For expats living in Mexico, navigating the subtle differences in Spanish can be either a welcome adventure or a massive headache.

One common point of confusion is how to refer to someone from the United States. 

The Lake Chapala region is widely recognized for its amazingly benign year-round climate. Never mind that bogus claim that National Geographic once rated the area as boasting the world’s second-best climate. It is just an often-repeated myth that was probably invented by some hungry real estate agent.

People here are so used to consistently agreeable temperatures that they tend to grouse a bit any time in winter months that thermometers dip below the 21°C/70°F mark, or soar anywhere near 26°C/80°F at the height of the dry season. Really sensitive folks only need to light fireplaces and turn on space heaters for a few days when it’s cold, or crank up fans and air conditioners when the atmosphere heats up. Most of the time, wardrobe changes suffice to make one comfortable.

Immigrants often rave about the rainy season when local landscapes transform into the lush scenery that inspires painters and nature lovers. But there can be downsides, like lugging around umbrellas and raincoats, repairing leaky roofs, maintaining gardens free of overgrowth, or keeping close watch on laundry left out on the line. And that brings me to why October is my favorite time of year.

As the rains taper off, the weather turns perfectly balmy day in and day out. Neighboring hillsides and mountain peaks remain gorgeous shades of green as wildflowers start popping up along roadsides and at higher elevations. Cheery shades of yellow are dominant.

Morning glories are my favorite of these volunteer “weeds,” a feast for the eyes, especially enjoyed during an early walk. Their particular hue is the most magnificent shade of blue in God’s creation.  Many locals call the flower Manto de María — Mary´s Mantle — in reference to the blessed Virgin.

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The 61st edition of the Fiestas de Octubre, Guadalajara’s month-long celebration often compared to a U.S. state fair but with an unmistakably Mexican flavor, will run from Friday, October 2 to Monday, November 2.

The Lake Chapala region has been buzzing since the start of September. Here’s some local scenery showing what has transpired in the lead-up to Independence Day.

On the evening of Tuesday, September 15, downtown Guadalajara will explode into a unique outpouring of patriotic fervor, offering an unequaled festive atmosphere as the nation marks its Independence.

The Plaza Nuevo Progreso bullring in Guadalajara’s Colonia Independencia is set to host a new season of seven novilladas (bullfights featuring young, aspiring toreros), beginning Sunday, September 6, and running on consecutive Sundays through October 18.