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Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
Living Life In Mexico
IT'S SO NICE LIVING HERE
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THE BLOG IS BACK
SEPTEMBER 7, 2014
It's been a while. Marvelle and I spent July in the British Virgin Islands sailing with the 17th Annual Black Boaters Summit and in August we were in Chicago visiting friends.
But we're back home now in San Miguel and just returned from our favorite place, La Gruta, a twenty minutes drive from our house.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE MEXICO RETIREES? 1. A shopping tour in Guadalajara and a retirement look see at San Miguel next month in October. Call me if you can join us. (773) 924 1947.  2. A jazz, blues, and see Chicago tour next June, 2015. Don't miss this one. WE LOVE CHICAGO.  3. The 19th Annual Black Boaters Summit late July, 2015. New itinerary, lower prices. Watch for BBS 2015 on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Blackboaterssummit  4. Retire in Mexico. A serious twenty one day look at three cities for five black couples. Look for more here, https://www.facebook.com/phmixon?fref=ts LEARN HOW TO LIVE OUR LIFESTYLE ON TWO SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS.  ABOUT MARVELLE AND ME IN MEXICO!I really don't have much to report. After five years I've figured out how to live in peace with a "real" Chicago woman. Do not say everything you think! And do not always have to be right, even though I always am. We have also figured out that just because we live in Mexico for great cost savings, that we still like to vacation other places. du uh! Come visit. Our door is always open. Cap'n Paul & Marvelle No toll call, (773) 924 1947 pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
SEX IN MEXICO! JUST TRY IT
JULY 6, 2014
Why the title? Well yesterday one of Marvelle's best friends called and said that she missed the blog, especially the part where I "tell all" about our personal life.
Come on J. The sex life of a seventy two year old is as interesting as watching paint dry. And I'm not saying that our sex life is not great, it's just who cares. I write about our live here in Mexico, because I want black folks to come join us here in San Miguel where it's safer, cheaper, and warmer than Chicago in the winter.
Now having said that I did have this dream last night about one of my ski club members that I was only friends with, have not seen in twenty years except occasionally on my Facebook home page.
And yet there she was laying naked on the floor. Now I have never believed that I am responsible for my dreams. In fact, it was probably Js' fault. She's the one that wanted more spice! And I guess my unconscious mind went to work.
Anyway there was no sex. We just talked while she lay naked on the floor. The rest of the dream was just as bizarre, like watching paint dry.
Question. If you have a dream about having sex with other than your spouse are you guilty of infidelity?
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH..
Marvelle and I went to a Democrats Aboard gathering on the 4th at a great outdoor facility. 
The event was sold out. Three hundred white democrats, me and Marvelle. Being the only black folks can be interesting. Everyone wants to meet you, know your name, know your business. "Hello. You know we need more black folks here in San Miguel, etc."
It's interesting that of the twelve or so blacks we do know who do live here, non of them were in attendance. I will reserve comment on what's up with that considering the dire straits of politics in the USofA.
We did meet one new brotha who came over and introduced himself. He is from Chicago too, Rogers Park.
It was a good gathering. Marvelle and I have been invited to join San Miguel's Tango Club. We're going tonight to take a look. I hope I do better at tango than I did learning to step! A black man from Chicago who can't step! It's like a sailor who can't tie a bowline. Right JQ?
I just figured out this morning why I struggle so much finding content for my blog. It's because life here for Marvelle and me is pretty much the same as it was when we left Chicago minus the winters and gun shots.
I get up early, before Marvelle, and watch WGN Chicago News for an hour.
Hey Chicago, ya'll can't catch a weather break. For months you had big snow and cold. Now it's the rain that is making news. OH MY!
Anyway, after an hour of switching back between WGN and CNN, I know why we're here in San Miguel De Allende.
Having finished my daily dose of bad news I head for my computer to work the internet and Black Boaters Summit. At 1:30 pm I go for an hour swim, call Marvelle to see what she wants me to pick up for dinner, stop by one of my hangouts for a beer, and return home...Boring!! Not really. But just a lot like the routine we left, which leads me to say that for us, life in Mexico, is about the same as Chicago only with better weather.
