Really appreciate your openness and honesty about your journey. When I was a child, our family moved between Europe and the U.S. relentlessly. We were a two-passport family by the time I was 3 as my sis and I are born in different countries. The moves were always one-way, sight unseen. It was difficult, but those moves cured me. As an adult I embrace change and love international travel. I, too, am laying the groundwork to relocate from California to Baja as I wind down and plan on early social security. I’m ready. 😊
This is your BEST story!! I think you have very valid points. The aspect of having pets in a new place makes it especially stressful. I am so sorry about your dealing with doubts and anxiety, that really adds to the "fear" aspect that so many of us get in the world we now exist in. finding ways to escape any sort of addiction, is difficult when your whole life has changed in so many ways. I am very proud of you making good choices and being willing to share your story. Thank you!!
New subscriber, here. My wife and I are immigrating from Florida to Ensenada in early 2025 and this will be a vlog we rewatch. Thank you for the honesty. I found that a little courage was required to do EVERYTHING in our exploritory trips to Mexico. I'm inspired that you aren't letting the fear win.
I appreciate your candor and honesty. Thank you. I plan on moving to Mexico within the next 5 years, and I needed to see and hear how this big change will have big challenges - but worth it in the end. Congrats on your sobriety! Life changing.
Good for you. Have you started to narrow down where you want to go? There is such variety here. Our experience is one of only many and I'm finding a lot of other cool expat channels on TH-cam. Thanks for your comment.
I enjoyed your video. I’m into the 2nd week of my ‘post menopausal gap year’. I’m traveling with my 18 yr granddaughter who just graduated high school and that I raised single handidly. There is anxiety of course of second guessing yourself but I tell myself. Don’t look back, you’re not going that way. The U.S. wasn’t going to work for me, not just financially but the healthcare is a complete debacle. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so I’m viewing every day as a gift and enjoying the journey. Wishing you the best!
That is so cool to do with your granddaughter! Tomorrow is not guaranteed -I had two close friends die in the last couple years, part of the push to give this a try. Where are you travelling? Thanks for your comment!
Me encanto tu video... por ser honesta y sincera. Sigue adelante con disfrutar Mexico. Estas en un paraiso muy Bonito...Mar de cortez.... muy bonito lugar y tienes muy bonitas playas. Gracias por tu video y mas videos por faver. Hasta luego y cuidate mucho !!
First time on your channel. It confirmed that one thing I’m definitely missing is the introspection and honesty of a 12-stepper. Just planning a move is creating a quite a lot of anxiety for me and your observations and comments were welcome info. All the best.
Class of 88 (me) and 87 (hubby) here! Loved your honest testimony. I can relate to the dog situation so very much. That is an issue for my family as well.
Day 8 of this same exact move. I really appreciate all you shared. I am having those same doubts as I struggle with humidity here in Higuera Blanca. Everyone in this small town has been very friendly. We will see what happens. 😊
Thank you for sharing your story. Even though I am a "the glass is half full" kind of person, I still had moments of questioning my choices. I moved to Guadalajara a year ago. I speak some Spanish, but the Spanish spoken here is completely different than my Baja CA abilities. I remember walking home from Spanish class one day, (eight months after my arrival) and thinking I am going to have to move back to the USA. All because I was "never" going to be able to successfully understand the Spanish accent where I was living. I felt so defeated. Fortunately, I finally overcame that issue. I am happy to hear you are settling in and finding your way. 💛
The doggies felt your anxiety. What you were feeling is normal. We move to Nayarit in 2018 and into a house we had been staying in for 15 year and visiting the area for the same. And even then, we had ups and downs. I would say that I love the move 99% of the time and there is always a 1% chance that I want to break up with Mexico. It’s usually after hit a new hidden pothole or some unnecessary government or banking BS rules. We love it here and have no plans to live anywhere else. You have a great attitude and you are going to bloom where you are planted. ❤
You are spot on - we don't give dogs enough credit in how tuned they are to their humans. 15 years! I love it. We are loving it here. And yes, the hidden potholes, can definitely relate. Thanks for your comment!
