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Maritsa

Feb 4, 2011, 8:36 AM

Post #1 of 36 (2576 views)

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Como Mexico no hay dos!

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I have been in Mexico almost 2 weeks now, living near Chalco. My boyfriend´s daughter had a new house built last year. Her husband has been in the US for 8 years and finally sent money for the construction. Most of the old house is still intact on the lot and this is where Timo and I are staying, in one room which used to be the kitchen. There are huge gaps between the walls and the roof where i stuffed newspaper yesterday to keep out the wind. We sleep under 4 blankets at night and wear a tee shirt in the daytime. The door was falling off the hinges, so I spent a day fixing that. At night I listen to the cats running along the old tin roof.

One day last week I decided to heat water to wash myself. They have a coil on an electric cord. They set the bucket of water up on a table and plug it into the outlight on the lightbulb socket and the coil heats the water. So anyway, I waited about 15 minutes and don´t ask me why, I know better, but probably because I just wasn´t thinking - I stuck my fingers in the water to see if it was hot !!!!!! Don´t think I need to say more about that!

The one thing I STILL don´t understand, is why no one has a toilet seat?! I can understand no tank, because you just pour a bucket of water in. We are still using the old outside bathroom because the new one that she will have inside has not been finished yet. Half the roof has blown off, so when you are sitting and look up, you see the sky. So I would put toilet paper on the seat, and before I could turn around and sit down, the paper blew off on the floor!

So are the problems of a Gringo in Mexico!!!
As long as these are my worst problems, I guess I am doing OK.

Just thought i would write and hopefully give you a few chuckles.

La Isla

Feb 4, 2011, 11:05 AM

Post #2 of 36 (2520 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Wow, Maritsa, you must really love your guy to put up with the conditions that you describe in your post. : ) Most gringos in Mexico do have slightly better places to live, and I hope you will too.

(This post was edited by La Isla on Feb 4, 2011, 11:07 AM)

richmx2

Feb 4, 2011, 1:04 PM

Post #3 of 36 (2492 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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The toilet seat question (or, maybe it's the "no toilet sat" question) was a big deal when I first moved down here, and got some play back on ancient message boards, too. My best guess is that the things are a hassle to replace, and... if you ever have replaced one, you discover that toilets come in all different configurations, and the seats have to be the "right" style... and the right length bolts, which may not be available) — and it requires having tools you probably don't have handy, and the ability to get into a space that's not always designed for easy access with two adjustable wrenches -- and sometimes a hacksaw) and... it's not just a necessity of life.

http://mexfiles.net
http://voiceofmexico.com
http://editorialmazatlan.com

Rolly

Feb 4, 2011, 1:32 PM

Post #4 of 36 (2487 views)

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Re: [richmx2] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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It's more basic than that. Toilet seats are luxury items that one can do without.
I sure don't view them that way, but many people do.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Reefhound

Feb 4, 2011, 1:35 PM

Post #5 of 36 (2483 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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I wonder why the fixture manufacturers don't just create a mold with an integrated seat in the commode? It probably wouldn't cost any more, would eliminate the maintenance needed, and wouldn't be any harder to keep clean than a seat.

Goyo

Feb 4, 2011, 9:30 PM

Post #6 of 36 (2423 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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The humorous part of all this to me is that you don't have a toilet seat, flush with a bucket, fill cracks in the house with paper, the door is broken, heat water with an electric cord, but... you have a computer and internet. Que loco. jajaja
I love Mexico!

Rolly

Feb 4, 2011, 10:31 PM

Post #7 of 36 (2415 views)

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Re: [Goyo] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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I understand. I could give up a lot of things before I would part with my computer and the internet.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

bfwpdx

Feb 5, 2011, 3:42 AM

Post #8 of 36 (2401 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Let's put this as tactfully as possible. Toilets don't have hinged toilet seats for the women of the world....

Maritsa

Feb 5, 2011, 8:23 AM

Post #9 of 36 (2353 views)

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Re: [Goyo] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Actually I don´t have a computer. I was here 2 weeks before I ran out of books to read and came to the Cafe Internet to see what was going on in the world and check this forum!!

Maritsa

Feb 5, 2011, 8:30 AM

Post #10 of 36 (2349 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Yes, I do love my guy very much. Probably shouldn´t get into it much here, because most people would think I am crazy. But I do believe, after knowing him almost 7 years,that we have known each other before. I was married for 19 years, but did not have the connection that I have with Timo, even after being separated for 14 months.

It also helps that I am a pretty good camper!!!

Maritsa

Maritsa

Feb 5, 2011, 8:32 AM

Post #11 of 36 (2343 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Yeah! And man or woman, we all have to sit down sometimes!!!!

