What work did you do in Tucson?

I was a practitioner of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture x30 years, 19 years in Tucson. Started an acupuncture school with my husband, Alex, where he has been president up until our move. He is also a musician and composer of films.

What was it about Ajijic that caused you to want to move here?

We were seeking a more affordable, colorful, walkable environment with a moderate climate for our retirement years, close enough to the U.S. to visit friends and family and vice a versa and yet far enough to be a part of different culture. What called us to Ajijic specifically, as we also explored Oaxaca and Guanajuato, is the beauty of the lake and being on a body of water. Plus, we were impressed by the Lake Chapala Society—its history, pristine grounds and events—and as a social hub to help gringos assimilate to a new country. Not to mention all the great restaurants and shops that Ajijic offers!

What are your plans here over the next few years?

Alex and I intend to first gain greater strength and flexibility as we wander and explore the many colorful paths and nuances of this MC Escher-like terrain. We especially look forward in developing a like-minded community in which to explore and expand our interests in integrative health, spirituality, music, ecstatic dance, astrology, local and world geopolitics, the Spanish language, etc. I will offer selective healing sessions and Alex will pursue his music, both playing bass with other seasoned musicians as well as continue his studio work composing music for mixed media.

What are you most looking forward to doing at your new home here in Ajijic?

First finding the ideal bright and spacious home after our lease is up 10/31/19 in which to dream and write and spend most of our time at home creating. We figure the first six months here is the “Welcome-to-Mexico-boot-camp” phase where much energy is focused on learning and navigating a different culture and language.

What do you wish you knew “then” that you know “now”?

To be advised to allow a period of rest and adjustment, starting with the first month upward, to not be in a hurry to figure it all out. It could take 6 months to 2 years to explore, acclimate, find new practitioners, new friends, but mainly to be easy on yourself when things go differently than you may have expected or desired. It’s important to find humor in the “setbacks” and joy in the “little triumphs”. We are new babes in wonderland, and it takes a while for the brain and musculature to become accustomed to everything, from uneven ground to a different language and customs.

What advice do you have for anyone moving here?

Give yourself time to rest and acclimate. Try to let go of expectations and things being a certain way. This is not America or Canada! We are visitors to Mexico, a land and people far older than ours, and must respect and honor their customs and presence. People are generally very friendly, helpful and forgiving. In essence, be a friendly and helpful ambassador from your native country.

What was your biggest misconception about Mexico?

I think the biggest misconception is that Mexico is a dangerous and crime-filled place. Yes, there are areas like that in every country and I’m not making any apologies for Mexico’s long-standing system of corruption. However, the people are family-oriented, take care of their own and are very generous, friendly and fun-loving. They are not out to get you, but it’s best not to be a “flashy” gringo, and to be mindful about how you carry and wield your cash, like anywhere.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you at Ajijic?

Not being able to read labels in stores and not knowing quite what you may be getting. Oh, crema is not sweet cream for coffee… it’s sour creme! Or trying to ask, even with iTranslate, for daily household items at Walmart, e.g., a vegetable steamer, coat hooks or lightbulbs. One may just get a big shrug… but we’re learning as we go!

What hobbies and other activities do you plan to do here?

I plan to continue to write my blog and maybe finish one of my many unfinished books; read, join the hiking club, establish a “Stargeezer’s Astrology” group, study Spanish, find an ecstatic/free-flow dance group, maybe learn to paint…so many possibilities!

If you had to do your move all over again, what would you change?

I would not worry and obsess so much over all the details, as “death by details” could become my epitaph! Also, I would have packed much lighter so as to avoid a storage unit for those “treasures” we may never see again!

What’s the first thing you did after you put away your household goods?

Walked to lake!

What was the most stressful part about moving to Ajijic?

Organizing the move and dealing with unexpected events that postponed our departure by two weeks. Nevertheless, all our possessions arrived safely before us with the help of friends and Chuck Bolotin and Best Mexico Movers!

What were you most happily surprised by about moving to Ajijic?

That we actually made it here and are living in Mexico! And that Alex and I are often awestruck by little synchronicities of “chance meetings” with remarkable souls, blessed places and new discoveries that reinforce our reasons for being here.

Is there anything you would like to ask from the community?

I would like to inquire of others how they feel their lives and life perspectives have changed by living here for a period of time.

What should we know about you we forgot to ask?

I am most passionate about being surrounded by beauty and living in harmony with Nature. I believe that laughter is the best medicine and I want to die laughing! We seek others who appreciate irony, paradox and the silly side of being human.