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MUGAWUMP

Feb 17, 2006, 3:34 PM

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rents and---

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I have just joined your group, and am seriously thinking of moving to the area around Victoria, I know this is not the usual place forUsun Northerners to choose, but I really want to live amongst the natives,and blend in, not just find a bunch of gringos. That said, I would like to know if any of you have an idea of the rental of a 2 or 3 br house in such an area, and also the cost of help. I and single and 77, and I would need either hourly or possibly live-in houskeeping, with or without children.

Anonimo

Feb 17, 2006, 5:11 PM

Post #2 of 35 (2531 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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I am struck by the irony implied in your post. You don't want to be around gringos, yet you are enlisting their knowledgeable help to find that place which meets your preferences.

What am I missing here?

Saludos,
Anonimo

johnv

Feb 17, 2006, 9:00 PM

Post #3 of 35 (2505 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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US$300 to 600, for a nice place. Look for places with prices listed, or have a local call about ones with no price listed. Questions that come up are: Do you speak spanish? and, Are you referring to Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas?

Bloviator

Feb 18, 2006, 4:26 AM

Post #4 of 35 (2483 views)

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Re: [johnv] rents and---

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Your question about Spanish language skills is critical. If he doesn't speak Spanish, but wants to live in a non gringo area with lots of Mexican help, he is unlikely to find English speaking help and miming goes only so far. Further, at 77, it would be hard to learn enough Spanish to function effectively in a reasonably short time.

Esteban

Feb 18, 2006, 5:04 AM

Post #5 of 35 (2477 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] rents and---

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Don't be so uppity Anonimo. It's a common philosophy/state of mind/dream/illusion that comes from being burned out and wanting to get out of the rat race up north. It's no big deal. I've always said to my friends NOB, you have to be in Mexico to get a true living perspective. Wherever you live, the influence of your environment takes control of your senses. Let's help this person follow his dream by talking about the reality of living without gringos. How about a day with out gringos in Mexico? How would YOUR life be?

Georgia

Feb 18, 2006, 5:56 AM

Post #6 of 35 (2468 views)

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Re: [Esteban] rents and---

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Nice, Esteban. Thank you.

MUGAWUMP

Feb 18, 2006, 11:59 AM

Post #7 of 35 (2422 views)

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Re: [johnv] rents and---

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Johnv Thanks for the info about Rents, and also the advice. I am in the process of learning Spanish, and I can make myself understood, but Mexicans usually speak to fast for me to completely understand them.

Dlyman, I understand your points, but don't underestimate a person by his or her age. Or equate age with senility. I don't "GOT" some of that ---(Smiles) Tho sometimes I intentionally act as tho I do

Esteban and Georgia, Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm not really burned out, I've been thinking of this for a long time. And I am now in the position of haveing to consider myself first. (The rest can take care of themselves. As for my original post, I was trying to add a bit of Humor. Apparently I failed. The poster should recognize that I too am a Gringo.

Gringal

Feb 18, 2006, 12:00 PM

Post #8 of 35 (2422 views)

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Re: [Esteban] rents and---

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I like your answer. "A Day Without a Gringo" is food for thought.

If the Victoria he is referring to is the area in the Sierra Gorda about an hour or so out of San Miguel - it is really isolated. We visited there a few weeks ago with a bus tour from the Instituto Allende for the purpose of seeing the petroglyps. From what I observed, I couldn't imagine being a solo gringo living there, but to each his own dream.

Sometimes, when I hear people say they don't want to be among a bunch of gringos, I wonder what their perception of their fellow expats is. Most Mexicans, when they emigrate to the U.S., head straight for the places they can be in touch with fellow Mexican expats. Maybe we should do a thread on what the "gringo allergy" is all about. Do we have a "gringo culture", or are we a bunch of widely diverse escapees from the U.S. culture? I'm referring to full-timers here.

