The cruise ship itself turned out to be quite a world-wide representation of every nationality imaginable, which was quite interesting in itself.

We found ourselves engaged in some very interesting conversations throughout the cruise.

Now, here’s our stopover at Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico:

The sun was just starting to peak out from behind a cloudy sky, the day we arrived in Manzanillo, Mexico.  With all the water around, the sun seems to shine brighter in the coastal areas of Mexico.  The weather was about 85 degrees, with 70% humidity – but with the ocean breeze, it was perfect. 

Dick and I decided to take the city bus tour, and after having room service for breakfast, we proceeded off the ship and into the line that was headed by a guide holding a large sign proclaiming “Manzanillo City Tour”.   By now, the sun was shining bright!  We relaxed and enjoyed the whole day, letting the tour guides take care of us.  And they did a great job, chauffeuring us around to many points of interest, in a very nice air conditioned bus, complete with rest room!

From Guadalajara, it’s 6 to 12 hours on the free road, but only about 3 hours on the quota (toll) road, which I always suggest tourists use.  Plans are to make the road, or at least a portion of it, eight lanes.  From Puerto Vallarta, to the north, it takes about 4 hours to travel to Manzanillo.

I want to include this email, that I received after the last article I wrote, mentioning earthquakes in Mexico:

The writer, Robert, wrote:
You mentioned that ” Acapulco also has the questionable honor of being named as one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Mexico !”  This brings up the question which retirement area(s) are the most environmentally stable?  That is, least likely to be hit by earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, lack of drinking water, etc..

My answer:
For earthquake info: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php  
Make sure your home – structure is sufficient to stand up to the quakes that may happen – and they happen all the time, world-wide…did you know that earthquakes hit Yellowstone a LOT!  But, as most earthquakes, they are small and pretty much harmless.  Earthquakes cannot be forecast at this time.

hurricanes:  http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/weather-events.html
Hurricane tracking makes you aware and gives you time to clear out.
 
floods:   http://www.floodsafety.com/national/life/statistics.htm
Don’t live in any designated flood zone.
 
The rest, droughts, lack of drinking water, ….  That’s up to the powers that be also.
 
Pick someplace where the cost of living is what you’re looking for, visit it, study it (read all my articles) and see what makes you happy.  There are lots of people in Acapulco living quite contentedly – also in the Yellowstone area – also along the Mississippi River (big fault there too).
 
And my writer replied with this:
Thanks for taking the time to get this info.  I just thought it might make an interesting paragraph or so in a future article you write.  Media has a way of distorting everything, particularly if it is news outside of our borders.  I do volunteer work in Reynosa each summer and you would think the place had been washed away, or everyone died of swine flu or getting shot by drug lords, or you name it.  It is like you say, do your homework. Thanks again. Robert

After our day of touring and exploring, and soaking up more information, we headed back to the ship for a wonderful dinner in the beautifully appointed dinning room, and then off to our cabin to finally fall asleep, still talking about our fun, exciting, interesting day in beautiful Manzanillo, Mexico.

Like I said, cruises are a great way to explore the coastal cities of Mexico without going out of your comfort-zone because you always have a place (the ship) to go back to when you’re done exploring for the day.

So as promised,  here are some pictures from our first stop in Acapulco! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them. Now let me tell you about Acapulco.

Most of the natives live in apartments in Acapulco and the surrounding area.  A house may go for $150,000, and a very nice condo may be had for around $120,000, but condos on the beach average between $300,000 and $500,000 and up.

Acapulco has a population of about 2 million.  It’s about a 10 hour drive from Guadalajara and around 4 hours from Mexico City (one of the largest cities in the world with a population of approximately 23 million).

Acapulco is famous for its nightlife and still attracts many vacationers, although most visitors are natives of Mexico.  Acapulco’s number one economic factor is tourism (number two is agriculture.)  

Like most coastal cities, Acapulco has a “golden zone” which caters to tourists with many  resorts, shops, services which cater exclusively to tourists in general.

Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history.  It is a port of call for shipping and cruising lines running between Panama and San Francisco, California, United States.

The tourist resort city of Acapulco is the largest city in the state, far larger than the state capital Chilpancingo.

The resort area of Acapulco is divided into two. The north end of the bay is the “traditional” area, where the famous in the mid 20th century vacationed and the south end is dominated by newer luxury high rise hotels that cater to every whim and dream with the most ornate architecture, luxury first-class services complete with all of the shops and stores you would expect to find in a luxury hotel.

Yet despite this, if you shop around you can always find great deals on hotels to make your dollars stretch. Afterall, my husband, Dick, and I bought our cruise tickets for just $430. Quite a bargain if you know your cruise prices. So do shop around. Don’t ever pay full price.

