In light of the outpouring of sympathy for my last post on the frenetic pace of life here in Puerto, I have decided to forgo (sorry Ray!!) my usual poem and photo for Friday.
Instead, it is time to confront another very real issue here in Mexico.
It is not just finding the time to keep up to the Puerto Escondido social events. It is also the cost! People talk about their cheap all-inclusive holidays but we don’t have that luxury. We are having to pay as we go and I have some real concerns.
An easy example is our yoga class.
Now granted, it is in a palapa-roofed space with chattering palm and birdsong breezes pulling the incense around the room. And yes, some of my favourite Indian music is playing quietly in the background as Sofia guides us in a combination of Spanish and English instructions. After having attended a few classes, it has become my favourite yoga studio on the planet.
Sure, sure there’s that.
But in the end, she asks for 60 pesos. 60 pesos! Do the math people. At just over 13 pesos to the Canadian dollar, it’s costing me almost $5.00 for that piece of Nirvana. (And yes, yes, I know that $5.00 back in Vancouver would not allow entry to the first half of one leg into an upscale Yaletown studio, but still…)
And then we go out for dinner. Most of the places are open to the ocean breezes and dinner includes several drinks, appetizers, amazing live music and is an easy walk from the condo…but then the bill comes and the real cost is calculated…hmm…almost $20.00 Canadian for both of us for an evening out.
Crazy, right?
Let’s talk too, about the cabs. No meters! No negotiation! Instead, it’s just a flat fare wherever you want to go.
They bounce us along dark streets here, and then there, and then deposit us in the exact right spot. Sometimes this takes a while, sometimes not. Doesn’t matter. It’s always the same rate. The nerve!
For door-to-door delivery, we hand over 25 or 30 pesos, slightly less than a bus ride in Vancouver.
As you can see by these examples, the demands on our time and money are endless. I’m not sure if we can keep fitting it all in…
I appreciate your ongoing sympathy as I remain perplexed by pesos, tossed by time and generally messed-up in Mexico.
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You can play horseshoes on the beach at the Split Coconut for 30 pesos on Wednesday at 12 pm or watch for free.
Thanks for the heads up on that Johnny. We’ll check it out next week.
I’m seriously thinking of organizing a fundraiser here in idyllic low cost of living Vancouver to help you with your Mexican debt load you are obviously accumulating. If all else fails and you run out of funds for yoga and tequila, call collect and I will wire you the $7 you’ll need for those essentials. I wouldn’t want you to experience any hardship. 🙂
Elinor. You are clearly a selfless and thoughtful woman. I really appreciate knowing you’ve got my back on this. I sincerely hope I don’t have to call but it’s good to know you’re there if I do. Bless you.
I’m really beginning to hate you. That said, it looks like I’ll be in Vancouver for a few days starting March 20. Are you going to be in the area? I’d love to have coffee or something.
Hey Sharry. I’m back March 13th and could definitely be around. Send me an email and let’s make some arrangements cuz I know deep down you still love me 🙂
oh yes isn’t it amazing? What amazed me was the sack of 14 grapefruit that i bought for the equivalent of $1.50 Cdn not to mention the 6 avocados that were under $1. We met many couples at the place where we were staying that had sold everything and moved to Mexico. Something to contemplate……….
Happy to hear that you are enjoying yourselves!
Hey Barb, the number of ex-pats living in Mexico is rather astounding isn’t it? But when you start to see what they’re experiencing, it’s not hard to understand.
Ah, diddums!!
Diddums back at ya, Mr. Sell!
Sigh. Yoga classes are $25 in Toronto – birdsong not included.
Michele. That’s what they’re running in Vancouver too. $20-25/class. It’s bizarre if you start thinking about on a monthly or annual basis. It’s worth coming here just for the yoga…and yes, the birds are a truly lovely addition.