Welcome to Birds of Paradise! For those of you who are visiting this area for the first time, we hope you experience and enjoy the people, weather, culture, tremendous variety of arts, musical, theatric activities, as well as the many different groups and organizations in the area. At Birds, you will find a friendly atmosphere and a group of people of various backgrounds who are willing to share their experiences and expertise when needed.

The following information has been prepared for newcomers to Birds and the Lake Chapala area. We welcome any comments that would add to this material.

Birds of Paradise has been in operation since 1997. It is a 62-unit condo complex run by a seven member Board of Directors. Gigi Mora, our Condo Manager, has been with us since 1999, and has done an excellent job in keeping things running smoothly. We have a wonderful staff of 8 people, which includes 24-hour security, housekeeping, gardening, and maintenance.

Please note that all common areas at Birds are non-smoking.

B. What's Available on Site?

1. Our business office is located near the gate. Gigi’s hours are posted on the door. Gigi usually has her hands full with the day-to-day activities of the condo, so any queries concerning services or the area should be directed to the owner volunteers (names posted on the notice board).

2. One of the main focal points of the complex is the swimming pool/hot tub area. The hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and pool rules are posted. The target temperatures are 82 degrees F in the pool and 100-102 degrees F for the hot tub. Use of the hot tub is permitted after hours. A timer is to be installed to allow hot tub temperatures to resume for brief periods of time after hours. After-hours users must uncover and recover the hot tub. Please note that no one under the age of 12 is permitted within the pool area unless accompanied by an adult. As well, the pool is restricted to adults only between the hours of 4 and 6 pm. The Jacuzzi is restricted to adults only at all times (age 13 and over).

3. The Casa Club is the other main focal point of the complex. It serves as a meeting place for condo social activities, such as bridge, bid euchre, rummikub, poker, art classes, karaoke and monthly dinner/dances during the high season (December to March). Please note that user fees are in effect. Please see the Policies and Procedures document for booking the facility and the associated fees.

4. The Birds Nest is our local watering hole run by volunteers, both owners and renters. It features sodas, beer, wine and "exotic specials" at reasonable prices and is generally open from 3-6 pm. This area is also used for the Coffee Club, an early morning volunteer effort as well. You are welcome to partake in all these activities.

5. We have excellent laundry facilities, for those who prefer to do their own laundry. There are 3 washers and 3 dryers available, and a sign-up sheet to reserve a time. The hour booked is for the washer. The dryer is automatically booked for the following hour. It is requested that bleach not be used in the machines. Please wipe down the machines, clean the lint screens, and leave the area tidy for the next user. It is expected that if you place your name on the sign-up sheet that you make use of that time, as the machines are in constant use. Hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. If you are not interested in doing your own laundry, maid service is also available. Arrangements should be made through the person from whom you are renting.

6. Our Bulletin Board, next to the pool, is for information on upcoming events, photos, BOP real estate for sale or rent, and pertinent condo information, such as the list of new renters. Notices to be posted should be approved by the Manager. There are additional bulletin boards in the Library, with lots of useful information and the sign-up sheets for posted activities requiring sign-up.

7. For the handyman, we have a workshop (the Honey Do) next to the laundry room, equipped with a basic complement of tools. Please sign out tools when you remove them from the workshop.

8. Our fitness room is located in the 500 building, across from the waste disposal containers. Users of the equipment are responsible for, and expected to have a working knowledge of this equipment. Care must be taken when using the weights to prevent damage to the floor.

9. Waste disposal is located near the back gate, on the east side of the complex, for household garbage only. There is a separate bin for glass, tin and plastics. Birds has a septic field system for sewage. Many of the pipes in Mexico are of small diameter. Therefore, it is important to consider what you flush down any drains. Please see the attached poster for specific details.

10. We have a library next to the office, with a broad selection of donated books and magazines. A DVD library has been a recent addition.

11. There is a suggestion box for comments or concerns located in the library. We would appreciate constructive suggestions from renters and owners who may assist us in improving services or facilities at Birds.

