Surprise: The house has not closed yet. Guess not really a surprise. Life still goes on, and more money is spent on monthly rent. If you ever decide to move here, be prepared for a lot of things LOL. It is lucky that we have a sense of humour, or maybe just a tad of insanity.
We ate a lovely lunch last Sunday, prepared by the very artistic Niki and her sidekick Louis. And received two very lovely Valentine's Day cards from their beautiful twins, Poppy and Maia. Made our day!
Herman's card: "Happy Valitime's day"
Denise's card: "Happy Valitime's day"
To: Herman and To: You
Funny how some things become normal in the Yucatan: we no longer even mention the spiders or scorpions we encounter, we just accept the pests as a part of life. However, the recent occurrences of giant flying cockroaches deserve their own pic! EEEWWW.
Giant flying cockroach next to Herman's foot.
We are still trying to eliminate leaf cutter ants from our life, especially after they ate both my two new crouton shrubs down to stubs overnight. We received new intel on the necessary ammunition required for the war we have declared against these mighty destroyers of gardens. We will test it out soon...
Last week Xena was very sick. She was lethargic, had no appetite, had a high fever, and she could only breath through her mouth. All in all, we concluded that she had something as severe as the man-cold. Luckily our friend Vianny has a vet she recommended. She was absolutely amazing and even followed up with us on WhatsApp this week to find out how Xena was doing. We are so happy to report that Xena is better now and almost back to normal.
Sick sleepy Xena.
This week is the date when I can start my residency renewal application for the next three years and I am so excited, but still a little nervous, to get this done. It is a process, as was the first application, but if you follow the steps it all gets done. Just chill and go with the flow. The staff were amazing last time, and I have no reason to think they won't be again. Hi-ho-hi-ho-hi-ho it's off to Mérida INM we go...
The weather has been awesome with cool nights and hot days. Swimming and beer are the order of each day. Of course there is some work being done with all the planning for me to return to Canada for the wedding and other family matters. And quite a lot of stress in dealing with the upcoming long distance relationship we are submitting ourselves to. But hell, after 31 years, including 2 years of military separation, bring it on! It is of course made so much easier because of the amazing people we have as friends, family, and friends who have become family. Thanks for your never-ending support of our normal.
It is just fantastic to live in a climate where late January turns into spring and many blossoms are appearing on the naked tree limbs, indicating the end of winter. Gone are the endless long dark winter days of Canada and we are stunned that the days are getting longer and noticeably warmer already. We've had a few swims over the past week and even some rainstorms. The evenings are still chilly enough to enjoy an outside barbecue without too many bugs. We have a bat that flies low over the pool eating the bugs and freaking out the pooch.
The birds in the garden are noticeably fewer this time of year, but it is still beautiful in the mornings listening to the sound of country living. Some roosters seem to have serious issues with timing and will crow in the middle of the afternoon or the middle of the night. Maybe it's all the street lights that have been installed in the small town recently. Goats, chickens, Brahmans and horses are a comfortable occurrence on our street and the newborn puppies, kid and calf are sweet to encounter on our frequent excursions to the local fresh market. We have become part of the community here and people no longer stare and point at the weird people who have moved to their small town.
We have recently often been dropped outside an unknown house not far from here by some of the moto-taxi drivers and then we had to tell them, no, please continue. We were a little surprised, but then found out that another "gringo" couple have moved into the town. Shortly thereafter, Dianna came over and introduced herself. She and her husband are from the southern US and have moved here after living in Mérida for 8 years. It was interesting to wonder if we all look the same to the locals.
In Mexico, services come to you, not the other way round. Each service then plays a special jingle, so that you can be notified of said arrival. The baker plays a certain tune, the water delivery another tune, the gas supplier yet another one. As such when the water guy is a few blocks away, we get our empty bottles ready for exchange for the new refilled ones. He promptly drives to our front door and carries the full bottles into the house and removes the empty ones for next time.
We skip the gas delivery, since we do not have a stove yet. But boy, does the baker's cart every afternoon around 4:30 stir things up! The entire neighbourhood seems to surround the cart on almost every street corner and at our house Xena is front and centre to start barking at the excitement of our not too infrequent purchases of freshly baked rolls. On those days when we do not need bread, we will then mentally refrain from running outside as if an invisible force is encouraging us to do so. Maybe a little Pavlovian conditioning happening here?
