- My spouse and I lease an apartment along the northern coastline of California and also have a property in Mexico.
-
We live in Mexico’s
Guanajuato
part of the year and cherish its walkability and dynamic atmosphere. - We similarly love to spend considerable time at our seaside apartment in Eureka, California.
My spouse and I, aged 82 and 73 respectively,
love being renters
—but we also have a house located outside the U.S.
For more than two decades, we have divided our time between a leased flat along Northern California’s coastline and a 150-year-old adobe home in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Luckily, since my spouse and I are both writers capable of working remotely, we frequently pass our springs, summers, and
fall in California
Before going down to Mexico around Thanksgiving to stay in our house until it’s time to head back by air.
By dividing our time between the two locations, we have the opportunity to embrace bicultural and bilingual lifestyles.
The area where we live in Guanajuato is pedestrian-friendly and lively.
We initially discovered Guanajuato in 1999 during our travels.
traveling throughout Mexico
and had been there multiple times before purchasing property there in 2005.
The picturesque and brightly colored town offers a paradise for walkers, featuring numerous walkways, twisty lanes, and lively architectural designs.
Our house is located on a pedestrian-only lane mere steps from stores, cinemas, and the main park. We enjoy living in this urban setting because we can easily step outside and start hiking up into the nearby hills within 10 to 15 minutes, all without needing a vehicle, bus, or bicycle for transportation.
In Mexico, I converse daily using the smooth Spanish tongue. Despite spending numerous years studying and practicing, fluency has been achieved yet not mastery; there’s always more to discover. Each week, I meet with my tutor—who doubles as both a cultural guide and confidant—alongside being a cherished companion.
The town we live in within California boasts its own unique attractions and benefits.
Though nowhere I’ve been compares to the liveliness of Guanajuato, I also value the distinctive qualities of this place.
walkable neighborhood
in Eureka, California.
Over there, we lease a two-story, single bedroom apartment located just ten minutes away from the sea—luckily, our rent has increased gradually throughout the 23 years we have resided there.
Our charming, loft-style area is just a short walk from Humboldt Bay, where my spouse and I frequently venture out to investigate the quaint old piers, harbors, supports, and jetties. He enjoys paddling in his kayak, while I prefer balancing on my paddleboard.
We seldom use our car; we usually walk to the nearby library, coffee shops, and grocery store. For destinations that are beyond walking distance, I hop on my new electric bike.
I’m also fond of Eureka’s distinctive Victorian architecture along with the chilly, overcast climate of the northern coastline—a stark contrast to that.
extreme heat
discovered in different regions of California.
Having two lives isn’t always simple, yet we enjoy it.
We’ve been
yendo y viniendo
For nearly two decades, coming and going, I can’t imagine a more thrilling way of life.
Occasionally, juggling two distinct lifestyles can be challenging — we shouldn’t assume our friends will stay updated with our hectic routines, hence we must make an effort to reach out to them whenever we’re back, regardless of our location.
We need to look after two places, however, we feel fortunate to count on both friends and paid assistance who can keep an eye on our house and ensure our plants get enough water.
Our house in Mexico is quite aged, hence it demands constant upkeep. Luckily, we have a competent contractor who can address almost every repair issue.
Traveling back and forth can be quite taxing because Guanajuato sits at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, whereas Eureka remains just slightly higher than sea level. Typically, it requires a few days for us to acclimate to Guanajuato’s altitude after landing from California.
However, at the close of the day, we reside in an eclectic seaside community within the U.S. part of the time—and in a bustling town in Mexico for the remainder. What else could I desire?
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