We have the Rhythm of the Surf

Jan23
2012 8 Comments Written by John Calypso

Obama Everyone has seen a movie or three where the pages of a calendar flip by to depict the passing of time. It seems like time passes like those flipping calendar pages here in Puerto Escondido. We are already well into the second half of our time here.

The weather remains spectacular.

Yesterday we watched some football. We are not the sports fan we used to be. A combination of things in life has torn us away. Certainly the ridiculous infighting (for more money – not the game itself) has had a losing that lovin’ feeling affect. Moving to Mexico has separated us (football and me).

We have added the watching of the occasional soccer football game – but truth is it is not something to watch without a Kindle nearby. It can be dreadfully slow.

The two football games played yesterday were fun to watch – close, well played games. We remembered that we use to say the playoffs and not the big dance were always the best games. The two games played yesterday support that theory.

We use to know the players, the plays and much of the strategy involved in many sports like baseball, tennis, golf, football and even some motor car racing. The fact that they are all such big businesses has taking some of the edge off it all for us. The advancing technology that brings those events into one’s living room is pretty amazing. We also use to be much more integrated with all that. Now just a spectator like millions of others.

We can add that we have seen every Superbowl, and that streak will continue. Most were a bit disappointing; and we are pretty sure when they started featuring spinoff segments and even entire shows of the game’s best/worst commercials that it was all too much for us.

Give us a good book on the Kindle and the sound of the surf that somehow seems to be in sync with our heart beats and we are happy campers.

Does this read like we are getting old or perhaps coming closer to our senses (the good ones)? Hard to say but it is what it is as Howard Cosell might have said.

Sports events will still get more air time with us than the political season that is upon us. We are not interested in who is the lesser political evil Newt or Mitt. We think we started really losing interest with all that when we left that country seven years ago and names like George, Thomas, and John were replaced with Barack (Hussein Obama), Mitt and Newt. – Oh my!

We did get our FM3 cards today – good to go for another year. It took only three visits this time – down from five last time Stay Tuned!

Posted in Around Mexico, Frugal Travelers, Mexico, Opinion, The States, The Weather, Thinking Out Loud

Continuing the FM3 Quest

Jan18
2012 9 Comments Written by John Calypso

We made it through the second visit at the Puerto Escondido Migration office. A trailer at the edge of the airport complex.

As previously noted to be able to rely on another experience is very questionable especially during the process of obtaining a visa here in Mexico.

That written there are a couple of absolutes and suggestions that should help and are standardized throughout the Country.

To begin the fees for a one year visa referred to as an FM3 (the name has been change to confuse the innocent and yet it lingers on). For a non-working visitor’s annual visa ”FM3”: 550 pesos ($40.75 U.S.) to apply first time (a one-time application fee for your first year up until the fifth time around when you will start anew if you do not chose to move on to an FM2.

You will also pay for the first visa and renewals 1451 pesos ($107.50 U.S.). Again this is throughout the Country.

You can take that to the bank – literally. You will be issued a billing voucher that should be taken to the bank of your choice. You pay and bring back the receipt to the office. No dinero will change hands at the migration office.

Relating to that exercise we went to the bank Monday the 16th. This is NOT recommended – going to the bank near the 1st or the 15th. The amount of transactions and thus people in the bank is huge! We waited for more than an hour at the local HSBC bank (not on our recommended list of banks by the way). But I am getting ahead here.

Initially and as far as I can tell universally, you must apply first online at: www.inami.gob.mx – basically you will perform a data entry function. Upon completion of the form you will receive a number (Pieza Number) that identifies your input. Write or print the number to give to the migration officer that you visit. We also printed out the form that is made available in PDF format. There are a lot of sites on the web that will walk you through filling out the online document. We started here for help:

http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/moving-to-mexico-fmm-fm2-or-fm3/

The best tip you will receive anywhere on the Internet is this: Just after or even before you fill out the Internet form you should visit the INM office in your area. There you should get best information as to what is required. This will save a lot of guess work relating to what is required.

Visiting the local migration office and getting the straight scoop will save a lot of headaches. Also you should get the name of the person you are working with and try and stick to him/her like glue. It has been noted that a visit to the same INM office where you may encounter another official could add to the confusion – requirements may change.

