Four Months in Mexico

As I write this blog I pause to look out the window. Good, Kay is not packing the Venza for a move back to the US. That's a positive. Neither of us were sure what a move of 2,500 miles from Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA To San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco, Mexico would do to our marriage of 27 plus years. Would things work out? Let's just say, I haven't seen any cards from an attorney fall out of her purse lately. That's always a good sign.

If I have any advice for those contemplating a move to Mexico, spend some time here. The old timers say that the 4-5-6 rule seems to work. First, a four week visit. Then later a, five month commitment. If this seems to work, stay a while. One can get to most any where in the US within 5 hours from most parts of Mexico by plane. Many travel to the states to see family 2 to 3 times each year. Plus some live 6 months in their home country, then 6 months in Mexico. Those that have been here a long time say, many who stay for six plus years do finally return home, however it's usually in a pine box.

Does Mexico work? Yes, it may not work like we think it should, or could, or even might, but work it does. Now in our forth month south of the border we must remind ourselves of a term: "The Ugly American". It is our sincere desire not to be one of those people. Mexico doesn't need us to fix it. It did OK before we arrived, it will do fine after we are gone. The good news here is I have time to read, write my blog, children's books, plus my novel. I exercise six days a week. Here, I have time to truly smell the roses, or is it the bugambilia (bougainvillea) in English ... or French ... or whatever that word used in the USA is)? I forget.

I have learned the important places one needs to go: Walmart, church, the Pemex gas station, Kay's hair dresser (Paty's), plus the best place to eat in town, the La Nueva Posada. Today I found the post office. I knew it existed, I just had not gotten around to looking for it. Being retired, as most Americans and Canadians seem to be, helps. My advice, don't get in too big a hurry. Most things work out over time. I check my blood pressure every day, I am not sure why any more. My numbers are down 10 on the first and 20 points on the second. Maybe it's time to put the BP tester in the cabinet.

Many, even most, countries are not like the USA. I have had an opportunity to live in three countries; America, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. I have had the privilege of traveling in many parts of the world. Each is different, all have good and bad. Embrace the good, avoid the bad and you will be happier.

Remember, God only gives us a certain number of days. I don't plan on wasting the ones I have left.

Until we talk again.

Mike