Americans
by Rosana Hart
Living in Mexico is becoming more and more popular with
Americans and Canadians. While many are snowbirds who come
from late autumn till springtime, a lot of foreigners have
moved to Mexico for good. Sure, they may often go back to
visit family -- grandchildren are a big draw -- but home
base becomes Mexico.
It's not always evident why such large numbers of us have
migrated south to Mexico. After all, most of us struggle
with speaking Spanish, we love to complain to our expat
friends about all sorts of things in our daily lives, and
the cultural differences between our own way of life and the
Mexican culture are significant.
There seem to be two main reasons: climate and money.
Naturally, in a country as varied as Mexico topographically,
there are many different climates. The many expats who live
in the area around Lake Chapala brag about its famous
climate. The rain falls in the rainy season (from June to
October, roughly) and winter days are warm and sunny. Yet at
five thousand feet elevation, the heat is rarely oppressive.
Coastal cities will be hotter and more humid, but then they
have those sweet ocean breezes! The clincher is that no
matter where in Mexico you live, you can leave your snow
shovel in the US or Canada.
Cost of living is rather variable too, depending on the
economic levels and personal tastes of the particular
foreigners. Food, medical care, and other basics are quite
reasonable. Many of us can afford gardeners and maids, since
their wages are much lower here than back home. But in the
popular expat colonies, rental costs and the prices of homes
for sale are surprisingly comparable to those North of the
Border, or as we say, NOB.
Yet another factor is as important as the weather and the
lower cost of living. The Mexicans we encounter in our daily
lives are warm, friendly, and courteous. They are patient
with our struggles to speak Spanish, and often they know
some English. It's good to be aware, though, that in the
Mexican culture, people do not say no easily, so if you ask
for directions someplace, do take the answer you get with a
grain of salt!
You may say, "But of course they are kind and helpful.
Expats are a huge help to their economy." While that is
undeniable, and many Mexicans I know are grateful for it,
courtesy and enjoyment of life are a natural part of their
culture. Just walk around anywhere and observe.
Living in Mexico is really quite different from life back
home, and the best way to find out if it would suit you is
to give it a try. Come for a few weeks, or if your schedule
allows, come for a few months. Don't buy a house right away,
just absorb the culture and see what you think!
Wondering about retiring or
(http://www.mexico-with-heart.com/blog/) living in Mexico?
Rosana Hart's widely-read blog, created from her home near
Lake Chapala, provides you with facts about what it's like
and how to do it. She includes photographs and videos. How
to learn to speak Spanish is a frequent topic.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Living in Mexico: Why It's Becoming More Popular with Americans
Author: Rosana Hart
Keywords: Mexico,living in Mexico,expat,Travel,Retirement,Lifestyle
Word Count: 482
Category: Travel & Leisure
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