Betsy Maier. Photo by her granddaughter.
Retired at last. Twenty solid years of serving people: seniors, staff, families, and Tennessee corporate bosses. Phew, I was pooped, burned out and ready to get the heck out of Dodge. Vic and I were prepared, after years of research, on how we were going to retire in Mexico. We wanted the brilliant blues, the bright colors of the textiles, but mostly the company of the warm welcoming people. We had a spot picked out: Ajijic. From all the brochures and articles it seemed perfect to live on Lake Chapela. Our corporate lives had taken us from Milwaukee to Tucson, to Western North Carolina, and ultimately to Oregon. We now craved a simple life of activities that would stretch our minds by learning a new language and culture, and provide an environment for creativity.
House was sold, items packed and stored, all arrangements for departure complete. Except for one last doctor’s appointment, we were ready. In five minutes it was all changed. The doctor looked at his computer reports and then viewed the two of us across the desk, “Vic, you have two to five years to live.” We were told there was no cure or treatment, and suggested that we go and enjoy what time was left. He suggested that we not live at high altitudes and so we followed the advice of a friend in Tucson—to check out Alamos. We arrived one Friday evening in March, met a few local folks over a margarita, went on a house tour on Saturday, looked at houses for sale on Monday, and made an offer on Tuesday.
Alamos. It’s been about new caring friendships and swinging into the flow of another culture. It’s been about renewal of spirit and happiness that can arrive from adapting to situations beyond one’s control. Learning that solitude is fulfilling, especially when companionable lunch or dinner is just a phone call away.
My daughter and her family moved to Guadalajara about six months after I did. My two granddaughters, Lucy and Lily, delight me with their language skills. Although it’s a long drive down, it provides an opportunity to experience more of our beautiful Mexico.
My days are spent playing with my hobbies and with my friends. My days are rich and glorious. I am a very fortunate woman to live in Mexico.
Mexico’s colonial cities are beautiful places to retire. They have a rich culture and are physically charming. The fact that Alamos is at a lower altitude is a plus, too. I have a house in Guanajuato and do notice the altitude, especially going uphill (which you do a lot in Gto due to all the hills!) But really these cities do offer a great quality of life if you’re thinking of retiring in Mexico.