By the way, Acapulco also has the questionable honor of being named as one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Mexico! Yet, despite that, it’s still one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.

How does Acapulco fair as a retirement destination? Well, it’s primarily a tourist trap, but like I mentioned before, expats do live there. You will find such conveniences as  Costco, Baskin Robins, Burger King, Dominos, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Home Depot and Block Buster!

All of these help make the small number of North American Expats there feel right at home.

Do you have a question about Acapulco or retiring to Mexico?

Just ask me!  If you don’t see the “write a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally.

A few months ago, my husband and I were both at our computers rather late at night…

We are always looking for deals, any kind of a deal. It could be coupons, specials, offers, or simply the latest deal on WOOT.

Well this particular night, while reading from one of the cruise deal sites, my husband said, “Can you believe an 8-day, Mexican Riviera cruise for $430?”

Now, you are probably more experienced than I am when it comes to cruises.  I have only been on a cruise ship 3 times in our life. Yet despite that, I knew in my bones that $430 for an 8-day cruise was a very good deal.

In fact it seemed too good to be true….

See, my dear husband tends to read quickly — scanning. ‘Comes from years and years of having to read everything that came across his desk quickly, decisively, efficiently.

So we read it again. Checked the fine print carefully and son-of-a-gun!  It really was an   honest, good deal!

We didn’t have anything coming up important, so why not go?

It was the Mexican Riviera cruise and the weather should be perfect for being on the ocean and well, we couldn’t think of any reason why not, so I bought tickets for two right away.

Incidentally, we weren’t the only ones who recognized this was a good deal. The next morning, my husband headed out to get some groceries, and on his way, he stopped at friends – told them about our plans and they said, “Hey, we’ll go with you!  Tell Barbie to get us tickets for that price too!” 

So that morning, I sat at the computer and believe it or not, booked the last room available on the whole ship for our friends –  at the same $430 rate.

Oh, I didn’t mention – this was not an inside room (I don’t think I could enjoy a room with absolutely no natural light) not a balcony either, but it showed the room as having quite a large window — which would be fine — it’s not like we hadn’t see Mexico… it’s just that cruising is a heck of a way to enjoy, explore, and sight-see — while being spoiled.

Well needless to say, we all had a wonderful time. The ship was beautiful, the food was delicious, sights were spectacular  – and I will tell you all about it in my next post.

For now however, I just want to emphasize that cruising  is actually a pretty good way to see several places in Mexico and sort of get the feeling for the different areas.

You aren’t physically limited to the ship and what you can see from your cabin window…

Depending on the cruise you take, you will stop at many ports of call. There you can take off-ship city tours which gives you a great opportunity to ask pertinent questions of the tour guides, who are usually full of extra information.

When you’re done touring for that day, you return to your “home base” (the ship) relax, ponder, and enjoy all the comforts of home… and then some!

Best of all, the next day you can explore a completely new port, a new destination! It’s a very easy way to explore Mexico without giving up your creature comforts.

Just remember: I have always told would-be retirees to visit places as people, not tourists because you are seeking and searching for a new place to hang your hat in your retirement years.

While cruises certainly are “touristy”, they are however a pretty neat way to go and get your feet wet for the first time.

This way you can explore Mexico in a more-or-less controlled environment without leaving your comfort-zone.

I still want you to take your note pads and write down everything you learn and make sure you get your questions answered by people who are in the different locations.

Also you might be lucky and meet other potential retirees on board who are also thinking about retiring to Mexico. Get their email addresses so you can stay in touch. Who knows. You might meet your future neighbors!

A cruise an easy, safe way to explore Mexico. It’s a great way to take a wonderful vacation while loading up on useful info.

So keep an eye out for those specials. You might have to stay up late at night and surf the web for cruise deals.

Shop around. That’s what we do!

What do you think? Do you have a question? Need to know more about retiring in Mexico or Mexico cruises? I will try to help!

If I don’t know the answer, maybe someone else will. My site gets hundreds of hits daily and everybody is free to comment and ask questions – and answer questions, too!

 If you don’t see the comment area below, click on READ FULL ARTICLE and scroll down to the bottom and type your question.

The answer is a simple, “YES! YOU CAN.”

Assuming you have your FM3 Visa (180 day plus stay – up to a year –  with limitless renewals) or your FMT Visa (more than 72-hour stay and no more than 180 days) it’s really quite easy to take your car with you.

