Mothering in Mexico

[elsanne]

It's about time those at Mothering realize that they've got tribes in Latin America!!!

So here we are...I'm elsanne and DH is Mexican, we live here in San Miguel de Allende, with our little lovebunny 6 mo. old babe. I absolutely adore living in Mexico, and have always said that if I ever had kids I would hightail it to Latin America where life is so much more family-friendly. That's not what happened, indeed, I was here for about 2.5 yrs before my little surprise happened!

Anyone else here?

[morsan]

Hello.

No, I'm not there, but we are looking of the possibility of going there for a longer visit.
I know you started the thread to find other mommas in Mexico, but I would love to know how life is like with children there. What parts of the country are nice (not a huge city, more traditional but yet open to foreigners--I'm Swedish and dh is American, nice weather...)?

Josefina.

[elsanne]

Hola Josefina,

In my opinion Mexico is a great place to parent. The society is like 80% children so children are welcome anywhere, and life is geared to make it easy to bring your kids around with you. plus domestic help runs about $10/day. this was a lifesaver for me postpartum.

SMA (where i am) is a great little town, about 25% foreigners which makes it nice for us. i've also heard of some nice coastal areas: sayulita, playa del carmen, oaxaca is also great--coastal & the city of oaxaca which is not huge.

[Len]

:hola:

Hola Elsanne,

I'm Elena, I'm from Mexico but I've been living in Canada for almost 9 years, and DS was born here.

I have mixed feelings about how children are raised in México; for one, I think there is even more influence from media even than that of the US/Canada. Television controls the minds of almost the whole country and multicoporations have taken control over smaller family owned businesses.

But, I know what you mean about Mexico being family-friendly! And I certainly love other aspects of mexican life, especially in smaller towns like yours (I absolutely love SMA).

My son is currently on a Waldorf school here in Vancouver, and I have a dream that we can take a year sabbatical and he can go to the Waldorf school in San Miguel. Do you know the school? I think it's called Los Charcos... and I've heard it's a great community, NFL oriented.

Can I ask you a favour? Please have some pan de muerto and tamales for me! Dia de Muertos it's my favourite holiday!

Elena

[elsanne]

Hola Elena!!! Encantada de conocerte!!!

Aaaawww "nurturing a tiny person" in your belly! Felicidades!!! How sweet.

Today I walked around town with Sol in her backpack and all those orange flowers, and altars, and papel picado, and dibujos de aserrin, it's just fabulous. I had some pan de muerto for you, didn't see any tamales...maybe later tonight by the cemetary.

This truly is a fabulous holiday, and I wish northamerican culture had something like it: a day to honor your loved ones who have died!! With a party-like atmosphere. What a concept!

I agree that tele is outta control down here. I lose that perspective because I don't watch it, but know that most of the populace does. Is that so different from "up there"? Hmmmm, not sure!

And yes, Los Charcos is fabulous! That's definitely where Sol's going to go. It's beautiful and I know most of the community involved with it. I feel so lucky to be in a town with a Waldorf school. Hope you can someday come down and visit!

warmly,
elsanne

[Len]

Hola! gracias por las felicitaciones y por comerte un poco de pan de muerto por mi :yum

I would definitely love to go down to San Miguel soon... would you be interested in doing some house exchange with a Waldorf family in Vancouver? ;)

Although we can never visit Mexico without being kidnapped by family and friends :eyesroll

So your DH is from Mexico? do you have more family in SM? I think it may be a little overwhelming to be part of a large mexican family, but it's definitely a lot of fun!

I'd love to chat once in a while if you don't mind. My friend Lupita (who posts here as Luma) is in the North of Mexico close to the border and is a belly dancer too! I've been trying to get into BD classes, as I've heard they're great for pregnant bellies.... do you know something about it?

See you around!

Elena

[elsanne]

MMMMMM after your message I went downtown at night and we had tamales!!!! MMMMMmmmmmmm! Verdes con pollo.

Wow a house exchange sounds great....Hmmmmm! Let's keep in touch about that.

Yeah, DH is Mexican, and sometimes family is overwhelming but not always. We only have a few aunts and cousins here in San Miguel. It's when we all get together!

YES YES YES Bellydance is highly recommended for pregnant bellies! Especially now before you get much more pregnant (starting bellydance later in preg is not recommended). Originally bellydance moves were done as preparation for childbirth. I suppose that I was supposed to have a really easy delivery, being a bellydance instructor, but Sol was HUGE (9.5 lbs, 4 kilos 300gm)!!! so it was just HARD because of her size.

I would love to "meet" Lupita. I have been in touch with the bellydance community in Tijuana, is that where she is?

xo,
e

[Len]

:hola:
Thanks for the advise re: bellydancing. One of Diego's teachers goes to a BD class... it will be weird to go with her, but sounds like it's good!

Wow, Sol was really big! I hope it wasn't too hard on you! was she born in San Miguel?

Yes, Lupita is in Tijuana, you may even know her, that would be too funny.... I'll ask her to come post here....

I baked some pan de muerto tonight, and we setup a small ofrenda. Pan turned out OK although not the same.... but we had our celebration!

Saludos

[elsanne]

AAAaawww Elena how sweet about your ofrenda!! How neat that you did that!!! Next year I'm getting "on" it and putting up an altar.

That would be wild if I knew her! I have "met" some bellydancers from Tijuana online, in the bellydance community we let each other know about what's going on.

Here's a festival I'm organizing for February of this year:
www.tribalbellydancemexico.com

if ya wanna see what I'm up to!

Sol just turned 6 mos. and is such a joy! She laughs & laughs sometimes, which makes me want to cry out of sweetness! We're going to get her "caritas" done sometime in the next few weeks...

[Alvara]

Hi there,

We are not in Mexico but we have seriously considered the possibility of moving there. My dh is from Mexico City and in many ways Mexico sounds like a great place to live. We have agreed IF we did move it would be to San Miguel de Allende.

My daughter is 5 and I wonder what's it really like raising children there when you don't go with the flow, for example the whole tv issue and homeschooling, etc. Do you find like minded people to socialize with and potential good friends for your kids?

To tell the truth my biggest worry is being overrun by my husbands huge family coming for extended extended visits! But then I see pictures of SMA and read about the wonderful cultural events and how something is always going on and it sounds great.

We actually were planning to be there in Dec., have a room booked but I'm not sure if we'll make it, sick dog and slow business. I would love to hear more about the daily ins and outs of live there tho...

