The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico

Chilling out in Mexico

2010-09-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Mexico is a fantastic place to lay back, chill out and enjoy life. Why? I think it is the mixture of people’s attitudes, the culture as a whole, the warm temperatures, and the surroundings ... I can certainly attest to the chill out mode first hand as I haven’t even been writing blogs lately!

(Yes, that is me in the picture in Bacalar. What a life eh?) What day is it anyway? Actually I jest; I still have one son in school and I do have several life coaching clients so I do usually keep track of the days.

The point I have been pondering lately is how often do we allow ourselves to get caught up in one of life’s ever evolving dramas and then get all stressed out? Maybe none of the stress is necessary. It surely all works out in the end.

It is a choice. It is all a choice. It is much like my decision to move to Mexico in the first place. What I will always remember is that I moved to Mexico to enjoy a different way of life ... a different view of life ... and to embrace something new. No matter where we live, creating stress is optional.

The Mexican word mañana can be interpreted in many different ways. In my life it makes me remember that rarely is anything so important that I have to spoil my current moment to jump up and do it - later will be just fine. Mañana you say? Why argue with something that works? Embrace it. It’s a choice.

Only in Mexico you say?

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Lost in translation

2010-08-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend in Bacalar which is about 3 hours south of Playa del Carmen, here in Mexico. It is a tiny little town, much like I expect Playa del Carman was about 15 years ago.

I always enjoy spending time in Bacalar as I find it peaceful, tranquil and serene.

We visited Cenote Azul which is right in town this trip. There is a restaurant there and great swimming in what is said to be the largest and deepest open air cenote in the Yucatan.

You used to be able to dive off the roof of the restaurant into this beautiful blue cenote. However, it appears that has changed ... as you can see by the sign (click on the picture to enlarge)... no shoving is allowed either. I think they meant no diving ... but technically if I dove and didn’t shove would that be okay?

Only in Mexico you say?

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Surviving the rain in Mexico

2010-07-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well we are back to talking about the fact that it is rainy season in Playa del Carmen.

It rained all night and now all day. My towels (washed yesterday) are still hanging on the line going through a continual rinse cycle. I like to think of it as natures fabric softener.

So anyway, what do we do on rainy days in Playa? Here are some suggestions....

- Go in the pool anyway. Wet is wet.
- Same applies for cenotes and the ocean. We can call it natures wet and wild.
- Buy an umbrella and walk around in the rain... splash in the puddles.
- Find a restaurant street side and watch the people go by.
- Take in a movie. Our cinemas are excellent and inexpensive.
- Stroll one of our malls. We have Las Americas and Centro Maya.
- Visit an arcade. Both malls have them. Be a kid.
- Head to a pub and watch a game (soccer is pretty popular right now).
- Play some board games or cards under a palapa on the beach.
- Use this as an excuse to make Abuelita hot chocolate.
- Enjoy the day!

I’d plan a holiday to Canada but I hear it has been raining there too so I guess I’m headed for the pool. I have no idea why my dog won’t join me poolside.

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com.m/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Summer in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

2010-06-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ten things I believe about living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in the summer

If you are thinking of coming down for a visit or to live, these thoughts may help you plan and pack.

- Intense heat and high humidity is good for the skin.
- Living with access to a pool is a necessity.
- Owning two or three swimsuits is important so you always have a dry one.
- It’s fun to change clothes three times a day.
- The calories from iced coffees don’t count because you sweat the calories away.
- Two or three showers a day are usually needed and are also healthy for your skin.
- To work out with no air conditioning in your gym burns lots of fat.
- One should always carry water with them and drink lots and that is healthy.
- Sunhats can be a fashion statement.
- You can wear less clothing and that saves on laundry.

All in all, I am very glad we moved our family here; hot summers and all. Just look at those palm trees! Now excuse me, my hammock is beckoning me and I think I feel a breeze.

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com.

Driving in Mexico. Are you nuts?

2010-06-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Oh I have not talked about driving in Mexico for quite awhile... And driving here is so much fun and so adventurous...

Take what I encountered this morning for instance in the space of 10 minutes (which is how long it takes for me to get home from my new gym).

- A driver decided to try to make three lanes out of two and blocked oncoming traffic.
- Motorcycles simultaneously passed me on my left and right as I was doing the posted speed (and it was not a three lane highway).
- A taxi wanting to make a right created a third lane and almost rear ended a parked bus.
- When making a left you often have to go into the lane of oncoming traffic or the guy behind you thinks your turn signal means to pass you on the left. I had to do that this morning.
- Oh and I passed over 8 sets of speed bumps to give me a no cost body vibration treat.

Crazy eh (Canadian roots)? Now understand that I am not complaining. I am simply sharing the delights of driving in Mexico where driving is never boring. Do you really want to rent that car when you visit?

You know the amazing thing is that once you get used to driving here everything actually flows. Go figure.

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com.

Playa del Carmen is hot and humid!

2010-06-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well it is summer and Playa del Carmen tends to get this way. After seven or eight years of living here it should not surprise me right?

So to love it or not?
I love it! Well at least I have found ways to love it.

I get to plan trips to air conditioned spots like the mall, the movie theatre, and friend’s houses!
I get to tell my husband ... I can’t work today, it is too hot. I must swim in the pool.
I get to tell my friends that we NEED to play at the beach.
I get to plan trips to Cenotes (fresh water swimming caves).
I get to drink lots of cold drinks with lots of ice in fun glasses.
I get to swim in the pool before bed.
I get to walk around fanning myself with pretty fans and feeling like royalty.
Not such a bad life all in all.

(This picture is my husband and a friend cooling off at a Cancun mall called La Isla ... now you see who inspires me)
What else should I do? I love new ideas. Especially wild and fun ones!

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Mexican iguanas by the pool

2010-05-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

It has become very hot in Playa del Carmen now so yesterday I was enjoying the freshness of cooling off in my pool and a beautiful, bright green iguana tried to poop on my head! (I am showing a picture of the culprit).

You see it turns out he was enjoying his perch in a palm tree above the pool. My husband could not stop laughing as he saw it fall and then he saw my face! It missed me by that much.... and actually landed on the pool noodle I was using. Yuck!

He finally sauntered off but we noticed another of his buddies was also in the palm tree so we figure they probably had a bet on to see if he could get me.

What do we learn from this experience? Don’t plant palm trees too close to the pool as an iguana may climb up and try to poop on you!

Ah the adventures of living in paradise.

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Ek Balam ruins, Mexico

2010-03-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to visit the Ek Balam ruins just outside of Valladolid in the state of the Yucatan, Mexico. It’s only a couple hours from Playa del Carmen.

You see our friends from Vernon, B.C. came to visit and we figured it would be a fun day trip. I’ll recount the fun for you incase you would like to repeat it with your friends.

First you borrow a Honda Pilot from your buddy so that all eight of you can squeeze into one vehicle. Now go pick up your friends from their resort at 8 AM and hit the road! First stop bank machine – teach all your friends how to read a Spanish bank machine and collect cards and PIN codes as you go (HeeHee). Also shuffle around so those that feel car sick can sit in the front instead of being squished in the back.

Next stop for gas … shuffle around again so those that feel squished can sit in different spots. I personally like the coziness of the furthest back corner.

Next stop in Valladolid for breakfast at Hotel El Meson de Marques, a tour of the square, some leather shopping and photo ops. Now on to Ek Balam! Bring water to drink.

After the trek up the pyramid at Ek Balam you will want to cool off so you can visit the cenote advertised right there like we did. It is several Kilometers further in the jungle so you can rent a bike or have a fellow bicycle you in on his trike (each trike takes two people – lucky driver). Try to get a young man as you will end up feeling really bad for the older fellows as they puff you along. Don’t forget to wave to your friends on bicycles as they speed past you.

The cenote will feel cool and delightful – I guarantee it. It is well worth putting that old fellow through the hassle of biking you in. I am sure he likes all his tips and his exercise.

Bike out and head for lunch at Genesis Eco Oasis which is owned and operated by Lee, a lady from Calgary, Canada. Don’t miss the tiny town of Ek Balam or you will miss seeing the most beautiful hammocks being made and the fun of counting all the dogs, pigs, chickens and roosters running loose on the street!

Now drive back for a couple hours to return your friends to their resort at about 8 PM.
A delightful day had by all. I am sure the cramp from being squished in the truck will pass. Go ahead and come try it yourself. Do you want our buddy’s number for the Honda Pilot?

(Pictures on FaceBook)

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Visiting Zirahuen Lake in Michoacan, Mexico

2010-03-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Continuing on our little adventurous holiday …

We found Lake Zirahuen which is located about 70 kilometers from the city of Morelia. This beautiful lake shows amazing water colors which go from a deep blue to a jade like green.

They tell us this lake received its name from the pre-hispanic "Purepecha" language where "Zirahuen" means "Mirror of the Gods". Don’t ask me I can’t pronounce any of it!

Zirahuen is a peaceful fishing lake bordered by farm fields. They even grow blackberries here. They had cabins there so I think one day I am going back to stay in a cabin by the lake because it reminds me of BC. Imagine that!

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Uruapan National Park

2010-03-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

My Mexican holiday continues with a visit to Uruapan National Park. It is actually known as "Lic. Eduardo Ruiz National Park".

We found water and more water everywhere. They have so much water flowing naturally through the park that they played with it everywhere. It went up and it went down and it went around and around!

Uruapan by the way is also famous for avocados, macadamia nuts and coffee.

What more could one need?

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Santa Clara del Cobre, Mexico

2010-02-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

My husband and I visited the state of Michoacan in Mexico last week. Now I get to share with you all the cool things I saw and did. Let’s start with the fun little town of Santa Clara del Cobre not far from Morelia.

It is the town of copper. We saw men heating and pounding the copper into shapes. Did you know that it can take days to make one bowl or vase? They heat the copper and can pound it into shape only until it gets cold and then they have to reheat it.

All the shops sell copper items; store after store after store. Everything I looked at was beautiful so to honor the town and support the economy I bought copper candle sticks and a wine decanter lined with silver and …… well you get the picture.

By the way, the weather was very cool (they are 6,000 feet above sea level there) and we actually saw at one point in our trip a snow covered volcano.

I love the diversity that you can find in Mexico and once again we encountered the nicest people. I am very happy to live here.

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Living in Playa del Carmen - the 10 things I love the most

2010-02-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Ten things I love about living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

10. The many beautiful, friendly, hugging, cheek kissing people.
9. The bountiful and beautiful beaches.
8. The laid back culture.
7. The really, really warm weather pretty well all year round.
6. Takis (a spicy rolled corn chip) actually sold all over Mexico.
5. The beautiful, fine, white sand.
4. The beautiful many shades of Caribbean blue ocean.
3. Fresh seafood – especially shrimp tacos.
2. Great restaurants!
1. The fact that my husband is with me.

Interestingly sometimes the same things I love can drive me nuts – like the laid back aspect is a challenge when you need something done! But that brings us back to our focus. How do we choose to look at things? And what is really important?

I better also add the fact that Mexico makes me ponder life (which I love). What do you love about your favorite area of Mexico or about wherever you live?

