Ten things for ten months in this beautiful place! Sometimes it’s hard to believe I made it this far, considering how homesick I was in the beginning. But here I am, closing in on a full year in Mexico!
For this list, I tried to choose things you might not have already heard about, like the culture, the music, the tacos, the weather, the cost of living, etc. Also, please note that Mexico is a huge country, with many different regions. I’m speaking only from my personal experience, and as a foreign woman, I do have a fair amount of privilege.
1) The Lengths People Will Go to in Order to Help You: This never fails to blow my mind. From strangers returning the bank card I mistakenly left in the ATM to a fisherman finding my keys to my bank manager offering to lend me money to pay my rent when a wire transfer wasn’t working (he’s only met me in person once!) and my pharmacist ordering any medication I’ve needed and not requiring a prescription, people’s kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for you–even if you’re a stranger–continually moves me to tears. It’s so incredible, and it rubs off–I’ve started always volunteering to help people too.
2) The “No Te Preocupes”/Tranquilo Mindset: Of course this won’t apply to everyone, but in general, Mexicans don’t sweat the small stuff. They don’t even sweat a lot of the big stuff. They have an unwavering faith that things will work out, and 9/10 times, they’re right. Even their attitude toward death has been enlightening for me. They don’t waste time worrying and stressing–they work hard and play hard. I love this so much and am really hoping it rubs off on me!
3) Innovation/Inventiveness: You can’t help but admire the creativity and industriousness of the local people in Mexico. Where you or I may see a sidewalk, they see a place to open a store or a restaurant or a taco stand. There are so many people here running businesses out of their homes and yards, or even going door-to-door offering their services. You can get almost anything delivered, including massages and pedicures and Canadian chocolate bars and tamales. I’m always in awe of the creativity and ingenuity here. As a self-employed author hoping to make ends meet, how can I not be inspired? If you have a talent or ability here, there’s someone who needs it, no matter what it may be.
4) Fresh Food: When was the last time you walked through a produce section in a grocery store and were hit by the intoxicating smell of fresh fruit? Living in Canada, I can’t recall ever having that experience. But here, you know you’re getting close to a market when you can smell pineapples and mangos and melons. It’s really incredible. The produce spoils so much faster here too, because it’s fresh and not picked while unripe and jacked full of preservatives. It’s been so eye-opening to see how long things are actually supposed to last. And to actually eat produce that tastes like something–no GMO here. Watermelon with seeds! Who knew?
5) Public Transportation: I had a few people warn me that I’d need a car here, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The public transportation is amazing here. Big, comfortable buses take you from town to town for a really low price (anything from $2.50-5.00 USD). If you get on a busy bus laden with packages, a local will give you their seat or reach out to help you (at least, that’s been my experience). I’ve dropped change on the floor of a bus and had a man retrieve it for me, insisting on giving it back even though I said he could keep it. I love traveling by bus here, and have been surprised that it’s so much better than it was back home. There are also smaller collectivos and taxis.
6) The Kindness of Strangers: This is tied to number one on the list, but I feel it deserves its own category. It all started when I met a woman in the plaza to buy her cheese, and she ended up inviting me home for lunch. Then, when I was grieving the death of Chloe on the beach, a fisherman befriended me and insisted on giving me his catch of the day (wish I’d known how to clean it!) When you’re in the ocean, people will come up and chat with you.
7) Nature: Oh my god. From the ocean to the mountains to the jungle, this country is truly breathtaking, and I haven’t even seen much of it yet. It’s not unusual to walk among swarms of brightly coloured butterflies or find a neon green iguana taking a nap in your yard. Even living in the middle of town, I’m reminded nearly every day that I still live in a jungle, and all the colours and wildlife are next level. I even saw a coati on the beach once, and last weekend, a pod of dolphins swam by us while we were paddleboarding. The ocean is so clear here, and I never find garbage floating in it like I experienced in other places. I look forward to exploring more of Mexico–there are so many incredible places, and I’m hearing of more all the time.
8) Safety: I know some won’t believe me on this one, and keep in mind, Mexico is a huge country. Some areas are problematic, but others aren’t. The town where I live is incredibly safe. For the first time in over three decades, I feel safe walking home alone at night. I never feel like prey, as I often did in Canada. People leave their purses and phones unattended on the beach while they swim, or in restaurants while they go dance–I still can’t get used to this. Of course I’m alert and use my common sense, but I’ve never once felt unsafe here, not even a little bit.
9) Willingness to Communicate: I’m still struggling to “master” Spanish, but I’m so touched by the locals’ willingness to communicate with me. Even if it takes more time, even if there’s misunderstandings, people will share their stories with me, pantomiming if they have to. They always compliment me on my Spanish, no matter how many mistakes I make, and are incredibly kind. In my Muay Thai and boxing classes, I’m usually the only English speaker, but it never seems to matter. The love that’s expressed to me, especially in the Muay Thai class, needs no translation. They even held a little party on my birthday, and when I came back after a month-long absence, one of the coaches just walked up and held me for a long time. I loved my Muay Thai classes in Canada, but I can’t say I’ve ever had this experience. Here, every person is noticed and appreciated, and if you don’t show up, you are missed.
