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

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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

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Ask the old gringo about Mexico green energy, sexy models, police protection Marvin West

Kiosk in the plaza of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
© Renée J. LaPerrière de Gutiérrez

Question: I have read about the millions or billions the U.S. has lost on solar investments that went bankrupt. How is Mexico doing on green energy? read more

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Ask an old gringo about Mexico education, politics and miracle cures Marvin West

For some strange reason, an unusual assortment of questions about Mexico education appeared in my e-mailbox. It could be the world has heard about De Panzazo, the new documentary loaded with enough blame to go around. read more

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Ask the old gringo about Americanization of holidays, Mexico freedom of the press and marriage tryouts Marvin West

A modern store in Plaza Manzanillo shopping center appeals to residents and tourists in this Mexican Pacific port city. © Donald MacKay, 2011

One reader asked a generic "Anything going on?" which gives me a different opening: Indeed there is. It appears that Mexican holidays are undergoing Americanization. read more

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Ask an old gringo about Mexico changes, obesity and whale sharks Marvin West

Question: The Pan-Am Games are scheduled for October. Is excitement building?

Answer: Yes. The games were awarded in 2006 with considerable fanfare. Carlos Andrade Garin says all 23 stadiums will be 100-percent ready — just in time. Carlos also says Mexico will present "the greatest games every held" for about one third the cost that Canada has budgeted for the 2015 games. Emilio Gonzalez Marquez, governor of Jalisco, says "security won't be an obstacle..."

Ask an old gringo about Mexico border smiles, Barbie dolls and captured catapults Marvin West

Question: There is so much bad news along the border. Does anybody ever smile?

Answer: Of course — and sometimes we laugh out loud. With all hell breaking loose around them, Border Patrol agents in the Juarez region caught a crowd of bad Barbie dolls trying to sneak into the United States. read more

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Ask an old gringo about oil, Mexico doctors, Bimbo Marvin West

Nobody asked about holidays in Mexico so I just won't tell you but I will say happy 2011. And please wish us luck for the Pan Am Games coming to Guadalajara in October. Cross your fingers that arenas and housing will be ready in time. read more

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Ask an old gringo about Mexico, micheladas, color TV Marvin West

Is Mexico moving forward or back? Perspective please. Do they sell Brita water filters in Mexico? Do they purify street water so you can drink it? Can it possibly be true that a Mexican invented color television? What are micheladas? I just heard a tidbit about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. How did they get back into the news? read more

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Ask the old gringo about 2010, Mexican police, the rainy season Marvin West

I've been to Mexico only in the winter. What is the rainy season like? Answer: Beautiful. Where we live, everything, from mountains to front yards, switches from brown to a lovely shade of green. Lake Chapala gets a much-needed gulp of new water and rises up to gently lap at the new malecones along the north shore. In theory, it only rains at night. We're not talking drizzles. There are downpours. Thunder rattles windows and lightening over the lake is at least awesome. There have been times I actually uncovered my eyes and ears and took it all in. read more

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Ask an old gringo: crime, sports, Starbucks and the Mexican roof dog Marvin West

Question: What is a Mexican roof dog?

Answer: Glad you asked. It is a low-budget form of homeland security, a four-legged alarm placed on flat roofs of homes and businesses to look down on and discourage intruders, door-to-door salesmen and other nuisances.

Ask an old gringo: symbolism, police, education, and the Virgin Marvin West

This old gringo, from time to time, receives a flurry of comments and questions. Many are predictable. Where should I visit? How much does it cost? How's the weather in January? Is it safe to drive? ... read more

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Ask an old gringo: economy, retirement and the drug business Marvin West