I would say.. its normal to feel out of place in a new place... I have felt it as well, you might get stares.. Well then you accept it for what it is, curiosity for the most part.. And you get used to it, just like anything, or you feel paranoid.. Another feeling, I don't believe its an ego trip, as much as its a survival instinct.. And we need to always listen to that of course.. Be safe and Enjoy your new life in Mexico!!
Hi there. Thanks for your comment. Yah, I agree about it being normal. Once I realize that, those feelings are normal, it usually eases the anxiety a lot!
I lived in Roserito for 10 years and I loved it. Of course with no wife or kids or pets. And I was only 25 miles from the border so it was no problem for me to travel back and forth to San Diego. But the past 3 years the increase in prices has changed life in Baja. It's now becoming CA's expensive but a little less expensive brother. I now live in central America and it's VERY cheap and affordable with a surprisingly low crime rate.Good luck with your sobriety and I hope life continues to give you what you need in that country.
Congratulations on your sobriety. It is a very real video of your experience. I am so glad that things worked out and that you are happy with your decision. I wish you the best building up your channel.
@@grisellecc5807 thank you! Yes. This experience adjusting I learned so much and I’m grateful for it. Having fun with this channel and learning a lot and hopefully can share helpful information for others. Thanks again.
I love your honesty and ability to be vulnerable. I also suffer from anxiety - something that is genetic in my family tree. Zoloft and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work wonders for me. So proud of you for persevering.
HI there. Thank you. And yeah, I've done a lot of work as well and it's really helped. But it does like to creep up still once in a while, yah? Thanks for your comment!
Also an expat, 8 years in Vietnam. glad that things went ok for you. For others, I would never recommend buying real estate right away. It takes time to adapt, and worst case find out, that this was the wrong city, or country, or maybe a part-year overseas schedule would be better. A conservative approach is don't burn bridges, rent first, try different places, figure out language and shopping, meet and learn from other expats. Living overseas isn't for everyone, but you don't know until you've tried!
I can feel your stress as much as I want to go to Mexico now I am reluctant to do it now because of my 13 Year old Border Collie/Cattle Dog who is a great dog but whacky and a big Barker who seems anxious a lot. His nickname is Bob Barker and he herds everyone and everything lol! So I am stuck on the Hamster Wheel for now but thanks for the video very informative and real!!!
@@russshrewsbury6536 we’ve met others here who’s doggies had a challenge adjusting but they persevered. It’s a big doggie community and you’ll definitely get a lot of support. I get it though, our two dogs are a big part of our family and really want them happy. Best of luck!
My wife and I love PV want to move to Mexico. We are going to Loreto Baja in February for family reunion and will most likely will be living there in 2025.
Lady, I’m Mexican and I live in San Diego, I watched your video and even thought I’m not a doctor I can honestly say that your “anxiety/everybody is looking at me/why the people here don’t speak English” illnes it’s called “being an American”. Stop question yourself because the truth is that “you have made the best decision ever by moving to México!…just give it time and you’ll see. Regards.
If you didn't click bait the title, I might have subscribed. If you included "or so I thought" in the title, I would have subscribed. You got this comment but no more...
Yah. I completely get that. I'm using this tool that helps come up with titles and descriptions - so it will give you a choice of 5 or so...and you're right. Some of them are sooooo super click baity. I've changed titles on my videos quite a few times because it just gives me the ick. This title? You should have seen some of the suggestions it had. Believe it or not I thought this one was tame. So thank you for the comment. I appreciate the feedback. I want to engage someone to check it out but not under false pretenses.
Me, I was drinking to much coffee living in CA. Now, living in Mexico I feel sometimes that I drink to much cervezas 🍻 and Tequilas 🤣 But, eating my meal’s that’s still ok 👍 yes, somedays I do eat way to much tacos also but everything ok. Viva La Vida as Frida said and Viva Mexico as our beloved Juan Gabriel did sing a lot so Viva Mexico thank you for having us living in your country and no mas Viva Las Vegas and no mas Elvis either life goes on 👏👍🤣🙏
I think you were going through a normal process? Honestly, I respect your move. My Son left his good job in pursuit of being happy in another country, what courage. I wish I was there to meet you. You, sound like a nice person to learn and hang out with? You go, Girl. I know I really want to do the same but just undecided. Sounds like you did what's best for you.
