I have permanent residency in Mexico, but I’ve been more and more hesitant with the idea of actually living there. I’m doing deep study on Portugal even while I wonder if I can still wrap my head around living in Mexico. After 14 or 15 winters down there, I’ve only found one place where I felt I could actually live year round, and that is San Miguel. But the water problems, environmental problems, etc keep me wondering about that… never mind the violence and cartel issues. What I’m pretty certain of is that I don’t think I can stay in the U.S. much longer. I’m 76, have limited funds, and I want a more calm and peaceful life for my unknown number of remaining years. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve found a comfortable place to land. It’s inspirational, and I’m still hoping for the same.
That's very nice of you and I think you can find it!
Given that you've already spent so many years here in Mexico and have permanent residency you've already got a good sense of the country, its issues, and your own compatibility, but how much of Mexico have you seen? Everything you wrote about Mexico is true, but minus the Mexico-specific cartel issues those things are also now problems practically everywhere in the world. I love Portugal and wouldn't discourage anyone from moving there, but it's also got its own culturally specific things that for some people could be issues. Gentrification is far worse there than in Mexico, it's a very conservative and cloistered culture, it's extremely religious, and my understanding is it has a rather damp climate.
The people we bought our house from told us that they visited multiple parts of Mexico to try to figure out what felt right to them. They said, "Some places had too many gringos, some places had too few gringos," and that Oaxaca felt just right. Unless you've already come to the conclusion that after all this time Mexico broadly doesn't feel like the right fit, maybe this is a matter of casting a wider net and looking at some new places here?
SMA, Guadalajara, Morelia, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta and north and south a couple hundred miles, Patzcuaro, Valle de Bravo. So, a fair bit of the highlands, and a few hundred miles on the west coast. SMA was the first to have me thinking. But maybe not enough time in some of the others to get attracted.
I suppose the religious part is who you associate with. Mexico is pretty religious. Anyway, it’s for me to figure out. I will do a 5 or 6 week recon trip to Portugal and probably Spain soon and see what that feels like. Take care.
Currently spending two weeks in Guanajuato (escaping the winter hellscape of Detroit) and am learning similar things, about the duality of reality. The past week has been unrelenting joy as I take in a colorful town dreams are made of while in full sun. Meanwhile the state of Guanajuato is currently the most violent in the republic… I hesitate to wax too poetic about how amazing it is here because I know how it feels when folks visit Detroit and have a curated, boutique experience while missing the reality of 95% of us who live there. Mexico can be enjoyed without being tone deaf.
The duality is hard for people to understand sometimes isn’t it? That these places can be beautiful, safe, fun, and enjoyable, but that they also can be deeply flawed. I think the best we can do is try to speak about these experiences genuinely, while acknowledging that we’re only seeing a particular side of a place, or are more-or-less immune from danger and even much discomfort.
Still haven't made it down to Oaxaca, but I have to agree with everything you said about Mexico. The climate is basically perfect if a bit dry, the people are so lovely, and the food is amazing. Loads of other good points too! Great post, Jacob.
Hey! I love reading your Mexico diaries Jacob. By the way, I started following this channel on Youtube called La Cocina En El Rancho. It's wonderful, and I feel it represents true Mexican cuisine and recipes. Thought you might be interested in it.. :) https://www.youtube.com/@LaCocinaEnElRancho
I'm even more excited about being there this week, after reading this. Shame I won't be closer to Oaxaca City to meet for coffee!
I have permanent residency in Mexico, but I’ve been more and more hesitant with the idea of actually living there. I’m doing deep study on Portugal even while I wonder if I can still wrap my head around living in Mexico. After 14 or 15 winters down there, I’ve only found one place where I felt I could actually live year round, and that is San Miguel. But the water problems, environmental problems, etc keep me wondering about that… never mind the violence and cartel issues. What I’m pretty certain of is that I don’t think I can stay in the U.S. much longer. I’m 76, have limited funds, and I want a more calm and peaceful life for my unknown number of remaining years. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve found a comfortable place to land. It’s inspirational, and I’m still hoping for the same.
That's very nice of you and I think you can find it!
Given that you've already spent so many years here in Mexico and have permanent residency you've already got a good sense of the country, its issues, and your own compatibility, but how much of Mexico have you seen? Everything you wrote about Mexico is true, but minus the Mexico-specific cartel issues those things are also now problems practically everywhere in the world. I love Portugal and wouldn't discourage anyone from moving there, but it's also got its own culturally specific things that for some people could be issues. Gentrification is far worse there than in Mexico, it's a very conservative and cloistered culture, it's extremely religious, and my understanding is it has a rather damp climate.
The people we bought our house from told us that they visited multiple parts of Mexico to try to figure out what felt right to them. They said, "Some places had too many gringos, some places had too few gringos," and that Oaxaca felt just right. Unless you've already come to the conclusion that after all this time Mexico broadly doesn't feel like the right fit, maybe this is a matter of casting a wider net and looking at some new places here?
SMA, Guadalajara, Morelia, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta and north and south a couple hundred miles, Patzcuaro, Valle de Bravo. So, a fair bit of the highlands, and a few hundred miles on the west coast. SMA was the first to have me thinking. But maybe not enough time in some of the others to get attracted.
I suppose the religious part is who you associate with. Mexico is pretty religious. Anyway, it’s for me to figure out. I will do a 5 or 6 week recon trip to Portugal and probably Spain soon and see what that feels like. Take care.
Currently spending two weeks in Guanajuato (escaping the winter hellscape of Detroit) and am learning similar things, about the duality of reality. The past week has been unrelenting joy as I take in a colorful town dreams are made of while in full sun. Meanwhile the state of Guanajuato is currently the most violent in the republic… I hesitate to wax too poetic about how amazing it is here because I know how it feels when folks visit Detroit and have a curated, boutique experience while missing the reality of 95% of us who live there. Mexico can be enjoyed without being tone deaf.
The duality is hard for people to understand sometimes isn’t it? That these places can be beautiful, safe, fun, and enjoyable, but that they also can be deeply flawed. I think the best we can do is try to speak about these experiences genuinely, while acknowledging that we’re only seeing a particular side of a place, or are more-or-less immune from danger and even much discomfort.
Still haven't made it down to Oaxaca, but I have to agree with everything you said about Mexico. The climate is basically perfect if a bit dry, the people are so lovely, and the food is amazing. Loads of other good points too! Great post, Jacob.
Hey! I love reading your Mexico diaries Jacob. By the way, I started following this channel on Youtube called La Cocina En El Rancho. It's wonderful, and I feel it represents true Mexican cuisine and recipes. Thought you might be interested in it.. :) https://www.youtube.com/@LaCocinaEnElRancho