So far we've received this glowing newspaper review and the eleven five-star reader reviews that follow! A Rave Review from the Miami Herald Mexico News Edition: This article appeared in a double-page spread with the front cover of our book and the photo of the two of us from the back cover at the top of the page! Six other books on moving to Mexico had their cover photos below ours, but ours was the only book actually mentioned and reviewed in the lengthy article. Note this quote: "....you realize that you’re getting nothing but the honest truth, an unvarnished guided tour through the minds of a retired couple in a Guanajuato town who do batik and write and participate in a reading discussion group. A thousand New Yorker short story writers try to get at what these two tell us directly. ..." EDITORIAL REVIEW Random Readings: Looking out for the ‘Gringo hordes’ By Kelly Arthur Garrett/The Herald Mexico El Universal Lunes 30 de octubre de 2006 http://www.mexiconews.com.mx/21421.html If you Google the words “Mike Davis” and “Mexico,” or poke around the site www.tomdispatch.com, you’ll find an essay that’s been stirring up debate on both side of the border for several weeks now. It’s called, variously, “The Perfect Swarm Heads South” or “Mexico’s Immigration Problem,” and it deals with . . . well, let’s give the author the honor: “What few people — at least, outside of Mexico — have bothered to notice is that while all the nannies, cooks, and maids have been heading north to tend the luxury lifestyles of irate Republicans, the gringo hordes have been rushing south to enjoy glorious budget retirements and affordable second homes under the Mexican sun.” Mike Davis is a scholar, an urban theorist, for lack of a better word. He’s an important voice on the left, and the author of numerous books on social issues, including “City of Quartz,” the unsentimental examination of Los Angeles that changed the rest of the world’s perception of that once-Mexican city. His article on the steadily increasing — and soon to soar — number of U.S. retirees coming to Mexico to spend their final decades is timely. Trust me, we’re all going to be talking a lot about this phenomenon in the years to come. Baby boomers have been called “aging” since the Carter administration, when the oldest of them were still in their 30s. But now that generation really is aging, and Davis quotes a recent Wall Street Journal article on what that will mean to Mexico: With more than 70 million American baby boomers expected to retire in the next two decades ... some experts predict a vast migration to warmer — and cheaper — climates.” That mostly means to Mexico, and Davis points out that the migration has already begun. He cites U.S. State Department statistics claiming that the total number of U.S. citizens living in Mexico has grown five-fold over the last decade to a million. (Mexico’s National Statistics Institute, or INEGI, puts the total at much less than half that.) That so many people from the United States are, and will continue to be, choosing to reside in Mexico presents challenges, the kind that could be addressed in a NAFTA that dealt with people instead of only capital. The most immediate problem, Davis points out, is the rampant speculation in real estate, especially in Baja California, which already has a higher U.S. expatriate population than any other state. The resulting increase in land values is pricing average Mexicans out of the market. The environmental consequences are equally worrisome, especially in a state like Baja California, where “thanks to the silent invasion of the baby-boomers from the north . . . much of the natural history and frontier culture of Baja could be swept away in the next generation.” The “gringo footprint” from expatriates who prefer their “well established havens (of) San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta” portends another disaster in the making, he says, namely the specter of “norteamericanos mak(ing) themselves at home in more ways than one.” Here’s how Davis knows about the cultural pollution problem: “An English-language paper in Puerto Vallarta, for instance, recently applauded the imminent arrival of a new shopping mall that will include Hooters, Burger King, Subway, Chili’s and Starbucks. Only Dunkin’ Donuts (con salsa?), the paper complained, was still missing.” It’s hard to tell here if the author is being flip or really thinks that junk food joints are proliferating because the “gringo hordes” demand them. If you haven’t caught on by now, Davis’s piece glows with overheated rhetoric. To him, the growing influx of U.S. citizens is not a phenomenon but an act of aggression. Folks with blue passports who want to live in Mexico aren’t making a life choice; they’re participating in a renewed manifest destiny, in neocolonialism. They are hordes, swarms, invaders. I suspect that Davis uses the language of the Minutemen in reverse to make his point with an ironic bite. It certainly is an attention-getting device for injecting the reality of north-to-south migration into what has been a unidirectional debate. But the effect is to demonize U.S. citizens, as though the issue were the nationality of the new residents rather than the clash of socioeconomic levels. This is unfair to individual immigrants, most of whose intentions are benign and transgressions inadvertent. It also poisons the issue, turning a migration problem on which Mexicans and Americans should