Life in Mexico (hotel, living in, military)

[elamigo]

I was born in Chicago but was raised in Aguascalientes most of elementary school years. I did live in Cd. Mante for a little bit and also in Cd. Victoria. I am presently living in El Paso, TX.

I enjoyed the Feria de San Marcos every year. I have not been in Aguascalientes since 1968 if I recollect correctly. I have seen pictures of Aguascalientes and I have been told told it has grown a lot.

Is anybody from Aguascalientes?

I did live a little in Mexico City also. Maybe about 2 months. I do remember Cd. Satelite and I also remember my dad getting a ticket by the Monumento a la Revolucion. I still have photos of the city from atop La Torre Latinoamericana. I also remember touring the Museo Nacional de Antropologia e Historia and remember seeing the Aztec Calendar right at the entrance. I will never forget the visit to the Castillo de Chapultepec. One of the most memorable sights was when I visited the Mexico Zoo. I will never forget the attraction was of a dog and a lion living together since they were raised together. I remember laying down together for all to see.

You have a great day.
El Amigo

[guvjim]

My wife's mother came from Zamora, Michoacan. In December, 2008 we were invited by friends to spend the winter in Yuecuaro, Michoacan with them. Yurecuaro is a small town, very clean, with some of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet, located near the towns of Zamora & La Piedad, and I loved it. I am not fluent in Spanish, but my wife would send me out practically every day to one place or the other (cuatro esquinas mostly) so that I could improve my Spanish. The weather was ideal. Cool, even cold at night, but perfect during the day, which is what I love. We were there until April 7th. We took an apartment there, which we will move into when we return in November of this year. We are from Chicago, so we were constantly getting updates on the weather, and the fact that we picked the perfect winter to be away. We walked practically everywhere we went, and if it was too far, we took a taxi or bus. We went to Leon, Zamora, LaPiedad, San Juan de los Lagos & Guadalajara. We have already booked our flight for this winter.

Originally Posted by Travelling fella

Please, share with us your stories, impressions, adventures, about your life in Mexico and how did you get here if you are an ex-pat, as we also have users born in Mexico (like yours truly) or our dear friend el_inombrable, it would be nice if all of us share them

In my case I'm a chilango, born and raised in one of the world's most populated cities, even though I'm accustomed to the chaos, things can sometimes get overwhelming, like trying to travel from Downtown to the State of Mexico during peak hours using the periferico, but like a good chilango I know all the alternate routes Subways (Metro here) can also get pretty surreal at peak hours, even hillarious as you see a sea of people trying to get in, when the doors open people get "on guard" and launch themselves with all their strenght compressing everyone until they fit in. Yet in my case as I like to walk a lot, living in this city is a blessing, because everything I would need, supermarkets, my yoga academy, all kinds of restaurants and taquerias, banks, and everything is near me, when I get tired of the frenetic rythm of this city, I always go to Coyoacan, my refuge, oh my dear Coyoacan sweet place of beautiful memories, romances, legends, with it's small town feeling, it's awesome plaza where you can buy all kinds of beautiful handcrafts, or relax listening to the drums of the batucadas, or watch the mimics do their art, or you can refresh with a tasty agua fresca (water made with natural fruit) or just enjoy watching the beautiful señoritas coming and going, or it's beautiful colonial style architecture and small alleys that smell of ancient tales and times, there is also the Xochimilco trajineras, where you can go and enjoy the ride around the canals that once were the great lake of texcoco while enjoying some drinks. I also enjoy going to one of those modules where they give bikes for free, for a period up to three hours, you just need to leave 2 id's with you and if you fail to return them on time you have to pay a fine, then I go to the beautiful park of Chapultepec and excercize myself a bit while having fun, other times I just go out with my friends to the several clubs or enjoy some tasty tacos of all kinds or some huge quesadillas, there are so many things to do and see in this beautiful city, that you end missing while away.

[Steve Bagu]

Fella...liked your description of Mexico City...as I relate to the place the same way to a small extent. Being there for three yrs...I was also referred to as a Gringo Chilango.

Yes...the Periferico (main thorofare) hwy...freeway (call it what you may for a better description) is always a fast moving parking lot of cars.

The Metro is a Large people mover for sure. People are rude and inconsiderate in trying to get on without allowing those trying to get off first.

Took Linea 3 many time to Indio Verdes to the north and Universidad to the south.

