Diving into Expat Life: Retiring on the Riviera Maya

04/07/24 • 38 min

Imagine swapping the intensity of military and IT consulting for the serene beaches of the Riviera Maya. That's exactly what our guest, Jose Galarza, did, and in this heartfelt chat, he unveils the tapestry of his life's new chapter. From embracing the local culture to discovering the joys of scuba diving, Jose's transition to expat life is a trove of insight for anyone dreaming of retirement abroad. He candidly shares both the hurdles and triumphs of adapting to a new community, offering a realistic glimpse into the adjustments and fresh passions that come with such a significant life change.
Retirees eyeing Mexico as their personal paradise will find Jose's journey enlightening. His thoughtful reflection on selecting the perfect spot to settle—balancing the draw of nearby US comforts with the desire for coastal living—paints a vivid picture of the strategic planning involved. When it comes to preparing for a life outside your native borders, financial foresight and healthcare considerations take center stage. Jose's story is an invaluable guide for aligning your retirement destination with your lifestyle aspirations, ensuring your golden years are as golden as the Mexican sunsets.
For those mesmerized by the silent dance of sea life, Jose's deep dive into the world of scuba diving will have you yearning for the weightlessness of underwater exploration. Beyond sharing the mental and physical benefits of this aquatic activity, he navigates listeners through the practicalities of certification and gear, ensuring even novices feel prepared to take the plunge. Wrapping up our conversation, we play a lighthearted round of 'Que Padre and Que Malo,' contrasting the highs and lows of expat life in Mexico, with community spirit shining as a beacon of the expatriate experience.

We are incredibly thankful for engagement and stories from our listeners, who have found their own sense of 'home' across the globe. Stay tuned as we continue to share the wisdom and wanderlust of those who've charted their unique international courses. We'd love to hear your comments and questions. Email them to [email protected]
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Building a House and Creating a Home in Mexico

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Trading a familiar homeland for the allure of an expat life often reads like a dream, until reality's fine print emerges in bold. Embrace the candid tales from our Canadian friends, Walter and Shawnee, as they unveil the gritty and the gratifying aspects of building a home in Mexico's Riviera Maya. Amidst tales of transitioning from hobbyist gardeners to Expat life, this week's episode chronicles the true essence of building not just a house, but a home in a land woven with cultural intricacies and bureaucratic labyrinths.

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Expats Like Us - Diving into Expat Life: Retiring on the Riviera Maya

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:29.053

remember , life will not be the same as it is back home .

Speaker 100:00:33.890

Don't expect to find a place that is the same as where you came from . That's not what you should be looking for , especially if you're moving to another country .

Speaker 100:00:42.579

Where you're going ? The idea or the advantage of moving to other