The Calypso Couple went to the first meeting with our U.S. passports, current Mexican visas, three months banking records, an introductory request letter and more as directed on the above mentioned Internet site. We ended up needing to redo most of the paperwork we had prepared when precise requirements were clarified at the office.

The official went over what we each needed (my requirements were slightly different being a first time applicant). He asked when we would return. We agreed to return the same time the next day – acting quickly before they forget or change policies is a good idea.

On that first visit we had supplied enough information to both get vouchers to pay. I received the initial application fee voucher and Anita received a voucher for the standard annual fee (mentioned above).

The banks in Mexico are much like the Motor Vehicle Departments in the U.S. – they are understaffed and mostly treat the long lines of people like cattle waiting in the hot sun to be branded. When did this all get away from us as people? Really it is often a humiliating and debasing process – waiting in their lines and then talking through glass to Stepford wife type individuals. Believe me when I tell you George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) and Uncle Billie are not waiting to serve you.

The next day after getting Anita’s new photos, correcting and making more copies we returned to the INM office. It went pretty smoothly. We both were issued NUT numbers. With a NUT number we can login to the Internet to see the status of our processing paperwork.

The officials requested a phone number to notify us when to come in even with the NUT access. We do not have any kind of phone – just Internet. So they gave a number to call them. Even though the Internet site may say we are good to go and come on in – they may be too busy there at their tiny little trailer packed with four hombres with computers, printers and boxes of documents stacked from floor to ceiling.

We will call next Monday when we will hopefully be near done until next year when we can do it all again – and maybe with a whole new set of rules and laws that are supposedly on the horizon. Stay Tuned!

Posted in Frugal Travelers, Mexico, Mexico-Travel, Opinion, Puerto Escondido

What You Need to Know About the Mexican Visa

Jan17
2012 6 Comments Written by John Calypso

For those of you that have been reading along, you already know I am an unapologetic libertarian. Also I tend to be quite rational. Thus I realize there is a lot about ‘real life’ and human nature that make pure libertarianism pretty much a pipe dream. But, truly less government is one of my hopes. And of course that is not going to happen.

Along with higher prices the new year brings with it an onslaught of red tape which usually is not completed until summer time or even into fall.

It can be written that Mexico has less rules and regulations than the United States. After being here seven years I can tell you that the shine on that apple has worn off a little. I have learned some of those less rules should really be here. And some of the rules that are here are even more oppressing than the ones we escaped from north of the Rio Bravo.

Many folks in the United States rankle at the fact that nearly all red tape there comes in multiple languages. They are especially bothered that red tape comes in Spanish – disliking placating their neighbors to the south. How many times have you heard someone say, “If you live here you need to speak the language.”?

You will be happy to know that Mexico lives by that standard; I am not.

Oh I speak enough Spanish to get by with a little help from mi esposa. Together we muddle through Mexican legalese however. After all we have bought three houses in Mexico, and a Mexican car and scooter. We have also bought enough appliances and things that need to be assembled to have learned or figured out much of that very special language – “Inserte la lengüeta en la ranura….”

I do not like to rant (those of you that are here regularly dummy up). BUT – trying to get a visa here in Mexico can be occasionally frustrating. OK let us put to bed those that will suggest or report on how great it is to pay $100 U.S. or more to have all that red tape handled by someone else. I am just too cheap and obstinate to release the moths from my wallet to have someone do what should be simple enough for even me to do – just saying.

Friday the games began. We started searching in earnest for all our documents and then information on the Internet on exactly how to get two Mexican annual visas. One will be a renewal and the other a first, entailing still more red tape and confusion.

Yes, it is true. Anita has been the legal one in the Calypso family – it suits her. I have been the misfit, the rebel, the illegal, the mojado. The fact is I have been in Mexico – at times – illegally; sans a current tourist visa.

Most would not consider being in this dangerous country without being here TOTALLY legally – they are smart. Me – well let us just leave that there because we are here to talk about getting legal by obtaining a visa. I am currently and embarking on being legal here in Mexico full time.

One of the more unique features of Mexico, at least compared to the United States, is the total lack of consistency relating to myriad rules. The visas are a highlight of that inconsistency. It is easy to understand how that has created the cottage industry of charging to assist in getting a visa. We have met several foreigners that make a living here in Mexico helping others get their visa. None were my kind of folks truth be told.

