My Life as an Expat

After seventeen months in Mexico

Before March 2020, the thought of leaving the United States had never crossed my mind. Each country has its ups and downs, but lately, the negatives in the US seem to outweigh the positives, particularly with the divisive political climate and growing disagreements. This division has always been a complex issue, but it has reached a point where many are questioning whether the country can find a path to reconciliation.

Sherrie and I, passionate about new experiences, considered moving abroad at the pandemic's start.  We were both disenchanted with what had happened to the US, witnessing its transition to a country so very different than its origins. We certainly couldn’t take the threat of authoritarianism lightly.

We toyed with the geographic possiblities including Portugal, Taiwan and North Korea. Well, maybe not North Korea. And we toyed with the idea of immersing ourselves in a new cultural environment.

Intrigued, we focused on Guanajuato, Mexico, a country I knew little about despite my visits to Nogales. Sherrie's connection to Guanajuato began in 2009 with language study, and then the Cervantino Festival, Latin America’s grandest celebration of the arts.

After months of meticulous research and planning, we agreed that I should experience the city firsthand to see if it would enchant me just as it had her.

Our planned visit in September 2021 was postponed due to my health issues, which thankfully, were resolved after I secured a top-tier cardiac surgeon.  In January 2022, we finally made it to Guanajuato. Initially, my limited Spanish was a challenge, but I quickly saw the potential for a fulfilling life there. The culture, people, and weather were appealing, and after just two days, I told Sherrie that I didn't want to return to the US. We sold our Tucson properties at a market peak and moved to Guanajuato in May 2022, with real estate profits in hand.

This move has been incredibly fulfilling. I've found a deep sense of well-being in our new home, friendships, and a resurgence in my writing after a twenty year interlude devoted exclusively to filmmaking. Each morning I’m greeted with a verdant backyard, feeling that I live in state of perpetual holiday.

Despite this, my connection to the US endures, fueled by a flickering hope for better days. I regularly surf the internet and watch MSNBC videos on YouTube, clear signs that my detachment isn't complete. I've thought about lessening my online footprint and exploring a wider range of content on YouTube. However, my deep-seated roots and aspirations for my homeland continue to hold strong. Still, with every day that passes, the harsh truths I encounter online test this hope ever more strenuously.

The difference between life in Mexico and the US is profound. In Mexico, despite economic challenges, there's a strong sense of contentment focused on family and relationships, rather than the material success often prioritized in the US.  This emphasis on human connection manifests in kindness, generosity, and a love for life among Mexicans. The warmth and respect in everyday interactions here contrasts sharply with the suspicion commonly found in the US.

Social dynamics also differ. In Mexico, the emphasis is on personal identity rather than professional status, creating a sense of community and belonging. Economically, while the US has a larger, more diverse economy, Mexico's growing emphasis on manufacturing and exports, driven by a young, educated workforce, shows real promise.  One can’t help get the feeling that Mexico is ascending. There’s no dark energy hanging over life here, as there is in America. Sadly, most Americans fear the future. Mexicans, who don’t live in a twenty four/seven news cycle, realize the future won’t be perfect, and that life endures.

Despite higher living standards in the US, there's often a heightened sense of dissatisfaction and disillusionment, linked to the death of the American dream. In the US, conspiracy theories abound. Trust in American institutions has collapsed.

The political landscapes and democratic frameworks of the two countries are distinctly different, yet Mexico's simpler way of life offers its own unique form of satisfaction. Life here unfolds at a leisurely pace, where tasks are accomplished without the urgency often seen elsewhere.

Our experience began to crystallize after buying a house in Guanajuato and planning for renovations. When drafting a schedule for the necessary work, I learned quickly that one question is better left unasked: "When will it be finished?" The typical response is simply, "It will be finished when it's done." This highlights the significance of a crucial concept in Mexican culture: patience. It's an essential ingredient for both coping and finding joy in this environment. There’s little in the way of immediate gratification here.

My journey in Mexico has been a tapestry of joy and challenges, shaping my decision to settle here amidst the current global dynamics and my personal circumstances. Despite facing hardships, like a robbery and the heart-wrenching loss of my beloved dog Natto, my affinity for Mexico is a testament to my quest for fulfillment in a rapidly changing world. As I approach my seventy-fifth birthday, I find myself embracing a newfound sense of contentment in this phase of my life. With each day, I strive to embody the Buddhist principle of a 'beginner's mind' - an approach marked by openness, eagerness, and the absence of preconceptions - as I navigate the next chapters of my life, hoping for many more years to come.