[elsanne]

Hola Alvara,

What is it like to live here and not be mainstream? Well, lol, that IS mainstream!!! Just kidding...in a way...the immigrants here are the funky, artist type who really do not go with the flow in terms of t.v., etc...! I think you'll find good company here. There's a great waldorf school, and another option called "Carrusel" that is a Montessori school I've heard good things about.

This really is a great place to live. I love it. Hope you can come visit in December! Let me know if you do and we can meet up. I'll be back stateside for the holidays leaving the 15th. Hope business picks up and the dog gets better! YOu could always drive & bring the dog?

[Alvara]

Hola Elsanne,

We are coming after all, we just booked tickets :) Pero que lastima, we aren't arriving until the 19th so we will miss you. Do you have any recommendations of things we shouldn't miss? I can't wait to see SMA in person finally!

[elsanne]

Yay how exciting!!! I'll be back Jan. 5th if you'll still be around?
One of the best things here are the hot springs, just out of town, there are several but my absolute fave is called "Escondido". It's a great day trip, pack a lunch & a book!

Also, just the whole town is great to look at & wander around in. Bring really sturdy shoes for everybody (cobblestones are hard on the shoes)

whoops baby fussin!

[mamameg]

Hey Elsanne! I obviously don't live in Mexico, but I happened to come across another MDC mama who lives in SMA. Her user name is Plady. You might already know her, or she might very well find this thread on her own, but I noticed her location and I just had to let you know. I'm a meddler like that. ;)

[elsanne]

Singing the theme from "it's a small world after all"...
:D
Hi mama meg! Plady was my doula! And got me turned onto mothering.com! She's a wonderful person and friend.

hearts n flowers,
e

[Alvara]

Hey Elsanne

We are heading back home on 1/2 so guess we won't meet up this time, but if we really like it we'll be back again soon.

Do you happen to know if there are any homeschoolers there? I am not sure it's really legal there but I am guessing nobody really cares what you do. Just curious...

[elsanne]

Oooooh well, enjoy yourself! This is a great town. I don't know any homeschoolers but that doesn't mean there aren't any! Sorry we won't meet up this time.

un abrazo,
e

[Luma]

Hola Elsanne!!!!!!!!!!! Len told me to come here!! Im Ma'isah I wrote you one of the emails!
This is a funny and exciting coincidence!!
Yepeeee!!
This is so funny I dont even know what to say but its great :D
Lets make a virtual bellydancing party in San Miguel, Tijuana and Vancouver right now :LOL
We have to ask for a bellydancing smiley!!!
By the way Elsanne, your magazines are on the way and you look so beautiful in the picture you sent, we were all saying awwwwwwwwwwwwww :love
its great to "meet" again!!
Gracias Lenny!

[elsanne]

Ma'isah!!! How funny!!!! Len told me she knew a bellydancin mama in tijuana and I said I knew of some bellydancers in tijuana...lo and behold you are the same one!!! This is great!

I can't wait to see the magazine! I have not yet deposited the $$ because EVERY SINGLE TIME I GO to HSBC, there is una coloooota that goes out the door y me desanimo. Pero te JURO que en esta semana!!! :bag:

Big warm smiles here, what kind of kids do you have? One, more than one, boy or girl? I have one sweet 6 mo. old hijita linda que se llama Sol Amara.

[Luma]

que lindo nombre Sol Amara!
my hijito del bien es Tomas Tlacaelel, alias el buen Tomi who will be 5 in jan! :D
you have to write something for the next magazine since now youre miss bellydance guanajuato ;)
How cool that youre in San Miguel, its such a great place, I also read you've been in Oaxaca right? we looooove oaxaca! actually my dh and I met there! In puerto escondido :love
By the way Elsanne, at the bd class we were talking about going to your february tribal festival! Wouldnt it be great?
Len lets go!!!
Its so cool to contact you through mothering !
well, im going to bed, lately Tomi has been waking up sooooo early!! and going to sleep late, and hes very active during the whole day,,,, could it be an almost 5 year old boy symptom?? :)
good night !!
zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[elsanne]

Yaaaay it would SO be great if you could come!!!!! It is sooo much fun!!! The "tribal" feel is really wonderful, lots of sisterly love & support.

How cool that I rep Guanajuato for bellydance!!!! I feel so important!!! :D

Tomi! Bet he's adorable.

Miss Grabbypants is getting ready to crawl over there...she's being very needy right now aauuugh...

I know what you mean about waking up EARLY que esta se desperto a las 6 am!!! ayayayyyyyyyy
ahorita no me deja hacer naadaaaa!

[Len]

:hola:
Wow, it's so cool that you two "know" each other :D I was also going to mention about Plady, and well, there you go! One more reason to like San Miguel, awsome natural mamas living there....

Elsanne, so if Plady was your mw, does it mean you had a homebirth? I'm asking because it would be the 1st HB I've known of, in Mexico, in recent times, obviously... I'm not aware at all at how things work down there re: homebirth, mw's etc.... I suppose nobody really cares what you do, right?

I wish I could go to the festival!!! It would be so neat.... let me just dream about it for now....

[morsan]

Thanks Elsanne. You got me really turned on to Mexico. Dh and I dream of a place where kids are seen everywhere. Here it seems that even though kids aren't really forbidden at downtown (alright I'm exaggerating here, "downtown" is really just a strip of highway running through town) businesses, parents must not like to bring their kids around with them. Kaelon is with us all the time,.. except when dh works.. and it seems like he's the only kid in town.
We'll be renting a house here in Grants Pass soon so it looks like we're staiyng a little longer. But I'll be taking a job soon and then we can save up and head for Mexico. There are great websites online about SMA, it sounds like paradise.

Josefina.

[elsanne]

Len--Plady was my doula, and I just happen to live in the only town with an actual midwife college in it! So I was attended by one midwife, two of her midwives in training, and a doula...it was great. Yep, homebirth! Cost: $300. Not kidding! It is not common among contemporary mexicans to have homebirths but there is a growing consciousness of the "natural way"...and of course in the boonies, among rural folk, homebirth is a way of life. Currently the csection rate in urban hospitals is between 70-80%!!!!!! It is only higher in Brazil!

Morsan, josefina, yay for Oregon. That's where I was raised (portland area). I've been through "Gramps' Pants" many times en route to California. :LOL If you do make it down here, keep my email addy handy! It is a great place. The only people who have disliked it that I know of are a)big city dwellers that are not looking for a change (some big city dwellers are loving it here) and b) people who are not "go with the flow" (ie, control freaks). Mexico is very, very "go with the flow". You just never know what's next...and that is part of why I love it here. There's always this surreal quality to life, like you're in a dream or a movie.