We do feel that we were made for rural living and cannot understand what took us so long to discover we both felt this way. I know I have been pretty vocal about my feelings on city life over the years, but financially it was never viable. But I never realized that Herman also secretly felt the same. And people say women are hard to understand. Whatever, right ladies?
I have decided it was time to insert some culture into my reading habits and downloaded the book "To Kill A Mockingbird". It is an amazing book and I thoroughly enjoyed it after I got over the language of a bygone era. Onto some Hemingway next and who knows, maybe I'll read some F. Scott Fitzgerald. I am finding a sentimental enjoyment of the non-smutty writing of an era where language was used to its intended extent and not every second eBook author became a New York bestseller.
We recently ventured out to Chicxulub Puerto in search of a friend's daughter who spent a couple of weeks here to volunteer. We never found her, because they were probably off at some project, but we did see the place where they were staying, and it was typically secure for accommodating young volunteers in a foreign environment. So we stopped for lunch, visited the local fresh market and leisurely drove back home through several small towns where we took some pictures of the focal point of each town: the church. It was a pleasant day driving through rural Mexico and the vivid colours reminded us what a beautiful place we have chosen to live in. We also discovered that we are very close to one of the most sought after haciendas in the Yucatan, visited by royalty (not our type of accommodation). The Hacienda Katanchel is literally just a few kilometres down the road. If you are inclined to enjoy the finer things in life and can afford it, here is more information.
In our daily endeavours to live simply, we sorted out our routine to boil a few eggs on a fire, which only takes about 40 minutes start to finish😏. But since time is not money here, we can manage.
Changes we have noticed to our routine are that Herman now absolutely drives "Meksikaan", and we both have a walking pace we fondly refer to as "Mayan". These are good changes that we hope to hang onto, even though I doubt if mine will last long into 2018, since I am planning an extended visit to Canada in March this year, and I know life there is a different kettle of fish. We walk around the neighbourhood sometimes, and took a few pictures of the water tower and trees magically illuminated by the setting sun. We also walk past the local bull fighting arena, which we have not had the gumption to visit as of yet.
This week's video includes lots of pictures, but sadly, no videos of Herman dancing or singing (maybe next time). Enjoy!
We have started the new year excited to get some news about the paperwork for the house, but now, almost halfway into January, nothing is firmed up yet. The months of waiting, have given us a sense of calm that neither one of us would have considered possible, but we are certain that things happen for a reason.
February brings around our renewal date for our residency and we are looking forward to get that done for the next three years.
Herman received the quote for the additions to the house and once the house is in our name, we can start construction. That is so exciting. After several reiterations, I think we have a final picture in our minds of what we'd like to see. The casita is no longer part of the plan for the addition, as we realized that we do not need that just in case someone visits us one week in a year. Excess does not fit in with living simply.
I am over the moon about the engagements and future weddings, and I am planning on buying the "mother of the bride" (I love saying that!) -dress in Mérida and am looking forward to going shopping for it. I will also spend some time in Canada this year, to be close to Dominique and the excitement of planning for her big day. It is one of the reasons we decided to live in Mexico - so that we are close enough to go home when we need to.
We had a lovely dinner at Santiago's house last week and his mom made panuchos, which is a dish consisting of refried beans, chicken, tomato, onion and egg on small fried tortillas. It is a Yucatecan traditional meal. It was so good that I made it again for us on the weekend. With all the food I have been learning to make here, I have decided that I will start writing down the recipes and posting them on my blog. Santiago's dad gave me a flower from one of the trees in his garden, called the false bird of paradise. I wanted to find this flower since we came here, so it was a lovely surprise. He also gave me a book about Mérida, which will be the first Spanish book I am reading, and Herman was the lucky recipient of a beautiful hand made clay coffee mug. Such lovely people!
We went to Mérida last week to check out a large craft store in Centro, called Fantasia Miguel, where a friend of ours, Nikki joined us. Dominique and Natara would have loved all the supplies for dream catchers you can get there, especially the many colours of thin and soft leather strips. It has the most amazing glass beads and a lot of other natural materials for crafts. Afterwards we went to some textile stores and then on to Lucas de Galvez market for some fresh veggies. It was a very enjoyable morning.
