Mexican Independence Day is Today!

From Mexico Today on Mexican Independence Day:

"What makes a great city is not what it is, but who it is. More than the ghosts of its illustrious past, a great city must also be the real and ready smile of the present, and during this week of Bicentennial festivities, Mexico City was that and more, for all the world to see." Click on Mexico Today (above) for the rest of the article on how Mexico is celebrating its Independence Day today.

Project Breakaway Cruise ships from Norwegian Cruise Lines

In order to make it's cruise ships more fashionable, Norwegian Cruise Lines or NCL recently ran a contest to solicit naming ideas for its newest ships, a pair of 4,000-passenger twins due in April 2013 and April 2014. The winners are Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway

"We felt Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway epitomized both our Freestyle Cruising philosophy and our belief that these ships will offer a true respite, whisking our guests away from their everyday routines and delivering the ultimate cruise vacation," said NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan in a media statement.

Mexico Today Story Shared: "One Perfect Morning in Playa del Carmen"

Via Mexico Today:

Sunrise on the beach at Playa del Carmen, vacation, laziness, ceviche and friendliness to go around. Read about one man's encounters with what could be one of the most perfect mornings in Mexico to date.

Mazatlán will host World Tourism Day

Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara recently named Mazatlan, Mexico, as host of Mexico’s 2011 World Tourism Day. World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 all around the world in hopes of increasing cultural awareness among the international community. An annual event, this year’s World Tourism Day theme is Tourism-Linking Cultures. Mazatlán as a city is rich in culture and history -- attracting tourists to Mexico all year around. In a Mexico Today article Secretary Guevara explains that, “Mazatlán is one of the most attractive destinations in our country. The city hosts large events such as Carnaval, it boasts great infrastructure for conventions, and is easily accessible by land and air. That is why it is one of the destinations with greatest potential.”

9 Tips for Picking an Affordable Place to Retire

This is one of the best articles I've seen on the subject of retirement abroad. I'm always wondering what are the steps to ensure that the place you choose to retire abroad is the right one. Well, here are 9 tips, via U.S. News, that will guarantee that you feel confident in your decision about retirement abroad, and will prevent any unpleasant surprises in the long term. All in all, it really is a process that can be key to a wonderful retirement. For that reason, I leave you with wonderful advice on what to consider before deciding on your retirement spot overseas.

Test it out. You should plan to make several visits to a city before you buy property, or even rent for the first year. Fred Brock, author of Retire on Less Than You Think: The New York Times Guide to Planning Your Financial Future, says "Go spend a month at a place that you are considering, and go there during the worst time of the year."

Access to an airport. If you plan to travel long distances during your retirement years, you will need access to a nearby airport or train station. "I don't think most people want to live more than an hour-and-a-half from a major airport. Otherwise air travel becomes very difficult," says Brock.

Locate new medical facilities
Make sure that you locate medical facilities in that area that will be able to attend to your current needs, as well as any conditions that run in the family that could possibly appear.

The weather . It's tempting to move to a retirement spot that boasts a great climate, but you'll have to make sure you're ok with possibly trading high heating costs for large cooling bills.

Proximity to family . Consider how much time you want to spend with your children and grandchildren in retirement.


Local transportation. Consider how you will get around, no matter where you are moving to. Consider the possibilities if you don't want to drive or are no longer able to. Find out what options are available for getting around without getting into your car.

Consider the economy. Make sure that the country and its economic outlook matches what you're looking for. Again, this U.S. News article states, "If you need or want to work during your retirement years, you need to choose a retirement spot where you will be able to find a job. But even if you plan to permanently exit the workforce, it's a good idea to pick a retirement spot where the economy is at least fairly strong. "Unemployment is like a cancer that affects the whole community, including services you enjoy and take for granted such as police and parks and services for the poor and elderly," says Sperling. "You don't want to be the only person who is well off in a community where everyone else is suffering."

