Expat poll

[admin]

Take the poll here: http://gtolist.com/poll.htm

[admin]

An expat poll respondent selected 'other' on the poll and identified him/herself as "naturalized Mexican, i.e., no longer expat" but can that really be? Although one becomes something new can the past be erased?

You know like 'Once a Marine, always a Marine' Or has the repondent now become and ex-expat?

[mikeholgate]

My personal view is "Once an expat, always an expat." Or, as my wife puts it, citizen of the world.
Mike

[meroberts]

I was born and educated in Mexico. At age 21, I went to Washington, DC where I adapted to and adopted the language, the culture, and the laws. After 40 years my husband Don and I are now retired in Guanajuato since 2006. What would that make me? Well, I feel honored to be considered a true bi-national and bi-cultural Mexican/American.

Martha

[ivyndesign]

I am new to the list and living in SMA now for 6 months. Have become enamored with GTO after a brief trip and plan on coming back next week for 2-3 days to research more re possibly a relocation there. LIved in Chiapas 20 years ago so not typical Gringo and would really like not as MANY gringos as in SMA (although I need some), would be pleased to be forced to use my Spanish more (as it will uplevel my speaking ability).

Has anyone lived in both places and can they give me any opinions. I would imagine it is less expensive to rent a house in GTO than it is in SMA although I pay less than $1000USD for furnished w/utilites 2 bedrooms nice newer home with maid/gardener....

One of my concerns is the ability to make new friends there as I know it is harder, as a rule, to make Mexican friends than expat ones (and the expats are everywhere here which makes it easy.).

Anything to share? Thanks,
Ivy

[doncoulter]

Ivy,

I've never lived in SMA, but I've lived in Guanajuato about 12 years and I've visited SMA many times. You certainly ought to be able to find less expensive rentals here than in SMA. I suspect that finding a good rental may be more difficult here, because we simply don't have all the advertising, networking, and so on that one finds in SMA. Looking for a house or apartment here is often a word-of-mouth proposition.

As for making friends, I suspect it's easier here with both foreigners and Mexicans. With foreigners because there are fewer of us here than in SMA, and with Mexicans because you're less likely to be seen here as just another typical SMA expat, i.e., someone with too much money and not enough Spanish. I don't mean to endorse that stereotype, but I think it exists.

Of course, your mileage may vary. Come on over and check us out.

Don