Great interview, Im from Morelia near Patzcuaro. Thank you for loving my beautiful land, I have been living in the US for 23 years and Im planning to go back soon, proud of my beautiful country.
Great advice. And here we are...serendipitously landed here in our little RV and already thinking we may have found a forever home... It reminds us of Oregon but also San Diego but in better times. And yes, I've noticed that not as much English is spoken here as in many other places we've been. I"m comfortable with that and we are learning... Check out her hotel and apartments online...they look AMAZING.
Very interesting..Most people dont understand the great diversity of MX..Diversity across the whole spectrum including landscape. Mountains, deserts, jungles, great cities, sun, surf, and oceans. Great culture including embracing its earliest indeginous roots makes it amazing and special. I started visiting 40 yrs ago. More frequent visits in past year. Know Spanish even a little is so hopeful. Really enjoyed this vlog.
I loved my very short visit to Pátzcuaro so much. Even tho it was only one night with you, and I was sick, I was able to capture so many photographs in a few hours, to enable me to hold on tight to the very special time I had there. It is a magical place. You encouraged me to spend more time there, and I knew I should, but I couldn't due to touring commitments I had to meet. Casa Encantada is equally special. I hope I can return one day from New Zealand to better enjoy - with more time. Maybe bring some friends from NZ?But I will never forget what Pátzcuaro has to offer. Despite the warnings to tourists.Keep up your wonderful mission, Victoria xx 😘
Me cayó muy bien esa señora. Tiene una buena actitud. es Bueno que no tenga complejo con el idioma, si no lo habla perfecto no importa. Lo importante es no dejar de aprender.
Patzcuaro is my most favorite place in all of Mexico. 3 times we stayed for a month during Easter and it was just wonderful. Our last visit was the month of April 2020 at the height of Covid and although it was very sad that we couldn't mingle, go to the marcado, or our favorite restaurants....it was probably the best place to be with this kind and caring people. We lived at the top of hill above Dr Coz and our Colonia was very tight knit and wonderful to be in. The Bodega, the vegetables ladies, everyone took extreme common sense care for the community health. Our rental was at the top of a ridge top with constant stunningly beautiful views and lighting
I googled her B&B, Hotel Casa Encantada, and it has 12 rooms. It has a 5.0 /5.0 review rating on Tripadvisor, 9.5/10 on booking.com, 9.6/10 on hotels.com, and a 4.8/5 on Expedia. It also has a Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award. I travel a lot, and very few hotels get those kinds of high marks. It's pricey though for Mexico, about $115 - $165 USD per night, including tax (there may be discounts during the pandemic). Seems like a lovely place to stay if you can afford it.
Great interview! We are planning a move to San Miguel de Allende this year, but you just put Parzcuaro on my "someday" list. I love the advice to spend more time with our mouths shut and our eyes open... definitely going to share that piece of advice.
Hi Howard, Sorry it took me a bit to answer but here I am now! The months you describe are lovely. Patzcuaro has a cool climate almost year round. I find Dec & Jan to be the coldest months, and yet the days are almost always lovely and sunny. Reaching the mid 70's, the nights in the high 40's & low 50's sometimes. There is a Spanish immersion school here called CELEP if you want to Google it. I have had many folks stay in my short term apartments to take their classes. Full disclosure, I had one woman drop out recently because she thought she would learn lots more Spanish & lots faster. Language comes easier to some than others. Patzcuaro is a great place to learn Spanish because most of the residents ONLY speak Spanish.
Michoacan is getting some bad press, lately, at least in the form of warnings from the US, about safety. I want to visit Patzcuaro, maybe this fall and am wondering about that. Thanks!
