Money is the root of all evil

Money- ONE’S LIFE

They say money is the root of all evil.  We cannot live life without this, it rules the world.  When I was diagnosed with cancer, I thought it was the end of the world.  I had insurance that Dan and I had paid for many years, however; would only cover conventional methods.  I saw what chemo and radiation can do, and within my heart did not want to go through the pain and suffering.  Money did buy Dan and I our lives, but at a price.  This is happening to many other people daily.

We both worked through our thirty years plus marriage. Suddenly, after seeing our life retirement savings leave us and after giving up all our belongings I am here today writing about something that is so precious to me, one’s life.  I do not look back on the things that I did not ever think that was even possible, like filling bankruptcy, giving up our cars, giving up our home and moving to Mexico.  This is happening to many other people daily minus moving outside the country.

Not only because of our treatments but also our aftercare, we have to deal with every month on how to come up with the money for payment.  I am not complaining, just venting for I know others that are struggling with this very same issue. This is happening to many other people daily.

Money, why does it always come down to this.  I see and hear several people express their anger about health care.  I too have been there and done that.  We have to make others realize that even though you have insurance, it may not cover all of your expenses or even the choice of treatments you chose to have.  Remember, even though it’s your body, the insurance company chooses for you what type of treatments you can have.  So, is health care worth having??? This is happening to many other people daily.

I am not suggesting not to have insurance, but again due to money it should be a choice and not a burden. Money always plays a part in one’s life.  I wish they would teach you at an early age, that money isn’t always enough and how to search for what is important in life. This is happening to many other people daily.

 Dan and I struggled to find ourselves and today living in Mexico taught us to grow and become understanding of time. In Mexico, some have money others do not, but either way seem to live life for the day and not complain about what they do not have and I even saw online that they are amongst the happiest people in the world.  We continue to grow and teach others that it’s not about the money, but the quality of life you live. This is happening to many people daily.

Money is the root of all evil.  It is how you use it that matters and what you buy.  So, do you want to buy material things or do you want to buy health; which to me is wealth.

So today as I write, I am thinking of others that are in the same situation, as I had struggled.  Remember one thing we are all equal and deserve the same things, but is our life not important so much that we cannot continue to choose the quality of life we want. This is happening to many people daily.

It always comes down to money, paper that gives us freedom to enjoy the modern toys.

TWENTY THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MEXICO

First, Popcorn comes originally from Mexico.  Called momochtli, it was first prepared in pre-Hispanic cities in the center of Mexico.  But nobody knew what to do with popcorn until the color television was invented.

Second, the color television was invented in Mexico by a man named Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena.  He was the first person to note that Zorro’s mask and shoes were a bright orange.

Third, the oldest university in North America is the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) founded by Charles V of Spain in 1551. Alumni continue to have their meetings at the Old Posada in Ajijic.

Fourth, the printing press in North America was working in Mexico in 1531.  It printed the first student loan applications for the UNAM.

Fifth, Mexicans do not eat the worm in the mescal bottle.  It’s Mexico’s joke on naïve gringos. Back in the day, a little worm was plopped in each batch of mescal to see if the alcohol content was high enough.  If the worm died, enough alcohol.  If not, the little fella got one more “for the road”.

Sixth, Mexico has 32 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage sites.  One of the most in the world.  Under consideration for number 33 is La Floresta Castle in Ajijic, historic for taking up a lot of room for no apparent reason.

Seventh, Mayan glyphs have yet to be deciphered or translated.  That’s why we have no idea what happened to the Mayans.   

Eighth, the Copper Canyon in the north of Mexico is four times bigger than the Grand Canyon.   

Ninth, the first and only in the world Rocket Belt, a personal flying pack, fueled by hydrogen peroxide, was built totally from scratch by Mexican engineer Juan Manuel Lozano

Tenth, Mexico exports more manufactured products than the rest of Latin America combined. Not including Trump piñatas.

Eleventh, the largest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico.  It is also the largest monument ever constructed by man without a rotating restaurant.

Twelve, in Mexico, artists can pay their taxes with artwork.  

Thirteen, Mexican, French and Japanese cuisines are considered by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as Intangible Cultural Heritage American fast food, by contract, is considered by UNESCO as a Human Rights Violation.

Fourteen, Mexican General Santa Anna had an elaborate state funeral for his amputated leg.

Fifteen, the world chilies can be spelled five different ways: chilies, chiles, chilis, chilies, and chillis.

Sixteen, Mexico is a third world country.  That does not mean a country that produces shoes and breakfast cereal from the same plant.  Third World described unaligned courtiers during the First and Second were the United States and its allies, and Russia and its followers.

Seventeen, today the numbers have changed, the United States has gone to fourth or fifth world (at least 4.3).  Russia has become a quadratic equation.

Eighteen, chewing gum first popped up in Mexico.  The Mayans extracted sap from what was known as the sapodilla tree.  It began to exported to European countries and the United States, where the gum was first commercialized.  Today, chewing gum is produced from other substances, which biodegrades over 4,000 years. 