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

More sand in Playa please

2010-02-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

Playa del Carmen’s beaches are being rebuilt!

It’s delightful, just delightful. The beach is now wider, more spacious and grander!

Again this fits in perfectly with my desire to take more beach time.
I can feel the sand between my toes now. Oh, is that a pretty shell?

Maroma Beach watch out as Playa del Carmen is looking better than ever and feeling even better on the feet. I feel so lucky to live here.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

More Maroma Beach

2010-01-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

Fifteen minutes drive from our house is one of the top 10 beaches in the world – Maroma beach.
I have written about it before but I have to mention it again. You see going back is part of my New Years resolution to spend a little more time on the beach.

We went again on a Sunday so that all the activities were not running and we could have some quiet time. Our plan worked perfectly as there was also quite a breeze happening so not many others decided to visit this beautiful beach at all.

We had the finest of sand blowing about hardly noticeable until you get home and shake out your bags, towels and clothes! It is a good thing we consider sand a symbol of living the good life because I think we still have some hanging around.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Mexican sand on your feet

2010-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Got sand?
Got sand between your toes?

My husband and I live in Playa del Carmen with the benefit of beautiful beaches a short walk from our house. We moved to Mexico because we wanted warm weather year round, a different culture, palm trees and the beach. Yep, simple needs.

You know what can happen when you live in paradise? You can get caught up in a day to day routine of things that need to be done (especially when you are not retired here) and forget some of the very reasons you moved here – like the beach!

When you live here – don’t let this happen to you!

Our slogan around our house is … if you don’t have sand between your toes, you are not spending enough time at the beach. We welcome sand in our pool, sand on our floors and sand on our car mats.

Sand on your feet equates fine living to us.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Our Mexican Gingerbread Castle

2010-01-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

Every year the kids and I create a gingerbread house – it is tradition. We missed this tradition for a few years when we first moved to Mexico because I was positive ants would eat it!

The kids persisted and I relented. It turns out that Mexican ants must not like molasses and gingerbread because it has never been a problem.

This year our gingerbread house turned into a castle. This was our first try at a two tiered gingerbread creation.

Interestingly, this year’s rock hard gingerbread turned soft within a few days. The castle stood up but the reindeer fell asleep.

Nothing mattered though as my son’s only goal once it was built was to eat it.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

I live in Mexico by choice

2010-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

I can relate the following incident to my life in Mexico.

Over the holidays my computer crashed – several times. I would take it to be fixed and get it back and it would crash and I would have to send it to be fixed again.

It was the holidays – I didn’t really want to be on it anyway as all my family was home (our daughter goes to University in Michoacán, Mexico). However I did have some blogs to post for my ‘Live Your Dreams’ life coaching practice which I could not post as they were all trapped in my non functioning computer. I had to chill. Mexico often reminds me to chill.

Now I am sure I would have had the same computer challenges no matter where I lived but not having my computer brought me back to many of the reasons I moved to Mexico…

Enjoying the beach … enjoying my family … chilling out … to be more laid back … to stress less …
I did without my computer and life went on and I was still happy. There are many things I have chosen not to have in Mexico and I am still enjoying my life tremendously. I don’t have TV, I don’t have a clothes dryer, I don’t have a blow dryer, and I don’t have a dishwasher to name a few. We may have everything available to us but we can always choose what we put in our lives and how we spend our time.

I got my computer back yesterday and all seems well. I may not however spend as much time on it now. Mexico often calls me to focus on other things and I think I’ll choose to listen more.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Mexican Christmas fun!

2009-12-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Are you coming for holidays to Mexico or are you a foreigner who lives here?

Those of us who live here sometimes find we miss our old Christmas traditions and then again sometimes we desire to create some new ones.

Maybe we can create a mix of old and new traditions this year.

Here are some ideas to get the Christmas fun started whether you live in Mexico or are coming for the holidays …

- Whack a piñata. It is good exercise too as real Mexican piñatas are very hard.
- Build a sand castle to represent Santa’s tropical home.
- Throw sand in the air and pretend it is snow.
- Decorate a palm tree.
- Swim in a cenote and pretend its glacial water.
- Go Christmas shopping in shorts and a t-shirt.
- Swim in the ocean with an inflatable reindeer and call out ho ho ho.
- Drink “Abuelita” hot chocolate with mini marshmallows floating in it because the weather is kind of cold. Cream tequila in it is optional.
- Put a turkey in to cook and go for a swim.

Also on Christmas Eve don’t forget to put out a non alcoholic margarita with some chips and salsa for Santa and some banana or mango chips for the reindeer.

What are your ideas?

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

2009-11-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

Playa del Carmen is once again host to a world famous jazz festival at Mamita’s beach!

You will find excellent music and all forms of jazz by artists like Herbie Hancock, Pat Martino, Al Jarreau, Na’rimbo, Sergio Mendez, and Jim Beard just to name a few.

I will be there both of the remaining nights enjoying the music, the beach, the ocean, the stars, my husband and our friends. Better yet – there is no cost!

Last year our 16 year old son said – “Wow that was excellent - Thanks for moving us to Playa del Carmen – I love my life.” Doesn’t a parent love to hear that?
He was there with his girlfriend but still ...

We have two nights left of four so go here to find who is playing Friday night and Saturday http://www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com/new/#

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Beach time in Mexico

2009-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you one of my gratitudes for living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico ..... Beach time!

We not only have Playa del Carmen beaches at our feet but a quick drive away are the beautiful beaches of Maroma, Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras to name just a few.

Please don't hate me! Just come visit soon.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

A holiday out of Mexico

2009-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

In a few days my husband and I are headed from our home in Mexico for a week’s holiday in Florida. We are going Christmas shopping at the discount outlet malls, going to see some live theatre and do some general exploring. Who really knows what mischief we will get into?
We needed Florida so we could still stay warm. We are so acclimatized to the heat now that we may freeze anywhere else!

Do you want how to details? Both of us can fly Spirit Air from Cancun to Ft. Lauderdale return for about $200 with one of the many specials they run. I also paid $60 on top of that to have three checked bags but after all we are going Christmas shopping and I can’t carry all my goodies home on my back! I still think that is such a great deal.

We booked a condo for part of our stay and since we wanted to travel around a bit this time we also have three night’s hotel. I booked the hotels through Hotwire and ended up with stays at 4 star hotels like the Hilton and the Westin for $65 a night taxes included.

It will also be really fun when we arrive back in Mexico and hit customs as they will undoubtedly need to go through our bags like last year and try to figure out what all the weird stuff we bought is. So much is available in Mexico now but you can’t beat the variety and prices in the US. It is even cheaper to shop there than in Canada. Plus I still bring in some baking supplies I cannot get here – Oreo cookie crumbs, graham crumbs, instant puddings, dream whip, and flavored chocolate chips.

I go with delight but I know that there is nothing like a holiday to make you appreciate home. Let’s chat later!

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Moving to Mexico - What you need to know

2009-10-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

The following are some of my handy dandy quickie tips for newbies living in Mexico.

- Don’t bother asking why! Trying to understand why everything in Mexico is done the way that it is will only drive you slowly nuts. Just accept that people think differently and do things differently here and that is what makes it such a special place.

- It is not recommended to flush toilet paper most places in Mexico.

- All produce should be washed in a disinfecting solution and tap water. The disinfecting solution is readily available anywhere. Frankly no matter where you live I would recommend this. Just wash all your produce when you bring it home and you never have to think of it again. Yes, restaurants follow this procedure too.

- If you are paying to have something done you better act like the boss or your worker will lose respect for you.

- Yes we use bottled water in Mexico for drinking and most cooking related activities. Restaurants use it too.

- Expect things to happen more slowly in Mexico. Expect everything to happen much more slowly! Relax.

- Expect people to be friendly and helpful and they will be. Especially if that is what you have shown them.

- Expect things to be different and remember the first point – don’t ask why.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Recycling in Playa del Carmen

2009-10-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Recycling bins have popped up everywhere in Playa del Carmen. We can now recycle cans, plastic, paper, cardboard, and glass. El Parque la Ceiba in Playa del Carmen also takes used batteries. This is great news. Maybe I just get excited very easily. I believe I mentioned before that the grocery stores are also promoting the use of fabric bags.

I found another find the other day while browsing through Parque la Ceiba’s monthly market featuring local venders. Are you ready? Plastic bags made out of corn starch! Isn’t that cool? They have the bags in two sizes and offer disposable plates made out of sugar cane! They also have disposable cutlery and some other containers made out of I am not sure what – maybe more sugar cane?

The company that makes them is called Tierra Natural and their website is http://www.tierranatural.net/. Let me know if you would like the contact email of the local Playa del Carmen representative.

Just call me a proud recycler. I may not be perfect at it but my goal is to improve every day.

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/

Another weekend in Bacalar, Mexico

2009-10-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

We went away last weekend to one of my favorite chill out spots in the world. We were in tranquil and beautiful Bacalar, Mexico.

It is an easy 3 hour drive south of Playa del Carmen and we break up the trip by stopping for breakfast in Felipe Carrillo Puerto which is about half way. A restaurant called, El Faison y El Venado makes the best chicken enchiladas verde (verde means it is covered in green tomato sauce) that I have ever eaten. I also had a panucho as a breakfast appy. A panucho is made with a thick home-made tortilla layered with beans, shredded chicken, pickled onion, thin sliced tomato and avocado slice. You can fold it over and eat it like a taco. Need I say more? I couldn’t possibly think of leaving Mexico now as I love the food too much.

As we get closer to Bacalar there are a few small towns that have venders at the speed bumps on the road. We always get some banana bread and whatever fresh fruit is in season. We missed the nut and candy guy this time as there was some road construction in his neighborhood and he was not there.

We usually stay in a great little inexpensive hotel right on Laguna Bacalar but this time we were with friends who wanted to try something different so we ended up in a fully equipped 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo one block from the beach for about $80/ couple. Our room was steps away from the pool. I think this is the only ritzy place in town as Bacalar is still a quaint, very, very little town.

I could have just relaxed there all weekend but this time we had bigger plans! A grand opening BBQ at a new ranch called Num Ka’an where you can ride horses, play horseshoes and can eventually head to the beach for a swim. They do a real smokehouse BBQ making really awesome ribs and burgers. Yes, more food for lucky me.

Sunday we went out on a friend’s boat – there are probably only three boats ever seen on this huge fresh water lake. The turquoise water was beautiful and the swimming sublime. We swam in pirate’s cove in crystal clear water with piles of gleaming white sand all around us. I am in so love with this place. I cannot wait to have our house built there!

The only thing I would have added to this beautiful weekend would be a day or two more to really enjoy more relaxation. Bacalar, you know I’ll be back.

I'm putting pictures on my facebook!

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Help a Mexican community - buy a bag or two!

2009-09-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

I just read the following on Tulum Living’s blog and I had to share …

The project is that of Ariane Dutzi. Ariane lives here in the Yucatan and has started a line, Dutzi Designs Inc., to help the communities of the Yucatan. As a former fashion editor from New York and Paris, she moved to Mexico where she is making an impact in the beautiful community that she is now a part of.

