Sorry, We’ve Been Busy in Merida!

This week we received emails from TWO of our loyal blog subscribers checking in to see if we were okay. Thank you to Ruth and Geoff, as well as Colleen and Dennis!

We’re here, alive and well and living in Merida, Mexico!!!

But who knew that retirement could be so tiring? We’ve packed many projects into our first four months in Mexico.

If you follow along on Facebook, you may have seen some day-to-day glimpses… but overall, we’ve just been chugging along, settling into retirement and life in a new country.

 

Days Filled With Stuff

Literally, our days are filled with ‘stuff.’

Since our May 2nd arrival in Merida, Mexico, we have joined a Gay Guys Happy Hour Group that meets at a local restaurant about once a month. It’s been a great way to make new friends as there are many other guys around our age. Most of the guys are also ex-pats who have gone through or are going through the same relocation process. They have been HUGELY helpful in learning the ropes here in Merida.

We’ve taken some Spanish classes. We signed up for some Spanish classes with Hola Spanish School here in Merida. Nidi and her team have been incredible. We’ve worked on our Spanish skills, and while we’re still far from being fluent, we’re making strides every day. And they have been very patient and helpful.

Days are also filled with learning where to shop and how to navigate a new city, country, and culture.

 

We’ve Done BIG STUFF

In just a few months, we have jammed in a lot of BIG STUFF all at the same time. We’ve bought a house, hired a contractor to do a few renovations, bought a car, found a doctor and set up medical care, opened a bank account, and all of the things that go along with those projects.

 

Things like internet, electric service, car insurance, finding pharmacies, and shopping for some furniture we’ll need… without a car, and not speaking Spanish well all take time and way more energy than we remember investing in the past.

Maybe it’s the new systems and language challenges, or maybe we’ve jammed them all into a short time frame. Or perhaps it’s a little of each as one thing builds on another piece you’re still working on.

 

You Gotta Have Friends!

Life is good, we’re keeping swamped, and our crash course in everything has been manageable because we’ve made a few great friends.

Thanks to David, Franny, and Matt, who have schlepped us around, translated for us, and told us where we could find many things we need for day-to-day life – as well as some great restaurants!

They have truly been a God-send in helping us make our way!

Next up, we’ll share a little about the house. Soon! We promise!

Thanks for checking in!