Nineteen, Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas, a Mexican chemist born in Tepic Nayarit synthesized something called Norethisterone, which is the basic active compound of birth control pills.

Twenty, Mexico holds more free trade agreements than any other country in the world. According to the Financial Times, this is more than twice as many as China

 

HOTEL CASA MARINA

Hotel Casa Marina welcomes all Canadians, Americans, Mexicans and brings comfort to your stay. I highly recommend this hotel for long term as well as short term.  Location is Carretera Chapala Jocotepec # 40 El Chante Jalisco.  It’s a quaint European style resort.  Restaurant next door with American style Pizza along with small café in hotel. Internet, electric, gas, and camera security are included in rental.  Other options that are not included is gallon water, maid service, laundry.

 For more information

call 331 697-0874 or 01- 387 763-0973

E-mail hotellacasamarina @ Hotmail.com

FISH FOR BREAKFAST

FISH FOR BREAKFAST

Three weeks ago, Dan and I visited a clinic of which we have now become functional medicine counselors.  I was blown away with the program and was reunited with several people that were working where I was treated six years ago.  Dan and I are very humble to be able to continue to be part of these wonderful people. 

We got together with Daniel, who was the fabulous chef that cooked organic foods for Dan and I when we were being treated, along with Monica who also worked as a dietarian.  They took us to this little fishing village where Monica would go with her family for breakfast.  This was a treat for we never have been to a fishing village in Mexico, nevertheless for breakfast.

The experience was something from a movie, as we were watching the fishermen bringing in their boats with different kinds of sea life and displaying them for people to eat.  There was this fisherman that had just brought aboard some giant crabs, it just happened that we walked by him and Daniel asked if we would like this for breakfast.  Dan and I were just amazed with the size of theses crabs; we went over and shook the leg of this one crab that was moving.  Thanks to Monica for taking the pictures so we can look back at this enjoyable day.

While they were preparing our crab, there was a table of clams and oysters that we passed.  Monica asked if we would like to try one of them, of course you know Dan would not pass this experience up.  Monica would pick one up and like weighed it in her hands to see if it was a good one.  A lady would pry it open and chop the meat inside and made an instant ceviche with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and if we desired some spice.

They grilled the crab on the grill with just a little bit of butter along with a red snapper all dressed up with chopped tomatoes, onions, and herbs. 

When we were served, the waitress gave each of us a wooden cutting board along with a big rock.  Dan and I looked at one another wondering what to do next.  We have had crab at restaurants where they have given us a tool to crack it open and get the meat out.  But never did we ever get a rock to hit the legs to break it apart to get the meat out.  It was fun for the table kept going up and down while we were trying to break the crab apart.  I would suggest anyone to try this experience for if you are angry at something or someone this would get all your frustrations out.

I would love to thank Daniel and Monica for this wonderful experience and for their friendship.  They were there for me when I needed support as I was being treated for functional medicine when I had cancer.  Who would of thought that going to Mexico would be the best experience of Dan’s and my life.  Living here has made me feel full and having cancer made me realize that if I did not have it these amazing people would have not been in my life.  They say everything happens for a reason, I believe in this for I have been blessed with friendship, knowledge and good times.

LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR

Every year since we have lived here in Ajijic , Dan and I have enjoyed this time of year. It starts with this ~

IT HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS

IT HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS

It has been four years until last week since we were back in this area. Every time we go to TJ we have met wonderful people. This time I went back to visit and to experience a clinic that my hero Dr Garcia works at . He taught me a lot and continues to teach me about my immune system. I am grateful for him and others for I am so blessed to have them in my life. Cancer can be managed, both Dan and I have overcome this by the education we received regarding the after care. So to all my friends in TJ thank you for being there for me... love to all and hugs. One last thing ~ last week I have met some strong women and would like to express how lucky I was to met them.

ONE MILLION AMERICANS IN MEXICO

One Million Americans in Mexico Can’t All Be Wrong

Reports are that approximately one million Americans live in Mexico. While it’s hard to verify that number, it’s not hard to imagine that it’s true. Some are working, of course, for U.S., Mexican, or other foreign corporations. You’ll find them in cities like Mexico City, Queretaro, and Monterrey.
And some live in Mexico just part-time…spending winter months in vacation homes where the weather is always warm and the cervezas are always cold.

Many Americans in Mexico, however, have moved there to enjoy their retirement years. They live in Mexico full-time and enjoy better weather, a more relaxed lifestyle, and a host of other benefits—including affordable top-quality health care and a much lower overall cost of living.

The most popular retirement destinations for Americans in Mexico

First, let’s get something straight. People from around the globe are retiring to Mexico…and not just folks from the U.S. It just happens to be a close destination for those from the U.S. and Canada. From Canada or the U.S. you can easily drive to Mexico.

