I was recently asked to contribute my experience living in México to help benefit women who are newly arrived. There are the retirees who move here by choice and those evicted from their residential country. Both need a period of adjustment.
Where do you live?
Bacalar, QR Mexico
A small band of women gather for solidarity with the US women’s march in January 2017 (I am second from the right and Lisa next to me in orange)
How have you created a life worth living here? What did you do? How long did it take?
We were able to create a retirement life in Mexico by living a simple life in the US. For years we used public transportation, ate out rarely, and saved consciously. We used the book YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE. (Retiring To Mexico – Is It In Your Stars?)
How do you follow your passions?
My passions have changed considerably since retiring. I have become a homebody. I paint in watercolor and acrylic which was unexpected.
A watercolor painting from Rendezvous 2018, Merida, Yucatan
I have two rescue dogs which is a completely new experience. Be open to surprises, life will change. (A Funeral For Myself)
Frida and Luna
Are there safety concerns where you live? What do you do to minimize risk?
I have no fear for my personal safety. There are robberies which will always occur where there are poor people. We have a security camera at the entrance to our property because it is a distance from our door. I refuse to live in fear.
La Virgen de Guadalupe is a main factor in nearly all sections of Mexico. Have you adopted any part of this? Are there other Mexican saints that you have discovered an affinity with?
Guadalupe has a prominent location in our house.
The Virgin of Guadalupe played a role in my life way before moving to Mexico. Last summer we visited the Basilica in Mexico City. It was a very moving experience. My collection of her images has gotten a bit crazy. She is my protector and guide. (My Fixation On Guadalupe) I also like the Catrina skeletons.
She Decorates Our Kitchen
What would you tell a woman who recently arrived in Mexico?
Mexico is a very fun and polite country. Make eye contact, slow down, learn to greet people in Spanish, buenos días, in restaurants, on the bus, in the market. If a Mexican invites you to a party, go! Even if you don’t know a word of Spanish. Expect to be hugged and kissed a lot, even by people you don’t know.
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Challenges I’ve overcome to create the life we have.
Probably the biggest challenge has been being away from family, children and grandchildren. Travel is not as easy as it once was and the world political climate is not improving any time soon. Our family is spread out, so living in Mexico or the states, is almost the same, at least that is what we tell ourselves. Sometimes I feel sad and I wish things were different, but most of the time, our children are living their lives and we’re living ours and that’s just fine.
FaceTime with our two year old grandson.
Life is good and we are extremely blessed. Is it hard? Sometimes. Did we realize that traveling meant house sitters for our dogs? Not really. Did we foresee the growth in our little village and the repercussions to our beautiful laguna? Nope. Will we spend the rest of our lives here? Who knows. We WILL be happy today, give thanks and love life. Until next week…DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Thank you for sharing what you are doing. I am so glad you’ve found your place in Mexico. I’ve been thinking about such a move for a long time. My wife still isn’t sure. We both love traveling and we’ve had many wonderful experiences in Mexico. I look forward to reading about more of your experiences.
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Many peoplel live half the time in Mexico and half time somewhere else. Renting gives you lots more freedom. Keep looking until you find your perfect spot.
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Lovely post Alex – love to you three and doggies:)
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Thank you L.
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I love the video of the woodpecker and even more the photo of the woman dancing in her fruit stand!
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How are you my friend? I love the birds here. So colorful. We all must dance at every opportunity.
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I’ve thought about it and since I’m single it seems almost beyond me. Renting seems more do-able than owning. I’m so disenchanted with the political climate here–which pushes me to run. Would love to chat, if possible.
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Much to consider. Many single women doin it. Love to talk to you. PM me.
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