I 100% believe it was a normal process. Sometimes we don't give ourselves enough grace and compassion and space to adjust to new situations, you know? It's easier to give it to others instead of ourselves. Sigh. Thanks so much for your comment.
Well imaginé the way you felt, imaginé is the way many mexicans that go to the US, to work is the way they feel, far from families, not knowing the language,…. Its not a complain,Its just to say that is difficult to move out, for some is great the new adventures, for some it sucks but at the end you get used to…
When you come with a truckload of problems, dont expect moving abroad, will solve or rub them away. BTW, you could have started spending only three or six months for a try, like most people do....
Ha. Yup. That's a straightforward way to put it. I've always been a jump first, ask questions later kinda person and have the scars to prove it. It's probably one of my biggest character defects I am constantly working on.
Hi there. Am I? I just defaulted to saying expat. Looking it up, an expat is "an individual living and/or working in a country other than their country of citizenship." An immigrant is "a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country." Huh. So maybe I'm both?
In my experience, the distinction between expat and immigrant is about class and privilege. It's often related to the power relationship between the country of origin and the destination. An American moving to any another country, whether to retire, teach English, or work a high-powered job, calls themselves an expat. But someone from, say, Pakistan moving to the US or Britain, whether to teach, work in a restaurant, or join a high-tech firm, gets called an immigrant whether they like it or not. Regardless of the dictionary definitions of ex-pat and immigrant, "immigrant" carries some negative connotations that come from citizens of wealthy countries fearing immigration and "immigrants." If you search on immigrant vs expat, there are a lot of interesting articles about this issue. It's been the subject of ongoing research, confusion, and hostility.
Hi there. I'm not sure where you got that I was poisoning them? Now, that would really be sick. As you know, pets are a part of the family. It took our guys a little extra time to adjust. But they are happy and healthy, get walked twice a day and are starting to enjoy playing in the water at the beach! It's awesome!
@@BajaSwans Classy response to an uninformed comment. Hope you and your doggies are doing great in Mexico. Learning the language is a huge step in assimilating into the community.
Really appreciate your openness and honesty about your journey. When I was a child, our family moved between Europe and the U.S. relentlessly. We were a two-passport family by the time I was 3 as my sis and I are born in different countries. The moves were always one-way, sight unseen. It was difficult, but those moves cured me. As an adult I embrace change and love international travel. I, too, am laying the groundwork to relocate from California to Baja as I wind down and plan on early social security. I’m ready. 😊
I want to say that your personal story is a true gem-very inspiring! ❤Congratulations on your sobriety as well; that’s an incredible achievement.
Hello! Thank you. And yes, sobriety has been a game changer. Thanks for your comment!
This is your BEST story!! I think you have very valid points. The aspect of having pets in a new place makes it especially stressful. I am so sorry about your dealing with doubts and anxiety, that really adds to the "fear" aspect that so many of us get in the world we now exist in. finding ways to escape any sort of addiction, is difficult when your whole life has changed in so many ways. I am very proud of you making good choices and being willing to share your story. Thank you!!
Thank you! Feels good to know I'm not alone in these feelings you know?
New subscriber, here. My wife and I are immigrating from Florida to Ensenada in early 2025 and this will be a vlog we rewatch.
Thank you for the honesty. I found that a little courage was required to do EVERYTHING in our exploritory trips to Mexico. I'm inspired that you aren't letting the fear win.
Best of luck to you on your adventures! Will always be bumps here and there, but that's life, right? It's so worth it in the end.
I appreciate your candor and honesty. Thank you. I plan on moving to Mexico within the next 5 years, and I needed to see and hear how this big change will have big challenges - but worth it in the end. Congrats on your sobriety! Life changing.
Good for you. Have you started to narrow down where you want to go? There is such variety here. Our experience is one of only many and I'm finding a lot of other cool expat channels on TH-cam. Thanks for your comment.