Several locations in Mexico stand out, of course, as retirement destinations for foreign expats. Some of the most popular are:

Lake Chapala: In the little towns along the north shore of Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, you’ll find the largest community of U.S. retirees outside the U.S. This lakeside area in the country’s central highlands, just 45 minutes south of Guadalajara, is already home to about 10,000 full-time expatriates from the U.S. and Canada (and nearly twice that many during winter months). The towns on the lake—particularly those along the north shore—are comfortable enclaves with cobblestone streets, Spanish-colonial architecture, and some of the world’s best weather. The average year-round temperature is a spring-like 68° F, and a tight-knit expatriate community provides all manner of comfortable amenities and support to retirees—from garden restaurants, to dog-training services, to bridge clubs and yoga classes.

San Miguel de Allende: With its high-towered church and its cobbled streets, tidy shops selling carefully embroidered linens and hand-painted plates homes that belong in the pages of Architectural Digest, and lush courtyard gardens in bloom year-round, this city is like something out of a children’s fairytale book. San Miguel has other benefits, too—proximity to the U.S., an excellent climate, an affordable cost of living, an established expatriate community, local golf courses, and the kind of shopping (for everything from food to office supplies) that you’re used to back home.

Puerto Vallarta: When Liz Taylor and Richard Burton famously came here in the early 1960s, Puerto Vallarta wasn’t much more than a sleepy fishing village. A place where misty tropical mountains wrap arms around the crescent moon-shaped Banderas Bay.
Today, it is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with an international airport, pro-tourney golf courses, designer shopping, world-class restaurants and beautiful people from around the world. Vallarta’s expat community is vibrant, too…you’ll find many activities to keep you busy, from outdoor activities to art galleries and charitable events to volunteer options and more.

Baja California Sur. The southern half of the long Baja Peninsula is a nature wonderland: a dry, sparsely-populated desert terrain blessed with two spectacular coasts: the Pacific to the west and the fertile Sea of Cortez, which separates it from mainland Mexico, to the east. Three easy-going destinations favored by expats are Todos Santos, Loreto, and La Paz. Artsy Todos Santos, on the Pacific side of the Peninsula, has a well-established little expat community. Loreto, on the Sea of Cortez, is the gateway to the UNESCO-designated and –protected marine park just offshore. With world-class kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and dolphin- and whale-watching available, Loreto attracts nature- and sports-lovers. Laid-back La Paz, four hours south of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, is the capital of Baja California Sur and a low-key favorite that feels much like Southern California 60 or 70 years ago.

Mazatlan: One of Mexico’s oldest and most famous vacation and retirement destinations, Mazatlan is built on the reputation of the world-class deep-sea fishing to be found along the coast, and the 16 miles of beaches running north from town. Other fancier Mexican beach resorts may have stolen a bit of its thunder, but make no mistake…Mazatlan still has what it takes to charm the visitor’s heart and pique the interest of the potential part- or full-time resident. It’s a wonderful blend of resort beach town with a distinctly Mexican flavor…something the mega resorts have largely lost. And reasonably priced real estate is still available.

Huatulco: A resort community planned by Fonatur, the Mexican government’s national trust fund for tourism development, Huatulco is spacious, green, and well-maintained. You’ll find fabulous homes tucked away on high cliffs overlooking the picture-perfect bays. (There are nine gorgeous secluded bays to choose from here.) And even though Huatulco is a resort destination, it doesn’t feel like one. It’s quiet, laid-back and waiting to be discovered…the “Cinderella” of Mexico’s Pacific resort towns.

Puerto Escondido: Puerto Escondido is a little fishing village and a world-class surf zone—a longstanding favorite with surfers worldwide. The downtown area is small, colorful, and crowded, and the front beach is like a picture postcard, truly gorgeous. This is still a fishing village at heart, and its front beach is one of the cleanest and prettiest we’ve seen on any coast. You can still buy a whole, fresh tuna or dorado from fishermen’s children on the main street if you get there before 10 a.m. But the little town is growing, so get there quickly while you can still find the bargains.

Merida: Sidewalk cafés, tree-lined streets, and fresh paint…Yucatan’s best-kept secret is cosmopolitan Mérida. Just a half-hour from the Gulf-coast beaches, this city of 970,000 is a center of commerce and home to universities, hospitals, friendly locals, and beautiful colonial homes that would cost you twice as much in central Mexico’s discovered enclaves. The expatriate community maintains a well-equipped English-language library and hosts monthly get-togethers. The kinds of goods and services you’d expect to find in a comparably-sized city back home are available here, too–from Office Depot to Sam’s Club, Costco, Sears, all the familiar fast-food chains, and several high-end shopping malls.

The Riviera Maya: The stretch of Caribbean coastline that runs from Cancún to Tulum is known as the Riviera Maya. Arguably, this area is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. There are several intriguing towns along this coast, including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. Playa del Carmen is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico. Cruise ships dock here regularly and the beachfront is wall-to-wall hotels and restaurants. Fifth Avenue is just a block or so off the beach. This pedestrian walkway is flanked by sidewalk restaurants and small boutiques selling a myriad of exotic items. This is a fun place with a relaxed, bohemian ambience. If Playa is too “busy” for you, check out laid-back Tulum, an up-and-coming destination that attracts fashionistas and movers-and-shakers while still paying homage to its backpacker roots. And Tulum’s beach regularly figures among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/one-million/