Recent columnist articles
Ask an old gringo about Octavio Paz, Mexico reforms, giant fish tank, price break
He was good enough to get the Nobel Prize for literature in 1990.
br> In his most famous essay, "The Labyrinth of Solitude," Paz addressed the complexity of the Mexican mind.
The key quote is "The Mexican seems to me to be a person who shuts himself away to protect himself. His face is a mask and so is his smile."
Fifty years ago Paz talked of differences north and south of the border. He said North Americans want to understand and Mexicans want to contemplate. He said North Americans are activists and Mexicans are quietists. I think that may be changing... read more
San Patricio by the Sea on Mexico's Pacific coast
It had a humble beginning, born of need in the late 1990s.
There were hundreds, maybe a few thousands, of Americans and Canadians, residents and snowbirds, in the region but no religious services in English for many, many miles along the west bank, nothing from El Tecuan to Manzanillo and beyond... read more
Ask an old gringo about Mexico economy, Guerrero recovery, anchovy gelato and Yescka
Some questions are far out. One asked about anchovy gelato. Another asked about Yescka. That got my undivided attention... read more
A cabin near Puerto Vallarta
Seven US presidents were born in log cabins. The most notable, of course, was Lincoln. During elections, all of them were quick to remind the public of their humble frontier origins with fulsome refere...
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Ask an old gringo: Mexico questions about tuna war, holidays, spelling errors and dinosaurs
Question: What holidays are big in Mexico?
Answer: Oh boy, judging by the joy and noise, Mexicans celebrate dozens of giant holidays. Most any excuse is good for a day off from work, a neighborhood fiesta and late-night fireworks.
The Day of the Dead is not a conventional holiday but it is an intriguing cultural event. My Mexican friends describe it as beautiful, magical, mystical, religious and pagan — all at the same time...
Listen up: Sounds of Mexico
Ask an old gringo about Mexican happiness, jobs for foreigners, Mormon mother, books in English
Canada to Mexico: From there to here
Happiness is following memorable footsteps under more favorable conditions.
Most of 50 years ago, outside London, Ontario, brothers Jim and Jack Young acquired an old truck and bulldozer and made a bo...
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Ask an old gringo about Mexico taxes, cars, health, welfare and vacations
Answer: That is a misleading implication. Retirement in Mexico is fun and we are grateful. Winter weather is wonderful where we live. Flowers bloom. Strawberries are inexpensive and very tasty. Alas, every day is not a perfect holiday. read more
San Miguel de Allende: A Place in the Heart - Expatriates Find Themselves Living in Mexico
The idea of the book originated when Scherber, after living in San Miguel for only eight months, began asking himself questions like: "What had I given up to come here, and what had I gained? What was my new role in the community? Was I an exile? An expatriate? Would I ever live in the States again? How did I react to Americans I saw here visiting? What had I done?" read more