(That's the happy blogger above!)
For weeks I have been promising you info on why retire in Mexico from the Black Perspective, so let's begin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViIwVwWWdeM
If you won't watch this video you're wasting your time thinking about a move to Mexico. You must do the homework!
BOOTS ON THE GROUND!
As I see it there are two ways to begin your moving to Mexico research.
#1 Visit Mexico as a time share tourist.
Did you know that black folks own more time share than white folks.
I would start with Cancun, Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. These cities were all built for the American Tourist, which is why Marvelle and I did not retire there. "Fun place to visit but...
Which place to visit? If you're a beach person, Cancun.
If you like more city life with $700,00 high rise condos and endless time share presentations, visit Puerto Vallarta. We lived there for two years before moving to San Miguel. If you love to play golf and dance on the tables at Squid Row, Cabo San Lucas, on the cape, not Los Cabo, is the place for you.
But if you're a bit more serious about looking at Mexico for retirment..
#2 Visit Mexico like you're working on your Phd.
Choose a city. PV is ok. Stay in a B&B for two or three days while you get to know the city. Find a realtor and tell them you're looking to buy. They will give it up and take you all around the city on their dime.
DO NOT BUY NO HOUSE OR ATTEND ANY TIME SHARE PRESENTATIONS.
IT'S LIKE YOU TEACHING A PIG TO SING, IT WASTE YOUR TIME AND ANNOYS THE PIG....LOL...LOL
SMART MONEY TODAY SAYS KEEP YOUR NEST EGG IN THE BANK AND RENT!
Find a three month rental and learn the art of negotiation.
Most landlords are asking double what they will take. Here is one of my favorite rental websites for Puerto Vallarta.
www.vistalegrerentals.com ,.
Talk to everyone about living in Mexico and the city you have chosen to explore.
Remember, you have not moved to Mexico, you are simply "checking it out."
Susan Haskins and Dan Prescher (did you watch the video?) said that,"your primary , overriding motivation for retiring overseas has to be a pure and unadulterated love of adventure and discovery." POPPY COCK!
Marvelle and I moved out of Chicago and to Mexico to get away from those stupid Chicago winters,
it safer, again, it's safer, (remember I watch WGN News), AND IT'S CHEAPER TO LIVE HERE FOLKS. FOLLOW THE MONEY!
OK! SO WHEN IS THE HAPPY COUPLE GOING TO LAUNCH
VISIT MEXICO WITH MARVELLE AND CAP'N PAUL?
Well Marvelle is beating me up to have knee surgery in Chicago
in mid August. Chicago and not here because medicare does not cover the
$30,000 procedure in Mexico. Follow the money.
If I put knee replacement off another year,(it's my darn knee Marvelle) I want to look at November for our first tour here. In the interim, I need to hear from my peeps, Black Baby Boomers who are looking to retire, and like us, didn't save enough money to maintain the lifestyle.
LAST SUNDAY WE WENT TO THE BEST PARADE EVER.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUuQNBHPOBQ
It was a mixture of Gay Pride and Mardi Gras.
We had VIP seating and will go every year.
CLICK HERE for photos.
Let us hear from all of you looking to get out.
Marvelle and I are going shopping at Costco so..
TTFN
Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
Kickin it in San Miguel De Allende Mexico
pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
(773) 924 1947 no toll
A DAY VISIT TO THE HOSPITALIN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDA June 12, 2014
As you will remember from my past blogs, during our two years in Puerto Vallarta, both Marvelle and I used the excellent medical services in PV
that were both very professional and inexpensive.
AMERIMED Hospital is three minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport and close to most PV neighborhoods. We recommend Amerimed and the doctors that practice there.
EXCELLENT INEXPENSIVE DENTAL CARE
Marvelle's teeth took a year to complete, but she is very happy with the results. Adrian is a great dentist.
Me, I saw several specialist in PV because I could. An office visit was less than $50. I had a heart guy, prostrate guy, and a GP.