@@BajaSwans We're currently looking at Central Mexico, Morelia to be specific. We've been to Morelia two times and have fallen in love.
Thank you for sharing. Most helpful.
I enjoyed your video. I’m into the 2nd week of my ‘post menopausal gap year’. I’m traveling with my 18 yr granddaughter who just graduated high school and that I raised single handidly. There is anxiety of course of second guessing yourself but I tell myself. Don’t look back, you’re not going that way. The U.S. wasn’t going to work for me, not just financially but the healthcare is a complete debacle. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so I’m viewing every day as a gift and enjoying the journey. Wishing you the best!
That is so cool to do with your granddaughter! Tomorrow is not guaranteed -I had two close friends die in the last couple years, part of the push to give this a try. Where are you travelling? Thanks for your comment!
@@BajaSwans currently we see Buesnos Aires
Welcome to my country, I am so proud of you!
Me encanto tu video... por ser honesta y sincera. Sigue adelante con disfrutar Mexico. Estas en un paraiso muy Bonito...Mar de cortez.... muy bonito lugar y tienes muy bonitas playas. Gracias por tu video y mas videos por faver. Hasta luego y cuidate mucho !!
¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Realmente es un país hermoso y nos encanta nuestra nueva vida.
Thank you very much!! I need it to leasing to you today❤
Congratulation on your sobriety!🤗 I left San Diego in 2019 and now live part time in Tampa and Buenos Aires. No regrets! God is good!
Hi there. Thanks and likewise! Always nice meeting another friend of Bill's. My HP has definitely been taking good care of me.
First time on your channel. It confirmed that one thing I’m definitely missing is the introspection and honesty of a 12-stepper. Just planning a move is creating a quite a lot of anxiety for me and your observations and comments were welcome info. All the best.
@@ljones98391 Thanks for your comment, and best of luck to you on your move.
Looking forward to the video about the home you purchased along with details about that.
Class of 88 (me) and 87 (hubby) here! Loved your honest testimony. I can relate to the dog situation so very much. That is an issue for my family as well.
HI, wishing you nothing but the best in Mexico, life is beautiful, enjoy it.
Thank you so much.
Day 8 of this same exact move. I really appreciate all you shared. I am having those same doubts as I struggle with humidity here in Higuera Blanca. Everyone in this small town has been very friendly. We will see what happens. 😊
@@SB31366 we are just now coming out of humidity hell. Whooosh, that was an adjustment. It took time for me to adjust. Best of luck to you!
We are almost at our 1 year anniversary living in La Paz and we went thru a variety of similar feelings, and now also super happy with our lives here.
@@melissagomez9373 congratulations! Nice to hear I’m not alone with some of those feelings. We hit one year next month. Time has flown.
@@BajaSwans you are definitely not alone!
Thank you for sharing your story. Even though I am a "the glass is half full" kind of person, I still had moments of questioning my choices. I moved to Guadalajara a year ago. I speak some Spanish, but the Spanish spoken here is completely different than my Baja CA abilities. I remember walking home from Spanish class one day, (eight months after my arrival) and thinking I am going to have to move back to the USA. All because I was "never" going to be able to successfully understand the Spanish accent where I was living. I felt so defeated. Fortunately, I finally overcame that issue. I am happy to hear you are settling in and finding your way. 💛
@@cwisaac22 I totally get what you’re saying. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
@@BajaSwans 😘
The doggies felt your anxiety. What you were feeling is normal. We move to Nayarit in 2018 and into a house we had been staying in for 15 year and visiting the area for the same. And even then, we had ups and downs. I would say that I love the move 99% of the time and there is always a 1% chance that I want to break up with Mexico. It’s usually after hit a new hidden pothole or some unnecessary government or banking BS rules. We love it here and have no plans to live anywhere else. You have a great attitude and you are going to bloom where you are planted. ❤
You are spot on - we don't give dogs enough credit in how tuned they are to their humans. 15 years! I love it. We are loving it here. And yes, the hidden potholes, can definitely relate. Thanks for your comment!