10) The Low Season: Here the low season runs from around May to November or December. It’s when the weather is hotter, there’s more humidity, and a lot more rain. I was warned a lot about this season. Snowbirds who learned I’d be staying here year round gave me looks of horror, and yet, I think it’s my favourite time of year. The weather is yet to be truly stifling, at least for me–I’m lucky that my body has adapted well, and I think that has a lot to do with not running the air-conditioning that much. I love the thunderstorms at night, and how hard the rain comes down here, and walking down the empty beach. Everything is greener and more lush. You don’t hear tourists demanding English menus. It’s calmer and more peaceful overall, especially when school resumes in late August. I know it’s harder for a lot of people to make ends meet in the rainy season, which breaks my heart, but for someone like me, it’s just a beautiful, warm, tranquil time. What I’ve learned from this is, once again, the importance of listening to warnings, but also waiting and making up your own mind. Everyone’s experience is different, and I’ll actually be a little sad when this season ends and the really cool nights and tourists return.
Was there anything on this list that surprised you? Got any questions for me? Feel free to post them in the comments.
Dear Miss Moncrieff
I am so glad that you are loving your new life. For someone who took such an enormous leap of faith you deserve all the good things that your new life offers. I loved the story about your martial arts instructor hugging you because you had missed a couple of classes. On a sad note, did I know about poor Chloe? I’m at that age now where my memory is not was it once was-not that it was ever anything to write home about. My deepest belated condolences. Only us cat-parents understand how they leave their paw prints embedded in our hearts. Take care.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mark. And yes, my Muay Thai instructors are wonderful people. So much love in that class!
I posted about Chloe on social media, but didn’t write anything on my blog or newsletter–I suppose I should. Thanks for your kindness. It was, and still is, really tough. She’s the love of my life and will forever be.
Glad to know you’re fully enjoying your new life down south.
Thank you! Immigrating isn’t easy–there are still some really tough days when I fantasize about going home. But that’s not Mexico’s fault–it’s missing the people I left behind more than anything.
It’s great to know that Mexico is being so good for you J.H.
The kindness of the people and the climate are obviously suiting you.Hopefully things will continue to be good. The commitment you made is an example to us all.
Thanks so much, Jim. I hope all is well with you. Miss seeing you on my author page!
And yes, the kindness especially is very humbling and eye-opening. People really have each other’s backs here.
J.H., not sure if I’ll be back on F.B anytime soon, but be assured I always have you in my mind and always hope the best for you.
More books soon please! 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear that, Jim. That really sucks.
I’ve got a new one out–just released. Did you see that? It’s the new Nat book, “Monsters Among Us.”
Where is it in Mexico you’re living? As an audiobook narrator, writer, and online business person, this is something I’m really interested in doing.
Hi Serena! Welcome. I’d prefer not to give that information publicly, but I can tell you I’m in a small town on the Pacific Coast.
So glad you are feeling more comfortable and confident in your new home. My brother and sister in law have a home in Merida and love it there! I hope one day to visit. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us.
Thanks so much, Lisa. It’s great to hear from you. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Merida–it’s supposed to be one of the safest places in the world for solo women.
Definitely make an effort to go visit! You won’t be disappointed.
Everything about your new home sounds wonderful—except maybe the climate. My experience to date suggests that I do better in places that don’t get hot and humid. But I appreciate what you say about the pleasures of the off season. And the fruit… that’s one of the things I miss from living in California. Grocery stores were no better than here farther north, but you could get really good stuff at farm stands not far from home.
Yes, climate is so important! I really suffered in Canada for so many years because I don’t enjoy the cold, and it was so dry in the winter, the skin cracks, which is incredibly painful. I’m so lucky I’ve been able to adapt to the heat and humidity–not everyone does.
Farm stands in California must be amazing! All that fresh fruit!
Will be getting that one from a famous online store that begins with the letter A.
I feel your pain, Jim.
Arriving on Sunday… Woohoo! 🙂
I think it would be a lot more pleasant without all the tourists. Fresh produce would be nice. (We fortunately have a lot of farmer’s markets around here so I’ve had fresh picked food.)
That’s great to hear! My city in Canada had lots of farmers’ markets too, but it just isn’t the same. The produce here is something else. You’d have to experience it to believe it. 🙂
Glad to hear you’re enjoying life so much there. I often think that the secret to getting on in a new place is showing a willingness to learn and fit in with the culture and way of life and to expect people to do things your way. Often when I here of people moving to a different country and not liking it, the main reason comes down to them expecting to be able to simply carry on exactly as they did in their home country and then getting upset when it doesn’t work out that way. You’ve done the right thing, embraced the culture and way of life and shown you want to become a part of it. As a result, people want to help you and be friendly. Sounds like you made a great decision to move there! All the best
Fresh produce is such a treat!
I don’t think I could ever convince my husband it’s safe though.
This post warms my heart! The fact that you love and appreciate your new life so much, despite the “struggles” in the beginning. And, the fact that you summarized Mexico so well, based on my own experience. Your list makes me want to move there as well!
One of the reasons Mark and I love Mexico so much is its diversity in habitats and regions as well as the food and the people. With the jungle and the wildlife and the heat and humidity come insects, which is a small trade-off.
Yes, I love the fresh fruits and veggies of Latin America. The fact that they rot so quickly was an issue in Northern Peru where we couldn’t find food for a few weeks, but this doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem in Mexico. I often wonder, though, what happens with the spoiled produce.
The biggest downside of Mexico – and most of Latin America – for me, with a dog, is the noise and the abundance of firecrackers and fireworks during all the fiestas.