*beams*

abrazos,
e

[morsan]

elsanne, I must go immediately, I soooo wish I could. I liked what you said about life there being "going with the flow". It sounds so entirely radical from life in Sweden (and here in the US, although to a lesser degree). How far is SMA from southern Oregon? I don't have a good map of Mexico and the one I found oline was only a regional map.
Gramp's Pants??? That totally cracked me up!! Never heard that here before. We're not actually in Grants Pass yet. We've been in Takilma outside of Cave Junction since May. It's pretty nice and hippie, and relaxed but the hippie family community is fairly seperate from the rest of town, which I understand, CJ being the most WT-dense town I've ever been to. I can't bear it. I'm happy about being in GP though since it's closer to Ashland. I do prefer Oregon over the Midwest where dh is from. Way more relaxed (but not relaxed enough...). And way more beautiful. The Illinois Valley is absolutely gorgeous.

How is renting in SMA? Is it difficult for foreigners to find jobs?

Yes, I'll make sure to keep your email address handy. Hope to be there soon enough. Any cheap hostels, or camping grounds?

Josefina.

[elsanne]

Morsan,

Weeeelll Mexico is several days' drive from where you are!! :LOL This particular town is fabulous, but it has high rents (compared to the rest of Mexico) and it's not easy to make a living. There are many, many retired foreigners with incomes driving up the rent market, y'know? DH is Mexican and we live in a house his family owns, but before this we lived in a nice house kind of out of town where the rents are reasonable ($300 for a largeish 2 bed. house). I teach bellydance and do many other odd jobs, lots of them for wealthy retired foreigners down here (secretarial, piemaking, you name it). We are definitely on the financial edge but that's also part of the beauty of this time in my life. We are both here for our daughter most of the day, and that is great. WE have time for each other, and that's worth a lot. I do get stressed about money but DH doesn't...the attitude toward money is SOOO different down here. It's less of a fear-based attitude (what if the car breaks down? what if I break my leg? do we need insurance?) than a live for today kind of thing. This does drive me crazy sometimes and is the main difficulty in my relationship with DH but we're both trying to understand the other more. Let's face it: if I do get hurt or in trouble, SOMEONE is going to help me, I won't be left to bleed on the side of the road. The powers that be will be less likely to see my "need" for a trip to the hot springs, however.

;)

[kmamma]

elsanne-thanks for responding to my post. Sorry I haven't written yet but for some reason I couldn't post anymore so I signed up again, as kmamma.

Seems like we're going back to Minnesota, so Mexico will have to wait:(. It's really cold there, and I'm not sure we're doing the cleverest thing, but it feels right nonetheless. Family is always good to have around.

Josefina.

[PumpkinSeeds]

Please eat something delicious for us like some machaca sinaloa style or sopes and my dh wants you eat romeritos for him and could you sniff a corn tortilla for us ????

we are so seriously far away from a corn tortilla it's torture...

[elsanne]

MMMMM sopes!!! I had LOTS of those just the other day. I sure will eat one for ya, punkin. Mmmm machaca. I am soooo sad for you that you are so far away from corn tortillas, I hope there is a good substitute for you (like great bread or something).

Josefina, Minnesota v. Mexico, ay ay ay!!! BRRRRR. You're right though, it is good to be around family. Very important to have support network.

[LauraN]

Hi mujeres! I just found this thread, so I hope everyone's still there. I'm Mexican (born Guadalajara, raised Mexico City) but I'm married to a Lebanese guy and we live in New Jersey.

Reading this thread made me SOOOO homesick! Someone was just asking me where they should go in Mexico (they wanted a city and then a beach) so I told them Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido. I got so nostalgic remembering our family camping trips on the beach in PE.

San Miguel de Allende also had a huge impact on me :) We would go there for writing workshops when I was in school (The American School--El Ameriguano --lol) and that's where I bought my first tie-dye blouse and long skirt. That place turned me into a hippie!

Oh, an intro: I have a 3 y/o son and 6 m/o daughter. I work full time as does hubby, so the kids are in daycare :( But besides that, we try to parent as intuitively as possible (family bed, extended nursing, limited stroller use, etc.) But nothing seems to make up for the lack of family surrounding us!

Anyway, nice to meet you all.

/laura

[elsanne]

Hola Laura! You are really living the multicultural life, aren't ya? Sorry it's taken so long to respond, I've been sick with typhoid (ah yes, life in Latin America...)....so it's been a bummer of a couple weeks.

However. Nice to read about your reminiscences of Mexico Lindo y Querido!! All sorts of artistic workshops still happening here in San Miguel...and you made me want to go camping on the beach RIGHT NOW durnit...I love san miguel but I've been in the desert too long now with no vacation. And I know what you mean about lack of family around you...it is a phenomenon in the U.S. that we just keep moving around, and the nuclear family tries to "be everything" and is just not working...right now we don't have any family around us (abuelita is away for a year with another hija of hers) and it's hard.

Ma'isah where are you? I would love to hear "what's going on" en el mundo de danza arabe en Tijuana, ya que por aca se oyen toda clase de rumores y yo no soy de las chismosas, prefiero saber y no juzgar!!! I'll look for you in this thread, see if I can't locate you that way.

[dido1]

I'm not Mexican and I live in Vancouver but my SIL is about to move with her DS and DH to Zihuatanejo (sp?) for two years. We are going down for Xmas, and DH and I would LOVE to live in Mexico with our DS. We spent some time in Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido a few years ago and LOVED it, and after reading a great book by a writer who moved to San Miguel De Allende, I have always longed to visit there...I'm living vicariously through Elsanne...

[PumpkinSeeds]

I just paid 4 euros that's like 50 pesos for a 200 g can of chipotles at a mexican art shop. She had 3-4 cans as a "novelty" thing. I nearly cried.

THe shop around the corner from my house had some jalapenos and I bought all of them and made lots of rajas en escabeche. The guy in the shop told me if I liked them that might be the only time this year I would see those kind of chilis. Needless to say I have several jars of rajas in my fridge.

but I would seriously die for some corn tortillas. Pozole. Pollo rostizado. Caldo tlalpeno. Queso Oaxaca.

sigh....

[elsanne]

MMmmmmmmmm caldo tlalpeno is the BEST!!! I eat pollo rostizado like once a week. Tortillas every single day. Queso Oaxaca tambien. Makes me hungry just thinking about it!!!

Dido who was the writer? Who moved to San Miguel? It is a great place, that's for sure. Very hot these days.

Pumpkin Seeds where are you? Wow you poor thing. You need a serious dose of comida mexicana, like NOW.