12. Groceries are available at Super Lake (a short walk down the path next to the complex), at El Torito in Ajijic, or at an Oxxo convenience store nearby. For those interested in the open-air market, or tianguis, this takes place every Wednesday in Ajijic and every Monday in Chapala where fresh fruits, vegetables and fish can be purchased as well as local crafts and wares. There is a large Soriana grocery store in Chapala plus a newly opened Wal-Mart nearby.

13. Parking: Each condo unit has been allocated a parking space for cars, station wagons, and small vans; larger vehicles must remain outside the gate. The parking space is indicated on the pavement with the unit number. There are four spaces at the entrance gate available for visitors. If you are expecting guests, please inform the guard at the gate.

14. There is a gazebo on the grounds available to anyone, for a small gathering, or for just relaxing in the shade and reading a good book.

C. What's Available in the Unit?

All units are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, although in some units, the second bedroom is converted to a den. All units are equipped with a refrigerator, gas stove, dishwasher and potable water (the faucet with the black lever in the kitchen). Some units are also equipped with a washer/ dryer.

You should expect to find all basic dishes, kitchen cookware, all linens and towels, for a minimum of four people. If there are any deficiencies, please bring this to the attention of the owner or agent from whom you are renting, so that these problems can be corrected.

Most units are equipped with a TV satellite receiver and Telmex access phone line. Internet access can be arranged, but you should check with the owner to make sure that these are all provided.

D. Essential Phone Numbers

Fire: 766-3615

Police: 766-1760 (Ajijic)

765-4444 (Chapala)

Ambulance: 765-2308 (Red Cross/Cruz Roja)

Medical Services: 766-0500; 766-0662 (Clinica Ajijic)

766-4805 (Clinica Maskaras; 22 board certified physicians)

Emergency: 100 (Intercom to office)

101 (Intercom to the guardhouse)

Taxi: 766-0674

Telmex Service: 01-800-2222

Telmex (English): 01-800-368-0500

Prodigy (Internet): 01-800-123-2222

National Long Distance Operator: 020

International Operator and Long Distance Information: 090

Information (Local Numbers): 040

Telmex Complaints and Repairs: 050

E. Phone Instructions

All units are equipped with an intercom phone connected to all other units, and to the condominium office. In addition, most units are also equipped with a second Telmex connected phone that can be used for all calls outside the complex. Otherwise, a public telephone is located at the Oxxo convenience store on the Libramiento. Phone cards are required for public telephones and can be purchased at various outlets in town. The office and guardhouse telephones are not available for residents’ use.

Instructions for phoning on the Telmex system are as follows:

For local calls: same as at home; simply dial the number

To dial a cellular phone: dial 045 then the phone number

For direct dial calls to Canada/USA: dial 001, area code, number

For direct dial, long distance calls inside Mexico: dial 01, regional number (like area code), phone number

For direct dial to any other country in the world: dial 00, country code, area code, phone number

From Canada/USA to Birds of Paradise Office: dial 011 52 376 766 1308

Please note that long distance charges will be deducted from your deposit before it is returned (this could take up to 3 months). This would be dependent upon your owner/renter agreement.

Long term renters might consider a call back service, which allows you to bypass Telmex, and provide significant savings if you make a lot of long distance calls. You simply dial an access number, hang up after it rings once, then you immediately receive a call back from the provider, prompting you to dial the long distance number you want.

Some units may be equipped with computers and voice over Internet service. The owner would provide details on usage.

F. Transportation

1. Bus to Guadalajara: every hour on the half hour (approximately) from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Catch the bus at the gate; it’s red and white, with destination ‘Guadalajara’ showing. One way is approximately 37 pesos. To return from Guadalajara, you depart from the Vieja Central Camionera bus station; purchase your ticket at the Chapala gate (Sala A); ask for a ticket on ‘Premier’ Guadalajara to Jocotopec (‘premier’ is the same as ‘express’). The bus coming from Guad to BOP should indicate Jocotopec "Directo" or "Libramiento". The last bus leaves Guad at 9:00 p.m. It will drop you off across the street by the gate to Las Terrazas.