I am here to help you the reader with all things Mexico. There is no charge here. I do not sell books on living in Mexico (at least not yet). There is no fee for personal advice. It is just part of my libertarian make-up to want to help (he pats himself on the back here).

Truly in spite of this near altruistic quality, I have to report I cannot help when it comes to getting a visa – BECAUSE – of all the inconsistencies in Mexico – the instructions, directions and even word-of-mouth help is completely confusing due to the inconsistency of it all.

The rule is there are no hard and fast rules. Go from one migration office to another; read on one forum or another; read one Blog or another; talk to one person who has actually done it or another. Each experience will have many differing details. And this even occurs from year to year at the same migration office.

Just consider the process as a new learning experience each and every time you make the attempt or maybe hire someone to do it for you. Over at one helpful web site where detailed information is available, they have a clever saying “[TIM]” which translates to remember “This Is Mexico”. This referring to the fact that your experience may be different. We are encountering a lot of [TIM]’s working towards our visas.

Whew! I fee l better now. ‘Gotta go start another day that includes the second visit this go round to the migration office over by the airport. At least we have great weather and I can do it in shorts and a t-shirt (so what am I complaining about?) I will take my Kindle, relax and have fun with it. Stay Tuned for some pointers with the [TIM] caveat.

Posted in Around Mexico, Frugal Travelers, Mexico, Mexico-Travel, Opinion

Hopeless Romantic

Jan10
2012 19 Comments Written by John Calypso

You are lucky if you find someone once in your life – once in a life time.
The Calypso Couple just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.
Call me a hopeless romantic because I can still believe in true love.
Hopeless romantics can still find a way to make true love last these days.
El sueño continúa…
Happy Anniversary Señora Calypso

Posted in Friends, General, In The News, Mexico Moment, Opinion, Traditions

A Dangerous Life

Jan07
2012 21 Comments Written by John Calypso

On several expat forums there is ‘conversation’ about some recent robberies and killings. Not a cheery subject. But, then rose colored glasses have never been a fashion statement of ours.

Two Canadian citizens were killed here in Mexico in the last couple of weeks.

Still closer to home, a friend came by the casa the other day. The amigo lives in Missouri. He traveled down to Puerto in his pickup with a motorcycle in the back like he did five years ago when we met him. But this time he was badly beaten and robbed roadside where he pulled over to rest (not recommended by the way).

Our friend is 63 years old. Five days after the beating the looks of his blackened, blue and purple face lead us to believe he was brutally beaten. His report from behind large sunglasses was sad and frightening to think about. A first for us – actually knowing a victim.

As one would expect the responses to robbery, home invasions, and subsequent deaths is varied. Some suggest the dangers know no boundaries. What happened here could have just as easily happened there. Others are literally packing up and heading to perceived safer areas – probably ‘home’ for frightened and disgruntled expats.

The Calypso Couple is not ready to pack it in. Our home(s) is in Mexico. The only difference we see being here as opposed to the United States is we chose to be here rather than having been born here. Other than that technicality we are home.

We need to make life work right here. Where for many rational reasons Mexico was chosen as home base, ground zero or no place like….

We feel freer here. Freedom does not come without a price.

In the more sensible amongst us there are two opposite principles fighting each other: the instinct of freedom and the instinct of security. These principles are especially dynamic here in Mexico.

Truly freedom can challenge security. Living in Mexico can challenge security. The playing field is not equal when the innocent are rendered defenseless by inane gun laws and corrupt police forces. We would feel better if we could own a gun or two – now there is a muck stirring statement.

We do have several metal baseball bats. The kind that surely would leave a lasting impression on a robber and would be murderer.

There are always those that suggest just giving up whatever the thieves/murderers are after. Do not resist because more often than not those that resist are the death victims. And admittedly there are those that simply must give it up like most women and the elderly (common targets for these monsters).

For us it is just hard to cotton to the idea of just graciously turning over our things to people making threatening demands to have those things. It is just our fabric to not want to comply; thieves please take note: you will not find an easy time of it here.

Up there north of the border where freedom is mostly a fond memory, it certainly does not smack of warm and safe. One commenter reported having been issued a map of the safe streets one could travel when disembarking a love boat cruiser for Mexican shores. Their comment was WHY would they get off the boat to that – to a place where you needed a map to avoid dangerous streets.