@@wendylable Hi, The US warnings really make me mad because compared to what? There is so much more violence in the US. OK, if you are on FB there is an article going around right now on the comparison. Look for it on Imagine-Mexico. A friend in Zihuatenejo is the lady behind this great site/online magazine. There are problems with violence between rival cartels. That is something we are generally aware of. One can find themselves in a "wrong place, wrong time" situation, but in general, if you are not a cartel member or in the military or police you are safe. Millions of Americans travel in Mexico without incident every year. Patzcuaro has about 500 Gringos who live there and nothing has happened to any of them that I know and it is a small community so I would know. Petty crime happens everywhere too. No flashy jewelry (my opinion), normal precautions. There ia so much to enjoy. Everyone needs to decide their own level of comfort, but I say, go for it.
@@victoriaryan3668 I was in Morelia and many other cities in Mexico during college, in 1975, and 1976, and it was great. I'll look out for that online magazine. Thanks!
Learn a 2nd language at all costs! ( there is much solid evidence showing the chances of having a stroke are much lower in bilingual people) Also when you speak a foreign language you enter a different world.... it's so enriching Vaya con Dios! was said to me after buying some carrots... Now nobody says anything like that where I'm from (England)... it made my day!
Hi Victoria, Enjoyed your presentation. I’m planning to move to Mexico in about a month. Still undecided as to best place to land. Your description is very compelling. I’m a retired photographer seeking a tranquil life style. Sounds like Patzcuaro might be the right place. Do you offer only short term accommodations? Thank you, James Aquino
Hi Victoria, tell me more about your hotel then could you direct us to where to meet the expats. Thanks for participating with this interview. We are excited to visit and would like to be centrally located because we will be walking. Wyatt is wanting to go fishing if you have any recommendations.
Hi Joy, Check out www.hotelcasaencanta.com for photos and some more info about the hotel and the area. A good place to begin to meet ex-pats before you even arrive is on a Yahoo group called Michocan_net. Just ask to join. FULL of helpful information in English. Also, Michoacan_net has a Facebook page with great info about the happenings in and around Patzcuaro. Each forum is fascinating in its own way. Once here, you can look out for the monthly "Gringo Fiesta". It is a fun meet and greet. The English speaking community is friendly and welcoming.
Just be aware if you are not born and raised there where your body can adjust somewhat to those high altitude climates could cause severe lung & Respiratory problems later on in life was stunned when I learned about this fact so do your own research stay within lower altitude weather living happy travels !
The United States of *America* is a country. Maybe you should shade Ecuadorians (Ecuador=Equator) about the name of their country, lol. I mean, it goes all around the world, right? Get your panties out of a twist. So tired of travelling around South America and hearing this kind of ignorance and chip on the shoulder. Call yourself Americans if you want; you have the right. We do not give one single shit.
I LOVEEE St. Catherine of Sienna. The area was blessed by God because the original Catholic church and the sisters were there. Too bad they are not still there, they need to be. 🌹
So being from chicago would the Jan - March be a pleasant time of year to be there. ? Did you attend any full Spanish immersion school anywhere that u can recommend. ??Living in chicago my Spanish is advance but wouldn’t mind a advance 2-3wk immersion school
What about healthcare? Mouth closed, eyes open! I lived in Costa Rica for a year and glad I rented, however found out you NEVER get your deposits returned. Is Mexico the same way?
HI, Susan...most of what you are looking for is on our website under Mexico in the navigation bar...lots of other answers in our blogs/articles. Use the search box for healthcare topic. As for deposits, that's a problem in the U.S. and anywhere in the world.