After we moved to San Miguel seven months ago we had to start all over again finding a doctor and a dentist. The expat network here made it easy.
FIX THE KNEE ALREADY!
I have known for more than ten years that I need a right knee replacement.
I'll have it done in Chicago courtesy of Medicare.
But first I need to know how long my recovery is expected to take. So I drove to the best hospital in San Miguel, parked, walked up to the receptionist and in my best Spanish said, "Buenos dias senorita, habla Ingles." Now I know they speak English, but they will always tell you no. So I said smiling broadly, "Well you will have to put up with my poor Spanish and please forgive me. The receptionist came out the closet and asked me in perfect English to complete their intake form and I could go right in.
I was in and out in less than ten minutes, two X rays in hand and copies sent to my email address. Total cost...$48 US.
CAP'N PAUL GET CULTURE!
Several of us from San Miguel are going to a concert tomorrow to see Tania Leon, black women born in Cuba.
Tania León, born in Cuba, is highly regarded as a composer and conductor who has directed orchestras across the globe. In March 2009, the ballet
Inura, with music by León and choreography by Carlos dos Santos premiered at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. In 2008, León served as U.S. Artistic Ambassador of American Culture in Madrid, Spain and held a Composer/Conductor residency at the Beijing Central Conservatory, China. Her work,
Horizons, was performed by The National Symphony of China, in the opening concert of China's Beijing International Congress of Women in Music. Recent awards for her work include a Pulitzer Prize nomination (2008) for
Ácana,
La Distinción de Honor de la Rosa Blanca from the Patronato José Martí for her contribution to Cuban culture in the field of music, a Guggenheim Fellowship (2007), and a Fromm Music Foundation commission. In 2006, León was named Distinguished Professor of the City University of New York. In 2010, in addition to being elected to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters, León was officially invited to Havana by Cuban master conductor Leo Brouwer, where, for the first time, her music was performed in her native country. Her work,
To And Fro (4 Moods), was nominated for a 2010 Latin Grammy for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. JUNE 15, 2014 POST SCRIPT It was not my kind of classical music!!!
Chicago...December 2014! It's coming back in 2015!
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...
May 31, 2014
Someone emailed me this week and asked, " What do you and Marvelle do in paradise everyday?" Well, while San Miguel is a very nice place to live, and we love it here, it is not paradise. We do what we did the two years we lived in Chicago before coming here. I get up between six thirty and seven, turn on the coffee pot and my laptop. Then I turn on WGN TV News Chicago and wash last nights dishes. After doing the dishes I pour a cup of Joe and watch what's happening in my place of birth. MORE SHOOTINGS IN CHICAGO..WHAT'S NEW! Then I take a shower, dress for work, and sit down at the computer. That's pretty much Monday - Friday. IS THAT EXCITING OR WHAT??? Saturday, 10 am, we go to the fresh produce market. Most of the expats go there as a social and to network. Today there were four blacks including me and Marvelle. We could have payed bid whist, but I don't know how!  The street we usually park at the market had no cars parked on it. Marvelle bought some flowers before we entered the market and I asked the girl selling flowers if it was ok to park on the street. She said better not or you'll get a ticket. Not with my California tags I said to Marvelle and we went inside. NOT A GOOD IDEA. I got a ticket and they took off my rear license plate. The meter maid person waved at me with my own plate from across the street. I went over to see how I could get my plate back. In an hour, she said, go to the government building in the main plaza #12 and they will take care of you. Marvelle and I finished up our shopping. I went for my daily swim and headed for El Centro. I didn't have any problems finding the place. As I walked through the door I could see shelves with hundreds of license plates. I said to a very pleasant looking young lady as I handed her my citation, "Is this where I get my plate back?" "It is" she said in fluent English. I'll never learn to speak Spanish living in San Miguel I thought. One hundred and twenty pesos later I headed to get a beer and watch the tourist. My cell rang just as I ordered my second Victoria. "Hello my favorite husband", the voice on the phone said. " Bring home some Chinese and get home before five because there are lots of parades tonight and the streets will be blocked." WHEN A CHICAGO WOMEN SPEAKS, I LISTEN AND OBEY. "OK dear."  On the way home from the Chinese take out, I saw two black women. I said hi and gave them my card. They were friendly and looking for an ATM to get US dollars. I said no, that three thousand pesos each would tide them over until they left for home on Monday. The ATMs work the same as the ones at home only in Spanish and English and give you pesos as it is MEXICO!! NOW HOW EXCITING IS THAT! MORE ON COMING TO MEXICO IN MY NEXT BLOG.. I PROMISE! Cap'n Paul & Marvelle pmixon@honeyetstravel.com womennmovie@yahoo.com MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG RAIN LIKE I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE
May 25, 2014
CLICK THE BLUE LINKS..