Bad things happen there. Friends mother had her purse...wedding ring stolen at night...Girlfiend of mine also her purse taken with a little money and makeup (I replaced all). I personally had my wallet picked with a lot of money ($1000)...yes...a lot of seedy thieves in the Metro. I was stupid and nieve.

As to the Mkts and restaurants etc...no different then any other large city in the US...the more people a place has...there will always be places to shop for food or to eat...thats the avg norm.

Coyoacon...old part of town. While living there did have the Police Chief at our house for dinner. He was dating a lawyer friend of mine at the time. She was hot for him but did eventually marry another lawyer.

Xochimiico...a definite place to visit...loved the small boat ride...the good food to taste.

The city on the over all is way over populated and as such people do need to eat food and consume beverages. The fresca (juice stands) naranja stands (orange juice) are common all over the city as you are well aware.

Your description was very eloquent and mine a little negative...trying to be honest and not give future tourists a too rosey of a picture but one persons (my) own honest perspective viewpoint.

I hate to see a description of a place sounding like a travel brochure and not showing the real life side of a place. Acapulco comes to mind as a couple of other places I've been too.

Might get landblasted for my remarks...thats okay...let the chips fall where they may.

Steve

[njkate]

May I ask the ex pats or part time living in Mexico what made you decide Mexico?
If you are an ex pat how does that effect your taxes due to the US...I mean I'm sure you still have to file & pay

What about medical & dental?
Why do so many live in gated communities, is safety an issue??

Just came back from Cabo and I think I could live just about anywhere in Baja as long as it was close to Sea of Cortez or Pacific

Great thread!!!

[Travelling fella]

Originally Posted by Steve Bagu

Fella...liked your description of Mexico City...as I relate to the place the same way to a small extent. Being there for three yrs...I was also referred to as a Gringo Chilango.

Yes...the Periferico (main thorofare) hwy...freeway (call it what you may for a better description) is always a fast moving parking lot of cars.

The Metro is a Large people mover for sure. People are rude and inconsiderate in trying to get on without allowing those trying to get off first.

Took Linea 3 many time to Indio Verdes to the north and Universidad to the south.

Bad things happen there. Friends mother had her purse...wedding ring stolen at night...Girlfiend of mine also her purse taken with a little money and makeup (I replaced all). I personally had my wallet picked with a lot of money ($1000)...yes...a lot of seedy thieves in the Metro. I was stupid and nieve.

As to the Mkts and restaurants etc...no different then any other large city in the US...the more people a place has...there will always be places to shop for food or to eat...thats the avg norm.

Coyoacon...old part of town. While living there did have the Police Chief at our house for dinner. He was dating a lawyer friend of mine at the time. She was hot for him but did eventually marry another lawyer.

Xochimiico...a definite place to visit...loved the small boat ride...the good food to taste.

The city on the over all is way over populated and as such people do need to eat food and consume beverages. The fresca (juice stands) naranja stands (orange juice) are common all over the city as you are well aware.

Your description was very eloquent and mine a little negative...trying to be honest and not give future tourists a too rosey of a picture but one persons (my) own honest perspective viewpoint.

I hate to see a description of a place sounding like a travel brochure and not showing the real life side of a place. Acapulco comes to mind as a couple of other places I've been too.

Might get landblasted for my remarks...thats okay...let the chips fall where they may.

Steve

Lol Steve no way!!! it's good to be honest and that's a quality that we appreciate in you.

Perhaps as I was born in Mexico city and lived there all my life I find it normal hehehe, i have to tell you that I lived in Brasilia for 2 years, and even though it's an small planned city where everything is super organized clean and neat that I missed Mexico city a lot.

But i'm well aware that if you come from another country, or even from another region of Mexico, the city can be a shocker hehe.

Also being honest with you, I sometimes think that your perception of Mexico is different from mine at times, for example I'm aware that there is poverty in Mexico and lots of it, but I also know that a lifestyle similar to the one enjoyed by the American middle class is not out of reach. I know several people that come from impoverished towns that have found success in bigger cities.

I could tell you the story of my family as well, my great grandmother for example came from the port of Veracruz to Mexico city, she lost her husband during the Mexican revolution and was left alone with 3 kids, well she was able to raise them with hard effort, unfortunately one of her sons died in an accident, he was a pilot for the Mexican Navy.

My grandmother was abandoned by her husband who left her for a younger women and had to raise 4 kids alone, all of them studied in the UNAM which is an excellent (and free) public university and became successful professionists, my father became an specialized surgeon, one aunt became a lawer, one uncle Actuary, and another aunt married a businessman.