Expats In Mexico “deposits are a problem everywhere in the world” - yeah. And sadly Mexico is not the exception. I am a Mexican and I have a tip for you all: since most landlords tend to keep deposits what I do is that two months before I leave the place is to give the landlord notice that I will be “collecting” the two-month deposit by not paying rent... immediately landlord says: no, what if the apartment needs repairing? To which I reply: come and visit, check it out. In this way I have been able to get the deposits back 😊
Hola....here's a link to a blog written on this subject by our culture bloggers Maria and Fernando Garibay...it will give you good insights into your questions:www.expatsinmexico.com/the-sound-of-music-and-much-more-in-mexico/
Some people just love noise especially boomboxes. You can go to the beach and a couple might have brought their music with them. I saw many signs on condos or bungalows that said ...quiet space....... You should also be aware that local law does not prohibit advertising by loud speaker from autos, pick ups, motor scooters, and such. The gas truck drove all over the village with loud speakers all day, everywhere with loud speakers. A bit too much. It is something you get use to
Hi Elizabeth, I have been here since the early 90's. I honestly feel totally safe here! I use normal precautions.. I no longer go out so much at night because I am 74 now and not that interested but would not hesitate to go anywhere at anytime or do pretty much anything. I own a hotel and send people out to the villages and to remote areas ALL THE TIME and never worry. If you have any specific questions I will be happy to answer.
I am American and my parents are Mexican. My dad is from Michoacan. I have been there to visit and I'm it is a beautiful state. I want to leave the US the racist atmosphere is getting really bad. Patzcuaro is beautiful. When I was there the first thing I thought was I want to live here. Does she need en english speaking employee for her hotel?
Ev Rom Mexico has some beautiful areas but don't think that by leaving the US that you will be leaving the racism behind. Unless you speak fluent Spanish and especially if you don't look like a native of Mexico, you will be a victim of racism and scammers, even more than in the US. That being said, look forward with Whites and you will be safer and enjoy the beauty of the Mexican culture and weather. Good luck.
You are making things up. I have been there and stayed extended periods of time. I have been looking at videos of White Americans who have moved there. Racist people like to feel better about themselves by putting other countries down. The US has its own problem of racism to deal with more so than Mexico.
Ev Rom making things up? Are you truly that stupid? I stated a biological fact depicting human behaviour and you in your childishness make such a ridiculous statement that I'm making things up? Read statistics and you will learn that Mexico has more racially motivated crimes against tourists than the US. But that was not what my initial comment was addressing. You didn't even have the mentality to understand what I had said.
Tell us what country kills its citizens over minor infractions, what country has the most jailed citizens? You are stupid for spreading bullshit propaganda. All countries have crime. Go to the next music festival, see if you come out alive.
Ev Rom Besides Mexico? You are childishly confused about the issue at hand. it's about foreigners in Mexico, yet you change the subject yet again, it's because you have been schooled and you depict classic narcissistic behaviour. FACT...More foreigners killed in Mexico than in the USA. I'm not even an American, I just don't like haters like yourself and the stupid lies that you spread on the internet. I'm done wasting my time with a keyboard warrior like yourself. Leave the comment section for people interested in the video instead of your hatred of the USA, you're NOT an American but a disgrace to your parents and your country.
Here's a link to Victoria Ryan's B&B/hotel website. It's gorgeous and superbly comfortable and the breakfasts are fantastic--really a do-not-miss! www.hotelcasaencantada.com/
I can’t imagine that anyone even thinking of moving to Mexico wouldn’t take all the Spanish classes they can before going. It’s rude. Please note how Americans view nonEnglish speakers here!! All community colleges have Spanish 101 classes. Volunteer or frequent someplace where you can meet and talk (Spanish) with some Mexicans. Watch some Mexico history videos and start learning to cook some Mexican food. Watch Univision on TV. It seems like some basic research would benefit anyone planning any trip to anywhere. We plan for the cost, the travel, the packing....but fail to prepare for the culture. After a Spanish 101 class, even if you don’t continue formal Spanish classes, you will have basic greetings and simple vocabulary, but even better you will understand the structure of the language and will learn HOW to continue self-improvement of your Spanish. Just go bust your butt for a quarter of hard work. Three months!! You will learn how use the language dictionary, how to conjugate Spanish verbs and use a verb dictionary; HOW to push yourself weekly to learn vocabulary words like you must do in a formal class for vocabulary tests (I am a huge proponent of making flash cards); and how to watch out for tricky words or phrases that might be rude in Spanish. So many adults have forgotten how to study and teach themselves something entirely new. The public libraries have Spanish language CDs and the internet overflows with self-teaching resources, but a real college-level class is the best jumpstart. It really bugs me that someone would fail to even attempt to prep for a move to another country without striving mightily to assimilate. That’s the very thing Americans criticize its immigrants for. Sorry for the mini-rant. XOjennyinseattle
Great interview, Im from Morelia near Patzcuaro. Thank you for loving my beautiful land, I have been living in the US for 23 years and Im planning to go back soon, proud of my beautiful country.
hay que vulver pronto....
