[Dixie]

It's 4:30 in the morning. I'm awake. Not so much due to the Thunderstorm, but because my bed is a damp sponge. "Fine!" I grumble. I get up and discover I'm standing in 1/4" of water. "Welcome to Mexico," I mutter to myself.

I'm in Ajijic. It's a charming little town outside Guadalajara. The weather is nice, the art scene vibrant, the views spectacular, and the locals are friendly. The place is also adrift in ex-pats. Not only are they everywhere, they've inadvertently gentrified the town. A perfect example is dining out. The restaurants don't feature much Mexican food.
Hamburgers, pizza, and spaghetti are the common fare, and at Florida prices. Home prices appear to be on the rise as well. It's apparent why there's so few locals living here. They've been priced out.

Please don't get me wrong. I'm having a grand time on my little adventure. The street food is fun and good, I love how friendly the Mexican people are, and their slower pace of life still permeates Ajijic.
Just don't drink the water. Oh, and don't flush the toilet paper. The sewer system can't handle it.