And in my case well I dropped highschool when I was 16, me being an anarchist cyber teenager LOL didn't like school at all, but I've never had trouble finding good paying jobs because I speak good english and I'm good with computers and programming, I worked first in a carrier founded by a Gringo Chilango that had operations in all the country and Tx. then I worked at a company named Alo.com (now Anima Studios) making animation, design and programming in flash php and actionscript, but it was then when deep within me I felt the desire to become a professional Dj and quit my job and started on this trade 9 years ago.

It wasn't easy but nothing comes easy in this life. And I love my job cuz I get to see the world.

I also have to say that my travels around the world changed forever my perception of Mexico, after leaving Brazil I'll be in India in July, let's see what that country has to offer

[Steve Bagu]

Do not wish to sound like I'm monopoling this thread but can give a small perspective ( my own) of what it's like in Mexico.

Did have a former Mexican wife in Mexico City...did see and learned a lot of the culture...good and bad things...nice and not so nice places to see...lot of Mexican friends (no Americans)...basically assimilated myself into the culture.

Have visited (travelled) all over the country...saw all the tourist places...some places that are not advertised to visit (learn from the locals) and the lot.

To live and where to live depends on a persons finances...age...medical needs if any and choice of climate. Wold be very benificial to speak Spanish when it comes to Medical needs if living inland etc.

For me...medical needs and close proximity to the VA hospital in San Diego...I chose Baja.

I built a home over looking the ocean with a beautiful view.

Am retired and pay no state side taxes...do pay properety tax on my home here (Mexico).

Gated communities...for me it's a pro and con situation. They are NOT that perfect when it come to security. The guards? can and have been bought off with the homes being all Americans...they are a magnet for thefts. Have seen things for sale at the local swap meet/open mkt that are definetly pre owned American items that the locals would never buy or use. Example...portable $400 Honda Generator (like new)...Vacuem cleaner (late model)...no mexicans have carpeting here where I live. These two are just an example of things that were stolen in Rosarito or TJ and sold where I'm at locally. This goes on all the time.

I am the only American in my sub division. Many of my neighbors homes have been broken into...couple more then once. In my 13 yrs here...have never been touched due to my two large dogs (father and son) that have been my security.

Why so much reference to the term "Security"?

The reason is that a vast number of the people STEAL all the time and have no quibble of doing it...regardless who you are.

Back to the Gated thing. Many choose... feeling more comfortable around other English speaking individuals...relating back to home places in the states etc. Many patronize the local bars all afternoon and shoot the breeze about whatever. Have seen this so speak with knowledge. Have a friend that did this for quite a while and finally learned it was not good for his health...so tapered off and now is referred to as being a teetotaler.

Hope my one perspective gives an insight what is available in Mexico depending on your choice of lifestyle or aviance.

Steve

[njkate]

Originally Posted by Steve Bagu

Do not wish to sound like I'm monopoling this thread but can give a small perspective ( my own) of what it's like in Mexico.

Did have a former Mexican wife in Mexico City...did see and learned a lot of the culture...good and bad things...nice and not so nice places to see...lot of Mexican friends (no Americans)...basically assimilated myself into the culture.

Have visited (travelled) all over the country...saw all the tourist places...some places that are not advertised to visit (learn from the locals) and the lot.

To live and where to live depends on a persons finances...age...medical needs if any and choice of climate. Wold be very benificial to speak Spanish when it comes to Medical needs if living inland etc.

For me...medical needs and close proximity to the VA hospital in San Diego...I chose Baja.

I built a home over looking the ocean with a beautiful view.

Am retired and pay no state side taxes...do pay properety tax on my home here (Mexico).

Gated communities...for me it's a pro and con situation. They are NOT that perfect when it come to security. The guards? can and have been bought off with the homes being all Americans...they are a magnet for thefts. Have seen things for sale at the local swap meet/open mkt that are definetly pre owned American items that the locals would never buy or use. Example...portable $400 Honda Generator (like new)...Vacuem cleaner (late model)...no mexicans have carpeting here where I live. These two are just an example of things that were stolen in Rosarito or TJ and sold where I'm at locally. This goes on all the time.

I am the only American in my sub division. Many of my neighbors homes have been broken into...couple more then once. In my 13 yrs here...have never been touched due to my two large dogs (father and son) that have been my security.

Why so much reference to the term "Security"?

The reason is that a vast number of the people STEAL all the time and have no quibble of doing it...regardless who you are.

