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randy in arandas

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 17 (1666 views)

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Moving on up to Aguascalientes...

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Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf or exploring the nearby Sierra Fria on the weekends.We also are looking at building a cabaña either near AGS, or near Arandas in the Cerro Grande. This is a busy and exciting time for us. I will miss the eternal rains of Arandas, but AGS is a beautiful little state and reminds me somewhat of the Bend area of central Oregon. I also have to thank the graciousness of the Mexican dairymen and ranchers for making this possible. They can see we are sincere in helping them, as they have been ripped off for so long with marginal products not only from Mexican reps, but even USA and Italian reps only interested in making a quick buck, never once walking out to look at the cows and stepping in the cowsh*t with them. They have even opened their weekend homes to us in and always stating that their home is our home...what great people to work around, we are very fortunate.Like Rolly says, it is a good time to be living in Mexico...Saludos desde Arandas, Randy

Joel

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 17 (1662 views)

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Moving on up to Aguascalientes...

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My wife and I plan on visiting AGS 27 Aug to 1 Sept. She has family there. I sent ya an e-mail.

Judy in KC

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #3 of 17 (1662 views)

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# of Americans in Ags.

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When we were in Ags. earlier this year we heard that the "official" count of Americans was about 90. We've spent quite a bit of time there (in fact we're moving there in about November) and have never run into any Americans. We were introduced to one family because our Mexican friends thought they would know the ropes of the paperwork. To be honest, though, we are always so busy when we're there that we haven't taken the time to seek out the American population. We figure we'll do that when we get settled in. In the meantime, back to sorting and packing here at home. Best wishes in your venture in Ags.

Wade K.

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #4 of 17 (1662 views)

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Sandi's Bookstore

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: Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.: The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.: So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.: I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf or exploring the nearby Sierra Fria on the weekends.: We also are looking at building a cabaña either near AGS, or near Arandas in the Cerro Grande. This is a busy and exciting time for us. I will miss the eternal rains of Arandas, but AGS is a beautiful little state and reminds me somewhat of the Bend area of central Oregon. : I also have to thank the graciousness of the Mexican dairymen and ranchers for making this possible. They can see we are sincere in helping them, as they have been ripped off for so long with marginal products not only from Mexican reps, but even USA and Italian reps only interested in making a quick buck, never once walking out to look at the cows and stepping in the cowsh*t with them. They have even opened their weekend homes to us in and always stating that their home is our home...what great people to work around, we are very fortunate.: Like Rolly says, it is a good time to be living in Mexico...: Saludos desde Arandas, RandyCongrats Randy! And could you possibly describe Sandi's in terms of how well stocked with English titles it is? Do they have magazines? My top priority in living outside the U.S. is a good bookstore. Thanks! Wade

Uncle Donnie

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #5 of 17 (1664 views)

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Sandi's Bookstore

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Hey Wade,Sandi has a great magazine section, an extensive travel book section, a respectable children and juvenile book section, and a wide selection of English language books about Mexico and Central America.There's also a very good selection of the classics of world literature as well as a few best-sellers and recent releases.In the back they have a great section of ESL books, tapes, and other supplemental materials. This includes full curriculum materials and books for various proficiency levels.And the big focus is on medical textbooks and supplemental materials.You won't feel like you're in one of the major U.S. or Canadian stores but Sandi will be able to order anything you want. The cost is miniscule and the delivery time is generally two to three weeks.BTW, to avoid confusion, both the very helpful owner AND the gorgeous cat are named Sandi.: : Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.: : The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.: : So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.: : I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf or exploring the nearby Sierra Fria on the weekends.: : We also are looking at building a cabaña either near AGS, or near Arandas in the Cerro Grande. This is a busy and exciting time for us. I will miss the eternal rains of Arandas, but AGS is a beautiful little state and reminds me somewhat of the Bend area of central Oregon. : : I also have to thank the graciousness of the Mexican dairymen and ranchers for making this possible. They can see we are sincere in helping them, as they have been ripped off for so long with marginal products not only from Mexican reps, but even USA and Italian reps only interested in making a quick buck, never once walking out to look at the cows and stepping in the cowsh*t with them. They have even opened their weekend homes to us in and always stating that their home is our home...what great people to work around, we are very fortunate.: : Like Rolly says, it is a good time to be living in Mexico...: : Saludos desde Arandas, Randy: Congrats Randy! And could you possibly describe Sandi's in terms of how

Liz

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #6 of 17 (1662 views)

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You don't live terribly far away from me now

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If you are ever in GTO send me an e-mail and come for a meal. I am not surprised that a real rural guy like you would be able to make inroads with ranchers. It makes me feel good to see someone from the eastern part of the northwest doing well here. I hope you find a few gringos to hike with. There is lots of good hiking here and I know plenty here who enjoy it.