[LauraN]

but I would seriously die for some corn tortillas. Pozole. Pollo rostizado. Caldo tlalpeno. Queso Oaxaca.

sigh....


Pumpkin Seeds: where are you? My sister lives in France and loves cooking her Mexican dishes...

[chaismom]

Hi all you MEXICAN's (either by birth or by association) OMG i just found this thread and i am pratically in tears.

intro: Im Letty, born in Tacambaro, Michoacan living in California mommy to an8 mos old little girl named Lilian and 6 year old boy named Isaias, my husband Ricardo is from Tanhuato, Michoacan.

We are both very home sick for Mexico, I have never been to SMA but i hear it is BEAUTIFUL!! I think the last time i went down i just went to Ensenada and i dont think i have been to Michoacan in a very long time.

Pumpkin Seeds I have a great Recepice (SP) for mole or pozole, I make it all the time cuz my DH cant live with out them.

elsanne :bag: I am no living vicariously thru you :LOL

does anyone know if there are woldorf type schools in michoacan? We are seceretly thinking of moving back. Not telling our parents 1)mine would think they sacrafieced themselves just so i could end up back where they tried to get me away from 2) MIL and FIL would bug us with the "when are you moving" :LOL

[elsanne]

Michoacan presente!!!

Hola Letty,

I know there are more waldorf schools in mexico, I just don't know where they are and if there is one in michoacan. Also, there are schools called "activos", my DH went to one in DF, which is a great alternative to the regular style of education (which I have a VERY hard time with!). Maybe there would be one of those there.

All this talk of food...mmmm...do you really make mole casero??? You have to share the recipe. Actually, forget the recipe, just come down here and make it so I can eat it!!! I know it's so much work unless you buy the readymade (cheating! :bag: ). And pozole, mmmmm I have a favorite cenaduria here in town that makes AWESOME pozole....

Mother's day was Tuesday here in Mexico. Feliz Dia, mamas!!!

[chaismom]

Thanks i will start looking into the Activos I will ask MIL to look into it locally.

Is casero the sweet mole, cuz thats the one i dont like i think my sister makes that. I just use my blender and mix everything it I call it my "Mole a la carrera" (mole in a hurry) My mother on the other hand will grind everything in a molino and make Nejos so we can eat with it mmmmm hers is way better.

Pozole beleive it or not has no spices just the meat, homoney which you add at the end and the ground garlic and chile's

Feliz dia de las madres to all of you too!!!! hope it was wonderful.

[elsanne]

by mole casero i just mean homemade mole.

yum!

[PumpkinSeeds]

There is no hominy here. You know, Europeans consider corn to be pig food.

I live in the land of liverwurst and nutella. sigh...

well, the nutella part is not so bad... :wink

[chaismom]

:spitdrink :jaw none wow I am in total shock :LOL

I would make my own then just kidding that must really suck.

All i can say is i love my pig food then. :D

[sraplayas]

It is fun to learn about other mom's living in Mexico. My hb and I live in Playas de Tijuana, almost ready to complete our first year here. We have a 5 month old baby girl and we moved here when I was 7 months pregnant. I would love to know if there are any other mamas in TJ--as it is a bit lonely with a new baby and trying to learn the language.

[elsanne]

Sraplayas, I know of at least two MDC mamas in Tijuana, I believe they are either earlier on this thread or in the Spanish speaking mamas thread...Hispanoparlachas or something like that...

[meganmarie]

Hi Mexico mamas, have a birth-related question for you all!

A good friend is living in Mexico City with her dh, who is in the U.S. Foreign Service. They are due with a little girl in January. She is interested in natural childbirth - and in avoiding unnecessary interventions - and has been doing lots of reading. They have decided to return to the U.S. for the birth itself, to make sure they will have a natural-childbirth-friendly hospital and to reduce the risks of the language barrier. But in the meantime, she would like to take some childbirth classes with her dh in Mexico City - but her Spanish is not perfect.

Any suggestions on childbirth educators in the area who would both offer classes in English and have a more natural-childbirth-oriented approach? (I checked the Bradley website but did not find a listing).

Thanks in advance

Megan
Owen 11.11.04

[elsanne]

Megan,

Hmmmm I live 4 hrs away from mexico city but I do know that the csection rate there is around 80%. SCARY!!! She is right that if she gives birth in a hospital there it's very likely they'll intervene much more than she wants.

Here in san miguel there is a school of midwifery (the only one in Mexico) and many, many english speaking people to support an english speaking mama. I birthed Sol at home with a midwife, 2 assistants, & a doula.

So, if she wanted to come here to birth, she'd have a positive experience, but she may overall be happier in the U.S. around family & in her own culture.

[lucenamama]

Hi! So glad I found this thread.

DH and I are talking about living in Mexico for a few months (DH is a freelancer -- all he'd need is a place w/DSL/wireless. I'm a SAHM, all I'd need is a good playground and some like minded mamas :love ). Sounds like SMA is the place to be! And Elsanne, my DD is just a month older than yours!

What are the rents like? We're thinking we'd come for 3 to 6 mos. Also, what months are the best to come for?

[lucenamama]

Ok Elsanne, this is trippy. I just noticed earlier in the thread that you're from Portland area -- that's where we live now (NE Portland). And your DD's birthday is I think the same as one of my DD's favorite friends! (5/1/04?).

Anyway, we're doing more research on SMA and getting excited. We're thinking we'd come in Jan/Feb, stay for six mos to a year.

So if you know anyone who wants to rent out a furnished 2 BR..... :)

[elsanne]

Hi Lucenamama! That IS trippy!!!

Jan is a great time to come down, indeed it's when the big influx of cold northerners comes! Come on down! Rents for a furnished 2 bdrm place vary a LOT, but $500 gets you a very decent place, $700 gets you a niceish place, $300 you're a little further out of town. There absolutely IS DSL/wireless all over the place.

I lived in SW Portland growing up, the 'burbs really. Aloha/Beaverton area.

sanmiguelportal.com--check it out!

[lucenamama]

Elsanne, last night we had my best mama friend and her family over for dinner and told them about our move to Mexico. Turns out she knows you! She's Mcsarahb! She says you are very cool and funny so I hope we get to meet. :) Small world, indeed.

DH and I have been checking out both SMA and Oaxaca City -- OC seems a bit cheaper and I've always wanted to see it. Any MDC mamas in Oaxaca? We've got a few months so we're going to keep researching. First though, we've got to sell our place in Portland. Ugh.

[elsanne]

Hi Lucenamama,

I got an email from Sarah about her going to your place last night! Can you believe what a small world it is!!!

Indeed I am very cool and funny :LOL :D :love ....

