In 1999, like many, we dreamt of Europe. My husband and I envisioned a life steeped in European culture, perhaps even establishing a base there. Little did we know, our journey would lead us to a different love affair, one with the vibrant heart of Mexico. We were consultants in Palo Alto, California, when we decided to take a leap, rent out our home, and embark on a self-designed sabbatical, seeking new experiences across the globe. It’s funny to think back now, as we happily spend a significant portion of our Time In Mexico Now, in our beloved Guanajuato.
European Dreams vs. Mexican Reality
Europe held a strong allure for both of us. Barry, with his English roots, naturally felt a deep connection to the continent. For me, having spent parts of my childhood in Europe, the idea of returning as an adult was a long-held aspiration. After selling our Palo Alto home, the dream of a European base felt closer than ever. An invitation from Dutch friends to house-sit in Amsterdam for May seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the waters. Springtime in Amsterdam, we imagined, would be idyllic.
However, reality had a different plan. That May in Amsterdam turned out to be surprisingly cold and wet, a stark contrast to sunny California winters. We spent our initial days wrapped in blankets, seeking warmth on our friends’ sofa, cups of tea in hand. My romantic vision of cycling serenely along Amsterdam’s canals also quickly dissolved. The Dutch cyclists were a force to be reckoned with – fast-paced, assertive, and seemingly unfazed by anything. I vividly remember watching a woman in business attire speed past, expertly balancing children, groceries, and a phone conversation, all while navigating the bike lane with unmatched confidence.
Beyond the weather and cycling culture shock, connecting with people proved challenging. We found the Dutch to be similar to Americans in some ways – driven, direct, and focused. Breaking into established social circles felt difficult. Initially, I wondered if our American background was a barrier, until a Danish woman shared similar experiences. Our Dutch friend, Pieter, explained that social circles in the Netherlands often remained consistent from childhood, making it harder for newcomers to integrate.
Guanajuato’s Charm: A Serendipitous Discovery
Guanajuato was not unfamiliar to us. We had visited before, appreciating its colonial beauty and vibrant culture. However, it wasn’t initially on our radar as a place to live; our hearts were set on Europe. That changed in 2004 when another house-sitting opportunity arose, this time in Guanajuato. It had been three years since our last visit, and we were immediately captivated anew by the city’s undeniable charm and beauty.
During this extended stay, we met several expats who had made Guanajuato their home. They shared stories of purchasing and renovating properties, painting a picture of a welcoming and affordable lifestyle. Suddenly, a different possibility emerged. Guanajuato wasn’t just beautiful; it was also geographically closer to California and many family members. Crucially, the cost of living, and particularly real estate, was significantly lower than in most parts of Europe. Our Spanish language skills, while not perfect, were certainly manageable. And the weather? Perfect – exactly the kind we longed for.
In 2005, we took the plunge and bought an old adobe house on a charming pedestrian street. Since then, Guanajuato has been our part-time home, a place where we consistently relish our time in Mexico now.
A Tale of Two Homes: Mexico and California
While Guanajuato bursts with color and colonial vibrancy, our other home, Eureka in California, offers a different kind of appeal. We appreciate the contrasting rhythms of our lives in these two locations. Spanish versus English, the high-altitude mesa of Guanajuato against Eureka’s green, sea-level environment, owning in Mexico and renting in California – each place provides a unique dimension to our lives.
In Eureka, we are minutes from the Pacific Ocean and Humboldt Bay, where we enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding. Our upgraded EuroVan, affectionately nicknamed our “third home,” allows us to explore the natural wonders of Northern California and Southern Oregon, constantly discovering new landscapes. Eureka offers dedicated bike trails, while in Guanajuato, stepping out our front door leads us to hiking trails in the hills surrounding the city.
Looking back, we are grateful that Amsterdam didn’t become our European base. While Mexico wasn’t part of our initial dream, owning a home in Guanajuato has been the most wonderful surprise of our retirement years. It’s in Mexico, experiencing the warmth of its people and the beauty of its culture, that we truly cherish our time in Mexico now and for the foreseeable future.