The rainy season is here with a vengeance. By here I mean San Miguel De Allende Mexico where Marvelle, my wife, and I live. I mean for the past two nights it has been raining like a cow pissin on a flat rock. And last night I got caught in it. After talking with Marvelle on the telephone, (she arrives back in Mexico from Chicago today late, whoppie, I decided to go out and get a Caesar Salad at Hecho En Mexico, a new favorite of mine.  There was just a slight rain as I made my way down the hill in my trusty Jeep. It's about a ten minute drive to "Centro" the town center and the restaurant. It was raining just enough that I barely needed my wipers. The streets were fairly crowed with everyone getting wet. A normal Saturday night in San Miguel during rainy season I guess. Just as I pulled up in front for the restaurant, OMG, the heavens just opened up and I got out of the car just in time to step in foot high water. Yuck! As I past through through the open door of Hecho filled with folks in my way who were all trying to get a taxi, I heard some say, "hello Cap'n Paul". And there stood three tall Black Women one of whom was a retired NY school teacher that I had met at the Saturday Market weeks before. They shocked me as we have so few Black Folks in San Miguel even with an expat community of 10, 000. I was actually at a lost for words. Anyway I said hi and headed for the bar which is where all the really "cool" people eat along with the alcoholics. I was sitting near the door and could see my sisters were not having any luck getting a cab. So being the really nice guy that I am I asked the bartender to hold my food and I offered my sisters a ride home. Now it was seriously raining on streets like the one in the pictures below. They all ahd become rushing rivers. I'm talking serious street flooding with three feet of rushing water everywhere.   Our seven minute ride tops to their hotel took over an hour with stalled cars, blocked streets and "where is that hotel anyway." My passengers knew, but getting there was another matter. But after lots of driving around in circles, we found the right street and the hotel. It was only after that, that I lost a tail light trying to back up a block after coming to one of many dead end streets that night.. I went back to Hecko and finished my salad. That concludes another one of Cap'n Paul's retirement adventures!SWIMMING FOR HEALTH AND GOOD LOOKS.I got in four days of lap swimming this week. Getting ready for nights with Marvelle if you know what I mean. One day I got to do a piece on "serious" self made Chicago Women beginning with my mother and how that it affects our relationships.  So there I was, swimming with twenty and thirty year olds with their tight abs and butts, swimming 30, 40, 60 minutes non stop. I hate them. But I hang in as best I can. We chat some in Spanish but mostly English because their English is way better than my Spanish.  COMING TO MEXICOSeveral of you have called and emailed me wanting to come for a visit. That be good. I need and will put together a plan. Stand by. For those of you thinking retirement, a month or two visit is good start. If you are looking to "snow bird" the same amount of time is needed. If you are only coming for a vacation, and maybe a quick look see, a week will be ok. I would start with Puerto Vallarta. Marvelle and I lived in PV for two years before we discovered San Miguel De Allende.Take a look at this exceptional video on retiring in Mexico, BOOTS ON THE GROUND. These folks have done their homework.  Susan and Dan have done all the research around relocating to another country. I am going to take their work and re-write it for "Black Folks." Black Folks are different. But most of us have the same needs to get out of the U.S. as our White Counterparts. I think we are just more fearful. And perhaps with good reason. We'll explore that in my next blog, "Being A Black Expat In Mexico." Well gang, as always, thanks for reading my blog and for your words of encouragement. Drink less and exercise more. Cut all ties with the folks in your life who have no vision. Travel alone and you never will be. I got to go out now and get some flowers to make sure I get some tonight...flowers I mean. (Cute but I'll catch hell for that line). Until then be good to your neighbor. He knows where you live. Cap'n Paul Bad as ever.