2. The local bus to Ajijic passes by about every hour, 15 minutes before the hour (i.e. 9:45, 10:45) & can be waved down in front of Las Terrazas (across the road); cost about 5 pesos. The last bus passes by at approximately 9:45 p.m.

3. The local bus to Chapala can only be caught by going down to the Carretera.

4. Taxi: Call the number noted previously. It is a good idea to ask the cost of the fare at the outset. The cost of a taxi trip from the airport is approximately 280 pesos. The cost of a taxi to Ajijic is approximately 40 pesos.

G. Local Information

1. Our website for information: www.birdsofparadisecondos.com

2. Our Travel Health section of the website gives a number of excellent sites for health care issues.

3. Our links section provides information on traveling in Mexico and local information of interest.

4. The Guadalajara Reporter is a weekly newspaper (published on Fridays) that provides a considerable amount of local news. The headlines can also be reviewed online at www.guadalajarareporter.com.

5. The Lake Chapala Review (published mid-month) and El Ojo del Lago (published around the 5^th of the month) are free monthly publications. They provide excellent information on available services, ongoing activities and real estate information.

6. The Lakeside Directory provides detailed information on services, restaurants and local phone numbers.

7. Local service groups: The Lake Chapala Society is located at 16^th de Septiembre and Ramon Corona in Ajijic. It is an important gathering place for meetings, lectures, social gatherings, with an extensive library, and reasonable membership fees. Their website is www.lakechapalasociety.org. The Canadian Club features monthly meetings with timely speakers, interesting trips for members, arranged on a regular basis, and an excellent web site – www.canadianclubmx.com.

H. Interested in Owning?

1. We have a seven-person Board of Directors. The Board is most busy during the winter season when most owners are on site, but they also meet ‘electronically’ (by e-mail) during the year when necessary. Gigi keeps the Board apprised of matters that require attention.

2. Our annual general meeting, with election of new officers, is held in February. There are usually three new members elected to either one-year, or two-year positions.

3. Our annual condo fees for 2009, if paid by January 16^th, are $32,626 pesos. The condo fees include a contribution to a reserve fund, set up to minimize the severity of any long-term major, or unforeseen complex repair item. These fees can also be paid on a monthly basis.

4. New owners receive a copy of our By-Laws and Policies & Procedures. The Board recognizes that the pride of ownership, and the value of each owner’s investment are affected by the appearance of the buildings and grounds, as well as by the conduct of residents, guests and employees. The rules have been drawn up to promote the safety, security and welfare of the residents, and to prevent unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of the common area and units. The intention of the Board is that these rules and regulations be interpreted and observed in mutual respect and co-operation. Birds of Paradise is a first class complex, and we are striving to maintain these ideals. Owners typically feel obligated, and are encouraged, to make a contribution to the ongoing well-being of our complex.

I. Interested in Renting?

Renters should expect to have the following:

· a copy of the rental agreement

· basic inventory list

· access to owner’s Bylaws/ Policies and Procedures material

· assurance that the office (Gigi) has been notified of your arrival. Owners MUST advise Gigi so that she can authorize the guards to permit renter entry.

· two condo keys

· assurance that your unit should be clean and ready for occupancy

· renters information packet

Renters should be aware that the minimum rental period is four weeks, and that the maximum number of adults permitted to occupy any unit at one time is four. Up to two minors under the age of twelve will be permitted in a unit. A pet is allowed only with the approval of the Board.

J. Units for Rent/Sale

See the website www.birdsofparadisecondos.com for listings, or the bulletin board by the Birds’ Nest. It was decided by the board that a two-month maximum period of time is appropriate for notices on the board. If you would like to resubmit a notice, please notify the Manager.

K. Forms for Owners

· Rental agreement -download from website

· Basic inventory list – included in this package or download from the website

· Letter of introduction (Available to Owners only. Please request a copy from webmaster at: rwmccaff@hotmail.com )

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