When the Swine Flu scare erupted in Mexico last April it created a mass exodus of tourists in the Yucatan and the communities of the area really suffered. As the “infodemic” spun out of control, a whole bunch of totally healthy people sat in the deserted towns of the Yucatan and then found themselves without people to sell their handiwork to. Ariane has since developed the Dutzi Design Rescue Bag. Complete with a label befitting of the project, a small outlined face of a pig, these bags are as eco-friendly green as they are well made and beautiful.

The whole project really is something special. As a way of helping the Mayan community that lives in the areas around Valladolid, about 70 women as well as some men make each and every bag. The project is not only a means for so many women to help provide for their families, but also helps preserve the beautiful culture of the indigenous Maya. With all of the proceeds from the sales of the bag going directly into the project, this community of women continues to be able to help sustain themselves.

For more details: www.TulumLiving.com or www.DutziDesign.com

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A swim - me, my iguana and my dog

2009-09-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I wanted to take a swim. I noticed one of our now medium sized green iguanas (we call him Pepe) was eating some grass by the pool but felt if I was cautious he could enjoy his breakfast and I could enjoy my swim.

So there we were all relaxed – him chomping and me swimming ... however our dog (we call her Mika) was also in the yard. Du Dum Du Dum goes the music (if there had been some)….

I saw Mika headed in Pepe’s direction. He stood still as he was well camouflaged in the grass and sure enough she walked right past him – for a second - and then she smelled him.

Well everything happened pretty fast after that as she ran and he ran and the next thing I know I have an iguana flying at me – Pepe grazed my shoulder or was it my hair as he hit the pool.

Needless to say I did a little scream and was out of there! First I needed to catch the dog and put her in the house; then to allow Pepe to finish his swim and climb out of the pool.

Just one of the adventures of living in Mexico!

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Day 2 in Mexico - 9/11

2009-09-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

In memory of … Sept 11, 2001

(An excerpt from my book)

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, our family spent our first night after crossing the border to live in Mexico in Hermosillo. The next morning we came down to breakfast in our hotel and saw everyone crowded around a TV; the words Nuevo York were pasted on the screen along with pictures that showed what looked like a large building with a plane hitting it? Shock registered as we managed to piece together what little we could of what had happened in New York; the date was now September 11, 2001.

It was not easy to understand what was going on as the TV channel was in Spanish and no one had much knowledge of English and our Spanish was very basic. We realized we needed to know more of what had happened. We also got the news that the borders in and out of Mexico were now closed for an indefinite amount of time. We had just crossed the border the day before, what if we had not? Now we could not leave Mexico even if we wanted to, not that we had any intention of going back or giving up our dream, but when the border closes behind you and you are two countries away from home and you have no option to go back, you must go forward – that is a very different feeling.

The world had changed overnight; yet somehow I felt safe here, in Mexico. We traveled 2 1/2 hours to a little coastal town called San Carlos that day; thinking maybe someone there could tell us more. We actually spent 2 nights in San Carlos learning more details of what had happened in New York and what it meant to us and the world, as well as sending e-mails to let family and friends to let them know we were fine. To our surprise many people spoke English in this quiet little town; we learned at certain times of year it is actually full of Americans and Canadians.

Everyone we met, from this point on, no matter which was their home country was very concerned for the US and her people. Would there be more attacks? How would the US respond? Would it affect other countries? How could this be happening to the US anyway? We all shared whatever latest news we had. People everywhere showed how much they cared and everyone was very upset. The Mexican people in particular were so supportive and caring that all the towns we went to were canceling their own Independence Day celebrations in respect to the US.

Now, it was not long before we started getting low on cash and an interesting little thing resulted from the attack on the US that directly affected us as travelers; no one would now cash our US Traveler’s Checks as they apparently considered the fate of the USA and the value of its currency uncertain. How would you feel at this point? We certainly felt concern. Thank goodness for bank machines and Canadian bank accounts! Fortunately, the uncertainty that the Mexican banks were feeling was cleared up in relatively short order. However, we knew life would never quite be the same for any of us.

From the Canadian, living in Mexico and feeling her connection to the US.

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Our Moving to Mexico Anniversary

2009-09-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today my husband and I crossed the border into Mexico with our two kids in our Toyota 4 Runner. We didn’t even know all the beautiful Mexican adventure that awaited us.

(This was then picture taken in Guanajuato. Mexico)

We left Canada on August 28, 2001. After a wonderful, leisurely trip along the Oregon coast, and an exploration of Hollywood and Disneyland and Universal Studios and Arizona and its wonderful desert museum we would cross the border into Mexico at Nogales on September 10, 2001.

We spent our first night in Hermosillo, in the Northwest of Mexico, in the state of Sonora. It was a place where no one seemed to speak English. First oh no what have we done moment? No way. We knew what we wanted.

The next day we traveled 2 1/2 hours to a little coastal town called San Carlos. In San Carlos we got our first taste of the warm, Mexican ocean. We drove the truck out on the sand of a huge beach and immediately went out to play in the turquoise blue water!

The rest – as they say - is history!
We love you Mexico!

(this now picture was taken last year at our daughter's graduation in Cancun, Mexico)

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico - Schools back!

2009-09-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well actually the kids have been back in school for two weeks now. I’ve just been too busy resting to write about it. Let’s see what does going back to school in Mexico involve?

Well first we need to go to the school about three weeks before it starts to get the list of school items needed. Who wants to take the whole summer for holidays anyway?

We need to buy the uniforms from the school and they have the school text books required available at the school for about a week. If you miss this opportunity you need to go find the books on your own – not fun! So remember not to stay on holidays too long.

They also offer packages for the general school supplies needed (papers, notebooks and pens etc) but I find it cheaper and fairly easy to shop for things individually there. I mean it only takes visiting five or six stores.

The parents also need to supply the school with their year’s supply of photocopy paper and masking tape. I always thought that they should use it to decorate the kids instead – but they seem to deem sending home notices as more important. Go figure.

We also need to get pictures taken at the local photo shop (in uniform) as they are used as ID at the school but for those you are in and out in about 15 minutes with your pictures in hand.

Oh and don’t forget to wrap all the text books with clear plastic and identify your child’s name and grade. Thank goodness my son is old enough to do his own books. He doesn’t want to of course but I make him.

Once school is in, they start at 7:00 so we are getting up before it is even light out! It does mean I get to watch the sunrise through the palm trees though.

Yep, school is back can you tell I love it? Ah, it’s not so bad. The fun is when I get to add in American Football practice.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/
Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico's High Wire Act

2009-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

What to do on a not so lazy afternoon in Playa del Carmen Mexico?

Well if you work the cities electrical department you could grab yourself some electrical cable and shimmy 100’s of feet up to the top of a high tension power pole to string it!

Can you believe this? And no fall net was in evidence. Oh my!

I hope they got paid extra. Do you think they work part time for the circus?

Only in Mexico you say?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Adventures in Mexico, I taught my son to drive!

2009-08-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

You know what? I didn’t drive in Mexico for the first four years we lived here because it scared me! You see in Mexico they don’t quite have all the same rules as Canada or the US. In fact driving here can be kind of wild and chaotic. I have learned to embrace wild and chaotic – thus I now drive in Mexico.

Yes seat belts are the law and speeding is ticketed but as for the lines on the road? I think they are considered guidelines only. The idea seems to be to use every possible patch of pavement and having two lanes turn into three or four lanes is not uncommon.

So what did I teach my son besides the regular driving basics? Well a lot of it was informing him of the differences between driving in Mexico and other countries. For instance that you will find “x” driving habit in Mexico but if you go to Canada or the US this will not be allowed.

I taught him to

- Watch for people who may suddenly turn up on your right when you actually have your turn signal on to turn right.

- Watch when you want to turn left because other drivers may think you want them to go around you when you put on your signal so they will pass on your left

- Hesitate before you pull away at a light because someone may be running the other light.

- Watch for turtles crossing when driving in beach towns.

- That you don’t have to drive like dad if you don’t want to.

When he finished my classes, he took six hours of mandatory classroom drivers’ education (where he was taught things like the time it takes your vehicle to stop at various speeds and that no makeup should be put on in a car as an accident could force your makeup applicator into your eye causing serious injury). After that he took his written and practical test and received his own Mexican drivers’ license. Yea!

I also have to say that the Playa del Carmen Department of Licensing had the friendliest, nicest people working there that I have ever encountered. Everything was handled with a smile. The instructor for his classroom education even came and shook his hand as he held his new license.

So look out Playa del Carmen – you now have another new driver - my son.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Want to live in Mexico? Top things you should know

2009-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago ExpatExchange.net posted a question on their forum asking what are the top 10 things people should know if they are planning to come to Mexico to live. I asked permission to post BajaGringo’s post because I enjoyed his humor and his truths. Here it is …..

I have a few more than 10 – here goes... Living in Mexico is not for everybody. Of course neither is Arkansas, but that is for another thread on a different forum.

If you are even thinking about retiring in Mexico, my suggestion would be to come down first and find a vacation home rental in a community where you are considering and spend a month minimum there. Once the new car smell wears off you will have a better chance to see the country for what it really is, with all its warts and cultural charm together. Only then can you know if you might be a good candidate to live here and actually enjoy the experience. Some thrive here, others don't. It depends a lot on who you are.

I have made my own list of the general traits I see in folks who seem to do well down here: 1. Bohemian 2. Self sufficient 3. Thick skinned 4. Easy going 5. Adaptable / flexible 6. Open minded 7. Adventurous 8. Non-complainer 9. Culturally inquisitive 10. Doesn't believe that you can't teach an old dog new tricks In my 30+ years living in various parts of Latin America (Argentina / Venzuela / Brazil / Mexico); I have had a pretty good opportunity to see how this works. My experience is that expats who can be identified by these traits (I probably missed some others that could be included) are the ones who truly do well in Latin America.

Now you need to be able to ask yourself some questions and give brutally honest answers. Your retirement / expat life happiness may depend on that honesty. Do any of the following particularly bother or upset you: 1. Your neighbor who leaves his trash cans out, days after the garbage truck goes by. 2. Your neighbor who likes to play loud music at 11:30 at night. 3. Your neighbor who mows his lawn only once a month. When he does it is usually on a Saturday morning at 6:00 AM. 4. Your neighbor who likes to work on his car in front of his house. He has 3 more in back that he will get to eventually. 5. Your neighbor who likes to have family get togethers every weekend and their family is bigger than many mid-western towns. 6. The grocery store frequently does not have 2 of the 5 items you went there to buy. 7. Electricity going out 5 minutes before your favorite TV show is to begin. 8. Water pressure going out the evening your family arrives to spend the weekend. 9. The mechanic tells you he will have your car ready at 5:00 PM and you thought that meant today. 10. The plumber hooked up your new sink with the hot and cold water reversed. 11. Barking dogs, blasting advertising from loud speakers or honking vendors in your neighborhood at 7:00 AM. 12. Are you the type to call the police, the city zoning enforcement officer or write letters to the editor of the local newspaper for everything that bugs you about things going on in your neighborhood back home, including any of the first 11 items in the list? A yes answer to two or more of any of the above or especially to question 12, indicates that there is a strong possibility that Mexico may not be a good choice for you for anything more than vacations and an occasional dental appointment.

