What is your name?Michele Kinnon
Please enter the name of your Blog
Life's a Beach - Observations about Life and Real Estate in Playa del Carmen MX
What is your current age or age range?
40
What country are you native to?
Albany, New York USA
What area of Mexico Expat and Travel do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
How long have you lived in Mexico Expat and Travel?
3.5 years
When you moved to Mexico Expat and Travel, did you bring your family? What do they think?
Yes. My husband, myself and our three children (then ages 11, 3 and 18 months. Also two dogs and a cat!
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
We want to raise our children as citizens of the world first and country second. Hard to do in the US. The commercialism and hyper-competitive atmosphere we felt we would like to leave behind. And so we have.
Why did you choose Mexico Expat and Travel, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Mexico Expat and Travel?
Playa del Carmen is the fasted growing city in the world. There is a lot of opportunity for foreign investment and real estate development.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
We opened our own corporations in order to do business here. It is difficult for the average expat to obtain permits to work here legally.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Watching our oldest son adjust slowly to the transition and struggle with a new language.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Mexico Expat and Travel?
Not anticipating how long it would actually take to build and sell our first condo complex.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
Making new friends.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
No. We will not stay in Playa del Carmen forever but we will not return to the states. Panama is probably the next leg of the journey.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
I miss my family and friends. I blog so that they can keep up with our life and adventures. I don't miss my old life anymore. I am happy we made the move.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Good artisan cheese and wine.
Are there the same recreational activities in Mexico Expat and Travel?
No.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Mexico Expat and Travel?
Playa del Carmen has a huge expat community. It is very easy to make friends here.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Mexico Expat and Travel?
Our friends are a mixed bag. American, Mexican, British, French, Canadian, German....
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
My brother My friends Good Cheese Good Wine Museums Theatre Skiing Cocktail Parties Good schools
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
Commercialism Hyper Consumerism Conformity The Media Politics Keeping up with the Joneses The cold Expensive fruit and vegetables
Do you speak the language of Mexico Expat and Travel?
Yes. I taught myself when we arrived. It was difficult.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Mexico Expat and Travel, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
It is not crucial here in Playa del Carmen but your overall experienced will be diminished by not speaking the language of any country you call home.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
No. Medical insurance is easy to obtain and not expensive.
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
We are working.
How do you earn your living in Mexico Expat and Travel?
Real Estate Development and Sales
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
No.
How did you go about finding a job in Mexico Expat and Travel? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
We opened our own corporations.
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Not here in Playa. It's too much of a melting pot to have any "customs".
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
Panama is most likely the next stop for our family.
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Currently renting. We are purchasing several hectares in the jungle to build our home on.
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
Very expensive!!!
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No. Just difficult to pay for it.
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
Housing is expensive. Electricity is expensive. Food is practically free in comparison to the US.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Mexico Expat and Travel?
Do a trial run for a few months before you make the leap. If you have children who are school age, keep in mind the educational experience here is lacking for them and will be confusing for you.
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Mexico Expat and Travel for people living there?
See my blogroll for a list of good Mexico Expat Blogs.
Please the url of your Blog
Life's a Beach - Observations about Life and Real Estate in Playa del Carmen MX
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