NEILL JAMES LIBRARY AND GARDEN

From the San Andrés church, head downhill along Castellanos; after two blocks, turn right at 16 de Septiembre. Not far, at #16, on your left, will be the Neill James Library, a good work of the Lake Chapala Society. Find the library open Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. It shares its lovely garden adjacent with the adjacent Spanish-language library, open Mon.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. The garden is a delight for quiet contemplation. Before you leave, look over the notices of local performances, exhibits, and fiestas on the walkway bulletin board between the two buildings.

If you visit the Neill James Library in winter, you might be able to join an informative tour of Ajijic’s lovely homes and gardens. Lake Chapala Society volunteers conduct the programs regularly and give the donations (customarily, about $10 per person) to charitable causes, such as the Jocotepec School for the Deaf. Call the Lake Chapala Society, tel. 376/766-1140, for more information.

Continue half a block west along 16 de Septiembre to the corner of Morelos, where you’ll enjoy browsing through the excellent arts and crafts shops clustered here.

Note: Although Calle Morelos has a different name, it is actually the downhill continuation of Colón. Ajijic streets change names midtown. Streets that run parallel to the lakeshore change names at the Colón-Morelos line. Streets that run perpendicular to the lakeshore change names at the Constitución-Ocampo line.