And I adore Sarah so there ya go. I figger you can't be too bad, being best buds with my homegirl. speaking of, I saw your sig says, "homey" to (your guy, can't remember what you put for him)...how great! "homey"!!! I die.

Oaxaca is one of the only other places I would go besides here to live. I highly recommend it. I think it would be cheaper and it's a little bigger which can be nice. But not too big. I don't think it has mcdonalds or anything blasphemous like that. Maybe you should visit both and stay where it resonates. I gotta say that san miguel is gettin' too rich for my blood...very wealthy, old americans are retiring down here in DROVES...muchos texanos...wealthy, coiffed, nattily dressed, drawling aging texan women...I dunno...methinks oaxaca city is likely better for many reasons. I am here because, I am, I guess, and now I have my niche carved out and my social circle and most importantly, a good income (job)...so that's why I'm still here. Also, viet (dh, although he's neither d nor h) is from here, although maybe he's ready to leave too, hmmmm...

xoxo
e

[lucenamama]

Then we're agreed that Sarah has impeccable taste in friends? ;)

Hmmm, old rich big coiffed Texans? Eeek, that sounds just about the exact opposite of me and DH (well, we're middle aged, poor, and scruffy -- in a tasteful way :LOL ). But it's also balanced out by you, a belly dancin' MDC mama. Anyway, I think you're right about visiting both, although part of the reason we're going down is to save some money, so Oaxaca may just be it for us. In any case, now we've got to get to SMA -- so we can meet! It'd be so great if Sarah and fam could get down there too for a visit and we could have a fine old mamas nite out.

And I gotta ask 'cause this made me chuckle: why isn't Viet "D"?

[elsanne]

Well, "homey",

:LOL

Some of us are, and some of us aren't, WIFE MATERIAL, as they say.
I am, obviously, not. Therefore, (poor viet) I hunt down his shortcomings and when I find one, hold it high like a trophy and proclaim, ha HA! This, THIS is why we cannot stay together. It is an impossibility!!!

all of that was quite tongue in cheek with a good dab of truth to it.

So, he's just not a sweet, touchy feely, supportive kinda guy and that's why he's not D. Sometimes I think DH stands for "dickhead" (OMG mods please don't harsh me I swear I won't say it again)....

:roflmao:

[elsanne]

p.s. Where is Naughty Dingoland? Why are you not alone there, as I have seen other MDC mamas there? Is Naughty Dingo (the mdc mama) in Naughty Dingoland? Is this some sort of private joke????????????????????? Let me in on it!!!

[lucenamama]

I hunt down his shortcomings and when I find one, hold it high like a trophy

Wait a minute, this was on my wife job description! :LOL

Sometimes I think DH stands for "dickhead"

:laugh:

As for the Naughty D's: anyone who's got that in their location is one of the running mamas tribe (my home -- or should I say "homey"-- tribe). I'm not even sure why we all of a sudden voted Naughty D. as our mascot but it stuck. No fun naughty joke behind it......yet :mischief .

I've got a question for you, not related to d-heads or bad dogs....do you call the US much? We're trying to figure out a good international cell phone plan (mainly for DH so he can work down there). Any thoughts?

[elsanne]

VONAGE, baby! A thousand times over! $24.99 a month for all the phone calls you can make to the u.s. and canada.

There is some type of initial investment involved, a box of some kind, jeez I should look into this because why don't I have this line? What's wrong with me???? LOL Anyway, lots of people have it.

Um...oh yeah! running mamas! Funny you should be on that tribe because just the other day I was lurking there, getting inspiration...I like to run and do so occasionally. I am ballooning up (for me, anyway) weight-wise and it's the best exercise for really "gettin the lead out"...Maybe one day I'll stop lurking and start posting! My online time is maxed as is (need to get AWAY from the computer and go MOVE) so I have tried to limit my MDC involvement: it shocks me when I let myself play to my heart's content how quickly two hours can go by. Reminds me of television viewing.

[lucenamama]

it shocks me when I let myself play to my heart's content how quickly two hours can go by. Reminds me of television viewing.

Fuh real though. Even w/the slight wanna be cold I"ve got going today, I still manage to squint at MDC for too long. :down

Funny you should mention Vonage -- I started a thread a little whiles back asking if anyone has this and how they like it. Pretty positive responses. Looks like we'll do that. Wonder if they'll let us have a US number?

Running: I just started again back in May and am loving it (though it's really not doing a thing for my muffin-top middle! I should probably take up belly dancing :wink ). I'm lucky b/c I have a good friend who has trained for Olympic level stuff as my online coach (I am NOT training for that level, but wouldn't mind having a fast 5K time). Speaking of the running mamas, one used to stay in SMA -- Loftmama, says she knows you.

[elsanne]

Yeah I know loftmama!

Vonage here is with a U.S. number, you get to pick it (area code, anyway).

Sorry I'm not more :blah , I'm sort of tired n uninspired, KWIM?

kiss kiss to you.

e

[lucenamama]

Hey E,

I have all these questions about mamalife in Mexico so I hope you don't mind getting your brain picked!

Alas I have to save them as we are now in full sell-the-condo mode and it is hectic. I can't wait to get this done so I can continue my south of the border plans. What I'm really looking forward to besides cheap pedicures? Mole mole mole. Did I mention mole? :yum

[elsanne]

Hiya! Keep on pickin'.

Most important thing: ability to "go with the flow". Second most important: openness to living within and accepting a foreign culture, norms, etc.

Then, enjoy: cheap pedicures! Mole! And my current fave: affordable domestic help!

When I first had Sol I had fulltime help in the birth budget, for about 4 months, it was fantastic. Then the birth budget ran out. Then nobody had a job. Then the house became a mess. Fast forward to a year later: mama has a job, and just this week mama got a person coming in to help once a week, do the deep cleaning, and mama is :D !!!! Price for such luxury? About $10 a day.

I know, I know, part of me and any sentient bleedin' heart human says, oh, no, you are EXPLOITING these people! No honey, you are employing them! There is a big difference: I pay better than average, for one, and I treat them as humans doing me a huge favor, not servants. The locals usually like to work for gringos because we treat them pretty well, on the whole. Wealthy Mexicans (excuse my generalization, but I'm pretty well versed on this subject) treat them as servants and pay the absolute minimum they can. Truth be told, sometimes they get irked at gringos who come in and pay more for less work, because it drives the market up. :eyesroll

:blah I am awake before Sol this morning! Unheard of! Are you learning Spanish? Muy importante!

[lucenamama]

Hey E,

Well it looks like we're not getting to Mexico until March. :( We're putting off selling our condo until January. But Mexico is still in our plan!

