MexConnect
Columns
Tags
Recent columnist articles

Listen up: Sounds of Mexico Marvin West

Women charros or escaramuzas© Jay Koppelman, 2010
Nobody asks about the sounds of Mexico. Upon arrival, that oversight leads directly to surprise or culture shock. Mexicans live life loudly. Church bells ring very early in the morning. Public address systems have no limits. Car stereos are cranked up to concert level. read more

Ask an old gringo about Mexican happiness, jobs for foreigners, Mormon mother, books in English Marvin West

Happiness is not tied to job promotions, Mercedes super cars and mansions on mountaintops. Expectations are generally lower. Many do not enter the rat race. Strange as it sounds, family, good food, good times and a sip of tequila are more important than pesos... read more

Canada to Mexico: From there to here Marvin West

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... read more

Ask an old gringo about Mexico taxes, cars, health, welfare and vacations Marvin West

Street scene in Sayulita, a beach town on the Mexican Pacific coast
© Christina Stobbs, 2012
Question: Where do you go for vacation when you live your life on vacation?

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 Reviewed by James Tipton

John Scherber's thoughtful and satisfying book, San Miguel de Allende: A Place in the Heart (2010), is a collection of stories about North Americans "who live here full time, as I do." San Miguel de Allende is their home.

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

Ask the old gringo about Mexico welcome mat, value system, jail time and hot billboard Marvin West

Officials of the beach community of Puerto Escondido, in the state of Oaxaca, threw a December party to celebrate foreigners. A few hundred attended. Free food and drink remains an exciting lure. Mexican dignitaries were there and many immigration personnel worked the crowd, nice to meet you, so glad you are here. There were music, smiles and handshakes. A good time was had by all. How's that for welcome? read more

Mexico lost-and-found fishermen still waiting for massive payday Marvin West

Three Mexican fishermen, lost at sea for nine months and nine days, were world news for a few minutes in 2006.

Their survival was a miracle of faith and fierce determination, or the biggest fish tale ever told. read more

Volunteers get involved on Mexico's Nayarit Riviera Christina Stobbs

Yes, Mexico is beautiful! Whether you plan to enjoy a vacation or the experience of living in Mexico, you'll find it to be an enriching life experience where one is immersed in a warm, vibrant and welc... read more

Moving to Mexico's Lake Chapala: Checklists, How-To's, and Practical Information and Advice for Expats and Retirees Reviewed by James Tipton

Moving to Mexico's Lake Chapala
This book really does tell you about everything you need to know if you are planning to move to Lake Chapala, one of the most popular retirement sites in the world for North Americans.

Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez, Editor-in-Chief of El Ojo del Lago, has this to say: "I found it highly readable, most comprehensive, and flawlessly organized. I think it's the best book of its kind that I have read, and I have been down here for 25 years."

Is the information current? You bet! Why? Because Lisa Jorgensen only moved here this past spring. read more

Ask the old gringo about ocean-front property, butterflies, boxing and the next Mexico crisis Marvin West

No question about this, the monarchs are coming, the monarchs are coming from Canada and the United States to the massive butterfly campgrounds in the mountain ranges of Michoacan. read more
All Tags