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
CHURCH ON EASTER SUNDAY
April 20, 2014
I went to Church this morning, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Miguel.
I've been an Episcopalian seventy two years and an alter boy for eight years.
It's the first time I've been to church since I left Chicago in 1959, more or less.
 Nice service. I went principally to sing Jesus Christ Has Risen Today.
The parishioners, all white,were very polite and made sure I had enough room to worship as I was the only person in the pew I was seated in. The rest were full. That works for me on a crowed flights, but in the house of God folks should do better.
Other than that it's a normal Sunday morning. The trendy breakfast places are full with lots of out of town tourist, mostly Mexican, the Mega is open, it's parking lot full of cars, everything just like America except the language.BUT I GOTTA PREACH! IT'S SUNDAY! Some of you botha's out there are not taking care of your health. If you've got Medicare or Blue Cross or any insurance you need to do a few things every year to enjoy "achievements and success in a life well lived" as our Black Boaters Summit social media guy would say. And it will also keep your stupid ass alive!COLONOSCOPY This procedure is talked about as akin to child berth in pain comparison.. BULL SHIT. My colonoscopy procedure did not live up to it's reputation. I had the procedure done ten years ago at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley WITHOUT ANY MEDICATION. No sweat no pain!!To my wife Marvelle. I promise not to die of colon cancer! PSA AND PROSTRATE CANCER  I go to the lab twice a year and get my PSA numbers and once annually I have a rectal digital exam. Real men love this. It's fun! To my wife Marvelle. I promise not to die of prostate cancer. CHOLESTROL  To my wife Marvelle. I promise not to die because of high cholestrol.
I take my meds everyday.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSUREDo you know how many brotha's die of high blood pressure related problems? LOTS!! And it's so easy to control. 
To my wife Marvelle. I promise not to die because of high blood pressure and have you run off with some guy with the life insurance money. Oh no! Not on my watch.
OUR LIFE IN MEXICO
Ok! I know most of you tune in to this blog to hear about my life in Mexico with Marvelle. But I need to have you all alive and well to come visit. Dead people make terrible house guest.
Next blog I promise to tell you about our road trip to michoacan mexico where the "cartel" supposedly lives!! We found a great lake side resort and lots of copper. No gun shots. MARVELLE IN CHICAGOMarvelle will be in Chicago for three weeks starting May 5, 2014. For when and where on her meet and greet you gotta call me (773) 924 1947 or email Marvelle at....womannmovie@Yahoo.com,. It's time to watch the NBS Playoffs. See ya! Cap'n Paul MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
BEND OVER AND KISS YOUR ASS GOODBY April 3, 2014 This morning I attended a campaign kick off breakfast sponsored by San Miguel Democrats Abroad. The key note speaker was Jack Watson. Best political speaker I have ever heard. And I have heard a few. 
The good news is that San Miguel de Allende is still a great safe place to live, and after this past winter, you gotta be thinking about moving.
The bad new is the republicans will probably win the house and the senate in November with legislation like this to help them, click here.
So my blog readers, some of the smartest black folk in the U.S., whatcha gonna do? President Obama's hands are tied and we are headed toward a totally dysfunctional democratic society.
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE.
The 2016 Presidential Election. And there is a clean republican sweep, President, Congress, and running dog Clarence Thomas is still in the Supreme Court. 
And that ain't OJ! The Republicans will reverse The Emancipation Proclamation! Can't happen here? How sure are you of that?
LET'S SEE! WHAT OTHER GOOD NEWS DO I HAVE FOR YA!
Marvelle will be in Chicago in May. Email her if you would like to have coffee and discuss BBS and or living in Mexico. womennmovie@yahoo.com
IN SEARCH OF THE BLACK MEXICAN
Marvelle and I are organizing a Cultural Tour for next February.