Wade K.

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #7 of 17 (1664 views)

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Thanks Uncle Donnie!

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: Hey Wade,: Sandi has a great magazine section, an extensive travel book section, a respectable children and juvenile book section, and a wide selection of English language books about Mexico and Central America.: There's also a very good selection of the classics of world literature as well as a few best-sellers and recent releases.: In the back they have a great section of ESL books, tapes, and other supplemental materials. This includes full curriculum materials and books for various proficiency levels.: And the big focus is on medical textbooks and supplemental materials.: You won't feel like you're in one of the major U.S. or Canadian stores but Sandi will be able to order anything you want. The cost is miniscule and the delivery time is generally two to three weeks.: BTW, to avoid confusion, both the very helpful owner AND the gorgeous cat are named Sandi.Guess it's Guadalajara for me!
: : : Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.: : : The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.: : : So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.: : : I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf or exploring the nearby Sierra Fria on the weekends.: : : We also are looking at building a cabaña either near AGS, or near Arandas in the Cerro Grande. This is a busy and exciting time for us. I will miss the eternal rains of Arandas, but AGS is a beautiful little state and reminds me somewhat of the Bend area of central Oregon. : : : I also have to thank the graciousness of the Mexican dairymen and ranchers for making this possible. They can see we are sincere in helping them, as they have been ripped off for so long with marginal products not only from Mexican reps, but even USA and Italian reps only interested in making a quick buck, never once walking out to look at the cows and stepping in the cowsh*t with them. They have even opened their weekend homes to us in and always stating that their home is our home...what great people to work around, we are very fortunate.: : : Like Rolly says, it is a good time to be living in Mexico...<

Peggy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #8 of 17 (1662 views)

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www.sandibooks.com, good luck - -nfm

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:
: : Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.: : The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.: : So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.: : I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf or exploring the nearby Sierra Fria on the weekends.: : We also are looking at building a cabaña either near AGS, or near Arandas in the Cerro Grande. This is a busy and exciting time for us. I will miss the eternal rains of Arandas, but AGS is a beautiful little state and reminds me somewhat of the Bend area of central Oregon. : : I also have to thank the graciousness of the Mexican dairymen and ranchers for making this possible. They can see we are sincere in helping them, as they have been ripped off for so long with marginal products not only from Mexican reps, but even USA and Italian reps only interested in making a quick buck, never once walking out to look at the cows and stepping in the cowsh*t with them. They have even opened their weekend homes to us in and always stating that their home is our home...what great people to work around, we are very fortunate.: : Like Rolly says, it is a good time to be living in Mexico...: : Saludos desde Arandas, Randy: Congrats Randy! And could you possibly describe Sandi's in terms of how well stocked with English titles it is? Do they have magazines? My top priority in living outside the U.S. is a good bookstore. Thanks! Wade

Andy in Aguas

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #9 of 17 (1663 views)

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I will be in the city of Guanajuato on Monday (Aug. the 19th).....

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....and I may have an hour or two to do some sightseeing. Any suggestions?: If you are ever in GTO send me an e-mail and come for a meal. I am not surprised that a real rural guy like you would be able to make inroads with ranchers. It makes me feel good to see someone from the eastern part of the northwest doing well here. I hope you find a few gringos to hike with. There is lots of good hiking here and I know plenty here who enjoy it.

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #10 of 17 (1664 views)

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Moving on up to Aguascalientes...

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HEY!...Don't get so wound up in your new venture that you
ignore your fans out here! Your insightful posts give many of
us a true 'insiders' look at what it really means to live and
work in Mexico. Besides, working with all those relatives will
make you crazy, and supply some great stories for these 'foros'
Best of luck!

Andy in Aguas

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #11 of 17 (1667 views)

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I am very happy living in Aguas!

