It has been over six months since I decided to take a hiatus from the Adventures Of Dos Tortas. Life seems to be full of a different sort of adventure from when I first started writing in 2013. At that time we were packing up our home in Austin, Texas to move to far south Mexico. We bought property on beautiful Laguna Bacalar and had plans for a home and simple life. As it is with life in general, a lot has changed.
Some weather heading our way.
The sleepy little village of Bacalar has exploded with hotels, restaurants and tourists. Exploded is a bit sensational, certainly not like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, but on its way. The Laguna is overrun with boat tours taking guests to “explore” the mangroves. The wildlife suffer as the jungle is cleared. It’s not any different from any part of the world where tourism is the primary industry. Locals are being bought out and little homes are being replaced with all-inclusives. We didn’t see it coming.
The “pirate cove” ruins of a failed restaurant and popular boating destination.
While you might think that we are regretting our move to Mexico, we are not. Due to health challenges and family need, we have spent more than our fair share of time in the US over the past year, both in California (the birth of our granddaughters) and Texas (Lisa’s neck surgery). Both times we were missing our home and wanting to return to Bacalar. Life in the US is no cup of tea either.
Hiking in Austin. Enjoying the weather.
When I lived in Mexico in the 70’s, it was the time of Watergate, Nixon’s impeachment and the Middle East oil crisis with its winding gas lines. I extended my student stay at that time and received a letter from my father (a first) asking me why I was “hiding out” in Mexico. One of my teachers didn’t skip a beat and instantly replied, “tell him it’s one of the better places to hide out”.
I will continue to hide out, paint, walk the dogs and watch the world turn. Times are uncertain for all of us but somehow writing helps me process. I make no promises to how often or what I’ll blog about. Stay tuned.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Good to read your blog again. I share your observations and feelings about changes in our expat community.
LikeLike
Hi Alex and Lisa! I’ve wondered about y’all. Hope everyone is on the mend and the babies are thriving. Happy that you are still happy in Bacalar. We are well and still enjoying life in Canyon Lake. I look forward to reading your blogs again! Tricia
LikeLike
I’m sorry Bacalar has been discovered. The little town of Bisbee, Arizona, was a little mining town when I came, and the mine was closing. Artists and hippies kept it alive. I bought a house for $3000, bought my second in the “respectable” area of Warren several years later for $10,000.
My $3000 has had some rehab, to be sure, but last time it sold it went for close to $200,000. Maybe I should have kept it – I could certainly afford the lifestyle I’d like if I had!
Fourteen years ago I fled Warren (and w-a-y underpriced my house) to live in the tiny border berg of Naco. Quiet. Relaxed. Undiscovered. Far cheaper. So far, so good.
Best to you. Hope the changes don’t bring too many negatives, but I fear for the jungle.
LikeLike
I fear for the jungle too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to see a blog post from you! We live in Chuburna, Yucatan now, and it too is being discovered. So far no all-inclusives, but expats are starting to move in and fancy, large homes are being built in between modest beach cottages owned by locals and their families for years. We are part of this influx so really can’t complain, but it’s very common to want a place to stay just as it was when WE discovered it. Happened to us in Ambergris Caye, Belize as well, which has grown exponentially since our first trip there. Seems like all the lovely places eventually get developed until they are not so lovely any longer. I hope that your lovely home in Bacalar will continue to be a good spot for both of you, despite the encroachment.
LikeLike
Yes, it happened in Austin. Everyone wanted all those other people to stay home. I lived there over forty years and can now barely find my way around.
LikeLike
Hi Alex and Lisa…and thank you for sharing your lives. Just wanted to take this opportunity to say I enjoy your posts, your photos, magical…am regretting not joining you on your various events when you are in Austin, but just wanted to tell you not to take me off your list…you girls are the GREATEST…next get together in Austin, please let me know…
LikeLike
Good to hear from you Ellen. Will keep you on the list. Roberta has a RL group w a seat for you.
LikeLike
As your friend Emily says, ” Seems like all the lovely places eventually get developed until they are not so lovely any longer.” Happened in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. McMansions everywhere taking the place of little 3 bedroom cottages. Do you think an all-inclusive will come and offer you five times what your house cost? And would you take the money and run?
LikeLike
Good question. I cannot speculate. Our property is not that big. We’ve already been offered double what we paid. Probably not serious but friends who have sold got offers very quickly.
LikeLike
Its just so nice hearing from you again 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you my dear. Lots of blogs rolling around in my head.
LikeLike
Great to see you back on the Blog!
Joel Grieshaber (tm teacher)
LikeLike
Hey Joel, thanks for stopping by. Hope you’re still rockin and rollin.
LikeLike
Your post made my heart sing! It’s always a great day when I open my email and see a new post by Dos Tortas. I’ve missed seeing your writing.
LikeLike
How lovely. Didn’t know if anyone would show up.
LikeLike