I would say.. its normal to feel out of place in a new place... I have felt it as well, you might get stares.. Well then you accept it for what it is, curiosity for the most part.. And you get used to it, just like anything, or you feel paranoid.. Another feeling, I don't believe its an ego trip, as much as its a survival instinct.. And we need to always listen to that of course.. Be safe and Enjoy your new life in Mexico!!
Hi there. Thanks for your comment. Yah, I agree about it being normal. Once I realize that, those feelings are normal, it usually eases the anxiety a lot!
I lived in Roserito for 10 years and I loved it. Of course with no wife or kids or pets. And I was only 25 miles from the border so it was no problem for me to travel back and forth to San Diego. But the past 3 years the increase in prices has changed life in Baja. It's now becoming CA's expensive but a little less expensive brother. I now live in central America and it's VERY cheap and affordable with a surprisingly low crime rate.Good luck with your sobriety and I hope life continues to give you what you need in that country.
Hi there and thanks so much for the comment. Super interesting to learn more. Thanks again!
It's a matter of time that the prices in central America would go up due to the gentrification
@@carlosvillegas6113correct, after they ruin Mexico, Central America is next.
Congrats on making it through the change.
Congratulations on your sobriety. It is a very real video of your experience. I am so glad that things worked out and that you are happy with your decision. I wish you the best building up your channel.
@@grisellecc5807 thank you! Yes. This experience adjusting I learned so much and I’m grateful for it.
Having fun with this channel and learning a lot and hopefully can share helpful information for others.
Thanks again.
I love your honesty and ability to be vulnerable. I also suffer from anxiety - something that is genetic in my family tree. Zoloft and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work wonders for me. So proud of you for persevering.
HI there. Thank you. And yeah, I've done a lot of work as well and it's really helped. But it does like to creep up still once in a while, yah? Thanks for your comment!
Also an expat, 8 years in Vietnam. glad that things went ok for you. For others, I would never recommend buying real estate right away. It takes time to adapt, and worst case find out, that this was the wrong city, or country, or maybe a part-year overseas schedule would be better. A conservative approach is don't burn bridges, rent first, try different places, figure out language and shopping, meet and learn from other expats. Living overseas isn't for everyone, but you don't know until you've tried!
You are spot on and that's a fantastic point. Thanks for your comment.
Your click bait title got me! LOL! Yo vivo en Mexico, tambien!
Noooo. Really? I changed it to make it less click-baity while still interesting. Hopefully it was semi-interesting. :)
I can feel your stress as much as I want to go to Mexico now I am reluctant to do it now because of my 13 Year old Border Collie/Cattle Dog who is a great dog but whacky and a big Barker who seems anxious a lot. His nickname is Bob Barker and he herds everyone and everything lol! So I am stuck on the Hamster Wheel for now but thanks for the video very informative and real!!!
@@russshrewsbury6536 we’ve met others here who’s doggies had a challenge adjusting but they persevered. It’s a big doggie community and you’ll definitely get a lot of support. I get it though, our two dogs are a big part of our family and really want them happy. Best of luck!
My wife and I love PV want to move to Mexico. We are going to Loreto Baja in February for family reunion and will most likely will be living there in 2025.
@@AlanMullenix you will love Loreto in February! Weather is incredible and lots of whales.
Mice to meet you Nancy
In my humble opinion, clicks baits are not a good idea to build an audience.
@@nathalieross3709 yup. They eventually realize it and defeats the purpose.
Entonces el título???? No me parece justo que se expresen así
Lady, I’m Mexican and I live in San Diego, I watched your video and even thought I’m not a doctor I can honestly say that your “anxiety/everybody is looking at me/why the people here don’t speak English” illnes it’s called “being an American”. Stop question yourself because the truth is that “you have made the best decision ever by moving to México!…just give it time and you’ll see. Regards.
@@avasco5918 love your comment. I also call it my stupid ego. 😎
If you didn't click bait the title, I might have subscribed. If you included "or so I thought" in the title, I would have subscribed. You got this comment but no more...
