9 replies to this topic

[gina]

Hi ther,
I would like some help concerning moving to Lake Chapala for retirement next summer.
Can you please brainstorm with me, what I can do ahead of time since I am on vacation. I wish to have smooth running,
when next July turns up. We will leave everything to our son /sell and come to rent with 2 cats and 2dogs.I have just contacted FloraDUDE ABOUT CHANGE OF BANKS

[ibbocat]

Only 2 animals allowed per person so vet has to do paperwork correctly showing 2 each.

[verchiel]

Not sure what you want to know. Any specifics? And, just to make a point that everyone knows ... if you are planning to retire in Mexico and want everything to run smoothly in your transition, or after you arrive, here's a hint:

Life in Mexico does not include the word Smoothly.

Mexicans don't know what Smoothly is.

They know "tranquillo" (tranquil) and how to be "calma" (calm)

But Smoothly just isn't important.

But try and enjoy the adventure, anyway.

[Floradude]

Gina, have you visited Mexico and spent time in Mexico? Are you familiar with the people and the culture? Do yo speak and read Spanish at least a little?

Before moving to any foreign country I hope you can answer yes to all the above questions. Otherwise, by all means, come down and visit...get acquainted... and see if life in a foreign country is really for you.

[exHawaiian]

Before moving here, I read every book and web site on the topic, and I still didn't know everything. That's what you find out down here when Mexico impacts your life in particular ways, and it lasts for years!

[tomgates]

When you say "we" that will cover you for the 4 pets. Get an exam for them within 3 days of crossing the border. The exam must state "free of internal and external parasites". You will have to bring stool samples. As many people have said on this forum, bring bath and bed linens, kitchen stuff, vitamins(like C and D) as these items either aren't sold or of poor quality.

[Sheldon]

As many people have said on this forum, bring bath and bed linens, kitchen stuff, vitamins(like C and D) as these items either aren't sold or of poor quality.

Weeeell we have a walmart here, besides other stores, so I do not think you have to pay to bring all the things you can buy here.

[Animalover]

When you say "we" that will cover you for the 4 pets. Get an exam for them within 3 days of crossing the border. The exam must state "free of internal and external parasites". You will have to bring stool samples. As many people have said on this forum, bring bath and bed linens, kitchen stuff, vitamins(like C and D) as these items either aren't sold or of poor quality.

poor quality? I thing the medication or chemicals that we can buy here are better than the ones offered by the Seguro Popular, and every one wants to be suscribed in the SP, SP and IMSS offer really cheap medications!

[jnc]

Ways to prepare for the move:

1) Read out every book you can find on "how to move to Mexico". An example is Head for Mexico by Don Adams which I personally found very helpful. There are many others that you can find by Googling.

2) Go through Rolly Brook's website on "Moving to and Living in Mexico": http://rollybrook.co...tory.htm#Useful

3) Subscribe to Judy King's "Mexico Insights, Living in Lake Chapala". It is a paid site, but worth every penny. She has great archives with lots of very specific information on many issues that will concern you. http://www.mexico-in....aspx?c=current

4) Attend local Lake Chapala area seminars on making the move. Pose your questions directly to the experts. Judy King does a seminar regularly. So do others.

5) Start taking Spanish and make it a priority to learn as much of it as possible before the move. You don't need to be fluent, but even knowing some will be very helpful, and very much appreciated by Mexicans. It requires some self discipline, but it's definitely worth it.

6) Make up a list of specific questions that you can't get answered by any of the above, and post them here. People will be glad to give you their opinions/experiences and to provide leads to further info. However, you need to do your homework.

[gina]

• Thank you all for your valuable input, I am glad to get so much supporting response.

I have read most of the material dealing with Mexico and living there and keep on looking for more.
I am married since 30 years to a man from Mexico City, there is family there and Guadalajara.
We visited Mexico several times, visited Chapal for 3 weeks 3 years ago, made friends with Anita
from the animal rescue. We lived in downtown Chapala. I understand Spanish very well, having Latin in school,
but also do lessons daily. I do not expect smoothly in Mexico, only what I can arrange here in ca, before we arrive.
I get news from R. Hart and barbie Parks, and Judy King. but I am looking forward to make new friends, since I have to leave my
best German friend behind. I am extending my German passport for another 10 years and have meeting for
Visa/Repatriation at Mex. Consulate. I have already asked for referrals to any other Germans to continue speaking.
I still have to face my colleagues in the Middle School I work in SF, who will think I'm crazy if I tell them about our plans.
Kindly Gina