October 13 2016

Living in Playa del Carmen vs. Cozumel

Planning Cozumel

When choosing where to live as an expat I used to think that Playa del Carmen and it’s island neighbor Cozumel were like two parts of the same city connected by a ferry. They are both Continue reading

August 5 2016

What Does It Cost For Us To Live In Mexico?

The answer to the question you’ve all been waiting for: How much does it cost for us to live in Mexico?

Before you get the idea that we had plenty of money to start with let’s talk about how we lived before. Continue reading

June 15 2016

One Year as a Traveling Family

Palenque

One year ago today we drove away from our house for the last time. We chose to have no permanent home, no structure to fill with furniture and appliances and all our personal items. Almost all of it was gone by that point anyway, sold or given away. A year ago we officially became a traveling family…even if the first place we traveled to was Grandma’s house. Continue reading

July 20 2015

We Made It To Mexico!

Selfie

We made it to Mexico. Unfortunately, the internet at our house died the day before we arrived, so forgive my silence dear reader as we have had some kinks to work out (aren’t there always?) Hope you weren’t worried.

Moving to a tropical island sounds lovely, but the reality of living here Continue reading

January 30 2015

The Logic Behind Moving To Mexico

When people ask “why Mexico?” we usually say something smart like “Because it’s fun!” Which is true, but doesn’t really help anyone understand. Continue reading

April 27 2014

Coming and Going: Moving with Kids

Lake Titicaca is really cold!
Lake Titicaca is really cold!

On my study abroad trip to South America last year I didn’t know anyone, so I was really lucky to end up with Lindsay as my roommate. We’re both students in our 30’s in the sea of 20-yr olds. We both missed our kids horribly. As independent adults we had a few meltdowns about Continue reading

April 8 2014

“Why Are You Moving to Mexico?”

where is cozumel
In case you don’t know where Cozumel is

I moved to Iowa in 1995 intending to stay about 6 months. Almost 20 years later, tired of the bitter winters and endless corn I’m soooo ready to go, but we’re still not quite ready to leave yet.  I promised my oldest that she could finish high school here. So as I countdown her final year I am preparing to make a big move. My husband and I decided that instead of simply moving to the coast next summer we will be taking our children to the island of Cozumel, Mexico not for vacation but for a year of living another life.

This decision didn’t happen overnight Continue reading