When you get to the border, you simply register your car. This gives you permission to use your vehicle in Mexico. Here is what you will need:

• Proof of ownership
• Title
• Registration
• If you are still making payments on the vehicle – you need a notarized letter from the lein-holder (financial institution) granting you permission to bring that specific vehicle into Mexico.
• Driver’s license  
• A Visa or MasterCard credit card or check/debit card in the name of the person registering the vehicle.  The charge will be approximately $30US.  The alternative to putting this charge on your card is to post a refundable cash bond of around $400, depending on the age of your vehicle.  I suggest using the good old credit card for the $30.
• Passport (click for more information)
• Your FMT or FM3

That’s all there is to it!

And while not required, it’s highly recommended that you purchase Mexican Auto insurance the instant you enter Mexico with your vehicle. Luckily that’s also incredibly easy. In fact, you can pre-purchase online or stop at one of the many little buildings offering insurance before crossing the border.

Also if you’re concerned about safety or wondering how safe it is to drive around Mexico, read this article. You’ll be surprised — plus there’s a video tour at the end that I shot in our car while we were driving in and around Mazatlan, one of the hottest retirement havens in the world.

Ever since the economy started tanking, it seems like more and more people are writing me and telling me they are checking out Mexico as a way to make their dollars stretch.

What about you?

Are you ready?

Do you need more information?

Is there a question I can answer for you?

Just ask me!  If you don’t see the “make a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally.

Remember, I am here to help you make all the right decisions. I’m always here to help.

Sincerely,

Barbie Parks
Webmaster, Author, and Retiree! :)

One of the officials came over to our car smiling and said something in Spanish and removed our permit from our car and sort of gestured that we were to stay there and wait. 

He then walked over to another car with American license tag on it and talked for a while to the driver, soon, another official who spoke some English joined them.  The whole gist of it was, a young man (the North American driver) had somehow gotten his car half way down the country of Mexico without a permit.  He was turned around and warned that he would be escorted back to the border and he was to properly take care of business. 

The second official, after just a short while came back to our car, handed us our permit, smiled and explained “Had to show him what he needed”.  Very polite.  We smiled and drove away. 

That young man was very lucky!  The law reads he should have had his car confiscated. He would have been stuck in Mexico outback without a car or perhaps even put in jail for his offense. The moral of the story:  Don’t try to get away with any short cuts in Mexico – follow their laws to the T!  They usually don’t fool around.

To take your vehicle into Mexico beyond the border zone (20 to 30 kilometers past the border with the United States) your options are: an “Only Sonora” permit or a Federal Permit.  Both permits cost the same. Motorists are required to show proof of U.S. citizenship, car title (or pink slip) and registration, and a valid driver’s license.

1)  Only Sonora means exactly that – do not travel to any other Mexican state other than Sonora,  nor past a specific Sonora corridor ending at Empalme, without a Federal Permit…very limited traveling, and is good for one entry only.

2)  The Federal Permit allows you to drive your car anyplace in Mexico and allows for multiple re-entries into Mexico.

3)  A permit is not required for travel to Rocky Point and other border cities, which are classified as “free-zones.” 

TO ENTER MEXICO you need a Tourist Card, secured from the Mexican consulate or Mexican Immigration at the border check point –(we did it at the border). You will need:

1)       Valid proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate).

2)       An appropriate immigration form (tourist card)

·   Mexican Tourist Visa: Those who will travel into Mexico further than the Border Zone, or for more than 72 hours within the Border Zone, or,

·  Visa / FM3 For Temporary Resident: Those who will be living in Mexico. (Usually what retirees get.) Or,

·  Visa / FM3 For General Business: Applies to purchasing agents, importers and exporters who will attend board of directors meetings of Mexican companies, conduct business that requires notary certification, or institute any legal proceedings in court or:

· Visa / FM3 For Technicians & Engineers: Technicians or engineers who intend to repair or install machinery, or train personnel, or take tools or machinery to Mexico, or,

·  Student Visa Requirements: Foreign students who plan to study in Mexico.

 TO TAKE YOUR CAR INTO MEXICO, YOU WILL NEED: 

·  The valid vehicle registration certificate, or document i.e. the original title that certifies the legal ownership of the vehicle.  It must be in the driver’s name.

· A valid driver’s license, issued outside Mexico. (U.S. or Canada are fine.)

·  An international credit card in the name of the driver of the car/vehicle, issued outside of Mexico (American Express, Mastercard or Visa).

· If it’s a leased/rented car – The contract which shows it is a leased/rented car in the name of the person importing the car.

· If you are making payments on your car, have in your possession a notarized letter of authorization issued by the lender.

· If the vehicle belongs to a company, present the document that certifies the employee works for the company.

TO ACQUIRE A PERMIT:

Drive your vehicle to a Mexican customs office at the U.S./Mexico border.  At the border crossing, go through the Declarations Lane. Look for the “Modulo de Control Vehicular” where you will present your documents.

