“Aging is not for the weak. One day you wake up and realize that your youth is gone, but along with it, so go insecurity, haste, and the need to please… You learn to walk more slowly, but with greater certainty. You say goodbye without fear, and you cherish those who stay. Aging means letting go, it means accepting, it means discovering that beauty was never in our skin… but in the story we carry inside us.” Meryl Streep.
Almost thirteen years ago, I began this blog to shine a light for others who might like to follow and to let my family and friends know what we were up to on this adventure of living in Mexico. Little did I know how things would change.
You Tube, Instagram, Ticktock and god knows what else are overflowing with stories of people who have self deported. Much like we did, they sold everything, scooped up their families and relocated to an unfamiliar culture, language and environment.
Many are trying to romanticize it all. While I love Mexico, the struggle is real. At least we left by choice.
Our blog has evolved from the Adventures of Dos Tortas to the Aging of Dos Tortas. We are in as unfamiliar a territory as the deportees.
Some days I wonder why I continue to write. I guess I do it for me. My parents and grandparents certainly didn’t prepare me for my seventies. Our experiences are all different but maybe we can be there for each other just a little, and share the story we carry inside us.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
I think this might be my favorite post, Alex – so tender and real..and beautiful…I am certainly feeling that aging also …love to you from Boise (granddaughters birthdays) – L.
Lorrie Jones
Simple Serenity
simpleserenity.comhttp://simpleserenity.com/
253.312.3117
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Getting old rocks!
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The Aging of Dos Tortas—how perfect.
I’m aging faster and faster these days. I find it a little scary as well as a little exciting. Next year I turn 80, and I have a few things planned that I hope I can actually accomplish.
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I get it. One day at a time. Some days I’m afraid to make plans a week out. ❤️
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We both put out a piece at the same time about why we continue to blog after all these years. And I’ve a post about aging coming up too. Great minds and all that – spooky! 😉
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I still struggle with what to do with all these posts. I don’t much is book worthy although I believe my writing has improved. Suggestions?
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After we returned from Turkey, I collated all the posts relating to that time and released them as a two volume e-book through KDP, Amazon’s publishing platform. There’s no cost, apart from the time and effort involved and I shifted a few copies which was nice. It also gave me the chance to do some editing. I may do this again with my more recent posts but it would be a much bigger job! Just a thought 😀
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I read your blog every Sunday and have followed along with your journey—sorry I don’t comment more often.
Jeff and I left Virginia in 2009 for a home in Progreso, and never looked back. Like you guys we were sure Yucatan was going to be home. Also like you we did not come with rose colored glasses on but left the States with the desire to have some challenge in our lives (new language!) and embrace a culture we had fallen in love with over many years of vacations.
After 16 years we love this country more than ever and so glad we left the States when we did. We also have health challenges as we age, but not insumountable. I turn 77 next month so I’m right there with you on that aging thing.
Having said this I need to add there are days that I think how can this be so crazy hard—took a MONTH to have a used car registered and tagged. This happened only after many letters from the dealer (??) police looking it over as if the couple who sold us the car, which they bought new, had some nefarious purpose in getting rid of it (they are moving back to the states) and more $$$ than we thought.
These are problems that creep up occasionally and I am sure you have similar stories of daily life in our imperfect paradise.
Does it change how we feel about life here—no, not at all, but those thinking of escaping the cold, politics, high prices, and think each day is like a resort holiday should read your blogs and know paradise is what you feel at the end of a day of struggles, or a day of sheer bliss with sun rises and sunsets, smiling faces, wonderful food, music, and laughter—always laughter.
Judy Murray
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I feel you Judy. I guess for me it’s the heat. We’re having solar installed this week. It’s a chunk of change but should help with the power outages. Fingers crossed.
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Me for one. You’ve written for me. And although I’ve not responded much I have followed you through the adventures, trials and even tribulations. Knowing you, and the stories were truth, somehow gave me comfort that I wasn’t alone in my own life’s path. Thank you for that. Reminds me that everybody has something. We’re all in this together. We’re not alone. And you are loved.
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It helps me too knowing you are reading. I frequently wonder who is out there. Back atcha Becky.
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I often wonder about those “we moved to Mexico” influencers on YouTube and Instagram. Although living in Mexico is extraordinary, it certainly isn’t always as easy as they make it sound. And I wonder, how many of them stay for a year or two and then go back home or move on, chasing another glittery destination. Keep blogging and speaking your truth!
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Thank you my dear. You are so right.
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