Tag Archives: blogging mexico

June 10, 2017 · 7:00 am

Blogs about Mexico worth reading–Los O’Gradys in Mexico

Katie blogs about her family’s experiences at Los O’Gradys in Mexico.

Our love for the people, language, food, freedom, family time, adventure…the leash-free life brought us to Mexico.

We are The O’Gradys and we are in Mexico. Los O’Gradys in Mexico. As a Spanish Teacher with Irish ancestry, I liked the play on words and felt it a perfect fit. I blog about Central & Coastal Mexico (San Miguel de Allende & Nayarit/Jalisco); Family adventure and Freedom, Medical Care, Educational Options and Daily Life.

I have to write, it is part of who I am and how I chose to express myself in this world. I write to have a tangible chronology of our Mexican memories and have chosen to share a few select pieces with the public. My blog is exactly where I want it. Via my blog, I have been gifted the opportunity to help other individuals and families relocate and begin their own south of the border adventure. I will continue the blog and my relocation consulting as long as it continues to bring me creative joy and be of assistance to others.

I have many favorite posts, but if I had to choose, my top 3 would be:

Some of My Favorite Things About Mexico

The Story of Us & How Mexico Changed Our Destiny Forever

Moving to Mexico with Children

The most difficult topics for me to blog about have been the medical emergencies, life-saving surgeries and carbon monoxide poisoning of my husband.

The two best experience I’ve had in Mexico are:

Watching my children take flight, feasting and flourishing in their freedom, discovery and developing independence in a culture that values family and lifelong friendships.
I was on death’s bed twice, including partial paralysis of the left side of my body. Mexico and her competent team of doctors returned to me the gift of health and the freedom of walking. I am forever grateful.

I also have had two worst experiences in Mexico.

While sitting at a coffee shop in SMA, a NOB visitor YELLING at the barista in English that her coffee was not how she wanted it.
My husband’s CO poisoning in Lake Chapala.

We plan on remaining in Mexico forever in our hearts, here for sure until our children graduate high school…7 more years at least.

If you are planning to move to Mexico, Go for it! Keep an open mind, laugh, be flexible, reorganize and reroute when needed…if it isn’t a fit, find something else. If it is a fit, be grateful you found it!

I can be found at:

Los O’Gradys in Mexico

A to Z Blogs About Mexico–From Rancho Santa Clara

Alfred blogs at Rancho Santa Clara, near one of my favorite colonial cities in Guanajuato. I’m sure you’ll love his off-grid dream house building adventures as much as I did!

Retirement brought me to Mexico. We live in a small ranch, about seven acres. I grew up in Cuba in a town named Santa Clara.

My bog is pretty wide-ranging, though I try to keep it focused on topics related to the ranch, San Miguel de Allende or Mexico. But I can stray and talk about politics in the U.S. for example. I used to work in a newspaper and I like to write. I don’t have any particular audience in mind. I’d like to get more readers for my blog, but that’s about it. I don’t want to complicate it so much that it turns into a full-time job.

My favorite blogs posts have been a couple about the death of our favorite dog, Gladys. We really loved her. It has been difficult to write about Crime and security issues in San Miguel and Mexico. I want to be both accurate and fair, realistic but not a scare-monger.

Oddly enough, a memorial service for the sister of a friend has been the best experience I’ve had in Mexico. It was a beautiful ceremony that included a ten-year- old boy singing mariachi tunes. The worst experience I’ve had in Mexico was being the executive director of a local animal shelter. Don’t need that again. Stay away from volunteer organizations.

We don’t know how long we plan on remaining in Mexico. My husband and I have been here for eleven years and occasionally have talked about returning to the States.

For those planning on moving to Mexico, I suggest they rent for three or four months before moving.

Blogs about Mexico Worth Reading–Woman43

Chrissy Yorke at Woman43 has been a wonderful new reading experience for me. I’m sure you’ll enjoy her blog, as well.

What brought you to Mexico?

Originally I came to Mexico to start a new life for myself and my family. We researched it extensively and decided it would be an amazing experience to bring our son up in a foreign country to broaden his mind. But like all well laid out plans, things changed drastically.

What was the inspiration for your blog name?

When I first moved to Mexico I was 43 years old and feeling like a strong independent woman.

What area of Mexico and topics does your blog primarily focus on?

Primarily I write about wherever I am living at the time and just the day to day things that happen in my life here. How I feel, adventures I embark on, the cultural differences, and how I am coping being here alone.

Why do you blog?

I have always been a writer but felt I wanted a venue to really share what my new life is like, that would reach all my friends and family. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I am an inspiration to other women who want to live a fuller life. It is also a great way to sort through my thoughts and feelings about my new life in a creative way.

What is your favorite blog post?

I think my favorite post is “What Kind of Woman DOES That?” because it was my first post and I addressed a lot of concerns people had. It also helped me see more clearly my own purpose.

What has been the most difficult for you to blog about?

The most difficult blog post is one I have yet to write. My daughter committed suicide at Christmas and this completely devastated me. I want to write about her and share her with the world but I am not in the right emotional place to tackle that yet.

What has been the best experience you’ve had in Mexico?

The best experience I have had here was immersing myself in the culture. Learning a new language, eating new foods, even wearing new clothes. Meeting some wonderful people who accepted me as I am and patiently put up with my beginner Spanish. I learned that people are good if you allow yourself to be vulnerable and open up to them.

What has been the worst experience you’ve had in Mexico?

In the past year, my husband left me, my daughter died, my dog was taken and I have been heartbroken…..all experiences that would have happened regardless of where I was. As for my worst Mexican experience, I would have to say it is trying to accept cultural differences that I just don’t “get” and I fight with myself to change my way of thinking. It is frustrating to not be in control of things like I was in Canada – where everyone generally thinks the same. I have learned that I need to be more accepting and chill out.

If you are currently in Mexico, how long do you plan on remaining?

I am returning to Canada in June for an extended stay but will return before Christmas. My plans are up in the air.

What advice do you have for those planning to move or travel to Mexico?

My advice is to do research first and if possible, find someone there who can help you and guide you so it does not become overwhelming. Traveling – enjoy every moment and always remember, this is a different culture once you get away from all the expats. Embrace the differences and accept things that may seem wrong or too different.

Where do you see your blog going?

I do not know what the future holds for Woman43. I want to write more often because many people enjoy reading it. If I could commit to writing regularly I may have a better sense of where it will go.

Where can you be found?

Facebook

Woman43