All documents and a credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must also be in the vehicle when crossing the border.  The process is easiest if you use a credit card to post the required “return guarantee” bond. If you do not have a credit card or a Visa/Mastercard check card – get one before traveling.

You will receive your temporary permit at the border facility by leaving the Guarantee Exit Deposit Fee (guarantee exit – take the car back out of Mexico,  deposit fee – Bond, which is based on the year and model of the vehicle).  From 1999 to present = $400.  1994 to 1998 = $300.  Earlier than 1994 = $200.  And when you exit Mexico, this charge on your card is reversed.

You will pay the certification fee (processing fee), non-returnable at the border, with your international credit card and that will be equivalent to approximately $27.00US.
You’ll be issued your documents, that allow you to take your car into Mexico.  That completes the process for acquiring the certificate. Keep in mind the full process is not completed until you return the certificate upon exiting Mexico with the same car.

ALTERNATE  PROCESS:  You can do this before crossing at some of the Mexican Consulates – It’s pretty easy at the border – in my book,  Retire In Luxury, I walk you through Dick and me entering Mexico.

TO RETURN THE CERTIFICATE:  Upon your departure from Mexico to the U.S., if the vehicle is not going to be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporary importation must and will be cancelled at Customs. The original bond posted for the return guarantee will be returned to you at this time. That’s all there is to it. Follow these simple steps and you shouldn’t have any problems.

EXTRAS: 

The temporary authorization for the importation of vehicles is valid for any type of vehicle weighing under three-tons for periods up to six months (180 days). The temporarily imported vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period.Always carry the importation permit on your person when driving your car in Mexico…same with your passport.  Do not leave any documents in the vehicle!

A vehicle, temporarily imported by the owner, may be driven in Mexico by the spouse or adult children, as long as they have the same immigration status. Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle.  Again, in my book, Retire In Luxury,  I sincerely suggest you do not allow others to drive your vehicle.  If someone were to be stopped while driving your car, and there were ANY drugs found – you are responsible too!  Mexican jails are food for nightmares!

The car permit which you got at the border is valid so long as your FM3 is valid — with renewals for as long as you wish.

Within 10 days of renewing your FM3 or if you convert from FMT to FM3, you must notify customs to continue your registration.  You do not have to go back to the border, you can do it by mail or in person if you live near one of the 42 cities that have an Aduana (Customs) office.  There is no fee.  You will not be given a new sticker or registration papers, so be sure to keep a copy of the letter in your car attached to the copy of the registration form that you should always have in your car.  Do NOT carry the original in your car.  You will need that paper if anything happens to your car.

A traveler can take his or her luggage and additional items up to $50.00 per person or $250.00 for a family of five, never exceeding US$1,000.00 in total, when travelling by road. If you exceed that limit, make the necessary arrangements at the Mexican Customs Office.  (I think everyone has more than $50 worth of clothing…just don’t take 6 computers, two refrigerators, etc.  Take normal luggage and supplies for your trip – and declare it.

For some the answer is “beauty”, but for the vast majority of American’s and Canadians, the number-one reason is “affordability”.  Meaning: “Cheap retirement”.

You see, the wage scale and cost of living in Mexico is why people want to live there.

While American dollars can be a tremendous boon to the local economies of many retirement havens and enclaves, our dollars can also backfire on us if we are not careful.

Many retirees and tourists make the mistake of showing off their dollars. They want to feel “rich and powerful” or they feel guilty because they aren’t paying enough. How do they do this? By leaving huge tips. By over-paying. By flaunting their money or giving it away in exchange for common courtesy — something which has always been free in any culture.

And when prices increase, retirees aren’t the only ones who suffer. What about the natives who are “priced-out” of the basic neccessities of life?  Expats aren’t the only ones who need to live cheaply!

Let me tell you a story:

The first year Jim went to Mexico, he felt embarrassed by the extremely affordable meals, goods, and rentals available  — so he covered his discomfort by leaving large tips everywhere. 

The next year he went back, and found the prices had risen,  but still affordable.  He continued leaving large tips that year, still assuaging his guilt over the still very inexpensive prices.

The next year he went to Mexico again, and found he could barely afford the higher prices that were becoming an everyday event. 

Jim struck up a friendship with a restaurant owner and eventually broached the subject regarding the seemingly never-ending increase in the cost of groceries, the cost of renting, the price of meals and prices in general. The restaurant owner frankly replied, “As long as you Americans want to pay a lot, we can accommodate that. We will find out just how much you are willing to pay for your apparent embarrassment for being rich!”

Being safe means exercising commonsense. Here are ten essential rules to remember

1.) Stay on the well-trodden paths and byways.

2.) Stay where there are other people around.

3.) Leave your big flashy jewelry at home – preferably in a safe.

