In 1999, a transformative journey to Guanajuato, Mexico, sparked a life-altering dream for my husband and me. Leaving behind our consulting careers in Palo Alto, California, we embarked on a self-designed sabbatical, initially envisioning a European haven. Little did we know, Mexico, and specifically the captivating city of Guanajuato, would steal our hearts and redefine our retirement years.
Our initial dream was painted with European hues. Barry, with his English roots, held a deep affection for the continent. Having spent parts of my childhood in Europe, I too longed to return as an adult. Amsterdam seemed like the perfect starting point. Friends offered us a house-sitting opportunity in May, promising a springtime European experience. However, reality delivered a different climate – a cold and wet May that stood in stark contrast to sunny California. We found ourselves huddled indoors, seeking warmth under blankets, a far cry from the idyllic bike rides along Amsterdam’s canals I had imagined.
My vision of effortlessly cycling through Amsterdam’s charming canals clashed with the reality of the city’s fast-paced cycling culture. The Dutch cyclists moved with alarming speed and unwavering confidence. I vividly recall watching a woman in business attire navigate the bike lane with impressive skill, balancing children, groceries, and a phone call simultaneously. Making connections also proved challenging. We observed a similarity between the Dutch and Americans – both groups seemed busy, direct, and focused, making it difficult to penetrate established social circles. A Danish woman we met echoed this sentiment, and our Dutch friend Pieter explained the strong emphasis on childhood friendships in Dutch society.
Our perspective shifted dramatically in 2004 during a house-sitting stint in Guanajuato. While Guanajuato was familiar to us from our sabbatical, we had been fixated on the European dream. This visit, our first in three years, re-introduced us to the city’s undeniable charm and beauty. We encountered expatriates who shared their experiences of buying and renovating homes in Guanajuato. Suddenly, the pieces fell into place. Guanajuato’s proximity to California and our family, coupled with the significantly lower cost of living compared to Europe, made it an incredibly appealing option. Our manageable Spanish language skills and the ideal weather further solidified its appeal.
In 2005, we took the plunge and purchased an old adobe house on a pedestrian street in Guanajuato. Ever since, it has been our part-time home, a vibrant contrast to our life in California.
Balancing Life Between Mexico and California
Eureka, California, while less colorful than Guanajuato, possesses its own unique appeal. We cherish the contrasting rhythms of our two homes: Spanish versus English, the high mesa of Guanajuato at 7,000 feet elevation versus Eureka’s green, sea-level environment, homeownership in Mexico versus renting in California.
Eureka places us just ten minutes from the Pacific Ocean and a block from Humboldt Bay. There, we indulge in water activities, Barry kayaking and myself paddleboarding. Our upgraded EuroVan, affectionately called our “third home,” allows us to explore the natural wonders of Northern California and Southern Oregon, continually uncovering new destinations.
In Eureka, dedicated trails provide ample biking opportunities. In Guanajuato, stepping out our front door quickly leads us to hiking trails in the surrounding hills. Reflecting on our journey, we are grateful that Amsterdam didn’t become our chosen base. While Mexico was an unexpected destination, owning a home in Guanajuato has been the most delightful surprise of our retirement years. If you’re wondering What Is The Time In Mexico Now as you consider a visit, know that Guanajuato, like Central Mexico, primarily observes Central Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT), aligning closely with cities like Chicago during daylight saving time. This makes it easy to plan calls and stay connected, whether you’re dreaming of a visit or considering a more permanent move to this enchanting city.
