In early August 2005, I packed my suitcases and flew into Guadalajara. I was to spend a year there, studying Spanish language and literature at La Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG). This was my first trip to Mexico, and I didn’t know what to expect.
I’d heard horror stories about kidnappings, police corruption, extreme poverty, contaminated food and water, the Montezuma’s revenge… But there were also other things I had heard about: the rich culture, the unique combination of the traditional and the modern in all aspects of life and art, the natural beauty and geographical diversity of the land, the colonial towns brimming with history…
I still felt a little uneasy moving to Guadalajara with its population of six million, imagining it to be much more dangerous than Toledo, OH, where I lived at the time. I didn’t know how I was going to find a place to live, which parts of the city to avoid, or even if it was safe to walk the streets.
After just a few days, all my fears proved to be completely groundless. I found myself in a place where I immediately felt at home. It was love at first sight, and the idea of moving to Mexico permanently began stirring in my mind.
Six months later I was in San Miguel de Allende working for International Living as their Mexico country consultant.
It was only a ten-month fling, yet through answering all emails with questions regarding Mexico, traveling, and endless conversations with my Mexican and Gringo friends, I became quite educated about almost any aspect of this wonderful country. Also, I realized how much confusion there still existed, especially in the areas of immigration and real estate.
This blog is devoted to sharing my knowledge, experiences, and fascination with Mexico, and especially with San Miguel de Allende. Its role is to provide solid information, as well as my personal impressions, as I keep discovering more reasons to staying in love with Mexico.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
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