I found BajaGringo’s stories on his website very handy and entertaining, not just for the processes of moving, but the cultural changes that you grow to love. Getting out of the “eat and go” mindset is one example; meals are to be enjoyed and not rushed as they are so often in the states. I was wound so tight that it will be quite some time before I fully decompress, but I’m already in a better state of mind.
It seems tolerance levels and adaptability are important things to consider in a move like this. There are some folks in the states that would be driven insane just from the honking alone, and they should probably not consider such a move. I was a little bugged by it at first, but now I look to see if it’s somebody selling something I need. If you can’t adapt, the greatness that is Baja won’t mean nearly as much.
As I’m coming to find, much of Baja’s greatness is in those you find here, and it helps to understand that I am generally not much of a people person. Good people have been a great bonus for me as I‘m pretty cynical, a quality Baja is quickly helping me to overcome. As we said when our old dog stopped stinking from skin irritation, it’s a Baja miracle!
In a decision to move here, you should ask yourself if you want to understand the people and their culture. It’s interesting to consider that the people who complain about everything being in Spanish here (if you can believe it) also seem to be the type that complain when people don’t learn English in the states. What an interesting world they must live in; it sure doesn’t resemble Earth in any way. You see? Cynicism. I’m working on it though, I promise…
I’ve learned that gated communities and paved roads aren’t very important to me, it’s more about the area and how you see yourself living. I’m not in a gated area, and there is a dirt road on one side of my house. I personally feel very safe. My only real fear is theft, but that’s what insurance is for, and I‘m not THAT concerned about it, just enough to be mindful.
We have bars on the windows and are sure to lock up when we leave the house. I see the bars as a theft deterrent, not as an aide to personal safety. Living here, I can’t imagine ever feeling the need for something as ridiculous as a panic room. That’s coming from someone living in a small town in a brand new country for just over 2 weeks, so take from it what you will.
Tolerance levels also determine how economically you can get by. The way I see it, two things worked in my favor for getting a great deal on rent at my place. First, anything south of Popotla means you will have to go through a military checkpoint to get into Rosarito. For some, that would be out of the question. I don’t mind it.
Second is our proximity to some very colorful and quite suggestive “artwork” in my neighborhood. This was actually a bonus for us because it makes a great landmark, not to mention a heck of a conversation starter! Some, however, would be appalled. What you can tolerate, and better yet embrace, can make a sizeable impact on your cost of living. If you’re looking for a United States style development, you will pay accordingly. You may also sell yourself short on getting to know Mexico.
I have found that I only need one car here. Maybe some toys later on, but for now a well used SUV fits our needs perfectly and it‘s far from flashy. I have used my 4 wheel drive several times already. There is a lot to be said for a quality suspension on Baja roads, and driving at night should be avoided unless you are familiar with the road.
Moving here has not cured any of my ailments (which I knew it wouldn‘t) but my ability to enjoy my life has sharply increased, and I find myself more active and having more good days than I used to. This has to do with the weather mainly, but the slower pace has helped out as well. This alone has made the move worthwhile.
Even with the little curiosities here and there, such as the horses that roam our neighborhood and the aforementioned “artwork“, we find ourselves asking each other if this really is our life. As we barbeque and eat our meals looking out over the pacific, feeling the cool breeze and watching life in Baja ease on by, we are both happy to say, “yes, this is our life“.
Thanks for all of the advice everyone, it has made our life changing move dramatically easier and much less surprising!
