reviews is Ajijic Tango, an Argentinian restaurant which was packed to the rafters when we were there, definitely one I want to try next time I visit Ajijic.  

Ajijic means 'the place where the water flows' in Nahuatl, an indigenous language spoken in Mexico and walking along the boardwalk of the lake allows you to take in its shear size.  A pleasant breezes cools the hot sun during the day and watching the sunset in the evening is magical.  Almost a meeting place, the boardwalk is a perfect spot to people watch, Mexican tourists chattering and soaking up the atmosphere or residents, both native and ex pat, walk their dogs or simply sit and listen to the waves lapping the shore.  Ajijic may be the most commercialised of the towns surrounding Chapala lake but don't let that put you off, it's a tranquil, yet thriving, gem that is a wonderful spot to enjoy a few days away.