4.) Keep your money holder, whether it be a purse or a billfold, secured at all times.

5.) Keep your eyes open and be very aware of your surroundings.

6.) Carry only small amounts of cash.

7.) Always keep your passport on your person, securely.

8.) Be polite. You’re a guest.

9.) Don’t be a stereotypical “foriegner”. Don’t show off, be noisy and obnoxious.

10.) Respect the culture.

How many buses does it take to get to Mazatlan from Puerto Vallarta? Well, in our case, four. That’s not the norm, nor the point of this story.

Before even leaving Puerto Vallarta, we had to exit the first bus we had boarded at 8:15 a.m. for a second one. Then the second bus broke down and nearly incinerated us in the mountains at 10:30 a.m. A third bus came along within 20 minutes and finally delivered us to Tepic. We arrived barely in time to catch the final bus to Mazatlan after a madcap dash through the terminal at noon. That doesn’t mean we were jinxed does it? It’s all in a day’s adventure, no?

We missed the Masked Ball on Friday night, not because of bus delays but because we simply didn’t know about it. In fact, not a whole lot is printed about the Carnival in Mazatlan, especially by or for gringos, and that is the point of the story

Imagine us, a middle-aged gringo couple embarking on an adventure with a minimum of knowledge, traveling by bus from Puerto Vallarta for a five-night excursion into the heart and soul of the Mexican Carnival. At first we were disappointed to discover online that most resorts and hotels were full by January. We tried to book the main five nights of the long weekend at our favorite Bed and Breakfast, but no luck

Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, while celebrated around the world, is known simply as Carnival in Mazatlan and the date, is tied to the Christian calendar, and varies each year. It came early this year on February 5th just 40 days before Easter.

While not on the scale of celebrations in Rio de Janiero, or New Orleans, or even Venice, Mazatlan has has a reputation of enthusiastic attendance, growing over the years. Luckily only a few weeks before the event, our B&B called back and said they had a cancelation exactly for the time we wanted, so at the last minute we took it. We love the location, a block from Olas Altas beach and directly in the heart of Historic Mazatlan.

The B&B is a lovingly restored, two story, 19th century mansion built around a sunny courtyard. It has a beautiful pink marble staircase, a fantastic updated kitchen, a generous serve-yourself-bar, and internet access. The owners, couldn’t be more attentive, gracious or enthusiastic. They shared the party spirit of the moment with us like old friends. We love the place!

When we arrived Friday evening, we were greeted with glasses of wine as the busy, weekly Art Walk, which they help sponsor, was happening. Then they handed us ‘the earplugs’. “So we’ll need these?” we asked naively. Their reply was that we were a ‘bit close’ to one of the bandstands. An understatement indeed!

Although so perfectly situated for walking through the Historic District and accessing the beachfront Malecon, the B&B’s location is directly in-line with the musical pathway of one of at least 10 band stages along the end of the parade route through Olas Altas. In fact, sitting on the roof of the house you look directly at the stage, but also at the sunset and the ocean beyond.

There are two big parades, one on the Avenida del Mar about a mile away on Sunday and one on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) evening right in front of the B&B. There are also two fireworks celebrations; known as the Combate Naval (the first of which was the best display I have ever seen!); one on Saturday (commemorating Mazatlan’s victory over the French Navy in 1864) and another display on Monday evening, along Ave. del Mar.

But getting back to the ear plugs…music is at the heart of the Carnival celebration and is called Sinaloa Banda music. Banda is not Mariachi music but something akin to a blend of many styles; Salsa, Mariachi, Cumbia, Merengue, and maybe you can even toss in some Jewish Klezmer music. Hate it or love it, there are 30 plus bands, over five nights, playing up and down the beachfront on bandstands from about 7 in the evening to at least 2 in the morning, and sometimes til 4!

During the parades or in between acts on stage there are the small bands that didn’t make it into the line up and rather than allow any silence, they play on the street corners when no one else is upstaging them. This is infectious, danceable music and did I give you the impression yet…LOUD!? (And to boot, just jog four or five blocks away from Olas Altas to the Plazuela Machado where there are four more stages – we’ll deal with that location later.)

After a couple of nights, we practically got used to it almost constant music and even caught a few hours of sleep. Banda music has a distinct place in Mexico’s musical heart and creates part of the soul of Carnival, much as Jazz does for New Orleans or Samba and Bossa Nova do in Rio.

Carnival was “family friendly” fun, with clowns and balloons, day and night, in a way that discourages the “skin shows” and drunkenness of other cities around the world. There are loads of beer stands everywhere, setting prices from 10 to 20 pesos a can. ($1 to $2 USD) Pacifico Beer is produced in Mazatlan; so are the Pacifico Girls…you see everywhere. They still use huge 100 pound ice blocks, hauled by ‘men-with-tongs’ and chopped up to cool enormous stacks of beer. The streets ran slick with the melt-off strewn confetti. People dress up with masks but because the date was early in the year, many folks just plain dressed to stay warm in the cool evenings.