Here we were thinking we know plenty of streets in the good ol’ U.S. of A that we would not travel on. Plenty of places where one might encounter unfriendly s.

And as we all know if you will not go to them they will come to you. Unscrupulous people may break into your house and take your stuff, threaten your life and perhaps even kill you. They call it a ‘home invasion’ now. It pretty much matters not what part of town you live in. In fact the higher end or ‘safer communities’ may actually be at greater risk.

We all have heard the warnings about not flaunting your wealth. Keep those diamond rings and pearl necklaces under cover! Better to wear a Timex than a Rolex – hmm.

As foreigners we do not have the right to defend ourselves here in Mexico. Perhaps most would not arm themselves even if it were a legal option. We would even that playing field – just saying.

History shows us freedom does not come without cost. It seems like too many are willing to give it up without a whimper let alone a fight.

When a society allows prominence to voices claiming that individual freedom is evil – the Dark Ages are standing on its threshold. How many civilizations must perish before people realize this?

There are the lowest elements of man – those that without conscious steal and harm others for gain. Occasionally they choose the wrong victim. The tables are turned and they lose and even die. When those risks are in the equation second thoughts often prevail. So I for one will not be turning my stuff over with a smile if you come knocking on heaven’s gate or my door.

We should mention that if you do carry one of those marvelous metal baseball bat equalizers, you should also have a ball and glove nearby. Otherwise the policia might consider it a weapon and punish you for its possession. Anyone want to play catch? I have a ball and glove – oh and a nice shiny metal bat. Stay Tuned!

Posted in Friends, Frugal Travelers, In The News, Mexico-Travel, Shock & Dismay

The Iguanas Were Here First

Dec29
2011 16 Comments Written by John Calypso

The Calypso Couple have no pets. We have had dogs and birds over the years. Putting aside the costs and the travel problems, we gradually developed a lot of guilt over possessing animals.

In Colorado we had deer, squirrels and rabbits as constant companions in the yard.

We confess we fed them, perhaps unbalancing their survival in nature – but we treated it as supplemental rather than our being the source of their food.

Here in Puerto Escondido we live in iguana land. The fact that we have no cats or dogs seems to appeal to the iguanas – we have several living in our yard.

Recently one 3 footer has taken to living inside the casa with us – in our bedroom. We call this one Taco because many of the locals would prefer it that way – wrapped inside a taco. It is against the law, but they still manage to occasionally end up end up rolled up in tortillas. A delicacy we understand.

Since we share space with them we have been Googling them to find out more. Apparently they can make a good pet, and they are costly at that; often $200 U.S. or more. So we have more than a $1000 U.S. of these pets roaming out yard, climbing our walls and now sharing sleeping quarters with us.

Anita set some ground rules. Her acceptance of them in the house did not come quickly. The iguanas and I eased her into this communal living arrangement. We agreed to not put out dishes of water or supplement their diet inside the casa. This seemed like a fair compromise.

We read that iguanas can actually show affection to their owners. It is suggested they be stroked and handled early on. There is no physical contact to be had for the iguanas at the Calypso’s Casa. At least not to date.

I spend a lot of time at the computer each day. The ‘office’ setup is on the other side of a partial wall that divides the bedroom from a sitting room and office. Taco usually spends quite a bit of the day hanging out with me. He or she, we do not know, sits up on the wall or hangs atop over seeing our every move.

Now that Taco has a name and is accepted – it comes and goes each day. Shortly after sundown Taco gets located between an armoire and the dividing wall. We imagine it feels safe in there. But, certainly it seems to be an odd place to be comfortable.

One of our yard iguanas is missing its tail. Difficult to say if it was an animal or a person that ended up with a tail and no dinner. We do run off the occasional cat in the yard – we assume they are predators to the iguanas.

Over the years we never imagined getting friendly with lizards – but geckos and iguanas were here first and we are getting along just fine –thank you. Stay Tuned!

Posted in Around Mexico, Frugal Travelers, Merida, Mexico Moment, Mexico-Travel, Puerto Escondido

When It Rains It Pours

Dec25
2011 2 Comments Written by John Calypso

“When it rains it pours is often declared when bad things happen – but not this time. We have water. It is pouring and we are darn happy this Christmas morning!