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Welcome to Aguascalientes, Randy!I live in a very nice two bedroom apartment, in a very nice neighborhood in Aguascalientes, in back of the Centro de Salud (a little ways north of "el primer anillo"). I am paying 2,900 pesos a month rent for a two-bedroon apartment with closets in both bedrooms. There are even cabinets in the kitchen, which is very unusual for Mexico. I also have a small hot-water heater. Although the bedrooms are not huge, the living area is very spacious.Most Mexicans seem to think that I am paying too much rent. One told me that I could rent a three bedroom house in an INFONAVIT here for around 1,500 pesos a month. However, I just moved from an INFONAVIT in Monterrey. I am sick and tired of neighbors who have no concern for their fellow neighbors, who like to turn their music up full blast so that the whole colonia can hear it. This is what you get, I was told by my former pastor, when you live in a "colonia popular". It is much quieter, I have been told, to live in a "colonia residencial" like I am living in now. In Mexico, there is no law against noisy neighbors, as long as the noise proceeds from within their house. This is why I chose to pay more rent. Thank God, I do not have this problem in this colonia like I had in the INFONAVIT I lived in in Monterrey.I am e-mailing you my address and telephone number. Please feel free to call me. Although I am not a golfer, I would really enjoy going to the Sierra Fria some day.: Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.: The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.: So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.: I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf or exploring the nearby Sierra Fria on the weekends.: We also are looking at building a cabaña either near AGS, or near Arandas in the Cerro Grande. This is a busy and exciting time for us. I will miss the eternal rains of Arandas, but AGS is a beautiful little state and reminds me somewhat of the Bend area of central Oregon. : I also have to thank the graciousness of the Mexican dairymen and ranchers for making this possible. They can see we are sincere in helping the

Uncle Donnie

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #12 of 17 (1667 views)

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Off the subject, but

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do I remember correctly that you do some sort of prison social work or missionary work?I've been in 11 of the northern states in the past two months and saw several prisons. I was just wondering about the conditions on the other side of the walls. That might be something interesting for you to write an article about. I, for one, would be interested in reading it.And Randy, you're leaving a gorgeous area, I hope for one just as green.UDWelcome to Aguascalientes, Randy!: I live in a very nice two bedroom apartment, in a very nice neighborhood in Aguascalientes, in back of the Centro de Salud (a little ways north of "el primer anillo"). I am paying 2,900 pesos a month rent for a two-bedroon apartment with closets in both bedrooms. There are even cabinets in the kitchen, which is very unusual for Mexico. I also have a small hot-water heater. Although the bedrooms are not huge, the living area is very spacious.: Most Mexicans seem to think that I am paying too much rent. One told me that I could rent a three bedroom house in an INFONAVIT here for around 1,500 pesos a month. However, I just moved from an INFONAVIT in Monterrey. I am sick and tired of neighbors who have no concern for their fellow neighbors, who like to turn their music up full blast so that the whole colonia can hear it. This is what you get, I was told by my former pastor, when you live in a "colonia popular". It is much quieter, I have been told, to live in a "colonia residencial" like I am living in now. In Mexico, there is no law against noisy neighbors, as long as the noise proceeds from within their house. This is why I chose to pay more rent. Thank God, I do not have this problem in this colonia like I had in the INFONAVIT I lived in in Monterrey.: I am e-mailing you my address and telephone number. Please feel free to call me. Although I am not a golfer, I would really enjoy going to the Sierra Fria some day.: : Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/Translator when needed, and my brother in law, who has a degree from U de G in Agricultural Engineering, will work with us as a Field Man in the new arrangement. We will also have computer tech support when we need it from my 19 year old nephew who is studying Computer Engineering at one of the local universities.: : The decision was made for us when my boss came down for a one week stay. We toured some areas where we had no customers. One day we were in the state of Aguascalientes, and we stumbled upon a large 1000 cow dairy while we were looking for another dairy. The boy at the gate let us in; he never lets anyone in! We talked to the owner of the ranch and his son for three hours, then toured the ranch. He said what we had heard over and over again; that they had been hoping someone who had the health of the animals in mind first would come to assist them in improving herd health. The owner of this state of the art facility had turned away reps of other companies for 35 years! We were the first he had allowed access to! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We have a great responsibility to these large producers, and we won´t let them down.: : So, we are in the process of moving to the Aguascalientes area, where the new venture will be based. We are also looking for a home in a nice area. I have noticed rents are very reasonable. I can also take up Golf again, which I have basically given up for a year, as the closest Golf course to Arandas is in Ocotlan.: : I have a question for anyone living in AGS; I know there are many Japanese there, but is there any Gringo presence of any size. After being isolated from Gringos (I have only talked to three here in Arandas passing thru, and the lady at Sandi´s bookstore twice in GDL in ten months!), I would like to maybe meet some Gringo´s who have similar interests like Golf

randy in arandas

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #13 of 17 (1663 views)

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Not as green as the Arandas area...