MUGAWUMP

Feb 18, 2006, 12:08 PM

Post #9 of 35 (2417 views)

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Re: [Gringal] rents and---

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I didn't know there was more than One Victoria in Mexico. I was speaking of Ciudad Victoria TAM The state capitasl of TAM. I have also explained that I have nothing against Gringos, I am one. But I enjoy the Mexicam people (except the ones who congregat near the northern border). I was makin a Slight joke in my original post. Apparently you took it as a personal insult. It wasn't so intended.

Gringal

Feb 18, 2006, 12:15 PM

Post #10 of 35 (2416 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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No problemo. The Victoria you are thinking of is a different world from the one I saw.
The "gringo" comment I made did not refer to you, specifically. So many people post on these forums, before they come here, that they don't want to be among other gringos, and I do wonder why. Personally, I'm happily ensconced in a Mexican neighborhood in an outer colonia of a heavily gringo'ed town, so I'm getting the best of both worlds. Viva - all the ways of living in Mexico.
Welcome to a new world.

MARIA CUERVA

Feb 18, 2006, 3:06 PM

Post #11 of 35 (2380 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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Remember everyone , that Mexico is a different place because of all the undocumented workers that have lived, worked and learned English in the United States. I don't know of a place in Mexico where you won't find people who don't speak English AND they have a sister who would love to clean your house!

Bloviator

Feb 18, 2006, 3:27 PM

Post #12 of 35 (2368 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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I don't underestimate the ability of one 77 to learn something new. I'm 70 myself and play tennis 5 days a week if I can find opponents. I play with at least one guy who is 80 and, though I'm quite good, I struggle to beat him and seldom do.

I also am working on Spanish and find that it is harder than when I was younger. Also, we geezers have only so much time left and fluency in Spanish takes quite a lot of that - probably more than either of us has.

I won't underestimate your ability to learn, but don't you think that it is easy or that living in an all Mexican culture is a snap.

I'm sure, though, that as you have managed to live 77 years you have accumulated a lot of wisdom and experience. Just the fact that you are considering the move shows that you still have a real spark and a sense of adventure that will go a long way toward overcoming any problems due to culture shock or aging.

To follow up on Maria's point. Three times so far, I have been lost way out in the middle of nowhere (really, really way far out in the middle of nowhere) in villages that aren't on any map. Each time an English speaker has been available to help me out, two were most helpful, though I thought the third was going to rob us and leave our bodies in a deep ravine.

(This post was edited by dlyman6500 on Feb 18, 2006, 3:33 PM)

johnv

Feb 18, 2006, 5:45 PM

Post #13 of 35 (2340 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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Remember that the climate of Ciudad Victoria is severe in the warmer months. It is similar to Brownsville or The Valley of Texas in general. I lived in B'ville for 2 years and was unable to function outside of an air conditioned environment during the day for about 6 months out of of the year. It was a real Hades. As you pass C. Victoria you ascend into the Sierra Madre and the climate assumes that famous "eternal spring"-like quality. If you do not have a very good reason to live in C. Victoria, I would consider a city on the central plateau at a higher altitude. There are alot to choose from. The next big one on the route that you are assuming would be San Luis Potosi. I suppose a cooler climate could be found within 20 miles of C. Victoria, in the villages or country side in the mountains near there.

jerezano

Feb 18, 2006, 6:07 PM

Post #14 of 35 (2330 views)

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Re: [dlyman6500] rents and---

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Hello mugwump,

Cd. Victoria is about 4 hours straight south of Brownsville, TX. The best place to cross the border is from US 83 just south of Harlingen at the Free Trade Bridge (Los Indios). If you go through San Benito on 83, turn around and go back. Crossing at Los Indios is easy. The only time there is activity is when the Central Americans go home for Christmas. You can get through there, car permit and immigration documents in 15 minutes. Usually no lines at all. From there you just head South to Cd. Victoria. Do Not go on east to Brownsville/Matamoros, the Matamoros crossing is time-consuming and difficult. Just head South, South and more South from Los Indios. Only major town in between there and Cd. Victoria is San Fernando and you will bypass it. You will go through the small town of Valle Hermoso. If you are going by bus, yes, go by way of Matamoros.

