I refuse to call us "old-timers"! That brings up an image of toothless dotterers. (My apologies to any denture-wearers or jubilados... Is there a specific word in Spanish for long-time expats?? Like "sourdoughs in Alaska? Don't know of any...)
I've lived and worked in Mexico for 23 years and am looking at retirement not too far in the future. I plan to retire right where I am, in Guanajuato. Up till now, I've managed to live handily and happily on my own. However, I'm single without family, and I'd rather reach 90 in the company of a group of caring and sharing others. For that reason, I have proposed the idea of cohousing a/k/a an intentional community here in Guanajuato to be built and inhabited by a relatively small (12-15 person) group. I've posted and advertised on various Mexico forums and have gotten a pretty good response, but it's mostly come from people "thinking" or "planning" to move to Mexico. While I have nothing against "newbies", and welcome them to the project, being both wagon-master of the project as well as scout for those pioneering in a new country makes it doubly difficult.
I know that some of you long-timers post on the forums, usually giving wise advice to newcomers. That's how most of the forums are geared, after-all, but I'm guessing most of us find little other reason to frequent these forums. I have a few friends who have lived here several years who are interested in the project, but I'd like to find a way to get the word out to more people like us, people who have lived here a long time, already know that they WANT to live in Mexico, and are already familiar with the culture and language. I plan to leave fliers at places like libraries and cafes, but that will only cover the local scene.
I have thought about going to specific city forums and asking something along the lines of "Lived in XXXX a long time, not liking how it's changed/grown/gone-to-pot and thinking about relocating?" Or, "So you've lived here a long time, explored and enjoyed yourself and your independent life, but have you given a thought to "what next"? But I don't want to seem rude - like I'm somehow trying to "poach" people on other city forums. I love Guanajuato and advocate it for many reasons, but I don't want to PO the worthy expat advocates for SMA, Chapala, Cancun, etc.
I've seen a number of shorter-term expats (usually retirees) come and go, often to return to the U.S. for health reasons. Those of us who have been here a long time aren't as likely to skeedaddle back North when we have to deal with health concerns or encounter other adversity.
SO, in summary I'm asking for suggestions from you about reaching out to expats like us who value both our independence and privacy, know the ropes, and plan to stay no-matter-what. Thanks for reading!
< That's a smiley
Moderated by Bhavna 6 years ago
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