The BIG decision!

When this quest began over a year ago, the thought of retiring in Mexico seemed like another dream that would most likely fade away as others have in the past. Reality sets in, life goes on, and so forth.  Well, it seems that this dream has lingered and we have both shared a similar vision  - and when that occurs,  look out - stuff can happen when the stars are in alignment.  Our trip to Merida had a single focus. Well, actually a dual purpose - to see if we really liked this place we had scoured over the internet, and to look at several of the homes we had seen in pics or videos.  Mexico has an attraction that is difficult to explain. There is much going on there, both good and bad, not unlike the US. I have vowed not to mention politics on this blog, so I will just state that the current partisan culture here has exhausted me. I really do love my country, it's just that right now I'm quite frustrated. OK, enough said.

One of the good things about Mexico is that expats are not allowed to vote or be involved in the political process. What a relief - we can live our lives quietly and in peace, enjoying the wonders of this magnificent part of the universe. This does not mean that foreigners aren't allowed to contribute in other ways. There are many opportunities to volunteer and be of service.

When we arrived in Merida back in January, we made contact with our realtor and set up appointments to view the various houses we had selected as our favorites.  We had a couple of days on our own so we walked through the various parques and neighborhoods.  We were strolling along a street in Santiago and Francisco called out from across the street to see if we were interested in seeing a house that his friend was selling. We said 'sure', and he led us into a very dark and empty house that must have been a boarding house of sorts. There were rooms lined up on either side of a courtyard and we saw only one woman who was washing clothes in a large tin tub. We managed to convey that this was not the type property we were looking for.  He then took us next door to another friend's house which was chock full of antiques of all varieties, from French bronze candelabras to chests and armoires. The back garden was a tropical jungle with huge trees and trailing vines with leaves the size of dinner plates.  While we were standing there, the three of us speaking in our broken Spanish and English somehow managing to have a conversation, I looked up and perched on a limb of the Zapote tree was a small brown owl. He was watching us with mild curiosity and, although only a few feet above our heads, did not leave his perch. We went back inside, Francisco showed us a photo album of the home on Calle 62 that he had renovated (which was also for sale), and then we left to continue meandering through the streets of Centro. I think we both were wondering about the owl.  I'm quite sure there are many owls in Yucatan, but isn't it unusual to spot one in the middle of the day sitting barely three feet above three men laughing, speaking and gesticulating to communicate with each other?

                to be continued.....