Comments on: A personal shift – to living day-to-day in Merida

By: Shoshana Powell

Shoshana Powell — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:50:58 +0000

Beryl, I love reading your writing! I’m so glad you included me on your list of recipients. When are you coming to Seattle?

By: Alinde OMalley

Alinde OMalley — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:09:12 +0000

I, too, agree with your article, Beryl. It does take awhile, but if we keep reminding ourselves of the trade-offs, it certainly helps us to quit “missing” some of the stuff we really don’t need.

But let me suggest something: being an expat, whether here in Mérida or elsewhere, is NOT for everyone. I know several people who should probably return to the USA. The variables? Personal prejudices–how can one be happy if one is constantly fearing Mexicans? Or: people with a “prima donna complex?” How can one be happy if one somehow believes that being from the USA entitles one to special treatment? Or: people who cannot accept that some things are done differently in Mexico; or people who are primed to believe that a perceived slight is a deliberate, personal attack. Or even people who are not comfortable being by themselves.

My own stongest pet peeve is that some “snow birds” come here annually, and seem to believe that because I have a car, and live here, that I somehow have the time or interest in being their “built-in tour-guide!” Yes, the last phrase is an exact quote from one of them.

By: BG

BG — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:05:10 +0000

Jane, I’m not using an FM-2 because it’s harder to deal with an American car if you have that visa. Also, I am not planning to become a citizen of Mexico. (FM-2 and FM-3 visas allow us to stay in Mexico for an unlimited time without leaving the country. The route to citizenship in Mexico is five years with an FM-2.)

By: travelbird

travelbird — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:28:40 +0000

I related to all that you wrote: it captured exactly what I have tried to explain many times—thanks, Beryl!

By: Lorna-Gail

Lorna-Gail — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:34:52 +0000

Absolutely right on, Beryl!!
And isn’t that guy on the street in your block just the best idea? Jose, the cuida coche on my block, will come over, if I have been out, and tell me who knocked on my door while I was away from the house. Thats service.

By: Faye jorgensen

Faye jorgensen — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:33:01 +0000

Pretty much everything you said is true. But the best thing besides the winter weather is, We can be whatever we want to be here and everybody is OK with it.

By: jillian

jillian — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:02:54 +0000

Beryl, your observations and insights make me want to live in Mexico…oh wait. What lucky birds!

By: judy

judy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:59:43 +0000

Great article!!!!Have lived in Mexico for over 10 years and you really got it right. Going to the US is becoming less and less frequent and certainly less enjoyable. Mexico is the best plus it is our home and a joy for many reasons almost every day.

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:32:10 +0000

Well said, Beryl! I agree with everything you mentioned. Only one question: Why aren’t you working on an FM2? I’ve only got two more years to go on mine.

Last week I had a great experience paying my predial ($2226 MX), my car tax ($3500), and so forth. It was all very easy adn pleasent, indeed!

Much lvove, Jane