Low-cost things to do . If you take up expensive hobbies, you can end up spending more money in retirement than you did while working. The key is to find public spaces and associations or clubs that will allow you to engage with other seniors in your area and enjoy low-cost, group-oriented activities. The added benefit? These types of outings generally lead not only to a fuller wallet, but a fuller, happier social life as well.

Puebla: A Sweet and Easy Day Trip from Mexico City

Everyone knows that Mexico City is a must-see when traveling to Mexico. Due to the huge cultural offering, from world-class cuisine to renown architecture and innovative art, Mexico City is the place to go. If you're ever looking to get to know a little bit more of Mexico, perhaps a smaller, more traditional city, you should definitely make a side trip to the beautiful town of Puebla.

Here are a few places that are a must-see for any first time visitor:

Museo Amparo (Displays of pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Mexican Art in grand colonial buildings)
Museo de la Revolución (Houses revolutionary materials and is located on Avenida 6 Norte, #206)
Museo Casa del Alfeñique (Showcases religious art in a period setting and is located on Avenida 4 Oriente # 416)
Puebla Cathedral (Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and claimed to be one of Mexico’s largest)
Callejón de los Sapos (An alley lined with antique shops that becomes a flea market on Sundays. Located south of Avenida 5 Oriente, on Calle 6 Sur)

Spanish Expressions: A Lo Grande!

Via Mexican Guru:

Today's expression is "A Lo Grande." It's meaning? Big time!

Example: Celebramos año viejo a lo grande! Fuimos a una gala en Nueva York y farreamos hasta la madrugada. In English --> We celebrated New Year’s Eve big time! We went to a gala in New York and partied until the early morning.

Reason to Retire in Mexico #3

Reason to retire in Mexico #3: Relaxation

Relaxation is a fundamental part of healthy living, meaning being able to balance hard work and other daily activities with time to rest. Here is a description of what kind of relaxation is available for seniors to enjoy. A big part of relaxation in Mexico can involve socializing, an already healthy activity, especially in older age.

via EFAM:

For Americans or Canadians coming to Mexico it’s a change of pace. Life moves slower here. Family is important. The elderly are cherished. Children are loved. The “little things in life” matter. Streets are closed off to host neighborhood block parties.

“It is hard to explain,” ponders Mike Green, “but it feels like my hometown did thirty years ago.”

Click here to read more about the health and romance involved in the relaxing lifestyle of Mexico.

San Luis Deposí, Mexico

Photo of the day via Mexicounmasked.com

A Heartfelt Account of Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Read this account of an American couple that recall their many trips to Zihuanatejo, a traditional, enchanting fishing town: "[When we visit Mexico] We merely skim the surface, but we try not to apply our own standards and preconceptions on what we see. The past five years we have stayed in Zihuatanejo, a fishing village of about 80,000 on the west coast, a couple of hours north of Acapulco."

"We usually stop at Cafe Casa, a small restaurant in a courtyard on Calle Adelita, run by a couple from Oregon, Johnny and Lorna who moved to Zihuatanejo and opened a bed and breakfast. [...] While we love the mercado and shopping in the tiny shops and stalls there [, for many visitors it's a trying experience (especially if your Spanish isn't up to the banter). Now there is a new outlet in Zihua"...Click here to read more about the good life this couple describes in Zihuanatejo.

Mexican Vineyards Offer World-Class Vineyards for Vino-Tourism

Presenting the new Sonoma Valley: In and around the valley of Santo Tomas, Mexico there are eight artisan wineries.

These Mexican vineyards and wineries include Bodega Santo Tomas, with about 600 acres of vines supplying their annual production of some 100,000 cases, and Rancho San Martin owned and operated by Marina Flores Cabrera. "As the wine culture of Baja California Norte continues to emerge, many people are awakening and taking part in this “silent revolution in creating high quality Mexican wines.” Marina is now offering two wines: Las Flores del Ajusco “La Parra” Tempranillo and Azul Marina, a Merlot and Tempranillo blend."