In addition to the numerous locations having street fair stuff, there is a whole wealth of entertainment and more of a purpose to Carnival when the local residents crown various Queens of Carnival, presented in stadiums and grand ballrooms. These gala events include much more ceremony, distinction, and are coronations of the most beautiful and talented individuals of the highest order. Past year’s queens are honored for their achievements in a ritual of events.

Food for most, including me, is a priority when I travel. Although street vendors can entice you with an economical plethora of local specialities, we found that real meals are highly important to not only provide stamina for dancing, walking, site seeing and a host of other daily events but also to avoid heartburn. We moved our focus to the Plazuela Machado in a more completely restored section of Historic Mazatlan only a few blocks from our B&B.

That reminds me, while we took the time to walk around Historic Mazatlan; we were enveloped in a wonderful ethereal sense of artistic decay and elegance somewhat akin to what Havana, Cuba is like. The antiquated charm of the abundant and strikingly different architectural styles, the restored buildings, brightly painted and filled with wrought iron works is contrasted with the ancient and deteriorated looking structures sometimes right next door to each other. It truly captured, amazed and thrilled both of us! The revival of the area began with the Angela Peralta Theater anchoring the neighborhood and gentrification has spread outward during the last decade.

The Plazuela is a focal point of Carnival, bounded on its northern side by Calle Carnival filled with locals selling festival goods.

Depending on our timing we either had lunch or dinner in the outdoor cafes surrounding the plaza’s shady strolling area. In the Plazuela you have the choice of sitting on the sunny side or the shady side and are surrounded by fantastic people-watching as you gaze across the central sitting area and fountains. Strolling minstrels and mimes added color, and impromptu songs and poetry by groups kept the place entertaining all day long. At night multiple stages erupted into big music productions the place was packed and rockin’ with the youth of Mazatlan. This became one crowded little plaza!

Additional sight-seeing in Mazatlan filled our daily needs. One morning we hiked to the tallest working lighthouse in the world. Looking out from the top across the ocean and all of Mazatlan we saw the cruise ship terminal and fishing fleet docks in the harbor from which the city has earned the nickname, ‘Shrimp Capital of the World”. We looked northward where the tourist, beach-mecca of high rise hotels and resorts is, known as the Golden Zone and saw the three islands just offshore.

Two different days we took a 15-minute hike to the Old Zocalo and Cathedral for more people watching. The huge, typical Mexican public market, “Mercado Pino Suarez” nearby is jam-packed full of tourist-ware, groceries, meat displays, clothing, and absolutely everything up for bargaining.

A couple of times we took an ‘indigenous’ open-air taxi ride in a golf cart-like contraption known as a pulmonía, commemorated in Mazatlan history by a monument on the Malecon.

Carnival comes to a climax on Fat Tuesday night after the last parade, with revelry exceeding all previous evenings. The noise gets louder and the people crazier. But after throwing the last of our confetti-“In your face, baby!” we went home at midnight, showing our age, long ahead of everyone else.

Before leaving town in the morning we walked the Malecon one last time; watched the cleanup, melted ice and towers of beer still in evidence, the ocean surf pounded on the big rocks off shore, and we were entranced by one of the brave cliff divers from the pavilion near the dolphin sculptures.

After five nights, our bus ride back home was very anticlimactic. There were the same four young guys we rode the bus up with. However, now they were no longer singing, laughing in anticipation, playing loud music on their MP3’s, no more joking at the front of the bus, nor displaying the antics of youth; now they were in the back, behind us, practically soundless and like us probably sleeping much of the ride home, recovering from the exhausting and delightful party known as Carnival!

The Mexican Tourist permit, FMT, allows you to remain in Mexico up to 180 days, and is available from airlines and ports of entry – that’s what you fill out when you’re on the plane – or ship. 

You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure or when you think you are ready to look for property you may want to invest in – either for retirement or perhaps recreation while you are still working. 

You will need the FMT if and when you purchase a property, and usually your realtor or developer in Mexico will be able to help you with any questions you may have about your visa. Check with the nearest Mexican Consul (not tourist office) for current requirements, as they do change from time to time, but not a lot.

Requirements for remunerative (you are planning on making money) visits or longer stays (over 180 days) require special permits from the Mexican Consulate. 

It is not necessary to have an attorney for this process. For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for a Visitor permit (usually an FM3) and state what the purpose of the visit is.  The latest fee information is available at your local Mexican Consulate.

