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cristalhombre

Jul 29, 2009, 4:42 PM

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Public Radio International - the World

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MP3 download is an on air piece today on PRI - about retiring in MX.

Retire in Mexico By The World ⋅ July 29, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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About a million Americans live in Mexico. Many are retirees looking for good weather and less expensive living. The State of Oaxaca is aiming to grab its share of American seniors. Shannon Young reports.

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

geri

Jul 30, 2009, 6:51 AM

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Re: [cristalhombre] Public Radio International - the World

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Hey, this was GREAT. I knew all three of the interviewed people and agree with most everything except the bureaucracy part. I find that it's getting easier and easier in Oaxaca, compared to 10 years ago. Migracion process is much more streamlined, for instance. Telephones are readily available, etc. etc. Speaking at least some Spanish IS helpful, of course, but you can find a bilingual person to help you.

I have noticed an increase in expats in Oaxaca during the past five years. Still, we are not as visible as in smaller towns like SMA and Ajijic. A central gringo gathering spot is the English library, volunteer run, at Av. Pino Suarez 519. It's called the Oaxaca Lending Library, has a collection of 30,000 books, DVDs etc., a small cafe for socializing, social programs, and several outreach volunteer programs. One event I'd like to plug is the Saturday morning (10 until noon) Intercambio. If you know some Spanish and want to help Mexicans learn English, just show up. Most are young college students, intent on learning English. They are great, appreciative, and helpful. Not enough expats attend, in my opinion.

Personally, I think the 2006 "trouble time" helped the Oaxacans appreciate foreigners. Tourism was so rampant by 2006 that many of the first line workers (waiters, store clerks, etc.) had become a bit jaded, frustrated with foreigners (understandably). But when tourism came to an abrupt halt, then returned, they seemed more appreciative of tourists.

If you can only learn two words, learn Por Favor and Gracias and use these words ALL the time, with EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE. If you have to say "no," to vendors, Say, "No, pero muy amable." Softens the NO! Don't act like you're in a rush (even if you are). A nervous, hurried visitor gets a different reception than a more laid back, polite one.

Critalhombre: Will you post this interview on the Southern Mexico forum, please? I don't know how. Thanks.

Geri