What is the name of the canoes (boats) the butterfly fishermen use?
Victoria Ryan is extremely well spoken, intelligent woman. It was wonderfully informative listening to her.
Great advice. And here we are...serendipitously landed here in our little RV and already thinking we may have found a forever home... It reminds us of Oregon but also San Diego but in better times. And yes, I've noticed that not as much English is spoken here as in many other places we've been. I"m comfortable with that and we are learning... Check out her hotel and apartments online...they look AMAZING.
Very interesting..Most people dont understand the great diversity of MX..Diversity across the whole spectrum including landscape. Mountains, deserts, jungles, great cities, sun, surf, and oceans.
Great culture including embracing its earliest indeginous roots makes it amazing and special.
I started visiting 40 yrs ago. More frequent visits in past year. Know Spanish even a little is so hopeful.
Really enjoyed this vlog.
Pátzcuaro and all michoacán state is beautiful
Luis de Jesús Macias Llamas OAXAQUITA
I loved my very short visit to Pátzcuaro so much. Even tho it was only one night with you, and I was sick, I was able to capture so many photographs in a few hours, to enable me to hold on tight to the very special time I had there. It is a magical place. You encouraged me to spend more time there, and I knew I should, but I couldn't due to touring commitments I had to meet. Casa Encantada is equally special. I hope I can return one day from New Zealand to better enjoy - with more time. Maybe bring some friends from NZ?But I will never forget what Pátzcuaro has to offer. Despite the warnings to tourists.Keep up your wonderful mission, Victoria xx 😘
patzcuaro is a vibe!
she is a great interview. better than many in the series.
Me cayó muy bien esa señora. Tiene una buena actitud. es Bueno que no tenga complejo con el idioma, si no lo habla perfecto no importa. Lo importante es no dejar de aprender.
Patzcuaro is my most favorite place in all of Mexico. 3 times we stayed for a month during Easter and it was just wonderful. Our last visit was the month of April 2020 at the height of Covid and although it was very sad that we couldn't mingle, go to the marcado, or our favorite restaurants....it was probably the best place to be with this kind and caring people. We lived at the top of hill above Dr Coz and our Colonia was very tight knit and wonderful to be in. The Bodega, the vegetables ladies, everyone took extreme common sense care for the community health. Our rental was at the top of a ridge top with constant stunningly beautiful views and lighting
I have met Victoria at her bed and breakfast and stayed there .That was a wonderful experience ! Yes , there are lots of things to do in Patzuaro
What a great enjoyable interview with an interesting lady. Thank you both.
I really enjoyed listening to this interview, and was so pleased to see a big smile towards the end.
I googled her B&B, Hotel Casa Encantada, and it has 12 rooms. It has a 5.0 /5.0 review rating on Tripadvisor, 9.5/10 on booking.com, 9.6/10 on hotels.com, and a 4.8/5 on Expedia. It also has a Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award. I travel a lot, and very few hotels get those kinds of high marks. It's pricey though for Mexico, about $115 - $165 USD per night, including tax (there may be discounts during the pandemic). Seems like a lovely place to stay if you can afford it.
Actually my prices are $75 to $130 per night. Thanks for your nice comments!
Great interview! We are planning a move to San Miguel de Allende this year, but you just put Parzcuaro on my "someday" list. I love the advice to spend more time with our mouths shut and our eyes open... definitely going to share that piece of advice.
Great, Anna...gracias!