be cooperating into an adversarial showdown based on country of birth. U.S. nativist xenophobes have no qualms about casting Mexican migrants themselves as enemies who “keep on coming.” Thoughtful people should be discouraging that kind of jingoistic hate-mongering, not encouraging a tit for tat. As it happens, Davis’s essay coincided with the release of “Falling ... in Love with San Miguel: Retiring to Mexico on Social Security” (Salsa Verde Press), by Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair. The authors are a U.S. couple in their sixties who visited San Miguel de Allende, were seduced by it, as so many seem to be, and decided to retire there. That must make them living, breathing examples of Davis’s neocolonialists, card-carrying warriors in the “gringo hordes,” shameless practitioners of the new manifest destiny. They are, of course, nothing of the kind. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a pair of immigrants more innocent, in both senses of the word. They are innocent because they follow the Hippocratic oath of expats — first do no harm. And they are innocent in that they came to live in Mexico as complete babes in the woods. It’s that innocence that makes the book a delight. Though Schmidt has been a journalist, there’s little in the way of investigation or reportage here. The women simply (very simply) share what they learn and experience as they negotiate their way through their first year in a new land. The concerns of expat retirees are not the concerns of an urban theorist. Carol and Norma (I use their first names in the spirit of the book, which reads like a compilation of letters home) deal with the core issues of the recently uprooted: Is Skippy peanut butter available? How much can I pay the maid? What’s the bathroom access like around town? Can we survive the way they drive here? What’s with the dog poop on the sidewalks? Carol seems to be the actual text supplier, since Norma is always referred to in the third person. Her style, at least in this case, can only be described as homey. It’s the kind of book you can open at random and run across sentences like, “Norma laughed out loud a few minutes later when we drove over a tarantula crossing the road.” Or, “Once I literally bumped into Charlton Heston in my ex-husband’s fish store ...” There’s an initial temptation not to take this kind of writing seriously, but once you accept the rawness of the exposition, you realize that you’re getting nothing but the honest truth, an unvarnished guided tour through the minds of a retired couple in a Guanajuato town who do batik and write and participate in a reading discussion group. A thousand New Yorker short story writers try to get at what these two tell us directly. The authors don’t shy away from discussing the controversies, and we learn they wrestle with those as they wrestle with everything else. They are concerned about gentrification, recognize that the richer expats live in a different world, and are ashamed of, as well as resigned to, their inability to master Spanish. New arrivals soon learn that there is no shortage of fellow ex-pats who take it upon themselves to tell others what they are supposed to think about the relationship between the two countries. Mexico is closely related to the United States, our authors hear, but they also hear “that the friendliness and apparent similarities are purely superficial, and that some inherent fundamental differences are irreconcilable.” Carol Schmidt’s take on this timeless debate: “I have no idea whether any of this is true.” I try to read as much as I can about the subject, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more refreshing comment than that. Eleven Five-Star Customer Reviews from Amazon.com: Get psyched up about retiring in Mexico, November 3, 2006 Reviewer: John G. Bleazard (San Mateo, CA) I am not going to outline the contents of this delightful book about Falling...in love with San Miguel de Allende by Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair. I am on my second reading. Not that this is some sort of important reference document that I refer to from time to time, or is it? I read it and re-read it because it psyches me up and charges my motivations, validates and confirms the decision I made some six or seven years ago to retire early and healthy in Mexico. This book reminds me that I can, that I must retire early, that I must make the most of the remaining years, and that it can be done even on my reduced (at age 62) Social Security income and paltry retirement savings. This book and the attitude of its authors about Mexico and Mexicans matches what I expect will soon be own. I feel so akin to these two ladies. I know each day is going to be an adventure, people watching, exploring, tasting. I even expect to lose some of the weight that has kept my blood pressure high for the last 35 years, walking a lot, eating more natural, fresher, less processed food, all in a de-stressed environment. I am not deluded about some of the less happy and possibly difficult facts of life in Mexico. But I have lived abroad before, for extended periods of time (Southern Italy in the '60s was probably not terribly different than some parts of Mexico today), and I am pre-loaded, thanks in part to this book, about what to anticipate in respect to those issues. I am not retiring in San Miguel de Allende and I am sure those already there don't necessarily want to be joined