I plan to have some kind of domestic help there -- probably a weekly gig for a housekeeper/cook. I'm w/you -- I don't think giving someone work and paying them well for it is exploitation.

As far as Spanish: I've been "studying" Spanish off and on for years. Ahora mismo, mi espanol es muy muy pobre. :bag: I've travelled through Mexico about a month and a half in all. I worked w/Spanish speaking families when I lived in San Diego for 3 years, then lived a year in Barcelona. I'd hoped to become fluent there, but I was teaching English and living w/first husband (he was German so we had to speak English). I definitely have enough to get around. I want to finally get over the inner hump and just be fluent already.

[madelu]

Hi All! My SIL told me that there was this thread here, and I thought it would be interesting to take a boo at it. She posted way up above.

I'm living in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero with my DS and DH right now. We've been here for a couple of months now, but I haven't really met any other mommies. Does evryone put their kids in care? I haven't found anything else to do with my DS(He's one) besides hang out at home and the beach. I think he's starting to get bored. I am thinking about trying to start some kind of a drop-in here. Any other ideas?

[elsanne]

Hola Madelu!!! Okay, I'm coming to visit RIGHT AWAY!!!! :lol I have always wanted to visit Zihua. What brought you there?

At about age 1 (mine's 1.5) I started to notice that she needed some input other than me & the house every day, and so we'd just go to the park, or to a friend's house (I know a lot of mamas here)...and then I started working part time when she was like 1 yr 3 mos, and she went to a sitter's house who has 3 kids of her own, and she LOVES it there. I think she really digs feeling like one of a pack of kids.

I just got back from Puerto Vallarta from a mini-vacation and LOVED it. I've been in the desert too long!!

Nice to meet you, Madelu!

P.S. Everybody I just found out I'm PREGNANT!!! Oh. My. God!!!! This is very exciting although I'm ready to throw DH out the window.

[lucenamama]

:hola: Madelu!

Congrats E.! :throb How exciting! Sorry about the DH....

Still plan on getting down there sometime early next year, all depends on selling the place and saving enough $$. I have the weather for SMA and Oaxaca on my Yahoo page and look at it wistfully..... :(

[elsanne]

Thanks for the congrats! I am psyched and DH can stay inside now, we have some relative peace.

oxo
e

[madelu]

Hey Elsanne and Lucenamama! Congratulations Elsanne! YEAH! :bouncy

You're welcome to come for a visit anytime! We're not that far! Ah, but how I wish you were here...I've only met one other mommy down here so far and she's working so I haven't had time to connect. :(

My DS is doing great so far- he loves the beach. But he does need some playtime and other stimulation. I feel a bit weird about putting him in a daycare just for that, but what else can I do?

[madelu]

Sorry Elsanne, I didn't answer your question. My husband (and therefore I too!) accepted a job with a Canadian company with a hotel here. So he's working and I'm mothering. We've committed to at least two years and then we'll see from there. We've only been here three months so far, but we really like it. This is our second stint in Mexico. Previously we were in Oaxaca while I was doing some teacher training. But that was w/o baby! This is truly a different experience. :lol

[lucenamama]

Elsanne, glad DH is behaving....for now :mischief .

Madelu, what about just part time daycare? Or is there anything like a co-op so you could be there too sometimes? I'm at a point now w/DD (~19 mos) that I wouldn't mind if she were at childcare w/other lil folks for a few hours once a week. Mama needs a break sometimes! When were you in Oaxaca? That's where we hope to stay for a few mos next year.

[madelu]

I'm working on creating some opportunities here. There is no such thing as a drop-in or library program, so I'm going to see if I can start something. I'm just not entirely sure how to get started at this point, but it will come!

I was in Oaxaca about five or six years ago now. We just loved it.

[elsanne]

I think a little part time daycare is just awesome. Maybe not a daycare daycare, because that's like too many kids, but maybe there's a local SAHM that could watch her for a bit--I randomly saw this woman near my house, and liked her maternal face, and discovered she had 3 kids and now she watches Sol 3 x a week for 3 hours or so, during which time Sol follows her kids around and plays and has generally a great time.

I love the library and drop in ideas, too!

Plus--and this is amazing synchronicity--a few blocks from where I live (outside of town, so what are the chances) a woman opened a waldorf-inspired preK, for ages 2-4! Sol will totally be going there in 6 months!

[madelu]

Hey - fantastic about the waldorf inspired pre-k! I wish there was something lik ethat here. Ah well, with time!

So are you in San Miguel for good now? How's your Spanish? Is Sol bilingugal?

[elsanne]

I am definitely here for a while....it all depends on how long I can support myself down here. I have a good job right now, so it's looking good!

I am fluent in Spanish, happily: I was a Spanish teacher in the States, and have all sorts of experience in latin america (peace corps volunteer in guatemala & several student stints in Mexico & Ecuador)...had several Latino boyfriends along the way that really aided the fluency factor... :lol

Sol is definitely bilingual, right now I am her only English input. Her words are about half n half right now.

What 'bout you?

[Briigid]

Hello- I'm thinking of to coming stay in SMA pretty soon. I was doing research on the town and found a link to this Mothering tribes stuff. It's the first time I've seen the Mothering Online Forum. I have a 9 year old daughter and was really into Mothering when I was pregnant and when she was little. I don't think there was this cyber community then but I wasn't in computer land in those days so maybe I just missed it.

Anyway, I'm needing some adventure in my life and have decided to go for it. I've been doing state enviro policy work for a year and a half and I just can't take sitting in a cubicle in front of a computer anymore right now. I'm going to quit my job here pretty soon. :mischief

My idea is to live in Mexico for about six months and volunteer with CASA. I am re-exploring becoming a midwife. I was interested in that path prior to mammahood and did some midwifery education and became a doula, but put it on hold after my daughter was born. Now she's getting bigger and I'm seriously considering following the midwife path. I truly love pregnancy and birth and connecting with women in that sacred vulnerable space. I have to decide though if I really want to go back to school and incurr any more debt ... :nut

We will drive down to San Miguel de Allende from Olympia, WA with our dog and cat, I'm thinking in Feb. or March, and find a palce to rent.

It's a bit scarry for me to leave our well established community here and venture into the unknown. :innocent But what I've read about SMA here has been reassuring, sounds like there's a fun community and opportunities to connect. I'm so excited to find there's a Waldorf School. Any idea how much tuition is there for the grades, or approx how many kids are in the 3rd grade class?

Bridget

[elsanne]

Briigid! Welcome to the forums here and how very exciting about your move to SMA!!! I have spent lots of time in Olympia, I grew up in the Portland area.

