Expat life

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Another grab bag…

I can’t believe it, but I killed another camera.  Rummaging in my purse for my frequent buyer card at the Soriana checkstand there was a thunk and another camera went to its final resting place.  I have the crummy camera on my ipod touch or the mediocre camera that I can borrow from Paul.  Not such great choices.  I need a good camera.  With shock absorbers, if possible. *** It is the time of year here where there are lots...

…all the news – that’s fit to print…

Yes, there has been lots going on in the Countdown to Mexico neighborhood, lately – here’s a bit of an update: I’ve been getting together with various women friends pretty frequently – for coffee, for a walk or a bike ride, to share knitting, to discuss books, and probably much more.  One of the things that I love about life here is having so many women friends. Some are here year round and some just come for the winter but...

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...

The download

As I visited family in the US, I frequently noticed how foreign things felt. People are too freaking polite! Good grief, people!  Quit waving each other access to the intersection and just GO!  I didn’t even rent a car this trip so I barely drove at all – but I still found myself flabbergasted at how SLOW people drive – and how SLOW they turn (ever hear of hand over hand?) and how LONG they stop at a stop sign. ...

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…

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...

I love this town!

I am really glad we decided to settle in Mazatlán.  I love living by the ocean.  I love the weather most of the time.  But really it is all about the people.  I just love the people here. The Mexican population is  just so nice!  No one is ever impatient with my Spanish, I truly think they like to help, they are that nice. How can that be? Everyone smiles and greets each other.  People want to chat.  People inquire...

One year in Maz

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

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...

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....

What we miss

Paul and I have been asked what we miss from up North by several people who are considering moving to Mexico. At first we said “nothing” and then realized that there are a few things that we miss – in varying amounts… Natural Peanut Butter….you can get small jars of sweetened peanut butter in most grocery stores, and occasionally I’ll see a decent sized jar of Skippy, but that’s it. I should buy some peanuts and grind them in my...

Te Amo Beisbol

Last night we went to the baseball game here in Mazatlan. The Mazatlan Venados (Deer) vs. the Guasave Algodons (Cottons). It was our first baseball game in Mazatlan, and as lifelong baseball fans, a city with a team was an important criteria for us when we were selecting our new home. We went to the game with a couple we just met – taking a pulmonia both ways so we didn’t have to battle the stadium traffic. The game was...