Mexican Christmas fun!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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 . . . .

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

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.