How very exciting you're going to un-job!

SMA resources: craigslist.com (for rentals), sanmiguelportal.com, there are more but they escape me...
The waldorf school, Los Charcos, is about...oh jeez...maybe $200/mo. tuition, I think? I have several connections there to start you off. It's a great place.
CASA is amazing, the midwives from there attended Sol's birth and will attend this one too (due in July). I know several people who are connected there too so I can hook ya up.

Wow what a road trip from all the way up yonder, and with animals and everything! Yay! Many have done it before, neverfear!
February is high season here and can be difficult to find a place to stay. You may want to rent something for one month online, to have a place to land, it will be more expensive than what you find here but the peace of mind may just be worth it.

3rd grade class I think is about 10ish kids...no more than 15 for sure. Maybe even less than 10.
I am very close to the woman who founded the school who knows all the answers to these questions but is up in the states right now healing from breast cancer so I don't have easy quick answers.

Keep me posted of your progress and as it gets closer I'll give you my phone # etc...

I will also keep my eyes peeled for rentals. What's your budget and space requirements? Keep in mind that SMA is more expensive than Mexico, indeed the most expensive city IN Mexico, but it is very possible to live inexpensively. It all depends on what you need.

[Briigid]

Hola Elsanne, Thanks for the info and your offers to hook me up, I'm excited to connect with you. My daughter Cailleach (Kaliya) loves toddlers. One of her friends has a 2 year old sister and Cailleach often spends more time playing with the little one than with her friend when she's over there. So I imagine she would love to play with your little girl. How's the 1st trimester with toddler going for you?

So I have some thoughts about our plans and a couple questions for you, but please don't feel pressure to investigate anything for me, I'm sure you have a lot to take care of...
I've done a bit of research on rentals. There is a place called La Senda maybe a half hour outside of town that is an organic farm and may have rental space for us. Have you heard of it? I guess its in the opposite direction from the Waldorf School so it would be quite a long drive for school. The rent would be about 400/month and they might do a work trade so that is appealing.

I am hoping to find something small and simple but beautiful. We don't need more than 1 bedroom and could even do a studio, we won't have any furniture. I do need to be able to let our dog outside so I guess we need a yard. Whats it like to live in the country side there, any thoughts?

I also want to look into the Montessori school, is it right in town?

I'm also looking at rentals in town. The ones I've seen online are kind of on the pricey side, vacation rental types. Thanks for keeping your eye out for me. We are fairly flexible about when we come so if you hear of a good space available sooner that Feb. its worth letting me know. Are there any areas of town (i.e. north vs. south or near certain landmarks) that you'd recommend as more alternative/artistic?

I'd love to hear your ideas - at your leisure. Blessings to you and your famillia.

[elsanne]

Bet you are getting excited! I am just now finishing the first tri and got through unscathed! :lol It's been a thousand percent better than my pregnancy with Sol. Very little discomfort except lots of bloating after every meal (minor! compared to last time! ah!).

The organic farm sounds great, except honestly when you first get here it's nice to be in town to get a feel for it. I live a teeny ways outside of town and love it. I am kind of a country girl in that way although it was great to live in town when I first got here. My recommendation is to live in town for the first month and go check out the farm. See if it'll work out. Don't wanna be committed there until you're pretty sure.
San Miguel is divided into colonias, and most of them are pretty good in terms of places to live: Centro, Guadalupe, Guadiana, San Antonio, oh goodness there are lots. I lived in an inexpensive, middle class Mexican neighborhood for over a year and liked that--very close to trail walking, not terribly far from town (walking distance but it was a good walk)...that was Bella Vista. There are some to avoid but I think they make themselves evident as you visit them. It's all about what colonia you're in. San Antonio would be my first recommendation in terms of price, closeness to el centro, and everything else.

Carrusel, the montessori school, is right in town. Not in the centro but going out toward where I think this farm (La Senda) is. I haven't heard of the farm but that doesn't mean anything.

The houses you will find online will be pricey, they're the only ones that can afford or consider promoting themselves online. I hmmmm wait a minute....I know of an apt. in the San Antonio colonia that actually is part of a larger "hacienda" type hotel (guesthouse). I can't remember what it rents for but I want to say like 600, which is high (because it's a guesthouse) but I would recommend biting the bullet on the first month here while you then check out where you want to live. Most places here are furnished because most people coming are just like you and me! No furniture!

The way to find a good, inexpensive place to live is by word of mouth. You walk around the neighborhoods you like and stop in the tiendas to ask if they know of anything for rent. The local bilingual newspaper Atencion also occasionally has deals for rent, but don't despair when you look in there, again they are catering to a public with more $$. Get the word out among the people you meet (other parents at school, etc) that you are looking for a place to rent. In Mexico, it's all about who you know and talking to people on the street. Not the want ads.

Yay!

[Briigid]

Hi Elsanne, Hope you had a nice holiday. We had fun visiting family near Mt Hood and then friends came to visit from BC. Becky my friend / sister moved with her family to BC about a year and a half ago. She and her husband 3 kids ages 7, 5, and 2. Her oldest is one of my daughters best friends and they were so happy to see each other. They are so happy to have expatriated even with the immigration complications. They are interested in maybe coming to Mexico too if Becky's husband Christain can get an ESL job. Becky teaches kids art classes at a community center in Vancouver.

I'm thinking more about what I'll do in SMA. I'm wondering if I will be able to volunteer at CASA with very little Spanish. I guess I'll just have to feel things out when I get there. I do plan to set up a rental for 1 month before I come so we have somewhere to land. I appreciate your advice about living in town. I tend toward hermit but I really do want to immerse us in the culture and language there so it makes sense to be in town...There is a place called Casa Marcia on the road Las Muertas that has caught my attention - it appears to be on the northwest side of town according to my map a few blocks from the library. Do you think it would be an okay neighborhood? I let folks at work know I'm leaving and negotiated a timeframe. I'll stay till the end of February to help with the legislative session. We'll leave in the first half of March and arrive in SMA in early April after visiting family in Colorado. I'm really excited and a bit nervous about the drive. What do you think about driving in Mexico? Have you done any road trips there? Do you think it would be safe to drive from SMA to Oaxaca (driving during daylight hours)?

Take care, Bridget

[elsanne]

Hi Bridget,

Ah on the road to Las Huertas? I've never heard of Las Muertas although that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Anyplace within a few blocks of the library will be great. What is the address?

It will be a challenge to volunteer at CASA with very little Spanish but entirely possible. They don't tend to speak English as far as I know...most of the foreigner-oriented things and places do, so in terms of that it's quite comfortable. Of course there are tons of Spanish schools & teachers.