If you are coming to Mexico to eat the same food you ate back home, live in a home with all the same features and amenities you had back home and want to maintain basically the same lifestyle you had back home... Then just stay back home. You will probably be a whole lot happier and the locals will probably be just as pleased to have never had the pleasure of staring at your grumpy, complaining mug every day as you gripe about any and all of items 1 through 11 on the list.

The expat life is not for everybody and it isn't a Scarlett Letter or anything. Just a simple fact and being able to be honest with yourself and realistic in your expectations. If you are the type that can focus on the side of Mexico that does appeal to you and not let some of this stuff bother you too much, then you just may be able to survive life as an expat in Mexico. In fact you might (gasp) actually learn to see life from a different perspective and come to the illogical conclusion that maybe there are a couple of things a third world country can teach us. (God forbid) It is all about perspective and attitude.

Thank you BajaGringo. Questions anyone?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Lobster feast in Mexico

2009-07-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Mmm, it is lobster season in Mexico! Is it lobster season elsewhere? I have no idea, but since I live in Mexico, I make it my business to know that it is currently lobster and mango season here. You could survive on this information right? I certainly could.

Our friend Lisa in Cancun made the obvious mistake of posting a picture on her Facebook page of her holding a magnificent platter of lobster. While everyone else posted their drools, I simply picked up the phone to get the whole scoop on how my husband and I could get in on a feast like that. You see she and her husband, Jesus have a dive company and I knew they would know the right people.

Well it turned out that they invited us to visit them in Cancun on Sunday and we went to this wonderful find of a restaurant (don’t ask which one as I am currently sworn to secrecy – but if you come we could take you there – although we might have to blindfold you).

I am feeling very satisfied and grateful - Living in Mexico is pretty terrific.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Learn Spanish for Mexico

2009-07-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been researching and writing on ways you can earn money to live in Mexico. Now I have found another key piece of the puzzle for visiting or living in Mexico and I am so excited!

This is what they say: Who Wants to Learn to Speak Spanish Confidently and Naturally in Less Than 8 Weeks?? ... AND take all the frustration, difficulty and headache out of YOUR practice time with this EXPLOSIVE interactive 'learn Spanish' package! Learn Spanish like a rocket!

The entire learn Spanish course is available for instant download for $99.95 or you can have a hard copy delivered to you but it costs more. All the details are on the link page including a no cost 6 day trial offer.

I confess that my husband and I are still not as proficient in our Spanish as we would like to be so I am ordering this too. We can learn together and then talk in Spanish over margaritas or limonadas. Sounds good doesn’t it?

Hoping this is one more step toward living your dream.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help!

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Want to live in Mexico? More money making ideas

2009-07-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to be living your dream life in Mexico is to be able to control your financial destiny. As you know, I am all about taking control of our own life and choosing to live exactly as we desire and where we desire.

My last suggestion for ways of earning money to live in Mexico was wildly popular so I have created a whole page of money making ideas that I believe can help you come live in paradise. These ideas could actually help you live wherever and however you desire.

I hope these ideas will provide you with one more key as to how to live your dreams in Mexico. This ‘make money’ page has so many fun options - I almost want to do them all! Who knows you might even enjoy how you earn your living!

Keep me posted and I look forward to finding you living in Mexico very soon.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help!

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an Reserve, Mexico

2009-07-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Punta Allen is a laid back little fishing village located in the Sian Ka’an Reserve in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It awaits you at the end of a very long, somewhat rough dirt road. It is about an hour and a half drive through the jungle from the beach resorts of Tulum. I know this because my husband and I decided to go exploring on Sunday. It was so worth the drive!

I posted all the glorious pictures on my Facebook page for ‘Only in Mexico’.

Now remember this is a very small town. The roads are made from sand. There is no major grocery store and certainly no Sam’s Club or Starbucks. The name of the game in Punta Allen is fishing, eating seafood and other delights at any of the numerous tiny restaurants in town (many right on the beach), and relaxing in a hammock perhaps to read a good book.

We found the fishing co op with the day’s catch of lobsters which prompted my husband to crave a lobster tail. So we headed to a beachside restaurant called the Bone Fish. This picture was taken from our table. And the lobster tail was delectable!

Punta Allen reminded us very much of a little fishing village we used to enjoy visiting not too far from Puerto Vallarta called Chacala. It’s the type of place you could go to just get away from it all. No fancy resorts just little cabañas on the beach.

It was a great day trip and would make for an enjoyable overnighter I am sure too. Hmm, when is our next company coming?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? I found a book with online business ideas!

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

My beautiful green iguana

2009-07-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

I just had to share with you another pleasure of living in Mexico.

We have beautiful iguanas that make their homes in our yard.

This one lounged by the pool as I worked at my desk a few days ago. He visited again yesterday by coming across the grass as I was hanging laundry. He drank from the pool and then headed on to another area of the yard.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? I found a book with online business ideas!

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

How to make money to live in Mexico

2009-07-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my websites, my eBook and this blog, I am constantly contacted by people who want to live in Mexico. I can answer most of their questions but the stumper is – what can they do to earn money in Mexico?

For a foreigner to have the ability to work in Mexico, it is a complicated process. Understandably the Mexicans need to protect their own citizens. To be able to officially work in Mexico, a foreigner needs an FM3 (work permit) from Mexican immigration to be issued. To receive this they usually need to be sponsored by an employer who can prove that they can do work a Mexican cannot. Another option is to incorporate your own company which also requires special permissions, money and time.

When anyone asks me about - how they can work or earn a living in Mexico, I have always suggested trying to find a business that you can do online. It does not take a job from a Mexican and then you don’t have to go through all the Mexican governments’ red tape. Well you might say – that’s advice that makes sense but where would I start?

I am very excited to share with you an eBook I recently found with 20 different ways to earn money online. I bought the book myself because I wanted to know if it could help some of you with the desire to live in Mexico but not knowing the way to earn a living here. I think that the eBook provides great ideas. It is 20 different people sharing the ways they earn money online so you have lots of options and real life experience.

Here is the link. I hope you find it useful and that with its help you find your way to move here soon. At the very least, it gives you more options.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? I found a book with online business ideas!

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

My bird of paradise

2009-06-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

To me, a Bird of paradise flower says “the tropics”. Ever since I saw them in Hawaii, I always thought it would be very cool to have a bird of paradise flower in my yard.

Two years ago we purchased a bird of paradise plant for our yard here in Mexico. I have faithfully watered it and nurtured it with love. In two years it had not produced even one flower.

Today I am happy to tell you that my bird of paradise plant has its first bloom! I share my happiness with you! I guess some things are just worth waiting for.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? I found a book with online business ideas!

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Barracuda in Mexico

2009-06-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Look out hubby - there is a new fisherman in town!

We went out to the Sian Ka’an reserve again on Sunday for Father’s Day and our 16 year old son tried fishing for the first time – you know to keep his dad company.

He caught a 4 ft long barracuda!

Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Fishing in Mexico

2009-06-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

My husband went salt water fishing in the Sian Ka’an reserve just south of Tulum on Sunday. He has recently retaken this sport up as a hobby here in Mexico.

He tells a great story of starting the morning by hooking a barracuda that later got away by managing to bite the line past his leader - but he did land a jack fish.

It turns out jack fish is a red meat - surprised me! He filleted it and then barbequed it in foil and it was okay eating but I took the leftovers of it yesterday and made what I’ll call a jack fish pate and it became fantastic.

In case you ever catch a jack fish I’ll give you the recipe. I put the cooked fish in the food processer and pureed it with seasoning salt, lime, Worcestershire, fresh onion and some cheese soup! Now that was delicious. You can serve it warm or cold on crackers or toast.

He can now bring home a jack fish anytime!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Our wonderful Mexican weekend

2009-06-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

Today I’ll share a bit of my marvelous weekend spent at home in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. A lot of people ask me what it is like to live in Mexico – here is an idea of what we do with ourselves.

Friday night we went out for a great dinner with some friends (this easy to do often here as eating out can be quite reasonable). We started by sharing shrimp empanadas, guacamole and salsa; then I proceeded to enjoy a magnificent feast of shrimp sautéed in garlic served with rice and steamed veggies. It was a very fine meal! We came back to our house for banana cream pie (yes, that bananas are ripe in our yard again) and to enjoy sitting in the garden for more visiting.

Saturday was another of our son’s American Football games after which we needed a dip in the pool as it was so hot! I have no idea how these kids can play in this heat! In the evening we headed to Mamita’s beach for a free Gino Vannelli concert held under the stars. I think all music sounds pretty good from a lounge chair on the beach but wow what an event! As with all Mamita’s concerts they set up a huge stage complete with screens, lights, and big sound. We were surprised by a few sand crabs trying to find their way between all the people. We figured out what was going on as people shone their cell phones to light the sand. I was happy to be in a chair as I may have been more than startled if one ran over my hand!

Sunday my hubby, Shawn went fishing (details and picture of that tomorrow) and I took advantage of a cooler morning and baked. The evening was a fish BBQ at home and a movie at the local theatre (also reasonable as full weekend price is only $50 pesos – about $5 USD). The movie experience was completed with buttered popcorn, caramel popcorn, and nachos. Now you know why I do yoga to try and stay in some shape – we eat a lot!

Now I wonder what we will do with our week?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Living in a Mexican paradise

2009-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Tropical breezes, palm trees swaying, and the feeling of sand under my feet . . . I created those to be in my life. I said I desired them and I got them. I am feeling quite proud of myself.

I decided that I wanted to live in a tropical environment and fortunately my husband agreed. Within two years we were in Mexico with our kids. It fit all of our needs. We have a different culture, tropical weather, palm trees, friendly people and easy access to Canada by car or plane and at reasonable prices.

We will have been in Mexico for eight years come September of this year and we are still happy with our decision to live in Mexico. We have a great lifestyle; plus it’s different and we craved something different. We found ways to earn our living, new good friends, and a different way to look at things.

What do you desire for your life? Maybe take a good look and see if you feel it is indeed possible for you because that is exactly what we did. It turns out our dream was possible and livable for us. When you do the thing you really desire to do, you will never be in a position of wondering what if …

Did I mention that I can swim in the beautiful Caribbean ocean all year long? And I can sip a limonada under a palm tree with my feet in the sand … hmm …

Paradise can truly be wherever you live. I live in Mexico and I truly love this paradise.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real estate office Playa del Carmen Real Estate – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Bacalar, Mexico Video

2009-06-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Some friends have created a short video showing the town of Bacalar, Mexico and the Los Flamboyanes project.

It's on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTl0O13gKRw

Buy your piece of paradise now before the development actually starts to get the best price.

View the lots available here http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/

They also offer commission to real estate agents and referral fees to individuals who desire to promote it. Contact me for more information.

I'm already planning my house ... the life coaching and wellness retreats I will hold in Bacalar ... my early morning yoga on the lake sessions .... and where my lounge chair will sit to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. What can I say? It is a beautiful place.