I bought a few small clay pots that I decided to decorate and use to plant some succulents in. I am testing the local paint to see if they will be durable in the sun, before I do some larger projects. I hope to start doing some paintings again soon too and am thoroughly enjoying the creativity.
One of the neighbour's dogs, who we call Bella, has literally moved in here and we have a hard time getting her to leave. We don't want to be accused of stealing some kid's pet, so I think it will be necessary for us to temporarily close off the front wall to stop her from coming over the fence, until the construction of that part of the property can be completed. She is the sweetest dog and reminds me of Konstanz's Belle in South Africa. Xena likes her, but dominates the poor creature and looks at her as if she is not worthy of her attention. Dogs are super entertaining sometimes.
Herman and I are enjoying the cooler weather, but it is also really cold some nights, and we decide on a nightly basis whether we are making up the sleeper couch or if we are sleeping in the hammocks. It makes for an interesting non-routine-routine. Today was hammock wash day and with the breeze and the sunshine they were dry in about three hours. It still warms up nicely during the day.
So far 2018 promises to be full of new adventures with the planned wedding, visits to Canada, and upcoming construction. (I'm sure there will be some interesting construction tales to tell.) So far, what we have noticed is that the biggest challenge will probably be the quantities of some of the supplies. As an example, when I decided to make a blanket, it was almost impossible to get the quantity of the yarn in the colours I originally wanted, so I just ended up making a multi-coloured blanket instead. It is not life altering, but when you're talking floor tiles, it could get interesting. From what we have read, patience solves all problems, and as long as you don't mind waiting, you can get it done.
Mexico is a place of contrasts and a country that at first may be overwhelmingly different, but it grows on you (like a fungus haha). Now that I have been here for almost a year, I truly love the country and the people. I am no longer intimidated by the traffic and have no problem driving here, which gave me back some freedom and a lot of confidence. It is becoming a part of me in a way that I would not have thought possible a few months ago and even though I still miss Canada and my friends and family, I am starting to feel more like I belong here. My Spanish is improving - not as fast as I'd like - so we are talking to people whenever we can. We should make more of an effort to mingle! I know that Herman and I have made a good decision to retire here, and it is no longer just because it is affordable.
It has been quite the year for us. We left behind our adopted home of 21 years and moved to Mexico. We drove through a country known for its violence, not speaking the language, with heightened awareness, feeling invincible and vulnerable with intermittent frequency. Both our children got engaged and have chosen their life partners. Such a giant decision in one's life. We are lucky that they have picked two people that we both have come to love over the past few years.
We have met wonderful new people and have learnt a lot about the local traditions, food and unending generosity of its people. We are struggling through our broken Spanish, but improve daily. To say we have changed is an understatement. We have grown, each in their own way and we have found ourselves in constant upheaval in the process that we know from experience, takes years to finally reach that feeling of belonging.
Mexico is the kind of place that grows on you. You may instantly love the people, which is not difficult to do, but the country has so many contrasts and raises feelings in yourself that you didn't know you had, and sometimes didn't want to have. You get to know yourself.
We continue to strive to live in the moment, make the most of each day, and leaving the old year and any negativity behind. Luckily the Mexicans have a tradition to burn away the old year by stuffing a home made mannequin (or an old man piñata) with straw and fireworks and at midnight set it alight; thus burning away the old and leaving any bad events in the past. Last night, we were privileged to have been invited outside by our neighbours, where everyone came outside, burning their old year mannequins and wishing each other (and us) Happy New Year. It was an awesome experience, and one I look forward to for many years to come.
Right now, at the beginning of a new year, we have many more decisions to make, and many more lessons to learn. We are excited about it, and also apprehensive. Sometimes you want to peak at what the future holds. We are blessed with good friends (old and new). We have things to look forward to (did I mention weddings) and so much to live for every day.
Feliz Años Nuevo. Happy New Year. Love and Peace to one and all.
Last Sunday evening we walked down to Centro in Seyé and were pleasantly surprised by being in time for the Christmas Lights countdown, followed by a play put together by the local community. The story was about a young boy who was very sad because his dad worked so hard he was never home and that this Christmas he was also going to be alone, but in the end Mickey and Minnie Mouse showed up and saved the day. Clearly there was a lot lost in translation, but my point is that we loved the play and we were blown away by the display put together by such a small town. It warmed our hearts and made us feel that it was almost Christmas.
