May 13, 2025
Today, I’m celebrating my 69th lap around our home star, grateful that I am still able to continue adventuring. In fact, tomorrow, Jane and I depart for our country’s southern neighbor, Mexico. Despite its proximity, this will be the first time either of us will set foot in La Tierra del Sol.
The idea for this trip took root last year in the Black Hills of South Dakota, during dinner and a scenic train ride with our friends, Jeff and Comeka. During our time together, they shared their dream of retiring in Guanajuato, Mexico. Since then, they’ve kept us updated as they planned a journey to explore real estate opportunities in the area.
While planning our trip to Mexico, we discovered that a couple we know from Fuquay-Varina had moved to San Miguel de Allende (SMA) a few years ago. Located in the state of Guanajuato, SMA is only about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Guanajuato City. Often nicknamed Gringolandia South, SMA is home to a large and vibrant community of retirees from the U.S. and Canada, drawn there by its relatively low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, safety, and rich cultural life.
In contrast, our friends Jeff and Comeka chose Guanajuato City for their retirement. They were attracted to its even more affordable lifestyle, dramatic mountain setting, deeper immersion in Mexican culture, and the presence of a major university, which brings intellectual energy and artistic vibrancy to the city.
As first-time visitors, Jane and I are excited to explore both of these fascinating communities with our respective friends and experience what makes each location unique.
—— Flag and Icons of Mexico ——
Jane has put a great deal of thought and effort into planning this upcoming Mexican adventure. We’ll start with four days in Mexico City, staying in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood. During our time there, we’ll also take a guided tour to the nearby Pyramids of Teotihuacan and the Basilica of Guadalupe—two of the country’s most iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks. Jeff and Comeka will join us for the last two days of our stay in the capital.
From Mexico City, we’ll travel by motorcoach—said to be a very comfortable ride—on a 4- to 5-hour journey through the open countryside of central Mexico, eventually ascending into the picturesque town of San Miguel de Allende. There, we’ll spend a day exploring its colonial charm with John and Kimi, our friends who relocated there from Fuquay-Varina not long ago.
Afterward, we’ll continue on to Guanajuato City for four days of discovery, rejoining Jeff and Comeka as we explore the city’s winding alleys, rich cultural life, and real estate possibilities.
We’re excited about our inaugural visit to this country and are eager to see how each destination reflects a different facet of Mexico’s diverse culture.
—— Map of our Mexican Destinations ——