Let me know if you are coming and I'll arrange to take you for a visit.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real estate office www.OneStopMc.com

Mexico - hot deals to visit!

2009-06-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Just found these hot deals for travel to Mexico posted in the New York Times.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/travel/24pracmex.html

Let me know if you end up in the Riviera Maya!

... And bring your swimsuit.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

American football mom in Mexico

2009-05-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

What we know as football in Canada is called American football in Mexico so that it is not confused with soccer which Mexicans call football. Are we clear as mud on that one?

I was confused about a lot of things when my son took up American football here in Mexico about four years ago. I didn’t even know the game! I just prayed a lot that he would not get seriously hurt as it looked pretty rough. It turns out that we have a pediatrician that attends every game. How lucky is that?

Now I play chauffeur mom as I transport kids to practice and I play cheerleader as I watch every game with eagle eyes that have learned to watch the football as well as where my son is. Well I manage to watch both most of the time anyway.

Who knew we had American Football in Mexico? Who knew it was such a great sport? Who knew it created such mature and disciplined kids? You see I have learned a lot from living in Mexico. Viva Mexico and American Football!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

The pleasures of living in Mexico in May

2009-05-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Ah, the pleasures of living in Mexico (Riviera Maya) run rampant this month.

It’s hot during the day … It cools off at night … it’s humid during the day … it rains a bit some days … things are greening up … the pool is the perfect temperature … the beaches are beautiful and for the time being quiet … all inclusives will give locals good discounts … flowers are everywhere … and mangoes are plentiful.

Life is very, very good here in the tropical paradise of Mexico.
In truth, I think living in Mexico is really great any month.

Feel free to add in your favorite things about living or being in Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

Playa is waiting . . . .

2009-05-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

The following message from my friend Tom Doody, owner of the Blue Parrot in Playa del Carmen says it all. I had to share his heartfelt message!

Well, its official: The great epidemic that never was is finally over. As of today (May 16), all international travel advisories warning against "non-essential" travel to Mexico have been lifted.

Although this is great news for us, its a bit bittersweet given the fact that--outside of the media--there never was a health crisis here in the Mexican Caribbean. Nobody here even got sick with what turned out to be a mild strain of the flu. So, we find ourselves grateful that the crisis that was never a crisis is over and hoping that somehow our devastated economy will recover.

By and large, people in the States that I'm talking to seem unaware of the desperate state of affairs here in Playa and the surrounding area. Once the "threat to all mankind" turned out to be not much of a threat to anything, CNN and the rest of the media stopped reporting the other half of the story.

In the Riviera Maya--which includes Playa del Carmen--Swine Flu hysteria has put 50% of the local population out of work without warning in the past three weeks. That means that the chances are better than 50/50 that the people that you have come to know and love over the years that you've been coming down here are on the verge of being unable to feed or care for their families.

So, if you've been putting off that vacation to your favorite spot in Playa, now is the time to come. The beaches are beautiful, the deals have never been better…and your friends in Playa really need you. Tom

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

Another Mexican Holiday

2009-05-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Our family just returned from a wonderful trip to Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.

We also visited Patzcuaro, Quiroga, Tzintzuntzan, and Isla de Janitzio. Our flight even made a connection through Mexico City again.

The kids had a few days off school and it was quiet in Playa del Carmen so we decided it was the perfect time for a little holiday. We found it was starting to get hot in Morelia during the day just like in Playa del Carmen; however the air is much dryer in Morelia. I prefer Playa’s climate in May.

Everywhere we went, we were once again greeted by very friendly people. Little English is spoken here so we got to practice our Spanish.

Downtown Morelia is an amazing site with its historic buildings. I felt like I was a guest on a movie set. And there always seems to be a party in the main square.

Patzcuaro is another delight with all of its historic buildings painted in white and rustic red. Quiroga was a profusion of color with all of its shops and markets lining the streets. I actually bought an awesome lamp for a quarter of the cost of what it would be in Playa or Cancun. I carried the lampshade as hand luggage on the planes coming home!

Isla de Janitzio was a favorite. The island is created like one big hill and all the buildings are crowded together all the way up it. They have left room for stairs (lined with markets and restaurants of course) so you can climb to the top to see the huge monument of Mexican hero of independence Jose Maria Morelos. You can even climb inside the statue to a lookout in his fist.

It was all an excellent adventure. I’ll post pictures in my Facebook album later today.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

US President Obama's plane in Mexico

2009-04-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

On Thursday April 16th US President Obama paid a visit to Mexican president Calderon. Guess who was also made a trip to Mexico City that day? Me!

Believe me I did not plan it on purpose. I would have much rather chosen another day to arrive but I was going there for business (I actually flew in and departed the same day) so there I was.

Turned out there was not the hassle that I had anticipated. In fact it almost seemed like a non event in the parts of the airport I was in .… that is until we stopped to eat in an upstairs airport restaurant and it turned out president Obama’s plane could be spotted from that window. It was all by itself with security around it. Everyone had their camera at the window so I put mine up there too as nobody wants to feel silly alone. This picture is from my camera.

Traffic was not even effected in Mexico City (apparently it is always that congested there) because they flew President Obama by helicopter to his meeting with president Calderon. We did see US and Mexican flags everywhere in honor of the meeting which was a lovely sight. It would be nice to see all the worlds flags flying together.

So my day was double the fun. I had a trip to Mexico City and spotted president Obama’s plane. May the joys of living in Mexico never end!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

It is Mexican banana time again!

2009-04-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

We have about six banana trees in our yard and they all have bananas coming ripe this month!

I am not complaining at all because I love our bananas and my husband has discovered that by cutting a few off a batch at a time and hanging them separately we can control the ripening process a certain amount.

I am particularly delighted as it gives us bananas for many different delights. We have some for the freezer so we can whir delicious breakfast drinks, for banana bread, for banana cream pies, for muffins and of course for banana pancakes.

Feel free to share any banana recipes that you enjoy as more are coming ripe as I type this.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

Walking a Mexican Mattress

2009-04-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick share today . . . . last weekend we went to Tulum for the beach of course. We had to stop for a mattress crossing ..... and then the box spring . . . .

It was a beautiful day to walk a mattress!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

We have iguanas in our yard

2009-04-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Living in Mexico you can find many wonderful treasures. Finding iguanas in your garden is one of them. Especially beautiful green ones like this. This delightful specimen I found eating the newest leaves on my bougainvillea!

I finally got some great pictures so I am sharing one here and I loaded the rest on my Facebook Mexico fan page.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

Puerto Aventuras, Mexico

2009-03-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Puerto Aventuras is a delightful place to hang out for a day or a night – maybe longer. Puerto Aventuras is actually only 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen so we can pop over for a few hours anytime we like. I know I live a sweet life.

We spent the day there Sunday. The Puerto Aventuras School had an international food sampling day. So after a few hours of some serious nibbling at the school we walked over to the marina. There we found a bunch of people enjoying a swim with the dolphins, some interesting shopping, and a Sunday art show. We ended up enjoying a margarita at one of the open air cafes while we listened to some live music.

Often you will find fisherman cleaning their rather big catches or at least bragging about their catch but I don’t think they went out Sunday due to wind. We did see some divers coming in though.

Puerto Aventuras turned out to be great place to spend the day. Very mellow, relaxed and fun. If you have the opportunity I recommend a stop in.

By the way I just posted pictures on my Facebook Only in Mexico page.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

Maroma Beach, Quintana Roo, Mexico

2009-03-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Note: If you currently have cold and snow and are not thrilled with your weather read the following with a margarita in your hand.

We spent Sunday on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the Caribbean. It turns out that it was actually voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world by the Travel Channel. I know why it was too - it has white, super soft, fine sand and beautiful, clear water that reflects multiple shades of turquoise blue. It is just heavenly, totally tropical, and totally Caribbean.

Now are you ready for this surprise? This beach is only a 15 minute drive from our home and we had never been to visit it in our 6 years of living here! Well there is first time for everything and better late than never I say.

We spent the day at the Marina Maroma Paradise Beach Club. It was 100 pesos per person entrance but you then had access to lounge chairs, bathrooms, lockers, showers, tables and you could order from their excellent restaurant.

I like beach clubs. I like to lie out in their lounge chairs and have a waiter cater to my every need. He asks if I would like another drink. . . . Yes please. Is everything perfect? Yes!

Now for my benefit I probably should not tell you this but what kind of a good friend would I be if I didn’t share the secret? They have all kinds of activities you can do from boating and wave runners to four wheeler exploring, but all the activities are closed on Sundays so you have this gorgeous beach practically all to yourselves. Now that is a treat in high season!

Well I told you I was going to hang out at the beach more this year right? Who knows what I will find next! I’ll keep you posted.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Is Mexico safe?

2009-03-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

My goodness there seems to have been a lot of negative publicity about Mexico in the US and Canada papers lately – something about Mexico not being a safe place for foreigners to be.

I don’t know about this first hand but I have been receiving numerous enquires about it in my email box. There is also the frustration I hear from friends who have businesses in Mexico that are less than impressed by the fact that tourists are being told to stay away.

Here is my short and sweet response if you were to ask me how safe I feel in Mexico. ….

I feel safer here than anywhere I have been in the world and remember I also have two children here. Would I live here if I felt we were in danger? Never. I do have options.

There are only two reasons not to come to Mexico . . .

1. You are a shady character and plan on getting involved in some illegal activity. If yes, I think you would be in danger anywhere you lived.

2. You are still scared. We attract what we are thinking about so if you fear the worst please don’t come because it may not be safe for you.

Now reasons to come . . . .

I have one hundred and one - starting with the beautiful weather, the beaches, the palm trees, shrimp tacos, the great exchange rate, the change of culture and the beautiful, gracious people.

The final choice is always yours; feel free to comment here. I'll get back to you when I get home from the beach.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Mexico Memories

2009-02-20T07:48:00.001-08:00

I have to share this beautiful picture with you today.

We have family that came to visit us in Playa del Carmen this last Christmas and one of the gifts we gave them were two hand painted (right here in Mexico) margarita glasses.

They just sent us a picture that let us know they not only arrived unbroken but they are being enjoyed in less than tropical conditions. (Just click on the picture to enlarge it).

What can I say? . . . . May the memories of tropical Mexico be with you as you enjoy your margaritas.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico pictures on Facebook

2009-02-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

Will wonders never cease? I decided to try something new this year and I have now joined the social networking site Facebook. I wanted to tell you this because I am now posting beautiful pictures on it that we have taken from all over Mexico. Places like Tulum, Morelia, Playa del Carmen, Bacalar, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and Merida for a few . . . . . . I am also posting pictures of various ruins.

If you are not familiar with it, you can go to http://www.facebook.com/. We can become friends if you look me up by Suzanne Marie Bandick. You need to become a member yourself but there is no cost and what you do with your membership is up to you. When you friend me, please let me know you came from my blog. Thanks!

The pictures we took in Mexico are found on a page I created called Living in Mexico. You can access this page by going to my profile and clicking the info tab, the link to the Mexico page is on the bottom. Enjoy! You can sign up to be a fan of the page.