We had some fries as a snack (deep fried on the spot and served with cream, cheese and ketchup). It sounds weird, but it is great!
Herman and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary this past week on December 13th. When we first met, we were sharing rooms in a commune and were friends for a year. Then we went on a couple of dates and decided we should get married. And it was all said and done within six months. Needless to say, many people were sceptical about the success of such a hasty decision. When I think of the past 31 years, I cannot believe how the time has flown.
We had a lovely dinner in Progreso, right on the beach. Of course I finally had a Margarita and man what a Margarita! Luckily I was not the designated driver so we got home in one piece.
I am very busy right now with work and Herman is starting to get busy as well. Finally the weather has started to get warm again. No socks anymore! Hopefully the past couple of winter weeks are all we're going to see. I know, it's not minus 20, but hey, it is cold for here.
This week I have been a little at odds with what to write and could not come up with anything exciting, until Herman said that I should write about what it is like to try to fit in, and it suddenly came to me.
I have often referred to our experience here as flopping around on dry land like a fish out of water. You know nothing, can understand very little and have constant conflicting thoughts about where you find yourself. Fitting in is a daunting experience that only hits you after the first few months of excitement. You start going about your daily routines and come down to earth and realize that you have to pay the bills and pull the weeds and do the laundry and it's back to living. That's when you start to feel the need for connections, people to visit on a weeknight or invite over for a drink. You start to feel extremely lonely. When you meet someone you like, it dwindles into insignificance, because of the language barrier. But you try to talk and start getting better and start understanding more, but it is work. When you are done, you are literally exhausted with the effort of translation in your brain. I actually switched to German while speaking to someone the other day, even though I haven't spoken German since I left University. Your brain just bounces around trying to find the right phrase to use and I guess mine short-circuited.
So when you find someone that you can talk to in English, it is such a relief that you can relax, that you just talk and talk. But you don't always end up being friends, it is a very nice feeling. Then when you meet someone and you really connect, it is the best feeling you can possible have in a new country.
So, when Herman read a message on Facebook about a man who was born in South Africa and just arrived in Mérida from Canada, he felt compelled to connect. One thing led to another and suddenly we were going to a brunch at Jackie's house for a super awesome brunch with three other couples who have at least one South African-born spouse. Weird how we came all the way to Mexico to find so many other South Africans. When you come from Africa, there is a bond that no one else gets. You have similar tastes in food, music and a very bendy sense of humour. Not something you can explain or teach, but definitely there.
In the mish-mash of Canadian/South African/American cultures, despite our differences in age, we found common ground and just had a wonderful time. We could talk about what we missed about our past homes, what brought us to Mexico, what it's like to start over in a new country, and why we were drawn to travel and new adventures. We talked about our new adopted home that we are starting to love, each in our own way and on our own time. We swapped recipes and some lessons-learned in surviving immigration, and where to find our favourite spices. We also decided that our next get together will be a proper "bring-en-braai". (Directly translated this is a "bring and barbecue", which in Canadian would be something like: bbq potluck & byob.)
What we all wholeheartedly agree on, is that the reason we all fell in love with the Yucatán and Mexico, were the people. The hospitality, kindness and generosity of the people, grabbed us and kept on pulling us back here. It is also clear that the Mexican middle class is moving up and Mérida is a prime example of development and economic growth that attracts so many young professionals and their families to this area. This makes items that some of us have come to expect to be easily accessible in the stores, which just adds to the overall sense of finding a place where one can fit in.
I have my own thoughts about advancement and whether it is really good for the local culture, but it is undisputed that the influx of money does help the local economy and in turn, hopefully benefits the local communities as well. One of the most successful programs for local communities is the Yucatan Giving Outreach charitable organization that compels the expat community to help various local well deserved initiatives, including the youth orchestra that I wrote about a few blogs ago.
So it seems like we are finding our groove so to speak, not entirely as a result of making friends, but definitely boosted by it.
On the lighter side, I included a non-related video: Xena is getting very comfortable in hammocks. Herman and I still do some target shooting on warm afternoons - those poor beer cans! And Herman is becoming a swimsuit model and his six-pack is not too shabby, but it's his love of hats that make the man and I think I captured our lifestyle perfectly in the photo shoot at the pool...
