The Bijou, docked at Punto Morelos, Quintana Roo © Roger Cunningham, 200o

Ask an old gringo about Mexico economy, Guerrero recovery, anchovy gelato and Yescka

It appears much of the world is very interested in Mexico. A surprising number of Mexconnect readers asked the old gringo about the economy, reforms, boats, Guerrero recovery, Michaocan dangers — and hospitality. Some questions are far out. One asked about anchovy gelato. Another asked about Yescka. That got my undivided attention. Question: I was reading […]

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Narrow city streets near the plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico © Geri Anderson 1997

Ask an old gringo: Mexico questions about tuna war, holidays, spelling errors and dinosaurs

Readers of MexConnect ask exciting questions about Mexico, about sea to shining sea, the mountains and most of the villages in between. Where to live, where to visit, where to park in Guanajuato? Own or rent and what to eat on the streets? Should I drive or take the bus? How about health care and bandits and topes? […]

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Family, friends, good food, and good times in Mexico contribute to a sense of well-being © John Gladstein, 2004

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

Question: I saw on TV that Mexico ranks 10th in the world among happy countries. Are Mexicans that happy? Answer: I am often surprised but most Mexicans I know seem happy, even under difficult conditions. There are at least two possible explanations. The value system is different from many places, the United States, Japan and Germany, for […]

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Street scene in Sayulita, a beach town on the Mexican Pacific coast © Christina Stobbs, 2012

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

Question: It is income tax time in the United States. How are taxes in Mexico? Answer: It depends on who you ask. I think property taxes are ridiculously low but services are a close match. I thought the annual tax on my Volkswagen was disproportionately high but the bug is now 14 years old and taxes are […]

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A fountain on a Mexican street honors Our Lady of Dolores on the Friday preceding Palm Sunday © Edythe Anstey Hanen, 2014

Mexico good news, Gloria Trevi, protests, soup in a gourd

MexConnect readers, a priceless lot, ask occasional questions via e-mail. They receive sincere efforts at answers. Some exchanges have the potential to interest others. You’ll know shortly whether they interest you. Question: Is there any good news in Mexico? Answer 1: Of course there is. Mangos are ripening and the price per kilo has dropped […]

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A Frida Kahlo doll wears the artist's characteristic indigenous dress © Alvin Starkman, 2012

Ask an old gringo about Frida Kahlo, Mexico contradictions, colorful protests

I repeat: Contrary to rumor, many years and extensive travels in Mexico do not qualify me as a know-it-all, A-1 infallible expert. I apologize if I have faked you out. I do try to answer all questions or redirect them to more knowledgeable sources. I thoroughly enjoy most exchanges with readers. I offer a few […]

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