Yah. I completely get that. I'm using this tool that helps come up with titles and descriptions - so it will give you a choice of 5 or so...and you're right. Some of them are sooooo super click baity. I've changed titles on my videos quite a few times because it just gives me the ick. This title? You should have seen some of the suggestions it had. Believe it or not I thought this one was tame. So thank you for the comment. I appreciate the feedback. I want to engage someone to check it out but not under false pretenses.
We're moving back to expensive now and the new government is very scary now be careful things are changing in Mexico
Yes, it's tournnig comunist
Class of 88 baby! Lol
Me, I was drinking to much coffee living in CA. Now, living in Mexico I feel sometimes that I drink to much cervezas 🍻 and Tequilas 🤣 But, eating my meal’s that’s still ok 👍 yes, somedays I do eat way to much tacos also but everything ok. Viva La Vida as Frida said and Viva Mexico as our beloved Juan Gabriel did sing a lot so Viva Mexico thank you for having us living in your country and no mas Viva Las Vegas and no mas Elvis either life goes on 👏👍🤣🙏
Ha! Yup. Coffee to keep us going going going in the states.
Mexico is great. All you need is a little bit of cash flow or income. Anywhere from 2k-4k you are good to go. Hopefully me one day 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😬
I am finding that true. it's been great.
And now I can’t find spicy taco stands. Thanks!
I think you were going through a normal process? Honestly, I respect your move. My Son left his good job in pursuit of being happy in another country, what courage. I wish I was there to meet you. You, sound like a nice person to learn and hang out with? You go, Girl. I know I really want to do the same but just undecided. Sounds like you did what's best for you.
I 100% believe it was a normal process. Sometimes we don't give ourselves enough grace and compassion and space to adjust to new situations, you know? It's easier to give it to others instead of ourselves. Sigh. Thanks so much for your comment.
Well imaginé the way you felt, imaginé is the way many mexicans that go to the US, to work is the way they feel, far from families, not knowing the language,…. Its not a complain,Its just to say that is difficult to move out, for some is great the new adventures, for some it sucks but at the end you get used to…
@@marcgusser great comment. Didn’t look at it that way. You’re absolutely right. Thanks.
My Mexican videos made outside seem to do better than inside ones
Hi there. Thanks for the comment. Just checked out your channel. Outside v inside makes sense.
When you come with a truckload of problems, dont expect moving abroad, will solve or rub them away. BTW, you could have started spending only three or six months for a try, like most people do....
Ha. Yup. That's a straightforward way to put it. I've always been a jump first, ask questions later kinda person and have the scars to prove it. It's probably one of my biggest character defects I am constantly working on.
I like the sound of water. It’s distracting.
Same! White noise!
#safeinbaja
You are an immigrant not an expat
Hi there. Am I? I just defaulted to saying expat. Looking it up, an expat is "an individual living and/or working in a country other than their country of citizenship." An immigrant is "a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country."
Huh. So maybe I'm both?
When my parents moved to the US from Mexico, they were called immigrants. I don't see any difference. You are an immigrant to Mexico.
In my experience, the distinction between expat and immigrant is about class and privilege. It's often related to the power relationship between the country of origin and the destination. An American moving to any another country, whether to retire, teach English, or work a high-powered job, calls themselves an expat. But someone from, say, Pakistan moving to the US or Britain, whether to teach, work in a restaurant, or join a high-tech firm, gets called an immigrant whether they like it or not.
Regardless of the dictionary definitions of ex-pat and immigrant, "immigrant" carries some negative connotations that come from citizens of wealthy countries fearing immigration and "immigrants."
If you search on immigrant vs expat, there are a lot of interesting articles about this issue. It's been the subject of ongoing research, confusion, and hostility.
Poisoning & shocking your dogs. UGH So sick.
Hi there. I'm not sure where you got that I was poisoning them? Now, that would really be sick. As you know, pets are a part of the family. It took our guys a little extra time to adjust. But they are happy and healthy, get walked twice a day and are starting to enjoy playing in the water at the beach! It's awesome!
@@BajaSwans Classy response to an uninformed comment. Hope you and your doggies are doing great in Mexico. Learning the language is a huge step in assimilating into the community.