Dear Sir,
Re: The “Silver Tsunami” and the Margaritaville Myth.
Upon reading your article about the upcoming AMAR (to love?) promotional convocation, I had to wonder if they would be honest enough to mention that there now is a new level of violence in the Lakeside communities.
Will they be honest enough to tell future prospects that, yes, you really do need to speak Spanish and acculturate yourself to live effectively here - otherwise you are trapped in the all-English foreigner bubble world. That bubble has already popped for a lot of people. They come and they go when the reality of living in a foreign country really sinks in.
Ajijic and the surrounding villages are most definitely NOT “retirement communities”! They are genuine Mexican villages populated mostly by people with ancestors who have lived in this area for up to 800 years. The traditions run rich and deep. But many foreigners arrogantly walk around like they own the place, oblivious to the culture and history right under their noses.
The economic and cultural gap between the Mexicans and foreigners is huge. Personally, I feel like I am doing the cultural splits, caught in the middle of two very disparate worlds. But, at least I am trying! I continue to have The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had In My Life, but it’s always been in the Mexican world. I taught myself Spanish before coming here knowing that would be the key to navigating and enjoying the vibrant and colorful Mexican culture, but, also to be able to relate effectively with some of the nicest, warmest people I have ever met.
The protocol all over the world is When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do. To the foreigners at Lakeside I ask: Do you want to be liked and respected in the real communities or merely tolerated because you are spending money?
Micki Wendt