Here is the happy story: Since the 15th of December our colonia (suburb) has not had running water. It seems the pump, and then the backup pump, went bad.

We assessed our storage volume a few days into the drought after being advised no running water may happen for a couple of weeks (which turned out to be true). Our two 1100 liter water storage tanks were half full – meaning we had 1100 liters or about 285 gallons.

We went on a major water conservation program. We started seeing water delivery trucks around the Hood. One neighbor who has a complex of housing was seen getting 20,000 liters and then another 10,000. Some of that water was graciously shared with neighbors. It is nice seeing people pull together.

Everyone in the Hood was pretty much looking like they needed a shower for days – we certainly did. Our Australian friend’s that operate El Lugar Restaurant on the beach road told us of a place on the Colotepec river just a couple miles away where we could bathe. It did not come to that for us – but that trip was scheduled for Christmas day.

We will not go into the details – let us just say those wash and wipe packets helped us sleep in the same bed.

Christmas Eve before sundown the water came on at nearly its scheduled time. We normally receive water via the colonia pipes on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday for 3 to 5 hours.
The church bells rang out and we scrambled to the showers – hooray!

And our colonia is in the news. It is touted as, “The Punta is probably Puerto’s fastest growing neighborhood and its most diverse.” The entire edition of the latest Viva Puerto is dedicated to La Punta, our area.

You may have read about Viva Puerto here last April. Barbara Schaffer is the editor and publisher of this informative magazine. Here around town it is free and quite prominently available. Viva Puerto is also available for reading right here on the Internet.

Schaffer’s La Punta issue has some informative history and some commentary regarding buying land and housing here. We highly recommend checking it out.

In the cause of fair and balanced reporting let us make a few comments regarding an article in Viva Puerto about buying property via an acta de posesion (an act of possession). “The acta is similar to a deed or title (escritura publica)….”; An acta may include the use of a prestanombre, placing the land in someone else’s name.

Last January we went into much detail about the process of purchasing property this way (see three-part story).

To add a couple of points because Schaffer’s comments are decidedly negative. It should be noted that she lives in an area of Puerto Escondido which has titles (escritura publica) that are registered with Mexico’s federal land office. This is certainly a more conventional purchasing method, but we have to differ with the article’s characterization regarding using a prestanombre to “…get around the law. (Think of the bum in front of a liquor store who will, for a few dollars, buy liquor for a teenager and you have a picture of the legal status of the prestanombre and his client).” Ouch!

The article continues, “For that reason a private (not registered) escritura is also not an option since it is unenforceable. (You can’t present a contract for an illegal transaction to a judge).” This is not entirely factual – rather frightening at that.

An act of possession issued by the communal board is legal and will secure your right to ownership. If you select an established communal community and if you carefully choose a person who is naturalized or a citizen of Mexico who has no intention or desire to bilk you out of your property then you will be OK. Honest people exist, in fact many more times than not – the odds are in your favor – again with careful selection. The kinds of problems alluded to in the Viva Puerto magazine are possible yet rare.

At closing your lawyer should have the person acting as a prestanombre sign a limited power of attorney allowing you, the actual buyer, to transact business in the prestanombre’s name. Short of the prestanombre dying the buyer has complete rights to sell the property or place it in another name. Hardly to be likened to soliciting a bum to buy alcohol for a minor.
There are literally thousands of Mexican properties owned via the prestanombre vehicle – most successfully.

Regarding the prestanombre being illegal – in the strictest sense of the word this is true. I personally have had several Mexican and U.S. lawyers tell me they have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for having a prestanombre. There are situations wherein a buyer will use an acta and prestanombre to avoid the more costly fideicomiso process – definitely skirting the law and not recommended. It is a fact those that try to litigate prestanombre issues will find the courts do not recognize that type of agreement.

Our lawyer also advised not spending money on an agreement between us and the person acting as a prestanombre – again because the courts will not recognize the process as legal and binding. Choosing the right person as a prestanombre is critical.

We did a lot of due diligence during the months leading up to closing our property purchase here in La Punta. I was told by our real estate agent, and I quote, “I´m glad you talked to [the attorney] and have them working for you. It´s all going to work out and your thoroughness will leave no stone unturned.” (Emphasis mine). This hardly reads as if we grabbed a bum off the street to do our transaction for us.

