Ever since my first trip to Mexico in 2018 I knew that I must spend a significant portion of my life living in Mexico. Its not a place I can relocate to immediately – We are REALLY happy raising our children as a part of the homeschooling/homesteading power-center known as Bastrop County, Texas. Mexico is somewhere we can dip our toes in as we slowly shift our lives into retirement mode. Transitioning slowly allows us to explore as much of Mexico as possible before we decide where to land – plus it provides us with affordable vacations and rich cultural / learning experiences for our family!

I have expressed the concept of a decentralized geography on my blog before – its this idea of deep roots in several places. This allows you to “hedge your bets” against unrest, climate disaster, or other issues where you live. It also allows you to become a citizen of the world, which in my experience has been one of the most enriching experiences in my life. Mexico is one of the several focal points our family has selected for a variety of reasons. First of all, it is immediately adjacent to the US so we can cross on foot, by car, by boat, or by plane in an emergency. It’s also a direct flight from Houston to most of Mexico, so its easy to get home to see our family. Easy access! Second we LOVE Mexico (see my list below!!!!). Third, Anarchapulco!!!!!!! I love the Anarchapulco community, and I love working for Anarchapulco. That incentivises me to dig deep roots in Mexico!!!!!!

Why I love Mexico

1. More affordable, higher standard of living. You can truly upgrade your standard of living in Mexico. The cost of renting a condo near the beach (approximately $400 USD per month, or higher, in Bonfil Beach near Acapulco) makes living near the beach possible for almost any decentralized family! In the United States this simply wouldn’t be within our price range. Also, because life in general cost less, you can live a more abundant lifestyle with pleasures you may not be able to afford, or at least not afford as often (like massages). I got a massage for $300 pesos (plus a $50 peso tip) last year. That came to $17.50 USD at the current exchange rate. In the US that would have been a MINIMUM $60 USD massage (for a new massage therapist), and more likely above $100 USD. And that doesn’t include the tip!
2. Culture. There is a rich culture in Mexico that is so lovely. Dia De Los Muertos celebrations, Our Lady Guadalupe celebrations, their beautiful Catholic Cathedrals, the pyramids, the butterfly sanctuaries and nature preserves, the native and indigenous art, the holidays, festivals and food! Mexico is the home of the endangered peyote plant and many mystical traditions. We love participating in the full cultural immersion of Mexico when we stay for extended periods of time. We have found Mexican people to be kind, welcoming, generous, and amazing cooks!!!!!!! This has been consistent all over the country as we’ve traveled.
3. History. There is a fascinating history in Mexico. From Aztec (Mexica) culture to the Spanish Conquistadors, to the Narco State – there is a lot of history in Mexico, and so diverse! The south of Mexico was home to the Mayan civilization. The center of Mexico was home to Azteca civilization. Mexico is the *major* gateway between north and central America. Rich in immigration, rich in culture-blending. When I say culture blending, I literally mean practicing two cultures as once. For example, on Our Lady Guadalupe Day in 2018 we watched the town of Cheran, Michocan celebrate with parades and music and fireworks. The men dressed in old man masks and danced in clogs. The women wore blue dresses and danced as well. On a Catholic holiday. So neat to watch!!!!!!! Also, I have found major tourist areas to blend American and Mexican culture – for example, in Puerto Vallarta I am often speaking my second language (Spanish) while the local Mexican is speaking their second language (English). Or the fact we celebrate Thanksgiving at our favorite resort.
4. Natural Beauty One of the most incredible aspects of Mexico is the NATURAL BEAUTY!!!!!!! We have visited waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, gone whale watching, hiked mountains, rode horses, seen migrating butterflies, cactus fields that extend as far as the eye can see, and active volcanoes!!!!!!! There fruit trees dropping mangoes and star fruit and limes and Nani fruit as you walk down the sidewalk. There’s poinsettias that grow as big as trees!!!!!! We generally LOVE the experience of exploring the great outdoors in Mexico, and we are so SO excited to one day visit the gulf side and the Baja Pennensula. So far we have only done the driving route from Texas to Acapulco (several times), the route from Acapulco to Cheran, Mexico. Lots of time in Mexico City. Lots of time in Acapulco region. Visits all around central Mexico. And lots of time in Puerto Vallarta. SO much more to explore!!!!!!
5. Family Friendly. We love how involved children are in the daily lives of most Mexican families. Children are at work with their parents, eating at restaurants together, or out at night enjoying the evening together. In the Acapulco area I overcame my American Media Programmed fear of Mexico by walking with my now husband to the movies at night after dark. There were abulitas and ninos riding on their papa’s shoulders walking down the Costera in Acapulco. I realized I was among families, and I suddenly didn’t feel SO afraid. Everywhere I have gone in Mexico, my children have been welcome.

There are things about Mexico I do not like, don’t get me wrong! I don’t like to real risk of violence in certain areas(fake police stops run by cartels, etc..). I don’t like the way they handle trash and waste, especially the night time burning that can leave the air polluted. I don’t like the crazy way they drive!!!!!! Especially the mountain pass beween Pueblo and Mexico City. Most terrifying drive of my entire life!!!!!!!!!!! As in EVERY place on earth, Mexico and positives and negatives. So far, since repeated visits starting in 2018, since getting my temporary residency, since driving all around looking for the perfect city to build our retirement life – I have only expereinced what I coud call absolute love for the country and its people.

All of the photos you see above are from our various road trips and excursions through Mexico. Below is a video that checks the boxes of natural beauty, history and culture! Its the story of Cheran, Michocan, and how they stood up tot he cartel and took their forest back!!!! Enjoy my little tour and story telling.