Why Mexico?

on August 5, 2014

So committed to our move, I had my toes painted with Mexican Flags prior to our 2012 departure!

Why Mexico?

This seems to be the million dollar question…sometimes with intrigue and curiosity, other times with confusion and skepticism, did we choose Mexico to relocate our family to…to begin our lives anew?

Our children holding new life in their hands in San Pancho, Nayarit

What about safety?

What about schooling for our kids?

What about medical care?

What about the government? The water? The driving conditions and cows in the road?

How and why did we choose Mexico as our new, adopted country and home?

The answers are varied but all end up at the same place.

We wanted a better life…an improved quality of life for our family, our children, our marriage, our dog, our physical and emotional health. We wanted to cultivate abundance and longevity and enjoy the precious, never-to-be-had-again moments within our days—to get out of the rat race, to slow down, smell the flowers, disconnect and reconnect…to be present to and in the moment.

Surfing Lessons with Dad!

We have had a long-standing love affair with Mexico—her culture, her beauty, her color, her people…her corazón…her richness and ruggedness.

No doubt Mexico has its difficulties and down sides—what country doesn’t?

But therein lies the clave—the key. It’s all about choices and perspective and as I’m seeing, a whole lot of karma and serendipity. It is from here, that the magic and stories unfold.

Morning Run in Sayulita

Prior to our move to mainland Mexico, we spent many years exploring the Baja Peninsula including leasing a 30 by 60 piece of sand in the slow-paced fishing village of Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez.

Our Baja Home in Bahia de Los Angeles

At one point in our relocation research, Bahia was considered a possible destination for our family—as was La Paz México, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, even North Carolina!

But at the end of the day, we knew in our heart of hearts that it was México—the connection we feel with her and all that she has to offer our family—that was calling our hearts.

There does seem to be a heavy hand of fate and a certain energy to life here with the flavor of folk that she attracts.

We O’Gradys are more than grateful to have found our little slice of heaven here on earth, in México.

The adventure reveals itself in the magic and gifts of each day.

~Katie

For more on why we packed it up and left the States, take a look at my “American Dream” article that was featured on The Huffington Post.

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Katie O'Grady April 21, 2015, 8:35 am

Hi James!

Welcome to Los O’Gradys in Mexico! Glad you found us!

You are correct, many people ask us about “the water”…. both the swimming kind and the drinking kind.

I did write one piece about our experience with ocean water quality in a small town that we lived in prior to moving to Central Mexico, but I have not done a post on drinking water.

Suffice to say that we don’t drink out of the taps, but do freely shower, brush our teeth with it, wash dishes, etc.

All of our house water also goes through a carbon filter system so we have that added comfort.

As for drinking water, we buy it out of garrafons which are big 5 gallon bottles of purified drinking water. There is actually a door-to-door truck that stops buy about once a week to change out our empties for full ones and they cost about 18 cents each.

Hope this somewhat answers your questions.

Cheers,

Katie 🙂

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Mary May 9, 2015, 3:06 am

Love the blog!!
What’s the tuition like at the kids’ school, and how long can they continue there? How’s the commute to school in the morning? What are their friends like?
Do you think you’ll stay in SMA permanently?

Thanks 🙂
Mary

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- Katie O'Grady May 9, 2015, 10:21 am
  
  Thank you Mary.
  
  The tuition is reasonable and the program goes up to high school.
  The commute is about 5 minutes and they absolutely love their school community/family.
  We have at least a 5 year plan here…
  
  Cheers,
  
  Katie 🙂
  
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Sheldon September 8, 2016, 1:05 pm

Hi,

I discovered your blog a few days ago and quickly read through a number of your inspiring posts. I appreciate the positive outlook you bring to your experiences and the information is priceless. My wife and I and our 8 year old daughter are strongly contemplating a move from the West coast of Canada to Mexico. I visited San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato for 3 weeks last fall and am strongly attracted to both cities. We have travelled extensively along the Pacific coast (Mazatlan, PV, Ixtapa, and points between) as well as the gulf. Although we love the ocean, the cultural authenticity of the interior highland cities is a big draw. If we can muster the required courage, we may sell our home this fall and take the plunge early next year. One question I have, among many, is the usefulness of a vehicle overall. I understand that in Guanajuato and SMA a vehicle is perhaps a nice convenience for travelling to surrounding areas but unnecessary for day to day living. You seems to have given considerable thought and planning to your move…what factors caused you to drive into Mexico? Has the vehicle proven indispensable? Why tow a boat? We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a [email protected] teardrop trailer….I am wondering if we should drive in or if the vehicle would prove more of a burden? Of course living in Canada, we would not be making multiple trips home to truck our belongings into Mexico….it would be a one shot effort. I have subscribed and look forward to following your continuing Mexican adventures.

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- Katie O'Grady September 10, 2016, 7:15 pm
  
  Hi Sheldon and Family,
  
  Welcome to Los O’Gradys in Mexico!
  
  As to your question regarding a car, our family absolutely needs a vehicle. Between commuting to school, local and more distant outings, grocery shopping, etc., it is far more convenient for us than foot or public transport.
  
  We like and need the independence and ease of getting up and going.
  
  For a colonial town like San Miguel de Allende, yes, for everyday living, getting around by foot is absolutely doable, but also limiting.
  
  As to your other questions, feel free to contact me via [email protected].
  I do consulting work where I am able to answer your other questions at length if this is of interest to you.
  
  Cheers,
  
  Katie 🙂
  
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