In this issue of Expat News by Expat Rebel I have an essay on safety in Mexico, a photo essay, a new video, two new paid-posts and a free post in the newsletter updates plus Expat News. - Chris
Mexico is what you make it
When I first moved to Mexico my extended family thought I was crazy.
“It’s so dangerous there”
“What’s it like living in poverty”
Then add a US President that made fun of Mexico and they thought I was going to die at any moment.
Four and a half years later and I still love Mexico.
But, that’s because I live in nice areas.
Yes, some of Mexico I wouldn’t even drive through. But, honestly there are parts of the USA that I would say the same thing about. Just smaller areas.
Mexico has large areas where I will never visit. I’ve meet Mexicans that wouldn’t ever go to some parts of Mexico and they can blend in.
Many parts of Mexico are just not safe. The police either don’t exist or are very corrupt.
Just don’t live there. Problem solved.
I live in a nice condo and I have lived in nice houses and even a resort once. I felt safe all the time. If I didn’t feel safe I would leave.
Well, right now due to tourism returning the Tulum area in Quintana Roo is unsafe.
There is a big drug war with people have old Western style shoot outs in the middle of the street in downtown Tulum.
It’s gotten so bad that the Mexican National Guard has shown up to help stabilize the area.
When a huge tourism spot starts to make the US papers then you know there is a big problem and Mexico is trying to clamp down on it.
In a month or two it’ll probably settle down as one cartel will win. But, it’ll be a bit dangerous in the mean time.
And before the cartel war in Tulum I was never a fan of Tulum. It has California prices, it’s too hip for it’s own good. Only resorts are on the beach and the town is not near the beach. I loved Playa del Carmen and still go there for vacation but Tulum is just so overrated and now dangerous.
Mexico isn’t perfect. But, no country is perfect. Parts of Mexico I find to be really great and special. I love living so close to fantastic National Parks that have ancient Mayan or Aztec pyramids. I love visiting cenotes in the summer. I love the culture and the people here. I just choose to live in nice neighborhoods and states that are safe.
Asian Mart
I found a little shop in Merida Yucatan Mexico that sells all Asian stuff.
The place is awesome. I got a Japanese made knife just for vegetables and all my asian sauces I love.
Living in Mexico doesn’t mean everything is Mexican.
The #1 type of restaurant (like most of the world) is pizza. Asian food isn’t as popular here as the US so I make it at home.
We do have a P.F. Chang’s which is identical as the ones in the US.
One reason why I love living in Mexico
This short video just shows one of a million reasons why I love living in Mexico.
Pandemic In Mexico
It’s going to be at least two weeks before we know if the pandemic got worse because of Easter get togethers.
Vaccinations started last week here in Yucatan State based on if you are front-line and your age. It’s going to take months before anyone that wants the shot will be able to get it.
See Expat News below for articles on the latest.
Newsletter Updates
I have a couple of paid newsletter updates.
Becoming An Expat Now - paid-member comment thread answering your questions
Playa del Carmen Guidebook - updated from my visit. It’s very detailed and has many recommendations in it.
Renting Furnished Houses and Condos in Mexico
Become a paid newsletter subscriber when you need advice and details about living in a foreign country including Mexico or you just want to support this newsletter and YouTube channel. It’s just $5/mo and you cancel anytime.
I also wrote some free articles this week.
Bad Expats - recent example of how not to act when you live in a foreign country
Watching TV via a VPN - my recommendation of watching Netflix and Amazon Prime, etc in a foreign country
Virtual Mailbox
The day after I decided to leave the US and see the world slowly I got a mail forwarding service, aka a Virtual Mailbox. I need a place that could receive my US mail and scan it so I could read it from anywhere in the world. Now nearly four and a half years later I just love how easy it makes my life.
I get an email when I get mail. I click on the link and read my mail. I save the PDF files for banking and tax stuff for my account in DropBox and then I’m done.
My favorite Mail Forwarding Service
Expat News
Yucatan & Mexico News
Mérida street vendors are back in Centro
Extreme heat in Mérida: the thermometer could reach 43+ degrees Celsius - aka 109 degrees F
Vaccinations for people 60 and over begin today in Mérida
Mérida announces dates, locations for long-awaited COVID vaccinations
Tulum: a beach destination where authorities are not in charge
“Buyer beware” Massive real estate fraud in Merida Yucatan prevalent - Mexico Daily Post - I won’t buy anything over the “phone” and without a lawyer anywhere in the world
Yucatan Lions want to welcome fans at the Kukulcán stadium for the next season
Disney cruise ship will arrive in Progreso, Yucatán next week - just for maintenance work, but it’s a start as the Port has been closed to cruise ships for a year
Since the pandemic, the demand for real estate in Southeast Mexico grows 20% - In Spanish
World Expat News
Simple Browser Extension Automatically Finds Cheaper Flights
Croatia is opening to fully vaccinated US travelers
It’s Official—Fully Vaccinated People Can Travel, CDC Says
The colorful Caribbean island of Curacao is launching a remote worker visa
Airhelp Review: How to Get Paid When Your Flight is Delayed
Vaccinated Americans Can Cruise in Greece This June
Thailand will lift quarantine for vaccinated travelers on this popular island - Phuket
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