Thoughts of retiring to Mexico can stir the gringo's heart: Sunny skies, warm days, stretching the dollar. But a study from the University of Calgary says weigh more than just your Pesos before making a major lifestyle move south of the border.Jesse O'Brien, studied the life of retirees in a town on the Yucatan, which he leaves nameless. O'Brien says most of the expatriates he talked to loved their new lifestyle, but there were some drawbacks others should consider before making the change. The initial viewpoint is that of, 'With our retirement dollars, we can live like kings!' But, "eventually, reality sets in."
For those ex-pats who decide they don't need to learn the local language, the relationship with the Mexican people never advances beyond "service" relationship. Expecting "to be dealt with in English," a divide exists, where many of the foreign retirees seem condescending. Result? The friendships developed in their new homes are largely with those in their immediate enclave, rather than widening out in a broader circle of associates. O'Brien says he was shocked to see that contact with friends and family back home dwindled, and most retirees reported that missing their family was the most difficult part of living abroad.
On the other hand, the study did point to the positive aspects of being thrown together in a new environment. O'Brien notes that many surprising relationships have developed among members of the enclave he visited, born of a need for companionship.
photo courtesy Alaskan Dude on flickr.com by creative commons license
The same sentiment where US citizens would like visitors to speak English, or at least attempt to do so, should be expected from the Mexican people Visitors should at least attempt to learn Spanish as a courtesy. Failure do do this can result in some ill feeling on both sides, usually due to mis-understandings. It is a gesture of respect to at least try.
ReplyDeleteTou'd be surprised what you can learn if you understand and speak the language!
We see it quite often. Many rvers come down every winter for six months but never take the time to learn even basic spanish so that they can request things, ask for directions, etc. I think they get a bit lonely but see it as an escape from the cold.
ReplyDeleteTheir time here in Mexico could be so much richer and enjoyable if they learned a little of the language as well as culture. Spanish classes are available in many cities throughout the countyr. Imagine how much one could learn in six months.