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satman

Aug 28, 2004, 2:47 PM

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Anyone familar with this?

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Does anyone know of a family or organization that is dedicated to providing a real-life Mexico experience for people who are contemplating retirement SOB? I know I have heard of such an experience, but I just can't remember where. I recall that it was either a one or two week stay with visits to local cultural outings, hospitals, stores, mercados, churches, theaters, and museums. It also included some type of crash course on where to go and how to obtain services and goods, i.e. immigration paperwork, where to pay bills, etc. It also allowed visitors the opportunity to board with a Mexican family, if they chose to do so.

Any insight into this matter would be extremely helpful.
SATMAN

"Some will bitch about a dollar, while there are those without a dime."

Carol Schmidt

Aug 28, 2004, 3:09 PM

Post #2 of 11 (1006 views)

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Re: [satman] Anyone familar with this?

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A lot of language schools will arrange for you to board with a Mexican family to get immersion Spanish. The Instituto Allende in San Miguel will put you in contact with a family to stay with during your classes.

I don't know of anyplace here that will walk you through the entire process, but there's a woman here, Patty Garcia, who is used by many gringos to handle all their paperwork such as FM3s.

That's not exactly what you're asking about, but it's not that hard to find out all the other information by pooling info with others in your Spanish classes and reading the local publications. In SMA there's The Insider's Guide to San Miguel which has all the info. I'm sure other cities have similar possibilities. Don Adams' Head for Mexico: A Renegade's Guide has much of that kind of info as well.

Carol Schmidt

Bubba

Aug 28, 2004, 4:05 PM

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] Anyone familar with this?

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There is always a "Patty Garcia" or whomever to walk you through the process of getting your papers. If you are inclined to use someone like that, even if they are really good at their craft, you are not the type to learn a foreign language or culture. Nothing wrong with that but don't confuse the two goals of becoming legal and assimilation. Life does not come with subtitles. Too bad.

Texwheel

Aug 28, 2004, 4:47 PM

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Re: [Bubba] Anyone familar with this?

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Bubba, now and then I read a post and just have to wonder what the writer was thinking. How do you know he is "not the type to learn the language or culture?" He's asking about help learning his way around, learning the language and culture, getting started. It's called "coaching" in today's business and sports world.

It might surprise you that many of us who aspire to someday live in Mexico are not as practiced as you at moving to another country, and need some help. No one can walk in and be "assimilated" right off the bat anyway unless they have invested years in preparation, visits, etc. Not all of us have that luxury.
Tom Williams
Georgetown, Texas
Texwheel@aol.com

(This post was edited by Texwheel on Aug 28, 2004, 4:57 PM)

Texwheel

Aug 28, 2004, 4:55 PM

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Re: [Texwheel] Anyone familar with this?

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Sorry, looks like Satman is a he...Travis. My error.
Tom Williams
Georgetown, Texas
Texwheel@aol.com

Cynthia7

Aug 28, 2004, 5:57 PM

Post #6 of 11 (951 views)

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] Anyone familar with this?

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Many of these programs are connected with learning Spanish . Put" living with a Mexican family "in your search and you will have many choices. Most of us just do a do it yourself program. We come to a location and investigate by taking a tour, getting a guide book, snooping around, asking questions.

Bubba

Aug 28, 2004, 6:37 PM

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Re: [Texwheel] Anyone familar with this?

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Sorry Tom and Satman:

I didn't mean for that to sound catty. By all means, Satman, seek assistance where you think it appropriate. These people do perform a community service for those disinclined to try to meld into the culture upon which they they have imposed themselves. If you lean on someone else, you will learn less in the long run whether you are in Mexico or Ouwagadougou. You can put that in your pipe and smoke it. You may think me a jerk for saying it and you are probably right but that doesn't change the fact that effort produces result and crutches breed dependence.

On the other hand, Tom's point is well taken. But, Satman, I urge you to suck off the teet only as long as necesssary. Otherwise you will not progress.

I am not your enemy.

satman

Aug 29, 2004, 6:06 PM

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Re: [Bubba] Anyone familar with this?

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I could have prevented some of the previous posts by including a few more details. I have lived between Aguascalientes and Nashville, TN 6 on / 6 off for the past four years. My wife and I have three businesses in Aguas and one in Tennesse. I am extremely familiar with Mexican culture, and I speak very fluent Spanish. My wife is from Aguas. I was inquiring into this matter for one of our contractors, who is considering his retirement options. I invited him to come down with us in December, but he wants to visit a coastal city. I would imagine that he is very interested in learning more about Mexican culture and the Spanish language, as the majority of us are. Just in the fact that one is interested in moving to the country expresses a great interest in its culture, language and people; however, I do realize that there are those out there who would step off the plane and say, "Wow! Honey, look at all these foreigners."

No one can judge the level of another's effort without having worked side by side with them. This site in itself, in some small way, is a crutch for all who post, reply, and read it. This goes for a newbie who needs to get an FMT to the person who is looking to import his entire household and car to Mexico. If you consider yourself an expert, then why waste your time and ours. Continue making progress on your own, without the help and insight provided from the brought array of experiences shared on this site.

Bubba, I realize you're not my enemy. My enemies are the type to investigate a matter more thoroughly; however, I do greatly enjoy the entertainment you bring to the posts with your input.
SATMAN

"Some will bitch about a dollar, while there are those without a dime."

Bubba

Aug 29, 2004, 6:17 PM

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Re: [satman] Anyone familar with this?

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Thank you, Satman. Your points are well taken as were Tom's Bubba is sometimes a total jerk which is why he has lived in so many places and may have to move again. (Not really.)

My point clearly does not apply to you but you understand more that most from whence I was coming. I have benefited by communicating with you.

jennifer rose

Aug 29, 2004, 6:23 PM

Post #10 of 11 (746 views)

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Re: [satman] Anyone familar with this?

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I'm not familiar with any organization which provides exactly what you've described. It would be a rare Mexican family that would be familiar with immigration procedures. Illustratively, most of my friends in Morelia are educated and upper-middle class, and they don't have the first clue about expatriates' experience with Mexican immigration. Your friend's best bet would be to settle upon a city which appeals to him, secure hotel or other short-term lodging, and then hire a local to show him around. Since your friend doesn't speak Spanish, he might get more mileage by hiring an English-speaking expatriate as his guide, because his concerns appear to be those of how a foreigner would adapt to Mexico.

Roy Dudley does orientation tours in Jalapa, and there similar services in Chapala, Mexico City, and Oaxaca. (Whoops, none of those venues are on the coast.) Just the same, your friend should be able to hook up with the local expatriate organization to find some instant friends and references rather easily.

satman

Aug 29, 2004, 6:29 PM

Post #11 of 11 (741 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Anyone familar with this?

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Ms. Rose,

Thank you very much for helpful comments regarding my original post. I will be sure to pass this information along to him.
SATMAN

"Some will bitch about a dollar, while there are those without a dime."