Back to the Gated thing. Many choose... feeling more comfortable around other English speaking individuals...relating back to home places in the states etc. Many patronize the local bars all afternoon and shoot the breeze about whatever. Have seen this so speak with knowledge. Have a friend that did this for quite a while and finally learned it was not good for his health...so tapered off and now is referred to as being a teetotaler.

Hope my one perspective gives an insight what is available in Mexico depending on your choice of lifestyle or aviance.

Steve

Thanks!! Very informative

[Jill61]

Originally Posted by SarahSal

After searching and researching Costa Rica and Mexico, we decided 12 years ago that the Vallarta area was perfect for us - and my husband's future retirement. We love it here and haven't regretted our decision for one moment. In fact I always tell folks when they ask about Vallarta that this area is more civilized than the place we live in the states!

You have no idea how "home"sick you've made me! I moved to Vallarta from St. Louis, MO., after having gone there for vacation and falling completely in love with every aspect of it. The people are warm and friendly, the work ethic is incredible, the landscape gorgeous, the food amazing. I could go on and on. I left for Southern California in 1994, and haven't had an opportunity to get back since.

I elected to live in a Mexican neighborhood, although I was in a Canadian-owned apartment building that was decidedly nicer than the homes surrounding me. It was important to me to immerse myself as much as possible in the experience of living in Mexico, so I didn't want to surround myself with only ex-pats. I lived at (what was at the time - no idea how it's been developed since then) the top of Jacarandas, up the hill from Señor Pepe's restaurant in "Old Town" (where you see Emiliano Zapata on this map).

Speaking of pets in Mexico, I'm wondering how the animal shelter in Vallarta is doing. I was instrumental in organizing local vets and a group of concerned residents, to raise awareness and funds to start the first animal rescue group (then known as Grupo Promotor Pro Derecho Y Respeto A Los Animales A.C.). Just before I left, a couple from our group who had been working on their own before we joined forces, managed to secure a commitment from the government to provide a tract of land (at no cost!) for our group to build a shelter. I read later that a shelter was being built (3rd article down), but I often wonder how it's working (and of course hoping for the best). I rescued a lot of animals while I was there. We held a huge show on the stage on the Malecon and raised a lot of money for the cause.

I'm aghast and appalled to learn that freaking Wal-Mart has infiltrated Vallarta! Please, please, please tell me that Gigante is still there! I loved that store -- their bakery was the best!

Ahh, I could ramble on forever about Vallarta. I'll stop now and go get my photo albums so I can reminisce.

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by Jill61

You have no idea how "home"sick you've made me! I moved to Vallarta from St. Louis, MO., after having gone there for vacation and falling completely in love with every aspect of it. The people are warm and friendly, the work ethic is incredible, the landscape gorgeous, the food amazing. I could go on and on. I left for Southern California in 1994, and haven't had an opportunity to get back since.

I elected to live in a Mexican neighborhood, although I was in a Canadian-owned apartment building that was decidedly nicer than the homes surrounding me. It was important to me to immerse myself as much as possible in the experience of living in Mexico, so I didn't want to surround myself with only ex-pats. I lived at (what was at the time - no idea how it's been developed since then) the top of Jacarandas, up the hill from Señor Pepe's restaurant in "Old Town" (where you see Emiliano Zapata on this map).

Speaking of pets in Mexico, I'm wondering how the animal shelter in Vallarta is doing. I was instrumental in organizing local vets and a group of concerned residents, to raise awareness and funds to start the first animal rescue group (then known as Grupo Promotor Pro Derecho Y Respeto A Los Animales A.C.). Just before I left, a couple from our group who had been working on their own before we joined forces, managed to secure a commitment from the government to provide a tract of land (at no cost!) for our group to build a shelter. I read later that a shelter was being built (3rd article down), but I often wonder how it's working (and of course hoping for the best). I rescued a lot of animals while I was there. We held a huge show on the stage on the Malecon and raised a lot of money for the cause.

I'm aghast and appalled to learn that freaking Wal-Mart has infiltrated Vallarta! Please, please, please tell me that Gigante is still there! I loved that store -- their bakery was the best!

Ahh, I could ramble on forever about Vallarta. I'll stop now and go get my photo albums so I can reminisce.

Enjoyed your post a lot! Obviously share your love of the area - we're about 10 miles up the coast from the Vallarta airport. How great that you were involved in one of the first animal rescue groups.. There are now orgs all over the area from Vallarta itself up the coast to La Penita (one friend's home there was used for a recent spay/nueter clinic). These groups are a major source for caring for and adopting out abandoned animals. (I'll try to find a link that tells more).

