Cozy cabins in Mazamitla Tony Burton, 2008

Mazamitla, a Mexican mountain town revisited

An old gringo and his still-lovely bride returned to Mazamitla the other day after several years in other exciting places. The intriguing mountain town, one of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos, seemed much as we remembered but the approach was startling — cabañas everywhere with workers rushing to complete more. Never would I have expected to find […]

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The Bijou, docked at Punto Morelos, Quintana Roo © Roger Cunningham, 200o

Ask an old gringo about Mexico economy, Guerrero recovery, anchovy gelato and Yescka

It appears much of the world is very interested in Mexico. A surprising number of Mexconnect readers asked the old gringo about the economy, reforms, boats, Guerrero recovery, Michaocan dangers — and hospitality. Some questions are far out. One asked about anchovy gelato. Another asked about Yescka. That got my undivided attention. Question: I was reading […]

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Family, friends, good food, and good times in Mexico contribute to a sense of well-being © John Gladstein, 2004

Ask an old gringo about Mexican happiness, jobs for foreigners, Mormon mother, books in English

Question: I saw on TV that Mexico ranks 10th in the world among happy countries. Are Mexicans that happy? Answer: I am often surprised but most Mexicans I know seem happy, even under difficult conditions. There are at least two possible explanations. The value system is different from many places, the United States, Japan and Germany, for […]

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Street scene in Sayulita, a beach town on the Mexican Pacific coast © Christina Stobbs, 2012

Ask an old gringo about Mexico taxes, cars, health, welfare and vacations

Question: It is income tax time in the United States. How are taxes in Mexico? Answer: It depends on who you ask. I think property taxes are ridiculously low but services are a close match. I thought the annual tax on my Volkswagen was disproportionately high but the bug is now 14 years old and taxes are […]

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