It has been a whirlwind past couple of months for us—wrapping up our twins’ 6th grade school year in San Miguel de Allende, packing up a house for our move back to the coast, a five-day trip to the States for my father’s celebration of life, and then back home to Mexico for an 11-hour car ride from Central to Coastal Mexico with three kids, two dogs, two tired parents and a boat full of our stuff hooked to the trailer behind our car.
5 a.m. Departure from San Miguel de Allende
Loaded up and ready to go! “Are we there yet?”
Beach Bound and only 450 miles to go!
Windows down and soaking up the jungle air
We arrived to our little slice of paradise north of Puerto Vallarta, exhausted but so happy to be back at the beach. We wasted no time getting our suits on and into the water right down in front of our new home. Standing on our beach in the state of Nayarit, we can look across the bay to Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco! Talk about a view!
An amazing view of the Sierra Madre Mountains
Growing up in Mexico!
Even Luna Love wants to get in on the water action! #nomorecitydog
Our Water Pup Seamus SO happy to be back in the water!
We were fortunate to have one of our daughter’s dear friends from San Miguel de Allende travel with us and we girls took full advantage of a day of fun in the city, getting their hair done and dining out at an amazing seafood restaurant with this view!
Puerto Vallarta Fun!
In the few weeks that we have been back to the coast, we have been spending our days unpacking all of the many bags, boxes and suitcases, taking care of dental/medical appointments and leaving time and space to just chill and take in this amazing beauty all around us.
An afternoon of play and relaxation with my pups
My recovery from spinal surgery continues to go incredibly well….how could it not with this as my private little physical therapy playground?
Beach Gym!
Many of our Los O’Gradys in Mexico followers have asked which we prefer—Central Mexico or Coastal Mexico. Honestly, we love them both! They each have their own special attributes, their beauty and characteristics unique to themselves. We are ocean people true and true and for as much as we love magical San Miguel de Allende and other parts of Central Mexico that we had the fortune of exploring (and plan to return to!), living and being based coastal is a decision we are happy about. Mexico, in all of her varied and dynamic beauty, is home to us.
We began this grand Mexico adventure back in 2012 along this same coastline…coming back now in 2016 feels like reuniting with a long-lost dear friend. We will settle in and stay in this area—Frank with his solar expeditions, our children with their paths, and me with my writing.
From retired firefighter and teacher to photovoltaic designer and writer and now 12-year-old twins, we continue to embrace our re-invented, re-inspired lives in Mexico—grateful for this Mexican-American Dream that we are fortunate enough and brave enough to create for our family.
~Katie
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I love reading about and vicariously sharing your adventures. From one LA Jolla girl to another ~ you have earned it!
Thank you Mary!
I had forgotten you were a La Jolla girl too!
😉
Katie
Kids are gorgeous & such a sweet combination of you both. You are an incredible gal my Katie go you my love! Keep healing much love to you my dear. Nadene xoxoxo…
Thank you so much Nadene….
Hope to see you this September at the 30th reunion?!
Much Love…
Katie
Hi Katie,
I can see why you enjoy the coastline. Wonderful views!
If you are comfortable, I’d like to ask about your back surgery. I experience debilitating pain that I have been advised would require surgery and stem cell therapy to allow me a more normal life. How did you choose where to have your surgery and the doctors who performed the surgery? Do you have the Mexican national type of health insurance or is American insurance accepted in Mexico?
Maybe the better question is how much does it cost to live and receive good medical care in Mexico? And what skills are useful to support yourself? I’m asking this because I was forced into retirement due to my back injury and subsequent treatments that are dictated by the insurance company. To receive the treatments I drive 1500 miles round trip two to three times every year or more as dictated by the insurance company and their willingness to approve and pay for my treatments. I will apologize for the personal ramblings, and thank you for any and all the information from your experiences that you allow me and are willing to share. Many, many thanks !!!!!
TJ
Hi TJ,
I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. I know first hand how trying this can be.
Kindly take a look at the following articles I wrote regarding my spinal surgery in Mexico:
I Had Spinal Surgery in Mexico
Pain Management in Mexico
I think those will help to answer some of your questions and if you would like me to clarify more, feel free to write me back.
Best,
Katie
That beach looks great! Looks like the dogs enjoyed it too!
Hi Justin,
Yes, our fur babies LOVE the beach….one big adventure for them!
Cheers,
Katie 🙂