There was an

earthquake today.

Yes, things shook here and there, but there were no reported injuries or damage – from the earthquake. 

The earthquake was also felt in southern Arizona and in parts of California.

An employee in Rocky Point was reported to say, “We felt the earthquake too, but not too much. I felt it more in my body than in the building. The buildings went back and forth a little, but not too much”.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration said there’s no tsunami warning, watch nor advisory because of the earthquake.

Interestingly there were 26 other earthquakes above 2.5 that happened around the world today. Historically, on some days there are fewer, on other days there are many, many more.

That’s just how things are on Mother Earth. :)

Earthquake article by Barbie.

San Agustin

Here is another email from my good friend, Lorna, who is living the good life in San Agustin, Mexico.

It’s inspiring, insightful, and full of many hopes and dreams realized.  It could be your dream, too.

Hi Barbie!

I just wanted to say thanks for the info you provide, it’s so helpful and practical!

I am not much for writing e-mails, but I wanted to tell you that I have been living in San Agustin for the last two years and I love it!

The weather is perfect, the rent is amazingly low for my 3 bed, 2 bath casita ($2200 pesos (Barbie – approxmately $220 American dollars) a month, includes water and a great gardener)!

Banana plantation

I pay aprox. $175 every 2 months for electricity, gas is aprox and I pay 300 pesos every 3 months, for phone, cable & internet. Combined is only 450 peso a month!

I live on a small pension plus I teach English at a local San Agustin school. I am the only “gringa” living in my coto, and my neighbors have taken me in with warm hospitality.

Guadalajara is a wonderful, diverse, cosmopolitan city with so much to see and do! San Agustin is only a 2 1/2 hour drive (on the Colima road) to the beaches in Manzanillo… 3 1/2 to the beaches in Nayarit… 4  hour s to Puerto Vallarta.

What more could I ask for? Life is good!

Thanks again for your newsletter, keep up the good work!

Cheers, Lorna

San Agustin article by Barbie

Playa Del Carmen

I recently received this email from my friend, Sharon. She just retired and she’s  doing all the smart things: She did her research. She took a short trip to Playa Del Carmen. Now she’s back and planning a longer six-month stay. Sharon’s email is insightful and she’s been kind enough to allow me to share it with you.

Hi, Barbie! I am now officially retired as of 7/01/09. I went to  to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico in November 08 after we e-mailed. My sister went with me and we had a wonderful time!We looked for a condo to rent this year and found one. We are going back 11/1/09 and want to stay until 4/30/10. I have tried to remember all the important things I need to do for a 6 month stay and wondered if you could tell me if there is a need for a Visa if we stay 6 months in addition to the passport. We also need to buy inexpensive furniture as it is not furnished.

Would you know of any places you could recommend for that?

We are planning to leave the furniture for the 6 months we return to the states and return there the following year again. I am not sure about permanent retirement there until we see how we like it this time for 6 months. We plan on going to many different places from Playa Del Carmen and checking things out. I have verified my health insurance will cover me there and resolved the prescription issues for a vacation exception to get 6 months to take with us. Any advice or info you can give me would be greatly appreciated!The other thing I was wondering about was the location of the nearest Catholic church in Playa Del Carmen.  We’ll be staying just off the other side of 307 .It’s about 10-15 min. from the shopping district. It’s a new development and it has a private beach 5 minutes from the condo.

After 61 years of Maine winters and 28 snow storms just last winter alone I am so looking forward to this. :)

Thanks again. Sharon

Rood stand

 Here is my reply to Sharon about

Playa del Carmen:

Hi Sharon:  Glad you took your sister with you!  Bet you had a ball!

You are absolutely right: you will need your passport – and make sure its valid date exceeds or meets the date you plan to return to the States.

Then, as a U.S. resident – I’m assuming – You will also need a Tourist Card (permit) and it will be good for 180 days – important – that does not mean 181 days!!!  You must enter the States before midnight on the 180th day!!! NO Excuses!!! :)

The tourist card (permit) –will be taken care of at the border crossing port of entry or on the airplane, ship, etc.  Just do as Dick and I did in my book, Retire In Luxury – follow the line or do as the airline steward or official at the port of entry instructs you to do. Remember:  Do not enter Mexico without your permit.

You will decide on:  either a Non Immigrant Permit – visit Mexico and then leave Mexico (What you’ll want) ,  or an Immigrant Permit – permanent residence in Mexico.  Either way, you do not give up your natural citizenship to receive these statuses.

For a short stay of 6 months or less you may want to consider the FMT  visa (short term non-immigrant visa for stays 6 months or less.)

Or you might want to consider a FM3 (long term non-immigrant visa for more than 6 months which gives non-immigrant temporary residency status to the holder.  In my book, I call this the “permanent visitor” permit.) Most retirees opt for the FM3.

The furniture situation – that’s a tough one – maybe try to buy some used. Or, try Gringo Furniture ( 1-866-600-1186). I have not used them, but I have heard good reports about them. Might be an easy way to accomplish a big project!

You were wondering about the nearest Catholic Church. There is one in the Colosio neighborhood in Playa del Carmen. It’s called Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.  Father Bernard Quinn may still be the priest there. I believe the services are in Spanish.  The church is not air conditioned. I don’t think you’ll find many that are in Mexico, but the ventilation is good.  It’s the corner of 15th Ave and 12th Street.

Best to you, Barbie