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...but a very beautiful area indeed. I don´t know if you have ever been to central Oregon, but the state of Aguascalientes reminds me of that area. As of this moment, AGS is very green, but they have had an inordinate amount of rain there this year. They tend to have more extreme weather there; colder in the winter, and hotter in the summer (spring). All in all, I hope it all works out for the best, as doing business in Mexico can be a trying experience, as anywhere I guess...randy

alex

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #14 of 17 (1662 views)

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a look at the Tijuana "pen"

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Another view consistent with those shared already :

Mereja

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #15 of 17 (1665 views)

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Prisons in Mexico

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I visited the prison in Cuerna Vaca a few times about 3 years ago. It is very interesting. There are entire families there, children and all. There is a big courtyard. Prisoners sell gum and candy and things that they make while in there. They can set up places and sell meals, tacos etc. If you have money and don't like the regular prison food you can buy something else. When we went, you couldn't wear certain colors of clothes. My husband had on blue pants so they wouldn't let him in at first. The guards are distiguished by their coloe of clothing. Right across the street is a little store that, for a price will loan a used pants and shirt so you can go in. They have all sizes, and it looks like they get a lot of business. We visited a young woman who was pregnant when she went into prison and a few months later had her baby. The baby was there with her in prison. There are basket ball hoops and a place to wash clothes. They hang them out to dry on the roof, but have to stay right there so nothing gets stolen. The single men sleep in one area that is locked at night and the women with children sleep in another area. I'm not sure, but I think there is another row of rooms that house families. At a certain time, the doors are locked and lights go out. In a way, it doesn't seem like you are in a prison, at least during the day, prisoners wear regular clothes and it seems like just another area of town. You can go up to the door of a room, but you can't go in. Also, when you first go in there are a lot of prisoners that ask who you are looking for, so that they can make a few pesos, showing you where the person is, or where their room is. If you don't have someone that can bring you money, you can work to earn a little bit for survival. If you have a baby and need to buy diapers and milk, things could get pretty hard. In a way it is a good idea not to separate the children from their parents. I don't know if the children go to school in the prison or go outside to school. It seemed very different than prisons here in the US, in a good way. The only thing that I didn't like, is that, according to my husband there are murderers together with people who had done lessor crimes, and they are distinguished from the other prisoners and mingle with everybody else. You can't tell the difference between the prisoners and the people that are visiting. It was very interesting.: do I remember correctly that you do some sort of prison social work or missionary work?: I've been in 11 of the northern states in the past two months and saw several prisons. I was just wondering about the conditions on the other side of the walls. That might be something interesting for you to write an article about. I, for one, would be interested in reading it.: And Randy, you're leaving a gorgeous area, I hope for one just as green.: UD

Andy in Aguas

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #16 of 17 (1667 views)

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Prisons in Mexico

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I would say that Mereja probably gave a pretty good description of a typical prison in Mexico. However, like in the States, not all prisons in Mexico are alike. I have spent more than eight years in full-time prison ministry in Mexico now. Before moving to Aguascalientes from Monterrey recently, I ministered in the Apodaca maximum security prison near Monterrey and the Saltillo prison every week. The Saltillo prison is more like a typical Mexican prison, with young men selling idols at the gate and otherwise begging for money. They will offer to carry your things for a fee. Some of them will steal your things while carrying them without you even noticing it.The Nuevo Leon maximum security prison more closely resembles a typical American prison, with guards all over the place, doors that open and close automatically behind you, etc.However, the biggest positive difference that I notice between the American and Mexican prisons is that Mexican prisons are generally a lot more liberal concerning family visits. In the two prisons that I ministered in on a regular basis in Mexico, family visits were allowed up to three times a week, with conjugal visits once a week. Conjugal visits are rare or almost never in most prisons of the United States, I understand. There is also no death penalty in Mexico.In the prison ministry that the Lord has given me, I do not preach religion, I preach Jesus Christ and the importance of knowing Him personally. I also teach that it is a must for them to read the Bible and put into practice the teachings of the New Testament. I work with people from different churches. So, you might say, I have an interdenominational ministry. I do have a web site, which I will attempt to put a link to below, if you want more information on what I am doing here in Mexico.