An FM3 entitles you to bring household items with you, if you decide to move to Mexico.

With an FM3, you no longer need to renew your car permit every 6 months.  An FM3 gives you one year permission to be in Mexico, with four extensions of one year, for a total of five years.

Full resident status entitles you to all rights and benefits of a Mexican National (live, work, claim state benefits and to pay taxes) but you cannot vote in Mexican elections. These permits may also prohibit work in specific industries.  You do not have to surrender your natural Citizenship to be granted full resident status in Mexico.

A few people who are just beginning to consider moving to Mexico for their retirement years and some who are now ready to decide just what area will fulfill their dreams of retirement have emailed me asking just how, in my opinion, they should best experience Mexico so they can be sure they are choosing the right area for them to live.

Please, don’t just pack up and head down on a tour bus or an “all-in-one” planned tour… not for this important venture. Not for your retirement.

Take charge of your trip – do your research first, have a list of places and things you need to check out. A tour is great, but it’s not going to show you what the real Mexico is. In other words, don’t go with the idea that you’re just going on an elaborate vacation. Go realizing you are looking at a potential place to live.

Go shopping for groceries where the natives go. Wal Mart is great, but go to the market place, too. You’ll be amazed at the quality and variety of foods offered, fresh, and very reasonable! You’re sure to see lots of things you’re not at all familiar with. That’s all part of the charm and fun of a new location. Remember, this is your retirement adventure.

Some of the best information that I didn’t even think of obtaining came from a lady I stopped in a grocery store. We talked for 20 minutes and Dick and I received a wealth of information from her and her husband, who finally came walking down the isle, wondering just where she had gone :)

You really want to spend your time talking with people who live there. Start up conversations with people at little restaurants where the natives go. Start conversations up with people in the shops. You just may even end up with a new good friend!

Do find the American organizations in the area. I list some that are in I list some that are in Mazatlan in my book, Retire In Luxury Talk with the people there …you will be so welcomed!

See what day-to-day life will be. You don’t want a sanitized version of life in Mexico. Not everyone who lives in Mexico goes to a fiesta every night.

Learn what the real Mexico is like. You’ll probably truly fall in love with it. You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful days and your evenings relaxing and having fun! Sure, you want to do the sightseeing stuff …just make sure you do your investigating first!

Hi Barbie: If I want to go and spend a month in Mexico to test the waters so to speak, do you have any information on that? I’m single female, traveling alone. Would it be safe? Thx,  Edna

Edna has a very good question. My response is: No matter where you go, you need to be careful. That includes anyplace in the U.S., too. You need to be careful in Mexico, in New York City, in San Francisco, and in Small Town, USA.

I really think  that no matter where you go, you will enjoy it more if you can talk a friend into going with you. You should never go to a strange place alone.

And remember: Get all the information you can before you go. Know what to expect. I have receivde many emails from single guys and gals and they have been just fine – but, know where you’re going – know what to do. Don’t be foolish. Do your research and plan ahead.

I just got an email from someone who “had a friend” who was in one of the larger cities in Mexico. They were at a bar and decided to walk to their hotel at 3 AM.  Excuse me, but that was stupid…anyplace!!!  So, the police pulled them over and fined (” robbed”) them of the cash they had on them – $55. Frankly at 3 AM they were lucky something worse didn’t happen to them.

Anyway, I’ll get off my pulpit and just say: BE CAREFUL. Enjoy yourself  and research, research, research before you go. 

Maz to PV and back:

Well, first and foremost you need to get your passport ready!

It’s not that hard to obtain and once you get it out of the way, you can travel virtually anywhere in the word.

In this article I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to get your passport quickly, easily, and with minimal fuss. You might think such a powerful document like a passport would be difficult to obtain. It’s not, as long as you know the facts. So here we go…

Let’s start with the basics. Your passport:

• Is a legal document.
• Is internationally recognized.
• Verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer.
• Is valid for air, land and sea crossing, including ferries.
• Is required to enter and leave most foreign countries.
• Is procured only through the U.S. Department of State.
• All persons must have their own passports, including infants.

There are over nine thousand passport acceptance facilities located in the United States. The facilities may be located in Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. You must apply in person for your passport:

• If you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.
• If your previous U.S. passport has expired.
• If your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession.
• If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
• If you were 16 when you received your previous passport.
• If your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

To procure a U.S. passport you will need:

1. Two photographs of yourself.
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship.
3. A valid photo i.d.,such as your driver’s license.

You can renew by mail if:

1. You have a recent, undamaged/unaltered passport to submit.
2. You received the passport within the past 15 years.
3. You were over age 16 when it was issued.

From January 23, 2007: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada or Mexico and some other destinations, will be required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card.