Check back to the page often as I am just starting to load Mexico pictures and play with everything Facebook has to offer.

It is kind of fun so maybe I’ll try more new stuff this year. Stay tuned.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Bacalar, Mexico is a great weekend getaway!

2009-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

This last weekend we spent in Bacalar, Mexico as we had some friends who wanted to see our development there. For me, I will use any excuse to go to Bacalar simply because it is peaceful and beautiful. It is a short 3 hour trip from Playa del Carmen so it was easy to leave Saturday morning, have breakfast in Felipe Carrillo Puerto (half way) than be in Bacalar by about 12:30.

We spent the night in our usual lovely hideaway on Bacalar lagoon (that must remain nameless so it does not get all booked up) and then headed home to Playa del Carmen on Sunday afternoon.

We were surprised to find two awesome events happening Saturday night in this quiet little town. We had an artisan show at Casita Carolina’s as well as Carnival happening in the main square! Who needs sleep on the weekend? We even found time to play for awhile at Cenote Azul.

The ride home was another adventure and took a little while longer as we chose to stop at almost every roadside stand. We bought fresh mandarin juice, mini bananas fresh off the tree, a huge sack of juice oranges (because the vendor insisted on cutting each of us an orange to try and they were excellent), some fresh nuts, two pineapples, some banana bread from one of the ladies at a speed bump and some various arts and crafts. We arrived home not only at peace but full!

It was another great weekend in paradise! Maybe next time you can join us.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Watching the Super Bowl in Mexico

2009-02-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

Guess where I watched the Super Bowl last weekend?

My family and I spent the day at the all inclusive Bahia Principe Resort just south of Tulum. We got a dynamite rate because our son plays American football and they are a team supporter.

So Shawn and I chilled on hammocks by the ocean in the morning, had some lunch, and then lounged by the pool until game time. I thought of you all as I know many of you have cold and snow right now. But what could I do?

When Super Bowl game time came we headed to the lounge and met up with our son to watch the action on their huge screen. The Bahia Principe provided drinks, popcorn, hot dogs and hamburgers in the lounge so we never had to miss any action. What more could a football fan ask for?

Interestingly the commentary for the game was in English, but they gave us Mexican commercials so I missed the big US Super Bowl ads! Not to worry, I viewed most of them yesterday on the internet. Who would think I would want to purposefully watch ads? I know – but these are Super Bowl ads!

Chillin on the beach for Super Bowl - Yep, on the whole life in Mexico can be really good.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

More beach time please

2009-01-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

I have been refining my dreams and goals for this year all month. I have come to a realization – more beach time is needed.

Living in Mexico, specifically Playa del Carmen, where the beach is gorgeous I realized that I do not spend enough time enjoying the very thing I moved down here for.

I got caught up in a day to day routine. This is the very thing I warn people moving to Mexico of. I tell them to choose carefully what they want or they will just end up with more of what they left behind.

I am not retired. I am a life coach and a writer. I have four web sites and two blogs. All of these are reasons to spend a lot of time at home on my computer instead of being at the beach or lounging by my pool. I also still have a son at home to chauffer to and from school and American football practice. My husband runs our real estate office so he is busy too. But you know what? If you become aware of something that you want to change – you can change it.

I love life coaching, writing, my kids, my husband and the beach. Now that I have realized the beach belongs in my list of priorities I am going to be sure to fit it into my life much more.

So if you call and I’m not home – I may just be off enjoying the beach. I’ll come back and catch up on emails and clients with sand between my toes. Ah, this is sounding like a very good year indeed.

May your year be exactly as you choose.
PS. Our sun is back!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Still looks like rain in Playa del Carmen

2009-01-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

It has just occured to me - what do I do about laundry?

You see I hang my laundry in the yard to dry. How am I supposed to do laundry now? I may have to take it to a laundry mat – although I have been known to just hang it and drape it all over the house. That is kind of fun especially if unexpected company shows up! It gives a really homey feeling.

Maybe it will just look like rain all day . . . . .

PS. I'm in three sweaters, pants and socks now.
I will never complain about it being too hot in Mexico again.

The adventure continues.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Third day of rain in Playa del Carmen

2009-01-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

Well okay not everyday has included rain but it has been cloudy, overcast, and cool. Interestingly I had just been telling everybody how unseasonably hot it was for Playa del Carmen this time of year!

I just checked out the weather network on the internet and it says this way until Sunday! First my apologies for anyone holidaying but I guess on the bright side it is warmer here than most of you are used to in winter and you will not need 3 sweaters like I do.

Now that I have spent my 5 minutes moping about rain in Playa - what is the bright side? I don’t have to water my garden – the lawn looks better than ever – I get to wear those sweaters I rarely use – I put a blanket on the bed - and I have been turning on some heat in my vehicle and that is cool.

Life is full of fun little adventures and I have decided that I am going to enjoy this! Now where is that fireplace DVD?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com.

Bacalar project presentation in Vernon

2009-01-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you know that my husband, Shawn, will be venturing into the cold, cold north this month - yes, Vernon, B.C. Canada! He is going to do a presentation on our project in Bacalar, Mexico. Bill Hubbard, the owner of the Century 21 office in Vernon has arranged it.

The presentation will be at the Schubert Center in Vernon at 7:00 on Thursday January 15th, 2009.

I will not be coming as it is winter you know! I send my love from here. Speaking of which please think warm weather thoughts so my hubby doesn't freeze too much!

This is the website for the project http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. Please let anyone you think might be interested in owning a piece of paradise in Mexico know about it. You are also welcome to come and say hi to Shawn.

Did I tell you that we will be building there? It reminds us so much of Kal Lake in Vernon - but what it must have been like maybe 30 years ago.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Feliz Año Nuevo - Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

It is a brand new year and in Mexico we now have Dia de Los Santos Reyes (Three kings day) to look forward to. This is the day when Mexicans exchange Christmas presents in accordance with the arrival of the three gift-bearing wise men to Jesus Christ. We also get to eat Rosca de Reyes (Kings Crown bread) with Mexican spiced hot chocolate. This day actually culminates the Christmastime festivities.

I love Mexico and the new traditions I get to participate in! By the way, we did ring in the New Year on the beach but it was a little cool so I wore a light sweater. Not to worry it has warmed up again.

May your New Year be filled with an abundance of health, love, friends, prosperity, fun, peace, joy and many visits to Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexican New Year

2008-12-31T04:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight is New Years Eve and there will be many festivities in town – parties, street parties, fireworks, great food and drinks. It probably sounds a lot like where you live – isn’t it interesting how in every country things can be so different and yet many things are the same?

We will be heading down to the beach again to ring it in. Are you surprised? I’ll be counting my blessings of how fortunate I feel to be able to live in Mexico with my husband and children as I gaze out over the ocean with the distant lights of Cozumel and the twinkling blanket of stars over us. I will probably have no jacket on (Big Smile).

I don’t know how late we will stay there but I do know that whenever we get home the neighborhood parties will still be in full swing. Well if we can’t sleep we can always join them.

By the way, one fun tradition that is observed in Mexico is the eating of 12 grapes - one with each stroke of the chiming bell at midnight. This is to bring good luck for the coming year.

May your New Year be full of fun, love, prosperity and travel.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Our Mexican Christmas

2008-12-24T04:06:00.000-08:00

First you put the turkey in the oven then you go to the beach for a swim in the ocean.

Christmas in Mexico for us is a wonderful blend of old and new traditions. We put the tree up after we have gone swimming in the pool in our yard. We still string up lights outside but they are in the palm trees.

I’m going to go for a practice swim right now. I really love a tropical Christmas!

May your Christmas be filled with many wonderful old and new traditions!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Our Mexican Gingerbread House

2008-12-18T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is a tradition from Canada that we finally decided to reinstate last year. We did not make a gingerbread house for several years after we moved to Mexico because I was concerned ants would carry it away. Anyone who has lived in or visited a tropical climate will know the validity of my concern. Ants love food, especially sugar!

However last year our gingerbread house was just fine as we built it on a board which we placed on an upside down pie pan in a jelly roll pan. This created room for a moat that we filled with water. Ants can’t swim! Not one ant was found near the house. The only challenge the house encountered was the erosion caused by my 15 year old son slowly eating all the candy!

This picture is our result this year. From our house to yours, Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

A Mexico Holiday - How to be a good house guest

2008-12-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

Blend Christmas with high season and it means company will definitely be coming to our house in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Well the truth is I do love company so I am indeed happy - especially when the company knows how to be a great house guest.

How can you be great company for someone who lives in Mexico? Just bring lots of stuff that we still can’t get here. In my case it would be chocolate Oreo cookie crumbs, graham wafer crumbs, Dream Whip, instant puddings, large jars of crunchy peanut butter, and vitamin C caplets (I can only find horse size tablets here). You get the idea, so ask your hosts what they need.

When we still lived in Canada, we visited friend who were living in Thailand. They had a ton of stuff they wanted that they could not get there. We brought it all but did not really understand the pleasure of receiving it until we moved to Mexico.

Also, tell your hosts that you just came to chill and that we do not have to entertain you! Feel free to strike out on your own sometimes. Don’t ask a lot of questions about why they do things this way or anyway here as we don’t know either. Oh and bring a bottle of tequila back to the house with you now and then.

Enjoy your holidays! I know your friends or family that you are visiting will love your visit.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My road is paved!

2008-12-05T04:19:00.000-08:00

Joy to the world! The road in front of my house here in Mexico is now paved.

That’s all my news for today. It is a perfect example of Mexican mañana time as it only took five years. I don’t care my road is paved – my road is paved – my road is paved.

I knew it would happen! I think ... maybe.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico - high season is almost here!

2008-12-03T05:46:00.000-08:00

It is the beginning of December and high season in Mexico will soon be here. If you are interested the official Mexico high season start date is December 15th. Now what does that actually mean for those of us who live in a high tourist area like Playa del Carmen?

It means there will be a lot more people in town and way more activity. Party! Party! Party!

There is a buzz and an excitement as we are joined by people from all over the world. So many different languages spoken!

It also means increased traffic and it may be a little harder to find parking spaces in some areas – but who cares? The humidity is gone and the temperature is perfect. Except for a few mornings when we will awake to a bone chilling 16 degrees Celsius! That by the way is 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit!

You can tell the locals in winter because we are wearing long sleeve shirts, sweaters, scarves and boots. The tourists will be seen in shorts and bikinis.

So do you wanna come play? You can wear whatever you want.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Do you live in Mexico City? An invitation

2008-11-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

As you know my husband and our business partner have expanded on their real estate business in Playa del Carmen and they are now the owners and developers of a project in Bacalar, Mexico called Las Flamboyanes.

Our partner Jorge Penkoff just left this morning to do 3 evenings of presentations on the project in Mexico City. (Jorge is fluent in English and Spanish).

The dates are the 26, 27 and 28th of November at 7:30 PM and the location is The Hotel Marquis Reforma, Salon Paseo, Paseo de la Reforma 465, Col. Cuauhtemoc.

Now is the best time to get involved because the introductory prices are so low

If you get a chance to go see Jorge, please tell him Suzanne sent you. How fun that would be!

