Making Friends in Bacalar – It’s Not What We Expected

15 Jun

The foreign population in Bacalar is relatively small and varied. US-ers and Canadians make up the majority, but there are also a group of Mexicans from Mexico City who maintain a residency here. Throw in a handful of Europeans and several folks from South America and social gatherings are quite multi-lingual with everyone speaking whichever language they care to practice.

Not all of the expats are retired. There are young families and each new friend opens an opportunity to meet others and travel in a variety of social circles. Many people live here up to six months and return to their home country to work or enjoy a cooler climate than is the humid, rainy, Bacalar summer.

When Lisa and I decided on Mexico, we were clear that we wanted to make local friends and not simply socialize with English-speaking foreigners. We are finding that the lines blurr and it’s more about taking time and getting out, talking to everyone, not being afraid to make mistakes speaking Spanish and always making a point of greeting and saying goodbye to everyone.

Ladies vegan lunch - showing off our culinary talents.

Ladies vegan lunch – showing off our culinary talents.

A chance to know each other better.

A chance to know each other better.

Sunday pancake breakfast and more new friends.

Sunday pancake breakfast and more new friends.

Food is always a way to connect. We are also trying – watching soccer matches, playing cards and learning new skills. Can you tell that our calendar is filling up? Life in Bacalar is looking sweet.

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10 Responses to “Making Friends in Bacalar – It’s Not What We Expected”

  1. brucekelley June 15, 2014 at 2:05 pm #

    Hola Alex,

    Love your poster, “Enjoy the ride”.

    Cheers!

    Like

    • afish25 June 15, 2014 at 3:52 pm #

      Always good to hear from you Bruce. Maybe we’ll make it to PV one day.

      Like

  2. LJones June 15, 2014 at 3:33 pm #

    As always, I am inspired by your wonderful blog. As we consider Bacalar for our main place, I am remembering all you have written about. Hoping to see you this fall…with love, L

    Like

    • afish25 June 15, 2014 at 3:51 pm #

      It really has taken time to fit in and slow down. I think we expected to be welcomed with open arms. We are an interesting little community. Look forward to seeing you this winter. We may even be neighbors!

      Like

  3. garth June 15, 2014 at 4:12 pm #

    great pictures and yea! you are settling in. sweet. love you both.

    Like

    • afish25 June 16, 2014 at 6:57 am #

      Thanks Garth. We are STILL slowing down. Every day we learn that so much of what we thought was important in life just isn’t. It is both disconcerting and freeing.

      Like

  4. emilievardaman June 21, 2014 at 9:53 am #

    Enjoy the ride, for sure! Life is a long, twisting ride and we never know what may be around the next curve or over the hill. Plan to enjoy and you will.
    One thing I love about being in Mexico is finding new local friends. I have been so warmly welcomed into homes, fed beautiful meals, and invited on interesting outings. Who knows what’s next?

    Like

    • afish25 June 21, 2014 at 11:51 am #

      You are so right. Our policy is to respond “yes” to whatever life throws at us.

      Like

  5. nancy taylor June 25, 2014 at 10:37 pm #

    Hey Alex and Lisa – sounds like life is good on your end. Keep up your trek. I know you’re on the right path. Love your posts. ~Nancy

    Like

    • afish25 June 26, 2014 at 1:24 am #

      So nice of you to stop by Nancy. Hope you are well. Hugs to all at DSHS.

      Like

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