If you have stubbled upon our blog, and our experiences have whet your whistle, putting the thought of a move south of the border into your head, here are a few resources that we found that helped us with our planning and daydreaming and a few thoughts that may help with your research. 

BOOKS TO READ

I read a lot and I love first person accounts of experiences, especially with regards to Travel. So when we decided to move to San Miguel I tried to read all the books about this beautiful town that I could get my hands on. I didn’t concentrate on travel guides since I find more up-to-date information available on TripAdvisor or even YELP. Here are some suggestions that are more interesting and are available through amazon.com. (If you plan on buying some please try to use the link as we will get a small stipend for leading you to them.) 

Living In San Miguel: The Heart of the Matter by John Scherber

San Miguel de Allende: A Place in the Heart by John Scherber

Expat Life: At Home in San Miguel de Allende by John Scherber

On Mexican Time: A New Life in San Miguel by Tony Cohan

This is Mexico Carol M. Merchasin 

Behind the Doors of San Miguel de Allende by Robert De Gast 

Mexico, A Love Story: Women Write about the Mexican Experience

Solamente en San Miguel Volume II, A Literary Celebration

Tying Loose Ends in Mexico; Essays and Images from San Miguel de Allende by Peggy Stevens Falkenstein

Move to Mexico Bible by Sonia Diaz, Beverley Wood

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We have been in San Miguel for 7 months now and have only had to deal with medical care with regard to a few doctors visits, some blood tests, immunizations and buying prescriptions so far. And all of that has gone pretty easy. 

When we received our Temporary Resident cards we applied, with Sonia’s help, for Seguro Popular. This is the Mexican Public Health Insurance and it’s coverage is pretty extensive. This is set up for unemployed Mexicans but because we are Residents we were able to access it. The cost is based on a sliding scale and with our income level and ages we only paid $473USD total for a three year coverage that included both of us. We do not have to worry about pre-existing conditions as they are covered and we do not have a co-pay. We have not yet delved into using it as we have a wonderful private doctor, Dr. Leslie Flores, who we have been seeing. But we are probably going to go in to our assigned clinic and start the process once the Thanksgiving holidays are over and our guests have departed. Part of the reason for this is that I am Bipolar 1 and ADHD and we are finding out that medications are extremely expensive and difficult to find. (Geodon is $180USD for 28 capsules, Dexedrine can’t be found at all and Strattera is $100USD for 28 too, but we found Ritalin 10mg for $25.) Apparently Seguro Popular covers diagnosis and treatment of Mental Health conditions along with about 90% of medical issues. We may find that they too have a problem actually getting the meds but figure we will try and see what happens. We have also put off going in because it seems from what we have heard to be a real pain in the tush. But if it saves us thousands of dollars a year then I think a few hours of inconvenience is a good trade-off. We will keep you informed as to the outcome. 

For some great information about moving to Mexico, including medical, check out Sonia’s new book Move To Mexico Bible available at Amazon.com

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We love a good local market, probably myself more than Glenn when it comes to staying a long time though. Glenn gets tired of all the hecticness of it all but I kind of get off on it. And of course I get to snapping photos non-stop.  We have been to the Tuesday Market twice so far and I am sure we will make it out again. It is not a “gringo market” so it is fun to see a slice of everyday life. The market is fabulous for people watching!! Once again everyone is so nice and friendly and we are finding that the Mexican people have a great sense of humor.  Continue Reading…

We had spent 10 days along the western coast in PV, Sayulita and Bucerias and came home to the wondrous sight of marigolds and Catrinas!!! The town was decorated to the hilt and everyone was in a festive mood. Dia de Los Muertos was days away but it seemed like everyone expected it to descend in a few hours. We had been to a couple of small celebrations in the States and Glenn had been to one in Cholula years ago but nothing prepared us for our first as Mexican Residents.  Continue Reading…

Glenn and I have never been a very big Halloween people. There are a couple of parties that I have been to that stand out in my mind but for the most part we avoid the holiday, instead curling up with a bottle of wine and a good movie. BUT, Halloween in San Miguel de Allende was something else entirely. It was an opportunity for “kids” young and old to come out and enjoy themselves in the Jardin, the epicenter of festivities. We didn’t see any of the door-to-door, let me drag along my pillowcase kind of thing. What we saw and participated in was adults with bags of candy trading for photos and a smile in a stunning setting and communal atmosphere. It was like a carnival and we loved seeing how creative everyone got. Of course, being so close to Dia de Los Muertos, there were a multitude of skeletons and Catrinas. If one desired there were tables set up along the streets surrounding the Jardin with artists to paint up your face. We opted out this year as we kind of wanted to suss everything out, but next year a new face will be a must do!! A few shots of tequila might be in order first though!! Continue Reading…