Teaching ESL and art classes are both very possible, and pay a pittance. Not much to support a family on unless they have other income as well.

Road trips! Oh boy have I done road trips in Mexico. I've driven back & forth a total of 7 times, so yes I can give you some pointers.

Things to consider:
a)bring your car's paperwork in order, original title. Don't need insurance papers from U.S. or registration, although bring it just in case. My preg memory is foggy.

b) the toll highways are extensive and in excellent shape, like our freeway system except it costs money. From Calif. or Ariz. on down will cost you about $100 in tolls, so be ready for that. I usually cross at Eagle Pass, Texas, going a bit east for two reasons (but I was also only driving from Albuquerque):
1)gas is cheaper in the u.s. (about 3.50 a gallon here)
2) the highway is 57 all the way to the san miguel exit--easy easy
3) (okay, there are more than two!) the tolls on 57 total about $17. Unheard of, but because it's not as popular a route as the bigger border towns it happens.
4) the roads in the U.S. are overall better and from eagle pass it's a 12 hr long hard day but that's what I used to do. Since I had Sol I have only flown.
5) do not fear the mexican highways. There are military checkpoints, smile & be friendly, they're not out to get you.
6) Many have done it before you and lived to tell. I had a friend, a single woman with NO SPANISH, drive down here from Oregon. Wow.
7) I hate! border towns and eagle pass is almost quaint. You couldn't pay me to pass at nogales or tijuana or laredo again. There are small towns along the calif. & arizona borders too.
8) I did the trip all by myself about 4 of those 7 times.
9) if you have a camper vehicle you can camp at gas stations (that's what the truckers do, it's well lit and safe and free with restrooms). It's not lovely, but it works. otherwise just pick a hotel along the way and enjoy the ride.
10) There is usually a toll ("cuota") option and a free ("libre") option around cities...ALWAYS take the toll option. Faster, better, and no chance of getting lost.

Hope those help. Bet you're getting excited!

[Briigid]

Thanks for your reply, I feel much better and excited we'll be able to explore Oaxaca safely! I looked at the map for crossing at Eagle Pass and it seems like the way to go. Thanks so much for the boarder crossing recommendation, my nuevo laredo anxiety is gone! We have reserved a place in SMA for April on the road Animas near the Marcado.
I will most likely set Cailleach up to go to school and find a Spanish program for myself for the first couple months we're there.
Best wishes to you an thanks again you've been a great help!
:Peace
Bridget

[madacebo]

Hi everyone, I'm so happy to have found this thread.

My family and I will be moving to Mexico City in April or May. I'm pregnant and due in September. I just found out, much to my dismay, that my insurance company (Kaiser Permanente) will cover exactly none of the medical costs associated with pregnancy while I'm outside the U.S.

I've never lived in Mexico and just barely visited. Can anyone give me an idea about what I should expect to pay out of pocket there (el DF), assuming a good ob/gyn, the normal 2nd and 3rd trimester visits and tests, a good clinic (not necessarily the best, but up to U.S. standards), and a vaginal birth? My son (age 3 1/2) was born in Santiago, Chile (where I am right now), and had we paid out of pocket I would have spent about $70 per doctor visit and $2000 for the delivery, everything included.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[elsanne]

Hi Madacebo,

I think the chilean prices sound pretty comparable to here! Pretty much exactly what I would guess for el defe.

So you are going to chilangolandia....I am due in July here in san miguel de allende, if you ever want to make a trip (3 hrs)...could be a fun weekend jaunt.

[madacebo]

Hi Elsanne,

Thanks for the info and congrats on your July baby! From what I've read here and elsewhere, San Miguel de Allende sounds like a really nice place, I'm sure I'll be visiting sometime.

Another question, what's a good web site for the millions of other moving-to-Mexico questions I have? :)

[elsanne]

shoot madacebo, I've been racking my brain and can't think of any websites although I know one exists whose name I can never remember.

:( Sorry I'm no help about websites!
I know sanmiguelportal.com exists but think it's mainly commercial...

[mami_guera]

This is the coolest link Ive ever seen! I am not in mexico but my husband is mexican and we have 3 daughters. I am born in the US but am half Mexican. I would love to go live in Mexico. My husband comes from a small "ranch" in Nyarit. He hated it there but living somewhere where there is more education might be different. What state are u in? What is the cost of living there? Is there many jobs? Thanks, this is so cool.

[elsanne]

Hola Mami Guera,

Yeah we are lovin it down here! I am in Guanajuato and the cost of living is HIGH, high, high, and the jobs are not abundant like up yonder but can be found with perseverance! Apparently San Miguel is as expensive or more expensive than Puerto Vallarta now...:eyesroll

Lovin the Mexican thang, however. Glad you joined us!

[mami_guera]

Happy Mother's Day Wow, that expensive huh? How do u guys do it there? Your pics are really cute by the way. I really like the way it sounds there. Family is first and it isn't such a face paced lifesyle. I would love to teach "under privileged" children, but I have no idea how to go about doing something like that. Like I said in my last reply, my husband is not very excited about the idea of living in Mexico because of his childhood. How did u guys end up there? Is your husband from there? Can u recommend any other areas?

[elsanne]

Hey Mami Guera, happy mother's day to you too! Basically I came down here with some savings from selling my house, which sustained me for a couple years living REALLY frugally, then I found odd jobs here n there, leading to what is now a stable part time job with a friend's jewelry business. DH is Mexican, from here, I met him here. He is an artist (painter) and makes almost no money so he is not much help...except for the year we lived rent-free in a house owned by his family.

[mami_guera]

Any other good ideas of where to raise a family in Mexico?

[elsanne]

I'd say it really depends on several factors: how into it youguys both are (if DH is only lukewarm, gonna be hard...) and if you can support yourselves until something or some way of making $$ surfaces. Massage therapist? Make jewelry? Know anyone with connections (that's what it's all about in Mexico)? Are you able to ditch out of life up yonder for a while, and maybe keep in mind going back if need be? i.e., Credit card or car or house or school debt, etc. It's not like the States where you just go to any old store or restaurant and get a job until something better comes along. Come down as if on extended vacation, then see what avenues open up.

[mami_guera]

Hola, como estan? Gracias por todos tus consejos. People don't really come here much anymore do they? Is there another site in spanish on Mothering?

[elsanne]

Tienes razon....busca en "finding your tribe" foro y ahi hay un hilo para las hispanohablantes...creo que estan muy activas.
:wink

[mami_guera]

Thanks, your always so much help!:love