Dear Followers, Friends and Family, this will be my last blog post. I have been toying with the idea of discontinuing DOS TORTAS for sometime and the decision is final. With over six years, 310 posts, 5,848 views from all over the world, 195 likes, and 341 followers, it’s been a wonderful experience and a lot of fun. I’ve grown as a writer and pushed myself in ways that I wouldn’t otherwise have grown. I remember being thrilled at having 100 followers, woohoo!
Our original route from Austin to Bacalar September 2013
There are so many blogs about moving, traveling and living in Mexico. I have veered off topic quite a bit lately which is death for a blogger. Any “how to” guide will tell you to be narrow in topic and write to a specific audience. I’m afraid that ship has sailed.
A few things we have learned on this great adventure:
- Living in Mexico is not easy. There is a gaping cultural divide. It is not insurmountable but there is a price.
- Living in a gated expatriate community is not living in Mexico.
- If you don’t speak Spanish you better have money to pay someone to help navigate a system that is frustrating and complicated at best and incomprehensible at worst – renting, construction/renovation, banking, immigration, shopping, medical, veterinary, etc. etc.
- Air travel back and forth from Mexico to wherever has only gotten more problematic. The easy travel that we imagined no longer exists. Missed connections, flight delays due to bad weather, the cost of rescheduling tickets and the unexpected need for a hotel room adds up. Not to mention the inconvenience of lost passports, credit cards and other identification.
- Be fearless no matter where life takes you. It’s so much better than the alternative.
My hard won permanent residency card.
None of this is said to discourage anyone. We love it here in Bacalar and have no regrets or plans to return to the US. Even at 55 and 66 we talk more frequently about aging in place. Illness and disability are probably the main reasons foreigners pack it in and head “home”. Life can turn on a dime. It’s good to have a plan B.
Lisa’s mother’s tumble which resulted in multiple broken bones, surgery and physical therapy.
I would still love to hear from you with questions or comments. I will continue on Instagram at dos_tortas. With much gratitude, blessings and peace.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Will miss your blog. I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with you.
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Bonita Bonita, didn’t know you were out there.
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I’ve only been following you for a short time, but I really enjoy the way you communicate information and your positive attitude. I will miss your weekly posts. Buena surety.
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Thank you Daniel. It’s been a blast.
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Sad to see you go. Been following your blog for some time and you helped me in my move to Playa del Carmen. How you post every now and then!
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Lisa – this is Paul I met you at a massage workshop a year or so before ya’ll left Austin. I left Austin shortly after we met and have happily relocated to Bastrop and the Lost Pines. I’ve looked forward to reading your blog post every Sunday – so thank you for 6 years of that! I have toyed with the idea of moving to Mexico myself and have followed ya’ll trials and tribulations with curiosity and I honestly don’t know that I am made of tough enough stuff to weather such trials with the same grace that you two women appear to possess! However if the trials in the USA continue in the current fashion, life-in-Mexico trials may not seem like a bad trade off. 🙂
Take care, best to you both, and thanks again!
Paul
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Don’t let anything I said disuade you. I wouldn’t trade our experiences for anything. Be bold be brave.
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I haven’t been a follower for long, but have enjoyed your clear-eyed take on life. Enjoy your life & art!
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Thanks Deborah for the adiós. Glad I had an impact.
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I will miss this blog so much! It doesn’t matter to me that you veer off topic. Heck, my blog is called travel and random thoughts. And some of my posts involve neither.
I understand wanting to quite. I’d have quit sooner than you if I’d made a weekly commitment to post something. I’m far, far more sporadic than you.
Thank you for what you’ve shared. It encourages me to, even at this late date (age 72) to pack it up and head south.
Hope your lives are wonderful, and I’ll try to find you if I even make it to Bacalar!
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Alex and Lisa…
Thank you so much for your inspiration. We are now in Akumal living in the jungle. No address, really. We are just beginning our Mexico journey, but you have inspired and educated us. Thank you Dos Tortas!
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Good luck to you. This is a wonderful country.
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I have so enjoyed your blog over the years and read every one. I will greatly miss your photos and stories. I guess I will have to get on Instagram?
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They certainly have changed from the beginnings. Thanks for walking with us.
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Kim, thanks for coming by. I’d love to hear what’s going on with you.
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Thank you for your insight, wishing you the best
God Bless
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You’re welcome sir.
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Sorry you will no longer share your adventures with us ever week. Have enjoyed reading your blog. Keep enjoying your life.
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Bless you.
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Enjoyed reading your blog ,sad to see you go but understand! Adios amiga
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Thanks Char.
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Such a shame. It’s been great to follow your adventures. But blog fatigue does set in. I feel it myself sometimes. Buena suerte (if I’ve got that right!) 😀
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You do! I’ve been honored to have you as a follower.
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Have enjoyed everything you’ve written. Hope all goes well. You have my email and phone should you want to talk! Love you.
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Thank you Karen. I just might give you a call.
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Hi Alex,
Thanks so much for the great posts, for sharing your world and time, and most of all for your great spirit and soul. You spread good will and kindness in a world that needs it.
When I discovered your blog, I when back to the beginning and binge read what you had to say. It was fascinating. I am sorry to see you go, but thankful that you shared what you did. Best wishes in your future. Also, thanks for sharing your growth as an artist, fun to watch. I am waiting for my partner to retire in 2020 and Mexico here we come!
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I am touched. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the blog. I’ve so wanted to hear from readers. Better late than never. I know your Mexican adventures will be wonderful.
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Terri, thanks for taking the time to write. I’ve been amazed at the response.
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I’m sorry to hear this. Reading your blog has been my Sunday ritual for the last 2 years. I will miss your wisdom, humor and optimism. I know you two will enjoy your next adventures!
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Andrea, I’m flattered. Thanks for writing.
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Ohh Alex: I will so so miss your wonderful blogs. At least I’ll see you in December and soon we’ll be real neighbors. Blessings to you three – with love, Lorrie (from Amsterdam :))
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It will be good to see you.
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