CasaColibri
American expat in Mexico
Forum posts
53
Contacts
115
About me
American
Lives in Guanajuato, Guanajuato
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 02 December 2017
Biggest Challenge in Moving to Mexico by ddfleming
Looking for some feedback: What was your biggest challenge in the process of relocating/moving to Mexico? How did you solve it? What worked/didn't work? Please comment on this thread or private message me if you don't want to post a public ...
Biggest challenge: getting over the inertia and making the decision to DO IT! Read More
Exploring Options by Elkhound
Some time in the next few years I will be retiring, and am considering moving to Mexico. My undergraduate degree is in Classical & Romance Languages, so I don't expect language to be a problem. I don't want to be on the coast, and I ...
Hello, Elkhound I'm Jan from Guanajuato. Just retired from the symphony orchestra here after 23 years, and plan to stay right here! Sounds to me like Guanajuato would suit you well. I can vouch for the pipe organs, with two churches I know of ... Read More
Planning Retirement in Mexico by Dave Cannon
Hi, I am in the final stages of planning my relocation from Florida and retirement to Mexico. I have family in Monterrey but plan to start the adventure in Lakeside. I have a dog and my personal items exceed what I can transport in my small car so I ...
Sounds like a good plan. I'd go with the short-term dog-friendly rentals while you explore. While you're exploring, check out the city of Guanajuato. I've lived here 20 years and still love it. About to retire, and plan to stay right ... Read More
long time resident seeks advice from other long-timers by CasaColibri
I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? ...
Got it. I only suggesting starting a separate thread about it because people who might find your idea useful aren't likely to be looking at THIS thread topic. Read More
long time resident seeks advice from other long-timers by CasaColibri
I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? ...
Hi, Louis I think that's a nugget of good advice for newcomers looking for a place! Maybe they could benefit by you starting a separate thread addressing that topic, something like "Tips for newcomers looking for real estate"? ... Read More
long time resident seeks advice from other long-timers by CasaColibri
I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? ...
I have posted and advertised in other threads about the cohousing project , and maybe I shouldn't have explained on THIS thread my REASONS for trying to reach more longer-term residents. I apologize for confusing the issue. The advice I seek ... Read More
Horrible barking dog problem by VictoriaLinden
There is probably no hope at all for this situation. I'm living on Independencia and my street has about 7 dogs that all take turns barking at different times. I've been here for 2 months. My nice neighbor has spoken with the other people on the ...
I tried one of those devices once when a new neighbor moved next door with a continually barking dog (a gringo, BTW!) Since the dog barked all day when he wasn't home, he wasn't aware of the problem. In the most diplomatic way I could ... Read More
long time resident seeks advice from other long-timers by CasaColibri
I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? ...
That was a belly laugh! Read More
long time resident seeks advice from other long-timers by CasaColibri
I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? ...
Thanks for the moral support, Babs. I know I'll probably have to don several more hats besides wagonmaster and scout , but I'm willing to give it my best effort. Guess I'd better invest in a bigger hat tree! Read More
long time resident seeks advice from other long-timers
I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi, Chris What are some of your questions?? Read More
Real Estate
Hi, JG I'm Jan. Have lived in Guanajuato 20 years and am about to retire here. Still love it! A lot of people come down having rented something on line, often paying a lot more than if they'd come in person and done a physical search. ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Thank you, OceanBeach. I read the gender article with interest. Important factors to consider. I believe one of the strengths of a true cohousing community is that it offers the opportunity for everyone, men and women, to contribute to the ... Read More
Best city with interesting surroundings by SpaceLobster
Hi, So I am thinking of moving to Mexico but I am not sure where exactly yet. I was thinking of Playa del Carmen but I am afraid there isn鈥檛 much to do beyond beach activities and the nightlife. My fianc茅e is a photographer so she wants ...
Hi, Chris I've lived in Guanajuato 20 years and still love it here. Sounds like it may fit your desires. Here's a good introduction. Would be happy to answer specific questions about living here. Cheers! Jan Read More
toilets by Peglove
Is flushing a toilet really prohibited? Or is this only in the outskirts or country areas?
Putting the paper in the basket rather than flushing it is common practice across the country as far as I know. Especially in the old colonial towns, the plumbing can be old, sewer systems antiquated. Drains, including the sinks and showers often ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
To Joyanne, Hmph. Let me try that link again! https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/guanajuato-mexico/ Looks the same, doesn't it? Try pasting it in your browser? It's worked before, so...? Or do what I did to find that by ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi, I've lived in the city of Guanajuato for 20 years and still love it here. It has many similarities with San Miguel, but it's home to a major university, so has a bit younger "vibe" to it. Have friends with kids, too. A lot of ... Read More
morelia by Thecolorguy
Someone was telling me that Morelia is a very nice city with a pleasant climate. Can anyone fill me in on living there?
