Baja Wine Guide – Baja California Wine Country – Mexico – Vineyards

by Rebecca Fass (Bekka)

I always say to people who are moving to Mexico and ask me my opinion; to make a list of the pro’s and con’s as if they are doing it in a relationship that is falling apart. I say this as many people move to Mexico merely for the great weather and low cost of living.

Yes we have great weather and the overall expenses living in Mexico are, on average, lower than living in the major 1st world countries.. But some things are definitely more expensive and so there are trade-offs. But the really wonderful thing about living in Mexico is the lifestyle.

Some people have a difficult time adjusting to getting up early, as they did in the US and finding everything closed. Because Mexico’s culture is a bit more laid back, some new expats get really frustrated when things are not getting done on time. But for those of us who love the life style of Mexico and moved here to get out of the rat race, it’s just a matter of adapting to enjoy that we can sleep in and mix business with pleasure.

We fit in and show up late or don’t get things done on a schedule as we cannot even walk across town without meeting several people we know and stopping to chat.

As for doing business, it always starts personally asking about your family and being familiar. And so, patience, is a key virtue in order for one to have success both economically and socially in Mexico.

For me, the great thing about living in a Ex-pat community is that you make friends easily and everyone gets along so well. Even when we live in a large city or a small pueblo in Mexico we always seem to be in a small town as we are a town within the town. It’s quite different in a special way.

I mean you find yourself meeting great friends with whom you have much in common. Back in your former 1st world life, due to geographic, cultural, social & economical situations, you’d never have come in contact with such people probably because you would never make the time to know them. But this is Mexico and it broadens your circle of friends and business partners whether you like it or not.

Furthermore, its’ a safe place to live. I mean, here, family and friends are very important in Mexico so neighbors look out for each other. You don’t walk down the street looking over your shoulder or worrying about your purse or briefcase or pick pockets. It’s an amazing adjustment to understand for those who come from more aggressive societies. At first, they don’t believe it but after some time, they learn to figure it out and then relax to enjoy the life.

We also have a wonderful health care system, great restaurants, and many charity possibilities. The highways are in great shape making travel within this beautiful country great for day trips, weekend trips, and week long trips. There is no drive in Mexico that you don’t see mountains along your journey. The vistas are magical. There is always a photo op along your trip.

There is no reason to travel anywhere else once you’re here as the possibilities are endless; except to travel home to visit friends and family. However, friends and family usually prefer to visit us here.

Mostly, Mexico has almost every product available that you had at home. However, there is always one thing or another that you miss that is special from home. But once here you find new products to replace what you once thought you needed. You just have to be open minded and ready for a new adventure.

In regards to the food, you will find yourself healthier here as we eat fresh vegetables & fruits and free range meat. We walk everywhere instead of driving our cars. Everything is within walking distance and each walk you meet friends and stop to talk. Or you come into a street festival or something that stops you to observe or to photograph.

Personally, I live in San Miguel de Allende in the State of Guanajuato and people ask me what gym I use. I say the hills of San Miguel and at first they believe that is a club. It’s not…..it’s just the walk I do each morning from house to the Jardin (center of town).

This country for Ex-pats is like one large Cheers bar as you’re never alone. You may want to spend a night alone or with one special friend but suddenly it is a party and you run into friends from another Ex-pat community you know.

You’ll find yourself no longer watching TV as your life is full with rich experiences and many friends. There seems to be no reason to be home alone. For me I am a single woman and there is such a great support group of strong, independent, self-sufficient women to go out with.

A friend recently commented to me that women do not move here to meet men. I know that is true as I run Singles of San Miguel, a singles site for our community, and I know the demographics that there are more women here than men. The reasons are many. We move here for a change of life style and great support system of friendship.

You find yourself within a new larger family group of many friends here. Life is wonderful.

In Mexico, there are people who come here year after year for the same week,  month,  summer or winter. They all return and they all end up moving here.  As Mexico becomes you and calls you back. Here in San Miguel we are geographically in Heart of Mexico. But for me I like to think that we people living here are one heart beating as one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Fass has traveled to over 70 countries. She’s a U.S. Vietnam Veteran. Rebecca Fass is a designer and owner of Bekka Designs. She also markets and plans events for El Rincon de la Malinche in San Miguel de Allende. She’s also the Co-owner with Kathleen Carroll of Singles of San Miguel de Allende and writer of the “Best to Do in San Miguel”, a web newsletter you can subscribe to by emailing Rebecca at rebeccahfass@aol.com.