I also *totally* share your horror at the intrusion of Walmart (and Sam's Club, Costco, etc.) into this area - although a lot of people are thrilled! I've had rather heated discussions on another forum about this subject and its effects on small businesses.. I'm pretty sure Gigante is still there although, strangely enough, we rarely go into Vallarta anymore. I'm not a fan of crowds and prefer our smaller town where we can get most everything we need.

You need to come back for a visit! I suspect you'd be very surprised by all the changes (although downtown P. Vallarta *seems* much the same). The airport has grown into an enormous complex; all along the (now) four lane highway to Nuevo Vallarta and beyond there are strip malls and shops and restaurants - plus a *second* Walmart. There are few places left on the long Nuevo Vallarta beach for any more new hotels and resorts (and only a few places left where you can catch a glimpse of the ocean). In the decade plus we've been there many, many changes have occured - way too much growth in my opinion. The character of the place has definitely changed, which is why we love our place en el campo - away from the crowds but only 5-10 minutes from the beach.

[Jill61]

Originally Posted by SarahSal

Enjoyed your post a lot! Obviously share your love of the area - we're about 10 miles up the coast from the Vallarta airport. How great that you were involved in one of the first animal rescue groups.. There are now orgs all over the area from Vallarta itself up the coast to La Penita (one friend's home there was used for a recent spay/nueter clinic). These groups are a major source for caring for and adopting out abandoned animals. (I'll try to find a link that tells more).

I also *totally* share your horror at the intrusion of Walmart (and Sam's Club, Costco, etc.) into this area - although a lot of people are thrilled! I've had rather heated discussions on another forum about this subject and its effects on small businesses.. I'm pretty sure Gigante is still there although, strangely enough, we rarely go into Vallarta anymore. I'm not a fan of crowds and prefer our smaller town where we can get most everything we need.

You need to come back for a visit! I suspect you'd be very surprised by all the changes (although downtown P. Vallarta *seems* much the same). The airport has grown into an enormous complex; all along the (now) four lane highway to Nuevo Vallarta and beyond there are strip malls and shops and restaurants - plus a *second* Walmart. There are few places left on the long Nuevo Vallarta beach for any more new hotels and resorts (and only a few places left where you can catch a glimpse of the ocean). In the decade plus we've been there many, many changes have occured - way too much growth in my opinion. The character of the place has definitely changed, which is why we love our place en el campo - away from the crowds but only 5-10 minutes from the beach.

Thank you, SarahSal! I was so excited when I found this forum. It's so cool to chat with someone living in Vallarta!

You cannot imagine how happy you've made me, telling me about all the animal rescue groups that have sprung up since my absence. When I first started, I was just one, lone person, catching resort cats and working out deals with the local vets to spay and neuter them ($20U.S.!!), getting them recuperated, then either adopting them out or returning them to the resort properties. The condition I found some of the dog and cats in that I rescued, was often truly horrifying. But even the worst of them cleaned up beautifully and made awesome pets! I have some pictures -- I'll have to scan them and get them uploaded.

I've been talking for years about bringing my husband to Vallarta so he can see where I used to live. The biggest hurdle we have is that I imported him from Denmark, so most of our travel budget goes to visiting our family over there every year (we just got back from celebrating a confirmation and three birthdays!). After traveling to Europe, there's not a lot of discretionary budget left for a Mexico vacation. Especially since I'd love to make it an extended trip and spend some time in Guadalajara, which is one of my favorite cities in the world.

I've heard and read about some of the changes Vallarta has gone through, but I know I'll be shocked to actually see it. I left right before the big hurricane that destroyed the Malecon. When I left, the cobblestone streets were all hand-laid and packed with dirt. It made rainy season really interesting! And there was one, one resort on Nuevo Vallarta. One! I have mixed feelings about the development. On the one hand, it brings jobs and livelihood to local residents. On the other hand, it spoils the natural beauty. I used to drive up the coast with a girlfriend, park along the road, hike half a mile to the beach, and hang out reading (sometimes out loud to each other) and relaxing, totally away from the crowds (and beach vendors!). ::sigh::

If you're ever in the mood for a trek and want the best fish tacos you've ever had in your life, bar none, head through town and find Marisma Fish Taco stand. I can't remember the exact street it was on, but it's somewhere around the corner of Calle Naranjo & Venustiano Caranza. I'll bet if you head to that general vicinity, the locals could point you to it. OMG, I'd come back to Vallarta just for that! AHA! I found an article about it. Woo Hoo!