Google Translate saves a life!
Hi Howard, Sorry it took me a bit to answer but here I am now! The months you describe are lovely. Patzcuaro has a cool climate almost year round. I find Dec & Jan to be the coldest months, and yet the days are almost always lovely and sunny. Reaching the mid 70's, the nights in the high 40's & low 50's sometimes. There is a Spanish immersion school here called CELEP if you want to Google it. I have had many folks stay in my short term apartments to take their classes. Full disclosure, I had one woman drop out recently because she thought she would learn lots more Spanish & lots faster. Language comes easier to some than others. Patzcuaro is a great place to learn Spanish because most of the residents ONLY speak Spanish.
Michoacan is getting some bad press, lately, at least in the form of warnings from the US, about safety. I want to visit Patzcuaro, maybe this fall and am wondering about that. Thanks!
@@wendylable Hi, The US warnings really make me mad because compared to what? There is so much more violence in the US. OK, if you are on FB there is an article going around right now on the comparison. Look for it on Imagine-Mexico. A friend in Zihuatenejo is the lady behind this great site/online magazine. There are problems with violence between rival cartels. That is something we are generally aware of. One can find themselves in a "wrong place, wrong time" situation, but in general, if you are not a cartel member or in the military or police you are safe. Millions of Americans travel in Mexico without incident every year. Patzcuaro has about 500 Gringos who live there and nothing has happened to any of them that I know and it is a small community so I would know. Petty crime happens everywhere too. No flashy jewelry (my opinion), normal precautions. There ia so much to enjoy. Everyone needs to decide their own level of comfort, but I say, go for it.
@@victoriaryan3668 I was in Morelia and many other cities in Mexico during college, in 1975, and 1976, and it was great. I'll look out for that online magazine. Thanks!
great interview ! ! ! ! ! ! will have to visit her hotel - spent 4 year in Ajijic
Learn a 2nd language at all costs! ( there is much solid evidence showing the chances of having a stroke are much lower in bilingual people)
Also when you speak a foreign language you enter a different world.... it's so enriching
Vaya con Dios! was said to me after buying some carrots...
Now nobody says anything like that where I'm from (England)...
it made my day!
Duolingo is great for learning spanish on my cell phone.
Im learning italian with Duolingo!
Great interview!!
Well done and stated.
Saludos,
Don Cuevas
Hi Victoria,
Enjoyed your presentation. I’m planning to move to Mexico in about a month. Still undecided as to best place to land. Your description is very compelling. I’m a retired photographer seeking a tranquil life style. Sounds like Patzcuaro might be the right place. Do you offer only short term accommodations?
Thank you,
James Aquino
Great interview. I am looking for a smaller town with fall weather.
You should definitely check Pátzcuaro out.
Hi, have you been to Tacámbaro ? It's called "la puerta a tierra caliente" which means land of warm climate. I also lived and love Patzcuaro.
I have been to Tacambaro. Another gorgeous Colonial jewel!
Hi Victoria, tell me more about your hotel then could you direct us to where to meet the expats. Thanks for participating with this interview. We are excited to visit and would like to be centrally located because we will be walking. Wyatt is wanting to go fishing if you have any recommendations.
Hi Joy, Check out www.hotelcasaencanta.com for photos and some more info about the hotel and the area. A good place to begin to meet ex-pats before you even arrive is on a Yahoo group called Michocan_net. Just ask to join. FULL of helpful information in English. Also, Michoacan_net has a Facebook page with great info about the happenings in and around Patzcuaro. Each forum is fascinating in its own way. Once here, you can look out for the monthly "Gringo Fiesta". It is a fun meet and greet. The English speaking community is friendly and welcoming.
Thanks for the interview I am planning to retire in San Miguel but I would like to know about the Safety in Patzcuaro
Safety is great.. sorry I did not see the question 2 years ago!
Pátzcuaro is very safe.
And the ice cream... the best.