As early as January 1, 2008: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, and some other destinations, by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Fees for Your Passport: (Form DS-11) Are Non-Refundable.

Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is$97. Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $52. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82 and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

Department of Safety and Department of Homeland Security anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

Conversely, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.

Be as protective of your passport as your wallet or purse. A valid passport is worth big bucks to certain people. Our Czech daughter-in-law gave us even more insight into how precious a U.S. passport is… When she came into the states the first time and had her Czech passport stamped with the U.S. mark, she exclaimed “You, here in America don’t know just how much this passport is worth to some people now, especially when it has been stamped in America!”

Indeed… it’s valuable to YOU and valuable to others — if it should fall into the wrong hands.

So, hang onto to that precious document! As far as Dick and I are concerned, the little bit of time required to attain your passport is far worth the worry and time you might have when standing in line, when you’re ready to come back to the United States.

So, go ahead – get your passport taken care of – they are good for ten years. Then when you travel, you’ll be prepared.

I did something dumb.

I wore sandals when we took our last air trip…

Seemed like a pretty good idea – easy to get off for your “inspection”. Right?

But, standing in line and watching all the other passengers removing their shoes and realizing I was going to have to walk there — in my bare feet — where thousands and thousands of people have already walked.

Yes… in my bare feet.

So if you’re thinking about flying (anywhere)  I don’t recommend sandals. Or flip flops. I suggest wearing slip-ons with socks  instead. Or, stick a little pair of sox in your pocket you can slip on.

One thing is for certain… I will never wear just sandals again when traveling by air – no matter how comfortable!

(Yep, now you know – I am a neat freak – I carry my little anti-bacterial squeeze bottle in my purse.)

So, we arrived in Mazatlan at 9 PMS pretty tired after a 12-hour flight — yes, we could have just about driven in that time — well, almost.  It was quite dark when we landed, of course, and after going through customs (easy and quick), started looking for our friends who had said they would be there to pick us up, so we wouldn’t have to make the almost half hour drive to Mazatlan by ourselves and tired to boot.

We are VERY careful of driving at night in Mexico — yes — we heed our own advice!

Anyway, while we were standing there, in the Mazatlan airport, luggage in tow, fully expecting friend to show up eventually, one of the men who work at the airport came up to us and in his meager English, asked “Parks?  Advantage Rental?”    I was sort of taken aback, and thought maybe he was looking for another Parks for a moment –  and then realized — no, he was looking for us, and they had brought a car for us — tonight — a day  early??

Dick and I discussed the situation briefly and then told him — in our best Spanish — that, yes, we had rented a car, but had contracted for it to be picked up tomorrow, Tuesday, and could he please explain the situation to the young man who was apparently waiting for us.  And that we intended to wait on our friend, so…Thanks, anyway.Then…well, we waited and waited — no friend in sight, so finally after over 30 minutes of standing around waiting, decided we needed to take action.  We found the original worker, tried to explain to him, that if he could contact the Advantage Rental guy, we needed a ride. No problem — the Advantage fellow was still there — patiently waiting.  We secured our luggage in the trunk and once in the car, explained to the driver, Manuel, where we needed to go.

Now, Manuel basically spoke no English.  But, he recognized the name of the place we needed to go and with a smile, started off down the dark road toward Mazatlan.  I know you’re thinking by now — give your friends a call!  But, I knew something very important must have happened, or they would be here to pick us up.

After just a few minutes of our ride toward Mazatlan, Dick and I realized we could save some time Tuesday if we just took possession of the car tonight.

Well, I finally got our idea over to Manuel, who confidently said ,“Manager … office”.  So, we felt we were now headed to the Advantage Office to acquire the car and everything would be smooth.  How about that!  And we were not wrong.  Manuel drove us straight to the office, where, this late at night, the manager was waiting.

Get this — see if you have ever heard of anything like this even coming close in the States: They, the manager at Advantage, had checked our itinerary I given him, when first arranging for the car rental.  He knew we were coming in Monday night, and knew the car rental was not supposed to start until Tuesday morning.  But, just in case we had made a mistake or something, he had decided to send Manuel and the car when our plane arrived.He wanted to make sure we could get from the airport to town with no trouble– bless the Mexican intuition! …and kindness.

Now, for the price breakdown for a 4-door, airconditioned, automatic, Compact Car @ $96/week (no extra charge for us for the extra night we had the car, by the way)  Unlimited mileage.  We got car insurance through them, of course, $11/day.  And, after returning the car at the end of our trip, they drove us back to the airport — no charge.P.S.  Our friends thought we were coming in two days later than we actually did — oh well.  We made it safely home, just in time to get laundry done and repacked for the next trip to Mexico in about 10 days.