Hasta Luego, Mis Amigos

It's been a while since my last post.  I just haven't been inspired to write anything.

I started this blog 3 and half years ago.  The purpose was three fold: stay in touch with my friends and family, document in real time the trials and travails of relocating to a 3rd World country, and entertain.

Most of my friends and family read the blog for a while, then dropped off.  A couple of you, you know who you are, have continued to read. Thank you!

I did document the process of moving and getting established in a foreign land.  I was tired of reading books authored several years after their relocation process.  This sanitized and romanticized the move.  I wanted people to see what it is really like.  No bullshit.  Straight talk, unedited and in-the-moment.  Hopefully, this has helped some in their decision to relocate.

And the entertaining part...you have to answer that for yourself.

Now, most of the challenges and problems have been solved.  Or our lives have been normalized to the effort required to do the simple things that are now difficult to do.  Maybe we expect things to take longer, require multiple trips for anything, and nothing gets done as quickly as before.

I am running out of stuff to write about.

I feel this blog is complete.  It has served it's purpose.

I will miss it.  Most of the time it is like a good friend, coxing conversation out of me, on my mind about what will make good entertainment.  I look upon the blog with fondness, kind of like family.

I will miss it.

But it is time to put it to bed.

A few final thoughts...

The first year was wickedly difficult.  Un-spoiling the American Brat, putting the Type "A"  personality through treatment for the "Get-Er-Done" syndrome which has no place in a Latin culture, making new friends, learning a new culture.  And letting go of a wonderful life in Colorado.

All in all, a rough first year.

But, it was worth it.  We love it here.  The ability to retire early while we are young enough to be active, the unworldly natural beauty, amazing culture and people, an extraordinary group of gringos, opportunity to "reinvent" yourself...where else would I have gotten to be the male lead in a play or learn how to play screaming rock n roll lead, and e-x-h-a-l-e   a-n-d   r-e-l-a-x.

Yes, I miss my family and friends, for sure, especially our grandchildren.  We are missing much of their growing up.  Skype helps.  The Internet is the most amazing tool to stay in touch with home.

But we love it here!

So it is time to say "Good Bye".

You have provided so much for me.  Your time reading this blog has been generous and expansive.  I don't take this gift lightly.

Thank you!

Hasta Luego, mi Amigo!!!