by hoards of newcomers. This book is good preparatory, motivational reading for anyone even entertaining the notion of retiring anywhere in Mexico. That's what it is to me. If nothing else, it is fun to read, easy to read. And it makes me hungry. Not just because of the frequent descriptions of wonderful food that Carol and Norma have discovered there, but hungry for this final adventure of mine, hungry for the sights, sounds, smells, the magic of Mexico, which is what the book promises. ——————– Reviewer: LateRiser (SMA, Gto, Mexico) I recently finished this book in an enjoyable and straight-thru read. I had the opportunity last year to read some of Carol and Norma's "letters home" that served as the grist for this tale because they knew I was interested in retirement in Mexico. I am now living in San Miguel de Allende and they truly tell it "like it is." Mexico has numerous wonderful places to retire, but this town is very special to me. Read the book, come visit us. ——————– Reviewer: Robert A. Bowers "Bowers" (Chicago, Illinois United States) I picked up this book with interest and some preveious experience with San Migue de Allende, having spent time there over the past few years. However, I am not able to be there for the heavy festival times since I continue to be a full time wage earner, so it was very interesting to learn what the city is like in September and for the Day of the Dead celebrations etc. Norma and Carol have provided colorful pictures of life in a new location, with the good, and the not so good clearly stated. Yes, learning a new language is not easy in the second half of a person's life, some of the other customs of a foreign land are also hard to adjust to. What I think Norma and Carol capture perfectly is the feel of the people there, their generosity of spirit and the warmth with which they make the outsiders feel welcome. As Norma and Carol said, it isn't Disneyland; there is poverty, there are problems; there are frequent small scenes on the streets that remind me how lucky I have been due to accident of birth in a comfortable place and opportunities provided by family members who had been given greater opportunites themselves, but there is much beauty and much joy as well. I am sure that there are many who do not share all of Norma and Carol's opinions about lifestyle or politics (I certainly do not share their love of hot and spicy foods!) but no matter what a person's personal codes may find acceptable, they will find good insight and advice on an area and a way of life that we certainly don't see here in the northern United States. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who would like the feel of living in a totally new environment as well as anyone considering the lovely city of San Miguel de Allende. ————————— Reviewer: P. Terrington "Pip" (Mexico) Have you ever thought of going to live in a different country, of learning to understand and enjoy another culture, or of finding an affordable place to retire to? Read this book.It isn't exactly a 'how to' book, not exactly a memoir, not exactly an account of a love affair. It's a combination of all three: a love affair with a Mexican town, memories of a couple's first few years living there and all the discoveries they make about adapting to life in a new country. It's a must have if you're thinking of going to San Miguel de Allende or if you want to convince your family that your retirement in Mexico is not going to open you up to a life of poverty, crime and loneliness. It's a good read if you're considering changing your life totally - if two women of a certain age can have an adventure like this and find true happiness then it can happen to you too. Why not? This book is saying: Don't be afraid. Take a chance. Be open to new experience, new people, new cultures and if you approach everything with an open heart your life will be renewed and you can find happiness too. Does this make it sound too wishy washy, new agey? It isn't! There's also a very practical side to the book which will give you information about the costs and the difficulties of living in this colonial city. It's also written in a chronological way so that whichever month you're going to be there you can pick up the book and find out some of the events and highlights of that particular month. (And I was especially pleased to read about the book club Carol and Norma went to - I've already used Amazon to order two of the books they mention!) —————————– Reviewer: The Prince (Chiang Mai, Thailand) Echoing the remarks of the earlier reviewers, I would add that Falling...in Love with San Miguel is a lovely book, well designed and attractive. The writing is beautiful and evocative. It is clearly a work of love. Anyone thinking of moving to México, and particularly to San Miguel de Allende, could do no better than to take this comfortable and informative journey through the ancient streets of the city. You will be enchanted by it, and by the strength and determination of the authors. —————————— Reviewer: Judith McKnight (Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico) Who would have thought a "how to retire abroad" book would be a real page-turner! I find myself laughing out loud at the escapades of two gringas in paradise. The vivid descriptions of San Miguel de Allende, the most beautiful of Mexican colonial cities, accompanied by solid, first-hand facts about the realities of every day life south-of-the-border, make