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It’s a winter wonderland…

I love seeing Mazatlán through new eyes.  My older sister came to visit for a week and I loved showing her what our life is like and seeing her really understand the magic of this place. The weather has been chilly – by Mazatlán standards, that is. High 50’s to low 60’s overnight and mid-60’s to mid-70’s during the day.  We’ve had a lot of wind, too – so a jacket or shawl is nearby at all times.  She joked...

It’s like a country & western song

…He loved me and I left him and now he don’t love me no more… When I was in San Francisco last month I stayed with my best friend Jeannie.  When we were planning our move to Mexico we asked her if she’d mind taking care of our yellow shouldered Amazon, Tiko, for a couple of weeks until we got settled in our new house.  I planned to fly up and bring him down on the plane with me. FAIL!...

Friends, near and far

Living in paradise can be a great way to meet people!  We have had several wonderful introductions recently that wouldn’t have happened unless we lived here in Mazatlán. My sister was at a party with some people she has known for years – their kids played soccer together through many years of school.  So when my sister heard that they were heading to Mazatlán, she shared that I live here and suggested we get together.  She gave them my blog...

The 920 days in Mazatlán report (part two)

As soon as I published the previous blog post I remembered a whole bunch of things I should have included… so here goes! Around the house When I come home from the store I immediately put all pasta, beans, rice, flour, nuts, etc. in the freezer over night. I can’t even tell you how many times I have found bugs in food I had carefully sealed in ziplock bags… quite a disheartening feeling to look into a kettle of boiling...

The 920 days in Mazatlán report

Several times recently someone has commented with admiration that they are so impressed that we had the nerve to make such a big move.  We kind of chuckle when we hear that, as living here is so normal now… but it was a big move, and we are so glad we did it! We drove into Mazatlán 920 days ago in our mini-van loaded down with our remaining earthly possessions.  We’d sold our house and most of our belongings and...

Just a little ranting and raving…

  • February 7, 2010
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I’ve said before that Paul and I are happy with our choice of Mazatlán.  But, like anywhere, it isn’t perfect.  I try to focus on the positive here at Countdown to Mexico, but I think once in a while I can give myself permission to rant. In order to be in the loop with regard to expat goings-on around town such as fund raisers, community events, garage sales, death notices, and things for sale you need to keep an eye...

One year in Maz

  • September 20, 2008
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Today is our one year anniversary of living in Mazatlán.  Some times it seems  the year has gone really quickly, and at other times it seems as though we have always lived here.  We have no regrets. We’ve learned a lot in the last year. We’ve found that people who uproot themselves to make a life in a foreign country are different – adventurous and outgoing. We’ve found that people here are very tolerant and accepting.  They are friendly and...

Easy Squeezy

  • September 13, 2008
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Paul and I headed out for Inmigracíon Thursday in the torrential rain to begin the renewal of our FM3’s.  Our first experience with Inmigracíon when we registered here in Mazatlán was efficient and friendly.  We had our fingers crossed things would go as well this time. Paul made copies ahead of time of three months bank statements, our full passports and our full FM3’s.  After wading our way from the car to the entrance, we registered and waited just two...

Life of Luxury

Dictionary.com defines luxury as: A material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity. Given that definition, retirement and our way of life is the life of luxury to me. I worked hard all my life in a career that chose me, not of my own choosing. I mean who would choose to be a property manager? I had some good times, but for the most part managing staff...

Yin and Yang

Erica and Owen on Lake Whatcom   I knew that ten months separation from the US meant there would be some culture shock for me during my trip North. A few observations: Driving was almost boring. I clicked away at the XM Radio in my rental and waited and waited for people to wake up and drive! Merging is a little practiced art in Washington. People don’t just GO when it’s their turn. Turn signals were blinking everywhere I looked....

We are getting settled now

It’s almost been three weeks since we arrived, and we can hardly believe it. I won’t bore you with all the details but we are starting to feel like our old selves again. It is great to finally get some furniture to be able to put some things away. Our last couple of months in Washington and the month since we left really challenged our need to have an orderly home. Our king size bed was delivered a couple of...

We are tired but happy

  • September 21, 2007
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Somos de Mazatlan! We live here! WOW! The last two days have been two of the most tiring of the last few months. I know that part of the reason is just the cumulative action of the buildup to moving – but part of it was just the reality of 4-500 miles per day in an overloaded van with two dogs. We crossed the border at Nogales, entering into the border morass at about 9 am, and we crossed the...

Here we come!

  • September 20, 2007
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We spent the night in Tucson and are crossing the border this morning! What more can I say? We are excited about our new life and the adventure of it all. I’ll post again once we are in Mazatlan, but right now I think it is time to take Lucy and Henry for a good walk!...

Concerns

  • January 14, 2007
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  A few days ago Nancy wrote a post about reasons to move to Mexico, and I agree with them based on what we have observed on our trips down, and what we have read in our research. I would add climate to her list, and in fact this is one of my top reasons. However, I have some concerns about things that may not be so great about living there for me: 1. Mexico is a very catholic country,...

We’re Serious Now

  We really are serious now. I quit my job last week and am going to spend the next six months cleaning closets, selling anything that is worth money, and doing projects around the house that will enable it to sell faster and for more money. Paul will work until we are closer to leaving, and then off we go! – Nancy...