Just be aware if you are not born and raised there where your body can adjust somewhat to those high altitude climates could cause severe lung & Respiratory problems later on in life was stunned when I learned about this fact so do your own research stay within lower altitude weather living happy travels !
AMERICA IS A CONTINENT....FROM ALASKA TO PATAGONIA.
The United States of *America* is a country. Maybe you should shade Ecuadorians (Ecuador=Equator) about the name of their country, lol. I mean, it goes all around the world, right? Get your panties out of a twist. So tired of travelling around South America and hearing this kind of ignorance and chip on the shoulder. Call yourself Americans if you want; you have the right. We do not give one single shit.
Really cool!
Helpful information. What is the earthquake risk there?
Not big. Occasionally small quakes.
I LOVEEE St. Catherine of Sienna. The area was blessed by God because the original Catholic church and the sisters were there.
Too bad they are not still there, they need to be. 🌹
They are still here 🤩
So being from chicago would the Jan - March be a pleasant time of year to be there. ?
Did you attend any full Spanish immersion school anywhere that u can recommend. ??Living in chicago my Spanish is advance but wouldn’t mind a advance 2-3wk immersion school
I was there , an loveed it. , ❤Loved 11 Patiozes with All artisain 5:25 5:27 5:29 . . But I don't think locals like Ustado Unidos. . people.
What about healthcare? Mouth closed, eyes open! I lived in Costa Rica for a year and glad I rented, however found out you NEVER get your deposits returned. Is Mexico the same way?
HI, Susan...most of what you are looking for is on our website under Mexico in the navigation bar...lots of other answers in our blogs/articles. Use the search box for healthcare topic. As for deposits, that's a problem in the U.S. and anywhere in the world.
Expats In Mexico “deposits are a problem everywhere in the world” - yeah. And sadly Mexico is not the exception. I am a Mexican and I have a tip for you all: since most landlords tend to keep deposits what I do is that two months before I leave the place is to give the landlord notice that I will be “collecting” the two-month deposit by not paying rent... immediately landlord says: no, what if the apartment needs repairing? To which I reply: come and visit, check it out. In this way I have been able to get the deposits back 😊
Yep.
Is it easy to find a place there…?
I have pets.
Closest airport?
Morelia. Pet friendly as long as your pet is a well behaved dog not on the US insurer's list of dangerous dogs.
I keep hearing about how noisy it is in Mexico. Can you give some insight on that topic?
Hola....here's a link to a blog written on this subject by our culture bloggers Maria and Fernando Garibay...it will give you good insights into your questions:www.expatsinmexico.com/the-sound-of-music-and-much-more-in-mexico/
Some people just love noise especially boomboxes. You can go to the beach and a couple might have brought their music with them. I saw many signs on condos or bungalows that said ...quiet space....... You should also be aware that local law does not prohibit advertising by loud speaker from autos, pick ups, motor scooters, and such. The gas truck drove all over the village with loud speakers all day, everywhere with loud speakers. A bit too much. It is something you get use to
Sounds like a pretty good reason not to come to Mexico
Lovely
How safe is living in Patzcuaro?
Hi Elizabeth, I have been here since the early 90's. I honestly feel totally safe here! I use normal precautions.. I no longer go out so much at night because I am 74 now and not that interested but would not hesitate to go anywhere at anytime or do pretty much anything. I own a hotel and send people out to the villages and to remote areas ALL THE TIME and never worry. If you have any specific questions I will be happy to answer.
Absolutely safe
I am American and my parents are Mexican. My dad is from Michoacan. I have been there to visit and I'm it is a beautiful state. I want to leave the US the racist atmosphere is getting really bad. Patzcuaro is beautiful. When I was there the first thing I thought was I want to live here. Does she need en english speaking employee for her hotel?
Ev Rom Mexico has some beautiful areas but don't think that by leaving the US that you will be leaving the racism behind. Unless you speak fluent Spanish and especially if you don't look like a native of Mexico, you will be a victim of racism and scammers, even more than in the US. That being said, look forward with Whites and you will be safer and enjoy the beauty of the Mexican culture and weather. Good luck.