I have visited there, as well as Patzcuaro. Liked both places, but it was several years ago. I dunno... Sorry to say Morelia is now on my no-go list. Cartel stuff. Don't know that it's such a safe place anymore. Would like to hear some ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Here are a couple of articles I encountered while researching cohousing as an alternative: This was my first inspiration - http://www.secondjourney.org/itin/12_Sum/12Sum_Glass.htm More recent ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Here are a few 2017 links that will hopefully offset the dreary 2001 article you posted from sfgate.,Travellight. It's come a long way in 16 years! And especially in the arena of senior ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Thanks, Itobys. That's exactly my thinking! Let's go find those right people! :top: Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Thanks you for your offer of help, Travellight. What kind of help can you offer? Cohousing is not for everyone, the same way that "Leisure Village" isn't. I am fully aware that finding the right group of compatible people is key to its ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Well, Travellight, that's not quite it either...but maybe you're getting a bit warmer than "commune". No condo boards, condo rules and regulations, sales people (other than me not looking to make a profit, BTW), no developers, no ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Travellight, If you;d like to bypass the reading and Googling, you might go directly to a couple of senior cohousing communities websites: Silver Sage Village and/or Elderberry for a look Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
Sure, I remember chatting with you, Peggy! How's San Cristobal working out? Hope it was what you were seeking! Best wishes to you! Read More
Is cohousing worth a look? by CasaColibri
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ...
No, not a commune a la 60s hippies, nor the new millennial re-make of that old movie like your rancho example. Commune implies a sharing of ALL assets, including income. This is cohousing, with the primary objective being to share the amenities ... Read More
Is cohousing worth a look?
Want to live somewhere where you have both the advantages of a fully-appointed communal house and your own smaller private house or cottage? Where you have your own community of neighbors to share resources, skills and knowledge? Where you know your ... Read More
Merida and Patzquaro by Thecolorguy
My wife and I are exploring moving to Mexico. We have visited San Miguel and Ajijic and were not sure how we felt about all the expats. We then visited Cuernavaca and didn't find any expats. Indeed we didn't even see any other gringos in ...
Check out Guanajuato city. Small expat community, lots of cultural activities, major university, 40 minutes to international airport, 50 to big city of Leon for shopping at big box stores. mild climate. love it here! Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
Alleycat, Maybe, maybe not. Have heard from more than one Mexican friend that they prefer hearing Norteamericano (even though that technically includes Canada and Mexico). Maybe it's just here, just older generation in smaller towns and ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
to Travellight You don't agree with staying hydrated, being aware of altitude symptoms and taking it easy first few days at a higher altitude, relieving a dry nose with saline, and not walking while gawking?? Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
Thanks, medical person. I make no claims to be one. These are just suggestion from locals. The Pepto effects you describe sound pretty icky!! Re: fruits (and especially leafy veggies) Mexicans have long used iodine drops to mix with water and ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
Tipping. Didn't know, for instance, that grocery baggers do not receive salaries in most stores, nor the guys who whistle you to back out of your spot in the parking lot, even if you don't need or want help. Tip them at least a couple of ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
Yes, alleycat. Mexicans are North Americans,too, Just passing on what some Mexican friends told me years ago. Have heard savvy gringos just say "soy de (name your state) That can spark interest and continue a discussion, too. "Oh yes, ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
to jamesr hee! guess it depends in part on the looking glass Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
One last paragraph on newbie mistakes.... some Mexicans may find it offensive when you call yourself an "American". I know, I know, it seems perfectly natural to do so, but THEY'RE Americans, too. Calling yourself an Estados Unidense ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
for P Kennedy. Purse-snatching is something that happens all over the world, unfortunately. I once rode a moped throughout Europe. Learned that being on a crowded bus with even a daypack on your back was an invitation to thieves. On a bus in ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
Now to MY mistakes when I arrived 25 years ago! Lots of them!! The first would be bringing too much of the U.S. with me, not "stuff", but mind set. If you spend too much time negatively comparing how things are or how they're done ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
Know this is an old thread, but I have found that family members who visit me here in Guanajuato (high desert), are sometimes bothered by the low humidity. I advise them to bring a saline nose spray. Helps a lot. Also, to make a transition or ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Did you like Guanajuato? It doesn't have as big an expat community as Chapala or San Miguel, but there are enough of us here to have company, and there are always lots of English-speaking visitors, as well. Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Take a look at Guanajuato, Guanajuato: central highlands, moderate climate, World Heritage city with a major university, a small but active expat community, full-time symphony orchestra, lots of arts activities, 45 minutes to an international ... Read More
Moving to San Miguel, good idea or bad idea? by jbills1953
My wife and I are planning to come to San Miguel for the first time to explore the possibility of moving there on a permanent basis. Any advice or helpful tips would be appreciated.
You might give Guanajuato City a look. Less expensive than SMA, is the state capitol, World Heritage City, has many cultural activities, a full-time professional symphony orchestra, and the vibrancy of a large university, small but active expat ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi, Beverly I just found this forum today and signed up. Are you living in Mexico already? Reason I ask is that I'm forming a group to start a small cohousing community in Guanajuato, Guanajuato. I've lived and worked here 20 years and am ... Read More
is anyone building their own house in Mexico?
I built, starting 12 years ago in Guanajuato, Guanajuato up in the mountains overlooking the city. Contractor (a gringo) abandoned the job as soon as the house was in "obra negra" (raw cement). No electricity for 8 months. Used gasoline ... Read More