Online details about the project are here.

Watch for an anouncement of presentations in Vernon and Kelowna in the Okanagan coming in the new year.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico and my paved road

2008-11-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

I’m getting a paved road in front of my house!

Isn’t that cool? Funny that I would be excited about that isn’t it?
Do you have a paved road and take it for granted? I used to.

This is an odd and rambling story but in its way it does depict life sometimes in Mexico. It is a life I love by the way, often because of the fact that it is different.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile you will note that several times I have mentioned my road that used to be paved five years ago when we bought our house. Then you may have read my mentioning that four years ago they tore it up to put in underground sewer. That part was great but they never did repave it so the potholes grew and mini lakes formed in rainy season. It was all very adventurous!

What is my news now? Three weeks ago they graded it and compacted it. I must admit it is looking pretty good even with just that – it is certainly easier and more pleasurable to drive on.

The littlest glitch is that now my road workers have disappeared. My neighbors and I cannot find them. However, I know they will return – I am an optimist. So I am going to tell you my road is almost paved. It is so close that it is almost paved and that makes me happy.

Just another little glimpse of living in Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Bacalar, Mexico - want to own there?

2008-11-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here’s a quick update for you on my husband’s Los Flamboyanes Bacalar project in case you are thinking of owning property in Mexico.

Have you seen the site http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/ since they marked the Sold/reserved lots? Their office has been working with clients from all over the USA, Canada, and Mexico and it has been amazing to see the different points of view people have during this time.

Many people see this as a time of great opportunity; others get scared of the future and become paralyzed. I can totally understand how this can happen. We were recently in Florida and it was shocking the amount of bad news on the radio, TV, and bill boards, basically you were bombarded with the negative side of every possible situation – it can be hard to think differently.

Moving forward into the unknown future can be difficult but those who keep their focus are the winners. I know for sure tomorrow will come, and then the day will come that we will want to move or even retire and have an easy life in a beautiful location where we can afford to live a great lifestyle. We’ll be in Bacalar.

If we live life looking for the positive side wherever we can find it we will have a clear point of view that will ultimately lead us to the goal we are looking for. What is your goal? The actions we take today are going to ensure we achieve those goals tomorrow.

Have a look at the site. They have done a great job.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Day of the Dead in Mexico

2008-11-07T05:22:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me this and I thought you would enjoy it. I have never lived anywhere in Mexico where they actually practice this tradition, at least not that I was aware of . . . . . .

On November 1st we celebrate day of the dead in Mexico, a tradition that seems to be mostly lost or modernized in the big cities of Mexico. Lucky for me though, there are many, many tiny towns where old traditions and even prehispanic languages are still preserved. So on Saturday night I went with a couple friends to a town called Cucuchucho (yes that is spelled right...) near Morelia, to see the real tradition.

We went to the graveyard where the families had decorated the tombs of their deceased family members with a traditional orange flower called Zempazuchil and candles. They leave food offering so that the souls will have food and candles so they have light to guide them. They put up wooden frames and cover them with the orange flowers (some even have creative shapes) which are believed to be the door for the soul to come though at midnight and the whole family stays by the grave all night (even the kids) chatting and eating.

It was a beautiful thing to experience, there was such a different energy there then one would imagine for a grave yard. There were kids running around asking for money to buy a sugar skull (which is a Mexican version of trick or treating, but now with the north American influence they are happy if you give them candy too). So we went to the town and found an open store to buy some candy to give them.

On the way back we went to the main town square and had corundas for dinner (a Mexican food that is like a corn bread wrapped in banana leaves and served with cream and salsa verde). The girl that served us told us all about the traditions and the town festivals, she said they had a party for something or another almost every week so we should go back there as often as we can to see their different customs.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico Sunshine

2008-10-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Well after about three weeks of rain the sun seems to be back out in Playa del Carmen! I don’t remember seeing much sunshine at all during those weeks.

I found something interesting out when the sun returned. My spirits lifted and I felt even better then my usual cheerful self. Now, you think I would have remembered this effect as I grew up in and around Vancouver, B.C. and there can be quite a few raining days there. People would get really depressed with the lack of sunshine for so many days in a row. Even I would spend every day I was home with the light on in my house to counter balance the lack of sun. I called it artificial sunshine.

Now I live in this beautiful tropical climate where the majority of my days are sunny and I had not even thought of that for a long time. It is interesting the difference the sun can make in our moods. I bet everyone in Playa starts to have better days now.

What’s another bonus to the sunshine being back? I can now do my laundry and hang it out on the line to dry without the experience of natures second rinse cycle on it.

Also, the heavy humidity seems to be gone. No wonder they say this is the start of high season.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico credit and the economy

2008-10-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

My husband recently wrote about this and I wanted to share it with you as I too, as a foreigner living in Mexico, get many questions on this.

From: Shawn Bandick, One Stop Real Estate

Many people think because of the shifting in the market in the USA that the Mexican Real Estate market must also be flat. This is not so. They also assume if there’s a credit melt down in their area it will happen in Mexico as well. That’s not going to happen either. How can I be so sure? It’s easy, Mexico is not a credit driven economy. Most Mexicans don’t have a credit card, at best they have a debit card, and this way they are only spending the money they have.

Currently most Mexicans don’t have mortgages on their homes. Yes it might be a modest home but they built it as they had the income and they never paid the huge mortgage payments. Only in the last few years have mortgages been available and only if you could put about 20 to 30% down. That’s a very healthy no risk position for the bank. In a nut shell credit is so new to Mexico that the economy doesn’t rely upon it; therefore you will not find a credit crunch in Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico and movie theatres

2008-10-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I love going to the movies in Mexico! Yes, we can even see them in English. In fact, most of the movies are in English with Spanish subtitles as they usually only dub the kids movies. It is funny though to go to a kid’s movie and hear characters you know well speak in a different language with a different voice.

The theaters in Mexico are excellent and the seating is well tiered so no one ever has their head in your way. It costs about the equivalent of $4.50 US and you get in for only $3.00 on weekends before 3:00 and one day of the week the price is reduced all day.

Even popcorn and snacks seem reasonable. You can get regular popcorn, enchilada popcorn, caramel popcorn and in some cinemas, light popcorn. You can even mix up the popcorn! Plus where else can you get red salsa to top off your popcorn?

So the next time you are in Mexico – where are you going to go? The Movies! I knew it. It is a worthwhile treat. It is also a great air conditioned place to hang out when it is hot. There are just so many benefits to living in Mexico .....

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico cost of living

2008-10-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

Many people enquire on the cost of living in Mexico. Here is what we find ….

Our family moved to Playa del Carmen from Canada and we currently live for a little more than half of what it would cost us to live in Canada. We have friends who are retired and live here on much less than we do as we have two teenagers still in school and we pay for their schooling every month.

My husband, Shawn, constantly hears clients complain about the high property taxes they have to pay where they live. Our property taxes are less than 200 USD per year and I don’t know anyone here that pays even 500 dollars taxes per year. We also find that most food costs less and eating out is less expensive.

Remember that all this is even with the fact that we live in a very popular beach town. With inland Mexico the costs will be even less. As I have mentioned before, Merida, another beautiful city only about 4 hours away, costs even less to live in.

Yet another reason to appreciate Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Bacalar, Mexico lots

2008-10-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Have you visited the gorgeous and serene area of Mexico called Bacalar? Did you love it like our family did? Are you interested in the possibility of owning real estate there?

Well, I have an insider scoop for you … you see my husband, Shawn, and our real estate office partner, Jorge, are the owners and developers of a beautiful project in Bacalar, Mexico. In fact we are planning our homes for in the project.

The project is called Los Flamboyanes Bacalar http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/.

This is what they sent out last week: We have heard time and time again as our clients search for the right land to build their home that they cannot find the right place without lowering their expectations and raising their budget for the land. They are looking for an easier way of life where they can live with all the normal amenities and more, for a lower cost of living than they have now.

The challenge many people see is the cost to buy land for their home here in Playa del Carmen; we have been looking for the solution. It has taken us almost three years to find the right location, with all the infrastructure and with access to a larger city center and still be able to put all the parts of a first class development (In ground services, proper roads, a water front park, as well as another park on the center) together while at the same time offering our clients the opportunity to buy their property for around forty thousand dollars.

Please take a moment and check the details on the website. Someone you know is looking for an easier lifestyle and wants to hear about this opportunity. One thing I know for sure is this kind of project, with these prices on the Caribbean coast line of Mexico, will not be seen again. Jorge and I will be building our homes there and we will have all the connections to help you do the same.

See all the details Here http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/ and you can reserve your lot today. We might be neighbors!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico, at night, on the beach

2008-09-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

The moon was out and the sky was dotted with a million stars.
The beach was quiet with a few people already settled on blankets.
You could only make out their shapes.
We of course brought our blanket and settled in; our bodies made perfect contours in the sand.
One man was swimming although you really could not see him well, perhaps it was a dolphin.
Across the water, the lights were radiating out from the distant Cozumel.
You might think it was actually the lost city of Atlantis – totally magical.
It’s almost October but a warm breeze caressed our skin.
We sat in quiet awe as we once again remembered yet another reason why we moved to Mexico. Life is very good.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico - What is your focus?

2008-09-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

I love living in Mexico and I loved living in Canada; I think both are terrific holiday lands. Actually the reason our family ended up in Mexico was because my husband and I wanted adventure in a new holiday land.

You know, I do always feel like I am living a holiday with our pool, the beach nearby and the tourists always around town, so it is a pretty nice feeling. What about the adventure part? Well moving to a new country is always an adventure! Yes, even after seven years Mexico is still an adventure.

Are we happy living in Mexico? Yes, we are very happy living in Mexico; but everything has to do with ones focus. We can all find great things wherever we live if we place our focus on looking for the great things.

There is so much to love and appreciate in this world. I, personally, am grateful for the ability to transcend borders and be able to live in and enjoy Mexico at this time. After all, I live in holiday land!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexican Banking

2008-09-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Now remember I love my adoptive home of Mexico – I just find amusement with many things – like ……..

Do you want to open a Mexican bank account?

Make sure you have lots of time. It took no less than 1 and ½ hours from the time we sat in front of the service representative. This means go to the bathroom before you arrive and watch your fluid intake because banks don’t have bathrooms!

The service rep takes forever to fill out the paperwork. Then the service rep takes you to the teller who fills out more paperwork. And I already have an account with this bank!

By the way, as a foreigner to open a bank account, you will need your passport, FM3, a utility bill with your Mexican address, and the names and numbers of two people whom you can use as references. Don’t forget anything or you start again! Sounds like a fun game doesn’t it?

Does it take this much time in other countries?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Viva Aerobus update

2008-09-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

Until further notice, the Mexican airline, Viva Aerobus is no longer flying in and out of Cancun! How do I know? They cancelled one of my flights!

What a disappointment! Yes, it is no frills and no reserved seats but it is still very pleasant and much less expensive than other airlines.

However do take note that changing or cancelling your flight is a pain! You can only make adjustments by calling their head office in Monterrey. Emails do not go through and they don’t seem to ever pick up the phone while you wait for a service rep and the call is not toll free!