We whole heatedly agree with Schaffer’s advice at the end of the article which reads, “Your best guarantee of the legitimacy of an acta in Punta is to pay for the services of Vicki Cole of Zicatela Properties.” There are others with the skills to negotiate this process and Vicki Cole is a fine example. We also recommend not doing any of this without the services and advice of a Notario (Mexican lawyer).

We are very happy in La Punta, feeling as if it is a very special place. Stay Tuned!

Posted in Mexico, Oaxaca, Opinion, Puerto Escondido, Traditions

Christmas Furniture and Appliances

Dec24
2011 Leave a Comment Written by John Calypso

The Calypsos do not typically give each other Christmas presents. Together 25 years we pretty much have everything we need or want – if we do want something we just buy it – do not wait for a holiday. This year is an exception.

Over at Sparks Blog from Melaque he writes about a clever clay stovetop constructed by his neighbor.

This started the wheels churning about a stovetop dilemma we have. We thought maybe just a barbeque.

Below stacked brick barbeque featured at a local restaurant here in Puerto Escondido.

The above barbeque first caught our eye when the grill was adorned with a small sail fish head cooking away.

1st Mate’s report on her new 21st Century induction stovetop caused us to want to know more. We decided to get one to help with our breeze problem. The one where the gas stove flame gets blown out – often. This situation occurs here in Puerto in our very open living condition as well as similar living and problem in Xico.

We decided to buy a single burner induction stovetop for Anita – a Christmas gift. We fully realize that we are not supposed to be giving an appliance to our better half rather something more personal and sweet. But, we went with the practical figuring – hey been married 22 years, this will be OK.
Not so fast!

The best I could get was, “You bought something for the two of us for Christmas.”
I can live with that.

Then there was the…

…ACAPULCO CHAIRS

The Acapulco chair is iconic and has been around since the 1950′s. It personifies retro cool and was inspired by the Mayan weaving technique. The chair is made with a hand painted iron frame and flexible vinyl cord. Manufactured right here in Puerto Escondido, and, oh so comfortable! Most Mexican chairs are straight backed and not comfortable – these babies are the exception.

These authentic Acapulco Chairs from Mexico are available in the United States for the low, low price of $480.00 U.S.

One Internet retailer describes it this way:

“The Acapulco Chair was born next to the famous “La Quebrada” divers cliff in Acapulco Bay, a place and time haunted by Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and where John and Jacqueline Kennedy headed for their honeymoon – in the 1950′s.

A Mexican artisanal hand crafted chair, The Acapulco Chair has succeeded in giving a new aesthetic dimension to everyday materials, such as recycled plastic and construction steel bars. In bright and monochromatic colors, The Acapulco Chair delivers great comfort thanks to its flexible shell, and is equally appealing in the living room or terrace than it is in urban locations, such as sandy beaches and downtown promenades, making it perfect for all seasons.

Join the project and sit with us!

MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION
Electrostatic powder-coated steel frame with recycled UV filtered PVC woven cord shell. Constructed individually by Mexican artisans.”

There is a local fellow that welds the frames together using construction rebar and the recycled UV filtered PVC. Our beach casa came with a ragged and rusted version of the Acapulco chair. We have been searching for the local chair maker with little luck until yesterday. There he was on the side of the road. He has been hard for us to catch.

We bought a lovely electric blue chair for 300 MX pesos or $23.00 US (asking price was 350 pesos). Managed to load it into the Jetta – just.

After, we explained we had a frame we wanted re-strung and painted – part of his regular service in this beach area where harsh sun rays and salt air will take their toll on the comfortable chairs.

The hombre offered to come by the casa and pickup the frame for repair. We drew him a map figuring it was unlikely he would actually show up – but we played along.

True to his word Saturday morning he showed up at Casa Mariah del Mar. We were pleasantly surprised. Actually he had a new chair in the yellow color we wanted. He allowed a trade in rather than coming back with the repaired chair. We paid 150 MX pesos (currently $11.50 U.S.) for the exchange. Of course we were totally pleased!

Merry Christmas to us and Merry Christmas to you and yours from the Calypso Couple.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Stay Tuned!

