Our Christmas was indeed different than any other thus far! We are in such a time-warp because of the move, lack of weather-cues, decorations, traditions, etc. that we felt rather unprepared for the holiday. We enjoyed learning some of the traditions of the Mexican people and found some Christmas concerts to be quite lovely, but all in all, the holiday passed without too much fanfare. We went for a long hike with two other couples on Christmas morning. It was really nice. There are several small mountains to explore in the area and the views can be quite stunning. We are still adjusting to the altitude (5000+ feet above sea level), so although we were the youngest in the group, we were often pulling up the rear!

Why Mexico? Well, the weather in this area is perfect just about all year and it’s extremely pretty with amazing sunsets! Gardens bloom year ‘round and outdoor living is the norm! For nature buffs, like us, that’s pretty close to heaven! The cost of living is less than the Northeast, although not as inexpensive as one would initially think. Because the weather is so nice, no heating or air conditioning is required and there are no property taxes to speak of - another huge savings. Health care is affordable and quite good. Health insurance is available for a tiny fraction of costs in the States (being self-employed we were paying exorbitant monthly premiums) and housing costs, although not inexpensive, are less than where we came from.

Great weather, affordable living, and a change of pace (I’m loving the relaxed life-style) were what drew us away from the same-old, same-old. Keith has been dreaming of retiring young for probably half of his work career! Thanks to his earnings, savings and investments, here we can do that. In the Northeast, we would have to work another 10 years or so and then we would still have a house that was too big for us, and weather that stinks!! We decided there was no time like the present for a change! We really assessed what is important to us, right now. We decided that time - for our interests and with each other should be a priority. As I was saying my good-byes and closing up my business, I was asked many times why Mexico. Often I answered that I wasn’t really sure why, but that there was definitely a pull…and that I have faith that in time we will know why.

In the meantime, it was a strong enough pull to make the move. No regrets yet. There is so much to learn - from immigration status, getting household goods here, car importation (crossed that hurdle already) to shopping and cooking, that we are enjoying the challenges our new life presents. We’ve met some wonderfully nice people too. Other ex-pats like ourselves mostly, although we have a couple Mexican friends who are married to North Americans. It’s interesting and challenging making new friends when you are older. Children have a much easier time of it…

We are not in a remote area of Mexico at all. There have been ex-patriots here for about 50 years and they have paved the way quite nicely! The infrastructure is excellent with many good restaurants, shops and galleries. An International airport is 20 miles from Lakeside, and Guadalajara (Mexico’s 2nd largest city) is 30 - 35 miles away. It is a city with everything you need (including Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc.) should you be missing the commercialism of the States! The historic district of the city is lovely and offers many cultural opportunities. If I could just get over my fear of driving in the city, we would have so much to explore!! Guadalajara driving intimidates me, no it’s more accurate to say it scares me! I can’t read a map in a moving car, so Keith always navigates and I drive.