The adventure of air travel in Mexico ….

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

One child in Mexican university

2008-08-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

When we moved our kids here I had no idea at least one would want to stay in Mexico to go to University. Does it make a difference? Of course not, it is just a surprise that I did not think of it.
It makes perfect sense of course; she is now more comfortable with the expectations and culture of Mexico than of Canada. So she is staying in Mexico, but moving far away from us to go to a Mexican University.

I am proud of her and know she will adapt well no matter where she is and what she decides to do. I think that is a gift moving to Mexico gave our kids – the ability to adapt.

Moving to Mexico with kids? Life is always interesting.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Mexico - can be big changes

2008-08-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Mexico – living here can mean huge changes.

For many it is a change in language – it can be a little frustrating when you don’t understand someone. It can take time and patience to learn a new language.

Then there is the change in culture - people respond differently to situations, the work ethic can be different, the customs and behavior are different.

There is also the change of people as friends and family are left behind; you have to make new friends.

What will you do for work? What will you do with your spare time? Where will you live?
Change, change, change – for me it is all part of the adventure.

Is all the change worth it? It is absolutely worth it. At least in my eyes, it is absolutely worth it.
It is all part of the adventure of life.

Want to come and play?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Mexico and the living is easy ...

2008-08-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

Pull up a hammock and let’s chat. Would you like a cold drink?

Some people seem to think life has to be difficult – that we need to struggle from one thing to another and that anything we want to do must be hard. I don’t buy into that.

I think life can be easy. We just need to choose our focus. When we tell ourselves it will be easy it usually is. When we expect easy – it usually is. It is all in our thoughts.

Come to Mexico and concentrate on what you love to do and all the good things that surround you. Expect easy and you will create easy.

In fact Mexico has siestas built in. Siestas are easy. It isn’t their fault if we don’t follow custom.

Living anywhere can be easy or hard. It is always our choice. What do you choose to create?
I pick the easy life in Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico - Are you daring?

2008-08-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Are you still considering a possible move?

It is always our choice.

There are always many options – living in Mexico part time, holidaying for longer, trial moves, all out moves ….

Something to consider is that we can stay with the same old same old because it is safe – because we know it – because it is easy. Or we can be daring and make a change. We can start the process to live our dreams.

We can be living life to the fullest – whatever that means to us.

So how do you want to live life full out? Let me know if I can be of help.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Moving to Mexico - steps to the goal

2008-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Are you considering moving to Mexico? What are my suggested steps?

One is to Visualize – close your eyes.
What is your paradise?
Where is it?
What does it look like?
What are you doing?
Who are you with?
What do you smell?
What do you taste?
What are you hearing?
What are you seeing?

Create the perfect vision and hold it. Got it? Get the details down so that it is easy to summon anytime – because that is your goal. You cannot get to your goal unless you are clear what it is. Your vision is what will help to keep you on the path to your dream - because it is your dream.

Now you can create it in reality – Now that you have the picture, now you can figure out how to make it happen. What are the easy steps? List your questions. Ask the people already here. Check out the books written by people living here (see my link below). What do you need to have in place to make the move?

The steps to our dreams can be quite simple really. By the way, is it still Mexico?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Moving to Mexico - Are you thinking about it?

2008-07-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest things that usually stands in the way of and stops us from living many of our dreams is FEAR.

What fear? Let’s see, perhaps it is thoughts like ….. Maybe I can’t, I have never done anything like this before, my neighbors haven’t done this – can I? What if I don’t like it? How can I make everything work? This is scary.….. But you still have this pull from within you to Mexico; you have this inner desire to move - what to do?

My suggestions are: Find the people, who have gone before you, they can be your advisors. Look for proof it can be done - my family did it. Research what you need to know – use the internet, the library, books, maps. . . . Ask the questions. There does not have to be many surprises or any FEAR on your road to Mexico.

Go ahead and do the research. There may be less to fear than you think.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico is my paradise.

2008-07-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

I love the palm trees and warm weather – I actually counted all the ways Mexico is my paradise last week.

It is not always perfect, but it is my paradise.

Where is your paradise? Do you have an idea? Is it a specific place or does it just embody certain characteristics?

My suggestion is don’t wait for your paradise. Find your paradise and enjoy it now.
Then you are living life to the fullest.

So where is your paradise? Maybe you are already experiencing it!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com.

Mexico's answer to speeding? Speed bumps!

2008-07-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Speed bumps are everywhere - everywhere!!

Playa del Carmen must have just gotten a new shipment of yellow dome speed bumps because city workers are zealously installing them all over town.

We now have big speed bumps on the highways as well as assorted sized speed bumps on most every other street you can find. The brand new bright yellow ones are the prettiest though.

I guess they are to make us slow down and notice the scenery. There is always a plus side if you look hard enough!

I wonder if you hit them at high speed if you would fly? Oh, that’s just the kid in me.
Wasn’t me officer. Really - by the way, nice speed bumps.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com

Mexico and Playa del Carmen - I love it!

2008-07-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

What do I love the most about Mexico? Let me think .....

Feel free to visualize with me here …

Let’s start with food - Shrimp tacos, pastor tacos, and fresh fish …. Honestly I think you can eat some of the best food in the world here and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. We eat out way more often since we moved to Mexico.......

I love the laid back life style,
The eclectic mix of people,
The palm trees,
The beautiful beach and ocean,
The fresh pineapples and mangoes,
The friendly people,
Eating dinner with my feet in the sand,
The temperature, because no winter clothes are needed,
I laugh more,
I threw away all my pantyhose!
I play in the sand.
I have fewer have to do’s and fewer should do’s.
I feel freedom and I feel safe in Mexico.
Well that’s a start . . . . Anybody else have more to add?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com

Playa del Carmen and sandy toes

2008-06-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have a saying – if you live in Playa del Carmen and don’t have sand between your toes you should have.

For those of us who live here – we can get caught up in the day to day routine of things that need to be done and we can often forget to enjoy the simple pleasures such as the beach (which happens to be one of the biggest reasons we moved here!).

It is all about taking the time to enjoy life – life can be too short – we have no guarantees – enjoy it now – enjoy it every day. Make time to play in the sand. Who wants to wake up one day and say – I wish I had remembered to take the time to play in the sand?

Do you have sand between your toes? I’m headed to the beach now!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com

Mexico's Mastercard ad

2008-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have a new ad to run in the MasterCard ad series.

The other night my husband and I were walking the beach at dusk and this gave me the layout for the ad ….. At one of the little beachside bar/cafes we see a man sprawled out on his chair, hat over his eyes, resting with his feet in the sand – empty beer bottle by his side. Happy people were talking all around him – he is oblivious to it all.

The ad reads …. Flight $500 beer $1.50 Relaxation - priceless.

Enjoy Mexico (that’s the tourism board ad). I think we are all just walking MasterCard and tourism board ads around here!

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico - no pretention

2008-06-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Things often get done a little differently in Mexico. Okay sometimes things are done a lot differently. That is why those of us who chose to live here – usually love it. We were looking for something a little different.

Mexico is a country that does not pretend to be perfect, does not seem to care care if it is perfect and does not say it is perfect.

Maybe something we should all strive for. I find life is much easier if we don’t always need to strive for perfection.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

The Mexican Dream

2008-06-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

What is your dream? Is it to travel to Mexico? Is it to live in Mexico? Is it to buy property in Mexico?

If you would like some help and some ongoing positive reinforcement, I have an online coaching club to provide empowerment for living all kinds of dreams and our newest section is focused on how to move to another country. I even have a free trail month as a gift to you. Click here to see the club.

I’m Suzanne Marie Bandick and I help people live their dreams. I started writing books and became a life coach because why should only a few of us have all the fun?

I also moved from Canada to Mexico. The fun continues every day.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick

Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico and the art of relaxation

2008-06-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to living life to the fullest in Mexico is to relax! Isn’t that why we are here? So that we can finally get away from stresses and relax? So let’s relax. Everything will work out while we are at the beach or hanging in our hammock. This may take some practice – but we need to practice the art of relaxation daily.

Some scenarios in Mexico … Will no one show up when they say they will? Yep! Relax. Will it all get done anyway? Yep. Relax.

Let’s practice now … Where are you going to be? Will you be at the pool? Will you be on the beach? Will you be in your hammock? Will you be sipping something cool with friends on your sundeck? Yep! Good ideas!

By the way, if you have not totally mastered the language? Hand gesturing and charades are a great pastime here. Mexicans are generally a very gracious people – they are just happy to have us try and will keep repeating as often as we need to make us understand.

Will you sometimes need a translator even when you think you know Spanish? Yep. Did you know a few people even talk in Mayan here? Adds to the fun! Relax!

I guarantee that often you will not even know why they do things the way they do here. And does it matter? Nope! What are we busy doing? Relaxing - We are living life to the fullest in a paradise.

We must do what we must do – practice the art of relaxation. I vow to keep practicing until I get it right. How about you?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Mexico - Real Estate and Speed Bumps

2008-06-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Mexico has its ups and downs – you know - the potholes and speed bumps. I have noticed that Mexicans seem to like one or the other. If the road doesn’t have a pothole they are going to put in a speed bump (even if it is a big, thick rope dragged across the road) …..

Seriously though, any place can have its ups and downs – it is all on what you choose to focus on. We can focus on the fact that something happens slowly or the fact that it allows us to slow down.
Will you hit some speed bumps buying in Mexico, moving to Mexico or living in Mexico? Yep! The speed bumps are all part of the adventure of life! Every speed bump is a reminder to remember to slow down and appreciate the view. Again, it’s really all about focus – Always be aware that you can choose your focus. Our focus – our attitude is everything.

When you try to buy real estate in a different country than you live in, or relocate somewhere different – will things be done differently? Yep! Will they sometimes take longer than expected? Will they sometimes way longer than expected? Yep! Just pick your advisors carefully and then trust them. Expect everything to be different because that is one of the reasons why you are making the move.

We bought Ejido property here in Mexico (similar to Indian land) and it took us a year before the property and title was in our name even though we had fully paid for it. There were no worries because we had a local lawyer we trusted and all the details were written in the contract. We learned, knew and trusted the system and our advisors. That actually makes the difference of if you sleep at night or not. How can you live life to the fullest – if you can’t sleep at night?

The right advisors and finding those who have gone before you can help you avoid many of the speed bumps and potholes in Mexico.

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

Why move to Mexico?

2008-05-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

Mexico beckons many of us. What is that call to us all about?

Let me share what called to us and what our family found in Mexico ……..

Beautiful weather year round … a more relaxed life style … it gave us an opportunity to create a different life and consciously choose what we wanted in it … we could learn a new language and have fun with hand gestures … we not only learn about, but experience day to day all about another culture … we see palm trees … beautiful beaches and ocean … and then there is the creation of more quality time with family.

Granted some of these things we could have changed or experienced where we used to live, but it was much more fun and adventurous to do it in Mexico!

If any of these appeal to you - when are you coming to visit and check it out?

Enjoy the Adventure! Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com.