Posted in Around Mexico, Frugal Travelers, Mexico, Mexico-Travel, Puerto Escondido

Frida for Christmas

Dec21
2011 10 Comments Written by John Calypso

My wife is quick to point out that I was a Frida Kahlo – Diego Rivera fan way before they became popular icons. It is a fact. Their lives were so complex and compelling that they have been embraced, admired and talked about for reasons that go beyond their art – which could have certainly been enough.

Of course their origins are pure Mexicano. Diego María de la Concepción Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y Rodríguez – his name alone ellicts curiosity. And her tragic story defining much of her art is quite dramatic.

In the last seven years of living here in Mexico we have noticed quite an increase in holiday commerce. Mexico marketers have learned from their big brother north of the border how to titillate the fancy of Mexicano consumers by way of holiday gift giving.

We are amazed at the number of cell phone sales stores scattered about the small beach town of Puerto Escondido. Those insidious little devices that have people staring into their tiny screens like zombies are a holiday gift giving bonanza for retail marketers.

Anything with Frida on it is also popular. From key chains and scarves to t-shirts and even furniture Frida’s image abounds. The other day we were having lunch just west of Puerto in the lagoon area. A group of European travelers were also at the restaurant. There was the Frida tote bag.

A souvenir tote bag large enough to accommodate a lot of other souvenirs. We thought it interesting that the imaged bag included her name in type. We supposed there still are a few who do not know who that exotic, sultry confluence-browed icon is. Around these parts the image and identity need no defining. She would make a fine gift – would she not? Stay Tuned!

Posted in Around Mexico, Frugal Travelers, Mexico Moment, Mexico-Travel, Puerto Escondido, Traditions

Annual Exchange Rate Financials

Dec17
2011 Leave a Comment Written by John Calypso

A lot of folks ask about the cost of living in Mexico. The amount with which one can live comfortably in Mexico is of course greatly debatable. After all “what is comfortably” must first be defined. Thus we will leave that debate alone.

We believe it can be written that you can live on less in Mexico than in Canada or the United States when evaluating comparable life styles. We might suggest that $2000.00 U.S. dollars will enable a comfortable living situation in Mexico. Less than $1,500 U.S. would probably not be described as comfortable.

Some belittle those that watch the peso to dollar exchange rate. We found after charting 13 months of exchange rates we personally experienced a $210.00 U.S. swing between the best and worst exchange rates. That is exchanging U.S. dollars for 12,000 Mexican pesos (about our monthly average – remembering we do not pay rent). $210 U.S. dollars would equate to about 10% of our monthly expenses – not trivial really.

Admittedly, we do watch the exchange rate and make some effort to cash dollars for pesos at more opportune times (mostly a guessing game). All that written, below you see a chart of 6000 peso purchases with U.S. dollars. This represents the maximum amount that appears as a withdrawal option= on a list of fixed increment exchanges at Santander ATM’s.

Santander is connected with Bank of America who currently seems to be the best bank for exchanging dollars for pesos in our experience. It should be written there is no physical Santander bank in Puerto Escondido – but there is an ATM at the Chedraui Supermarket. There are a number of Santander banks in the Xalapa-Coatepec-Xico area.

In the seven years we have been exchanging dollars for pesos as memory serves 15.2 pesos to the U.S. dollar and slightly below 10 pesos to the dollar have been the absolute extremes. Slightly more than a 50% swing – not trivial. We are currently closer to the best exchange rate ending 2011.

On the chart below the best exchange rate (just a couple of weeks ago) is in BLUE and the worst exchange rate is in RED. It should be noted that there is a large gap of four months between December 2010 and April 2011. In November/December of 2010 we exchanged a lot of dollars to facilitate expenses relating to the January purchase of our casa here in Puerto. We ended up needing less than anticipated – so we lived for a time on those pesos.

In total this chart represents a little more than $16,500 U.S. exchanged or about 216,000 MX pesos. It was not kept to keep track of expenses – just exchange rates. The 13 month period averaged just about 13 pesos to the U.S. dollar. That will be our generally assumed rate of exchange for a while.

The current exchange rates are favorable – a good time to visit or buy a casa in Mexico. Stay Tuned!

Posted in Around Mexico, Frugal Travelers, Mexico-Travel, Opinion

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