this a must-read for anyone contemplating a move to Mexico and a delight for the armchair traveler. —————————— Reviewer: David L. Van Sickle (Chicago, IL) Carol Schmidt's "Falling in Love with San Miguel" is a winner in the field of ex-pat books about Mexico. Her special take on San Miguel de Allende, on of the most popular ex-pat destinations, starts with the need to find an affordable retirement location for those living on Social Security, and moves to a wide-eyed look at relocation, adjusting to a new environment and culture, and loving the results. It isn't a how to do it book, although many tips for those interested are included, so much as a clearly written, unsentimental look at the situation Carol and her partner, Norma Hair found themselves in, and how their move changed their lives. To those who know San Miguel de Allende, the book is an affirmation of living in that wonderful place, and an enthralling diary of two lives changed and enriched by their move. ———————— Reviewer: Alma Alexander (Bellingham, WA United States) I have had the privilege of learning to love this book as it was being born, reading fragments of it here and there, learning about the authors' love for their chosen haven of love and colour and peace in a world that is full of trouble and pain. Let me just say that I have been waiting for this volume for a long time, so that I can sit back and read it all again, in full now and complete and still full of light and love and insight and delight. Carol writes with an artist's eye for detail, and I can see Norma's vision filling in the canvas. We aren't always given the privilege of finding our own piece of heaven, let alone living in it - but these two women have done it, and this book is a testament to their achievement. It's a joy to read, and a joy to share their lives in this amazing place called San Miguel de Allende. Christmas is coming. Buy this book for all your friends who want a touch of South-of-the-order sunshine to pierce winter's gloom. ————————– Reviewer: Chris Cobb (Washington, DC) Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair have achieved the near-impossible in their new book. Not only do we have a detailed and valuable "How-to" for ex-pats in a small slice of Mexican heaven, we can also experience from our Yankee armchairs the sensual treat that is San Miguel. The authors use both words and wit to evoke a response from every sense as we read. We can see the rich tapestry of bright colors, smell the exotic flowers and food-stalls, hear parade and band music from their terrace, taste new foods and let the warm Mexican air smooth away our tensions. I could hardly put the book down as I followed these two women through their rollicking adventurous first years in their adopted home. And all this on the budget which is Social Security! The book is an absolute must-read for armchair travelers, flyaway-for-a-visit folk, or those searching for their own retirement spot south of the border. ——————— Reviewer: Anne Seale Falling...in Love With San Miguel by Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair is a beautiful book, inside and out. On the cover is a breathtaking view of the colorful town, and inside is a lively account of the authors' first year there, complete with favorite restaurants and shopping spots and the prices paid, converted to U.S. dollars. San Miguel is an artists' haven, and Schmidt, who tells the story from her viewpoint, is a student of art. But she is also an artist with words. Her vibrant descriptions of the parades, festivals, marketplaces and food tantalize all the senses. I felt like I was there. Anyone who is thinking of retiring to Mexico, or merely visiting, should read this book. With their frank assessment of things they love (so much to do and see, inexpensive produce, the moderate climate) and things they don't, (the unavailability of favorite brands, rough sidewalks, the language challenge) Schmidt and Hair will either dissuade you or have you calling for a expedited TripTik. ...Anne Seale, author of the Jo Jacuzzo mysteries ——————— Reviewer: Jan Goldfield "The Pondlady" (New Orleans, La) Schmidt and Hair. Sounds like a travel agency. Or a high priced detective agency. "She's Hair, I'm Schmidt!" In reality Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair are both. And they are journeywomen writers as well. They take us with them on their adventures during their first four years as gringas living in San Miguel Allende, Mexico. They left Arizona on vacation to this charming and exciting Mexican town known for its beauty, architecture, culture and art. During this vacation, they decided to make San Miguel home. In this too short book, they tell us of the adventures and misadventures of two women, 'of an age' who decided to leave the US and take their retirement in San Miguel. And do it living on Social Security. We hear of hilarious language errors, of unfamiliar customs, of travel in Mexico, of trying to get things done, phones installed, plumbing fixed,dinner ordered and paid for. And during these pages, we learn prices, how and where to find what an expat needs and what they can do without. We enjoy almost daliy festivals vicariously, some with long histories, some spontaneous....maybe. The entire book is puncutated with terse and telling rib splitting remarks that are a Schmidt and Hair trademark. You wil laugh. You will learn. You will love this book. You may even move to San Miguel.