You are making things up. I have been there and stayed extended periods of time. I have been looking at videos of White Americans who have moved there. Racist people like to feel better about themselves by putting other countries down. The US has its own problem of racism to deal with more so than Mexico.
Ev Rom making things up? Are you truly that stupid? I stated a biological fact depicting human behaviour and you in your childishness make such a ridiculous statement that I'm making things up? Read statistics and you will learn that Mexico has more racially motivated crimes against tourists than the US. But that was not what my initial comment was addressing. You didn't even have the mentality to understand what I had said.
Tell us what country kills its citizens over minor infractions, what country has the most jailed citizens? You are stupid for spreading bullshit propaganda. All countries have crime. Go to the next music festival, see if you come out alive.
Ev Rom Besides Mexico? You are childishly confused about the issue at hand. it's about foreigners in Mexico, yet you change the subject yet again, it's because you have been schooled and you depict classic narcissistic behaviour. FACT...More foreigners killed in Mexico than in the USA. I'm not even an American, I just don't like haters like yourself and the stupid lies that you spread on the internet. I'm done wasting my time with a keyboard warrior like yourself. Leave the comment section for people interested in the video instead of your hatred of the USA, you're NOT an American but a disgrace to your parents and your country.
Please tell me the name of her hotel again and contact information?
Hola, read this article for all the info on Victoria: www.expatsinmexico.com/living-in-mexico/
Hotel Casa Encantada .com
a better back ground, are all the rooms look like that
Here's a link to Victoria Ryan's B&B/hotel website. It's gorgeous and superbly comfortable and the breakfasts are fantastic--really a do-not-miss!
www.hotelcasaencantada.com/
That was my office hahaha
Are you looking to move to Mexico? Contact me for more info on a beautiful house near Puebla city
is michoacan hoa rules
I can’t imagine that anyone even thinking of moving to Mexico wouldn’t take all the Spanish classes they can before going. It’s rude. Please note how Americans view nonEnglish speakers here!! All community colleges have Spanish 101 classes.
Volunteer or frequent someplace where you can meet and talk (Spanish) with some Mexicans. Watch some Mexico history videos and start learning to cook some Mexican food. Watch Univision on TV. It seems like some basic research would benefit anyone planning any trip to anywhere. We plan for the cost, the travel, the packing....but fail to prepare for the culture.
After a Spanish 101 class, even if you don’t continue formal Spanish classes, you will have basic greetings and simple vocabulary, but even better you will understand the structure of the language and will learn HOW to continue self-improvement of your Spanish. Just go bust your butt for a quarter of hard work. Three months!!
You will learn how use the language dictionary, how to conjugate Spanish verbs and use a verb dictionary; HOW to push yourself weekly to learn vocabulary words like you must do in a formal class for vocabulary tests (I am a huge proponent of making flash cards); and how to watch out for tricky words or phrases that might be rude in Spanish. So many adults have forgotten how to study and teach themselves something entirely new.
The public libraries have Spanish language CDs and the internet overflows with self-teaching resources, but a real college-level class is the best jumpstart.
It really bugs me that someone would fail to even attempt to prep for a move to another country without striving mightily to assimilate. That’s the very thing Americans criticize its immigrants for. Sorry for the mini-rant. XOjennyinseattle
DrummerlovesBookworm that’s because it’s absolutely not necessary. They have money...
20 years and still no Spanish!!?🤦🏽♂️... same story with the Mexicans in the US though
My Spanish is actually excellent.
Why do people over 50 smile so little?
She is not telling jokes. Why do you expect smiles all the time?
Because it's much better to smile than to frown.
Apparently the grind of life takes its toll, great insight...it's a challenge to keep a light 💓 heart over the years
It’s not the age , but the temperament. Im 63 and laugh, joke and smile like an eight year old🤣