Cd. Victoria is at the base of the Sierra Madre Oriental. It's on the coastal side. For that reason it gets quite a bit of rain. It is hot in the summer and air conditioning is a must. Main crops are oranges, sorgum, and canola seed. It is a large city and everything you need is there. If not, you can always make a day trip back to Texas. This might be important if you need medications that are not available in Mexico or want to use your Medicare which cannot be used in Mexico. Brownsville has lots of good medical care (so does Cd. Victoria for that matter) and Harlingen is renowned for oncology and heart care. Harlingen is also constructing (ground broke three days ago) a hospital which will specialize in 25 day care which is an intermediate step between normal hospitals and nursing homes.

You may be lucky and find furnished apartments in Cd. Victoria. Otherwise be prepared on the rentals. Rentals in Mexico are usually bare bones. No refrigerator. No stove. No light bulbs. No toilet seat. Rentals are not expensive nor is the cost of living. If you as a single have a monthly income of $1200 us dollars which is more or less the requirement for an FM3 you will have no trouble. In fact you might even be able to save a bit of money. For a pair the $1700 requirement is also more than adequate. It will cost about $2000 us dollars to furnish your apartment/home adequately. But start slow with just a refrigerator, a stove or hot plate, and a bed. By the time you are looking for the rest you will have found the best bargains.

Don't worry about Spanish. There are just as many English speakers in Cd. Victoria as there are in Brownsville--in my opinion.

There are posters here on www.mexconnect.com who live in Cd. Victoria. Go to the top where it says search posts, click on that and then enter search for Cd. Victoria. Then click on the poster's name for each message and look for his/her location if listed.

Good luck. jerezano.

MUGAWUMP

Feb 19, 2006, 10:14 AM

Post #15 of 35 (2239 views)

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Re: [jerezano] rents and---

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MARIA, That is what I expected. as we have many undocumented around here
******************
DYLMAM You posted "Also, we geezers have only so much time left and fluency in Spanish takes quite a lot of that - probably more than either of us has."{
HARUMPPP! Speak for yourself sir, I intend to plaster the words "100 years young" on my casket, or I won't get in it. (Smiles) { does this board accept smileys??? I'm lost without them}
But to be serious, I don't expect it to be a cakewalk, But if you could keep beating your tennis buddy, would it be as much fun?? And my culture shoch is what the US has become. I'm a "Little house on the prarrie" type
***************
johnv Reference Air conditioners, I live in the desert of So Cal and I function very well wihout Air Cinditioning, or even a cooler. But I detest Cold, which is one of the reasons I am considering this move.( I was born in Minesota, and at the moment, it was 52 Below.)
As for location. I can see living in the outskirts of Victoria, or in a small village, or even one of the areas you have mentioned. Even isolated along side of the road as long as I have electricity.---This I won't know until I investigate in person.
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Jerezano HI, The first part of your post will come in handy during my actual move, but for my visit, I will probably fly in or at least to Brownsville.and then drive or bus. nAs for the rest,
MEDS??? The most meds I have used in the past ten years has been Advil (sparingly) A wiskey sling for serious colds, and a substitue for Viagra
HOUSING??? This is also what I have expected except NO TOILET SEAT????? HA HA HA I am also a retired carpenter so housing set up is no problem.
MONEY??? My present income is just under $1500 per month, plus my savings.
POSTER??? To me this is your most important contribution It seems strange to me that getting OFFICIAL (legal) information is very difficult. In the US you can find Nearly any language available, but I haven't been able to get english info. The Posters are bound to help in this, plus random info, and maybe even some initial aquantenships. I like to play cards.
************
THANKS TO ALL

Rolly

Feb 19, 2006, 10:19 AM

Post #16 of 35 (2237 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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Lots of smilies here: http://www.mexconnected.com/...kup_help;guest=87827

Rolly Pirate

MUGAWUMP

Feb 19, 2006, 10:32 AM

Post #17 of 35 (2235 views)

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Re: [Rolly] rents and---

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In Reply To

Lots of smilies here: http://www.mexconnected.com/...kup_help;guest=87827

Rolly

Feb 19, 2006, 10:51 AM

Post #18 of 35 (2227 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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Ah, as you just learned, the "Quote" feature almost never works. I don't understand why they don't fit it or can it.