: do I remember correctly that you do some sort of prison social work or missionary work?: I've been in 11 of the northern states in the past two months and saw several prisons. I was just wondering about the conditions on the other side of the walls. That might be something interesting for you to write an article about. I, for one, would be interested in reading it.: And Randy, you're leaving a gorgeous area, I hope for one just as green.: UD
: Welcome to Aguascalientes, Randy!: : I live in a very nice two bedroom apartment, in a very nice neighborhood in Aguascalientes, in back of the Centro de Salud (a little ways north of "el primer anillo"). I am paying 2,900 pesos a month rent for a two-bedroon apartment with closets in both bedrooms. There are even cabinets in the kitchen, which is very unusual for Mexico. I also have a small hot-water heater. Although the bedrooms are not huge, the living area is very spacious.: : Most Mexicans seem to think that I am paying too much rent. One told me that I could rent a three bedroom house in an INFONAVIT here for around 1,500 pesos a month. However, I just moved from an INFONAVIT in Monterrey. I am sick and tired of neighbors who have no concern for their fellow neighbors, who like to turn their music up full blast so that the whole colonia can hear it. This is what you get, I was told by my former pastor, when you live in a "colonia popular". It is much quieter, I have been told, to live in a "colonia residencial" like I am living in now. In Mexico, there is no law against noisy neighbors, as long as the noise proceeds from within their house. This is why I chose to pay more rent. Thank God, I do not have this problem in this colonia like I had in the INFONAVIT I lived in in Monterrey.: : I am e-mailing you my address and telephone number. Please feel free to call me. Although I am not a golfer, I would really enjoy going to the Sierra Fria some day.: : : Hello: Well, decision time has come and gone for us, and we have decided to stay in Mexico. We will become a joint venture under the Mexican group name. I am pleased that my plan is coming together. I am also pleased that my wife will work for us as Office Administrator/T

Uncle Donnie

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #17 of 17 (1663 views)

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Thanks to both of you for the information. nmsg

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: I visited the prison in Cuerna Vaca a few times about 3 years ago. It is very interesting. There are entire families there, children and all. There is a big courtyard. Prisoners sell gum and candy and things that they make while in there. They can set up places and sell meals, tacos etc. If you have money and don't like the regular prison food you can buy something else. When we went, you couldn't wear certain colors of clothes. My husband had on blue pants so they wouldn't let him in at first. The guards are distiguished by their coloe of clothing. Right across the street is a little store that, for a price will loan a used pants and shirt so you can go in. They have all sizes, and it looks like they get a lot of business. : We visited a young woman who was pregnant when she went into prison and a few months later had her baby. The baby was there with her in prison. There are basket ball hoops and a place to wash clothes. They hang them out to dry on the roof, but have to stay right there so nothing gets stolen. The single men sleep in one area that is locked at night and the women with children sleep in another area. I'm not sure, but I think there is another row of rooms that house families. At a certain time, the doors are locked and lights go out. In a way, it doesn't seem like you are in a prison, at least during the day, prisoners wear regular clothes and it seems like just another area of town. You can go up to the door of a room, but you can't go in. Also, when you first go in there are a lot of prisoners that ask who you are looking for, so that they can make a few pesos, showing you where the person is, or where their room is. If you don't have someone that can bring you money, you can work to earn a little bit for survival. If you have a baby and need to buy diapers and milk, things could get pretty hard. : In a way it is a good idea not to separate the children from their parents. I don't know if the children go to school in the prison or go outside to school. It seemed very different than prisons here in the US, in a good way. The only thing that I didn't like, is that, according to my husband there are murderers together with people who had done lessor crimes, and they are distinguished from the other prisoners and mingle with everybody else. You can't tell the difference between the prisoners and the people that are visiting. It was very interesting.: : do I remember correctly that you do some sort of prison social work or missionary work?: : I've been in 11 of the northern states in the past two months and saw several prisons. I was just wondering about the conditions on the other side of the walls. That might be something interesting for you to write an article about. I, for one, would be interested in reading it.: : And Randy, you're leaving a gorgeous area, I hope for one just as green.: : UD

Moving on up to Aguascalientes...

Moving on up to Aguascalientes...

# of Americans in Ags.

Sandi's Bookstore

Sandi's Bookstore

You don't live terribly far away from me now

Thanks Uncle Donnie!

www.sandibooks.com, good luck - -nfm

I will be in the city of Guanajuato on Monday (Aug. the 19th).....

Moving on up to Aguascalientes...

I am very happy living in Aguas!

Off the subject, but

Not as green as the Arandas area...

a look at the Tijuana &quot;pen&quot;

Prisons in Mexico

Prisons in Mexico

Thanks to both of you for the information. nmsg

a look at the Tijuana "pen"