Reefhound

Feb 5, 2011, 8:34 AM

Post #12 of 36 (2339 views)

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Re: [bfwpdx] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Hinged seats only help the women if the men bother to lift them. ;-)

Besides, I'm talking about a molded seat versus no seat scenario.

chicois8

Feb 5, 2011, 8:39 AM

Post #13 of 36 (2330 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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This sounds like a soap opera, let's name it :

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

La Isla

Feb 5, 2011, 8:48 AM

Post #14 of 36 (2322 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Both you and Timo are lucky to have found each other. I wish you both continued happiness for many years!

bfwpdx

Feb 5, 2011, 9:15 AM

Post #15 of 36 (2311 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Oh dear. I was TOO tactful. Men don't have very good aim. That's why they have hinged toilet seats so they can lift them. I can't imagine cleaning an integral toilet after the men in my family...it's obvious you haven't thought about that aspect....

Reefhound

Feb 5, 2011, 9:47 AM

Post #16 of 36 (2299 views)

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Re: [bfwpdx] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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I got your point exactly but a hinged seat only helps if you lift it else you still have the same mess. How freakin' hard is it to wipe glazed ceramic with a baby wipe before you sit down? Or just impose a "sit down" rule for all?

Haha, maybe that's the mariner in me as my fave dive boat has a sign in the head "out at sea you get tossed around, so be considerate and just sit down".

happynz

Feb 7, 2011, 10:10 AM

Post #17 of 36 (2102 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Maritsa:
Thanks for the very interesting post. I hope to read more of your adventures.
Así pues...aquí estamos...

(This post was edited by happynz on Feb 7, 2011, 10:11 AM)

rvcycleguy

Feb 7, 2011, 11:41 AM

Post #18 of 36 (2083 views)

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Re: [happynz] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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I understand that a soul mate is what most all are looking for, but no toilet seat, no hot water, 1/2 of a roof, those are just a few of the neccesities of life that I require. This guy should have found the means to provide for your "visit" a little better than that! For 14 months, he knew you were coming? Sorry for laying it out so brutal, but that's just not right. I have lived and traveled throughout Mexico for 30 years, and it does not have to be that primitive.... good luck and keep us informed, specifically if you need any assistance.

(This post was edited by rvcycleguy on Feb 7, 2011, 11:42 AM)

La Isla

Feb 7, 2011, 7:27 PM

Post #19 of 36 (2025 views)

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Re: [rvcycleguy] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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In Reply To

I wanted to write something like this in my previous post but thought it would be too cruel. I have to agree with rvcycleguy that your guy, Maritza, should have provided a better place for you to stay during your visit.

(This post was edited by La Isla on Feb 7, 2011, 8:26 PM)

morgaine7

Feb 7, 2011, 8:11 PM

Post #20 of 36 (2005 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Oh, I don't know, some people pack up their $50,000 trucks or SUVs and drive hundreds of miles to have camping adventures like that in my neck of the woods. ;-)

Sounds like Maritsa and her guy are just plain happy to be together!

Kate

Rolly

Feb 7, 2011, 8:22 PM

Post #21 of 36 (1999 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Perhaps some of us are being a wee bit judgmental based on no real information about the man's situation..
I seem to recall the Bible saying something about the price of judging others.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

turnabout

Feb 8, 2011, 5:48 AM

Post #22 of 36 (1952 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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Are you judging the people who post? Everyday. Just responding puts you in the same category.

Marlene

Feb 8, 2011, 11:38 AM

Post #23 of 36 (1879 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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You are right, Rolly, about the forum having no information about his situation. And, without this information, it is impossible to give advice (even IF it were asked for, which it wasn't).

Those who appear to be fitting in best with the culture, seem to adhere to the old "live and let live" adage. I was advised straight away after moving here to lose the words "(they) should" and "why don't (they)". I have never forgotten that advice, and I don't know how many times I have caught myself just in time. :-)

Maritsa

Feb 8, 2011, 3:45 PM

Post #24 of 36 (1833 views)

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Re: [rvcycleguy] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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It`s really interesting to see just how many different reactions there are to my posts - from such different perspectives. Thanks to you all!

First of all, I was here 4 years ago, at the same daughter`s house, so I knew what to expect.
Second, I work hard, but I am not rich, and neither is he. He has had a rough life, has worked hard and does not have a lot.
But what he has, he gladly shares.

Third, I am glad that I made this trip, because without TV and other comforts of home, I have had a lot of time to think and really sort things out. He left the US 14 months ago because his mother is 101 yrs old and he wanted to see her, and for other personal reasons. So after a year in the states without him, I started thinking that maybe I would never see him again.
That maybe, if he tried to cross again at his age, he would not make it. Last year, I did all of the yardwork that he helped me with for 6 years (20 yards), and also worked as a merchandiser for coca cola last summer, to get through the winter and possibly come to see him.

I am also glad I made the trip because I have realized that I we do love each other, but his life is what it is and has been for 60 some years. And the same with me. We had 6 great years together (with many ups and downs of course) and even though I don`t want to, I will move on with my life - with him or without him. My life may be a bit of a novela, but I am not a drama queen! So, I hope for the best scenario, do what I can, and give thanks for having had the chance to know this man.

Barbara

Bethie

Feb 8, 2011, 5:00 PM

Post #25 of 36 (1806 views)

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Re: [Maritsa] Como Mexico no hay dos!

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YOU GO GIRL!

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