Rolly Pirate

MUGAWUMP

Feb 19, 2006, 12:25 PM

Post #19 of 35 (2204 views)

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Re: [Rolly] rents and---

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Actually, all I said was thanks, I will check, I di, and it's basically the same as the ones I already use. I was just wondering if they work, will try Here. :D :) :( etc.

Apparently it doesn't

(This post was edited by MUGAWUMP on Feb 19, 2006, 12:27 PM)

Rolly

Feb 19, 2006, 1:36 PM

Post #20 of 35 (2178 views)

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Re: [MUGAWUMP] rents and---

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The code has to be enclosed within [ ]

Rolly Pirate

Elaine

Feb 19, 2006, 4:49 PM

Post #21 of 35 (2144 views)

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Re: [dlyman6500] rents and---

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Age, is relative. When I lived in San Francisco, I worked for the phone company and was trying to help this poor little old lady who told me that she was just getting too old to understand the new things. She sounded like she was 95 and on a banana peel, so I asked her how old she was. Imagine my surprise when she told me she was 42, only 4 years older than I was!!!

Basically, Honey, you are only as old as you think you are. I'm not sure, but I think I'm getting younger. Or, maybe I'm just acting more childish?

***********************************************************
When one door closes, another opens. Some people are so busy looking at the door that has closed, they don't see the door that has opened. Keep looking for those open doors.
***********************************************************

Bloviator

Feb 19, 2006, 7:50 PM

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Re: [Elaine] rents and---

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I totally agree with you. My wife and I work with the old people at the Casa de Ancianos in Chapala, a wonderful place where elderly people without families or with families who need help caring for them are living. Every once in awhile, I flash on the fact that some of the "old folks" are younger than we are. Living in poverty in Mexico without strong family support ages people quickly.

In California, I play tennis with a number of people from 30 to 80. Several of the 80 year olds seem as young as I and live very full and active lives. The tennis keeps them young or being young at heart keeps them playing tennis.
Either way, I often have to stand back and think to remember their ages and admire their spirit.

Unfortunately, many people seem much older than they really are due to either real physical and mental problems, or attitudes toward life that make them old before their time.

I'm sure you don't act childish - childlike maybe, but that can be a good thing.

alex .

Feb 20, 2006, 1:53 PM

Post #23 of 35 (2045 views)

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Re: [Gringal] gringophobia

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Some reasons :
1. A sizeable number of gringos go to Mexico to misbehave. On prior visits they got a sense of "freedom" not allowed in the US. Things like tearing up the beach on your 4 wheel motorcycle and drinking until one feels obligated to pee in the street.
2.A phenomenon, what did Vonnegut call that again? (help me here Jennifer) where by virtue of being American you are every other Americans best friend, whether you choose to or not.
3.The sense of economic empowerment can become abusive and obnoxious.
4. The foreigner's desire to show the locals how, if done like back home, their problems would be solved, whether it be due to lack of a true work ethic, lack of political savvy, or religious understanding, according to the view of the gringo.
5. A sense of undeserved entitlement and forced respect does't go well either.
6. The preconcieved notions of how Mexicans enjoy poverty, the poor, humble, but happy theory.
7. The notion of how Mexicans are all about family, like Mexico is a Leave it to Beaver movie set or something.

Thats for starters anyway.
Alex

(This post was edited by alex . on Feb 20, 2006, 1:55 PM)

morgaine7

Feb 22, 2006, 9:43 AM

Post #24 of 35 (1909 views)

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Re: [alex .] gringophobia

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2.A phenomenon, what did Vonnegut call that again? (help me here Jennifer) where by virtue of being American you are every other Americans best friend, whether you choose to or not.
--------------

Granfalloon??

Kate :-)

alex .

Feb 22, 2006, 10:21 AM

Post #25 of 35 (1894 views)

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Re: [morgaine7] gringophobia

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Thats it !!! "a proud and meaningless association of human beings"

(This post was edited by alex . on Feb 22, 2006, 10:25 AM)

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