Send her an email if you are interested, womennmovie@yahoo.com
Take a look.
All this serious talk makes me want to work on our sailing adventure. Please give us a "LIKE" here. Please join us here. Please "Friend" me here.
Let me leave you with this. It will make us both feel better.
CLAP ALONG!
Cap'n Paul
84 degrees in San Miguel
(773) 924 1947
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
ONE VIDEO IS WORTH 10K WORDS
March 29, 2014
This is a must watch video if you are thinking about moving overseas.
Of course Mexico is not technically "overseas" as it boarders with the
good ole US of A.
CLICK here anyway!
Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
San Miguel De Allende
82 degrees and sunny
MY NEW MEXICO BLOG
BLOG NOT FLOG PART ll March 22, 2014 We just returned from the organic market. (see Blog date February 22nd below)
March 23, 2014
As you can see I got busy yesterday. Black Boaters Summit 2014 is taking off which keeps me at the computer longer than I want to be at the computer.
But it's a beautiful Sunday morning in San Miguel de Allende. It's about 67 degrees at 8 am. I'm sure our house will reach 85 and it will be 90 in the outlining areas.
WE'RE BOTH WORKING TOO DAMN HARD IN RETIREMENT It has occurred to me that Marvelle and I are missing many of the benefits that we moved to Mexico for. Of course we have the warm winters, our dollar goes 40% further, and we really like many of the locals and expats that we have met. Lot of folks, especially at the fresh produce market on Saturday, introduce themselves and just start talking to you. It great. It's just like being in second grade again. No preconceived notions. No hangups about meeting new people.
But we're in the house too many hours missing out on the great weather, music events, and exploring nearby towns. 
Just a boy and his laptop at the kitchen table... But we're making a change.
IN SEARCH OF THE BLACK MEXICANhttp://colectivoafrica.blogspot.mx/2012/02/designan-reina-negra-del-carnaval.html  Marvelle is collecting names of those interested in this cultural trip. This will not be a lay by the resort pool adventure, but rather a fact finding cultural experience. E-mail Marvelle for more details, womennmovie@yahoo.com,. CAP'N PAUL HAS BEEN SWIMMING!  With two bad knees swimming three time a week keeps me from needing a walker! That's me at the far end of the pool. NOTHING MUCH MORE OF IMPORTANCE- We installed a new internet modem upping our computer speed from 3 to 20 mega bites.
- We should be in Chicago by June and hope some of you will join our Chicago tour.
- We'll be in the BVI July 22 - August 9, 2014, then back to Chicago for knee surgery.
- We hope to be back home in San Miguel de Allende by the end of August.
PLEASE SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK AND QUESTIONSWe'll send you the secrets of how to live like the rich and famous without being either! Please give us a "LIKE" here. Please join us here. Please "Friend" me here. Thank you for reading my blog. It is so nice living here. Buen dia y hasta Luego. Cap'n Paul & Marvelle 
BLOG NOT FLOG March 8, 2014 WEATHERMAN, PLEASE GIVE CHICAGO A BREAK! I have been beating up on my "homies" for living in the frozen tundra. I'm not going to do that any more. You have caught enough hell!  I've told you how cheap and SAFE Mexico is. Not going to do that any more. As my new Chicago friends told me yesterday, as they prepared to leave for Los Angeles, "We like living in Chicago Cap'n Paul." Well ok then. Case closed! BLACK MEN MEET IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE I call it an historic meeting. One of the retirees here made some phone calls and suggested that we meet and greet at Milagros Restaurant in the center of town. And I forgot my camera again. WHAT A DUMMY!  Anyway there were eight of us, some single and some not. Six of us are full time in SMA, two are snow birds spending six here and six some where else. All of us African American Men. The oldest a very young 80, living alone, in a three story building he bought 15 years ago. Another guy plays the bass at Tio Lucas, San Miguel's premier jazz house.  I was the newest resident with only six months in San Miguel. We plan to do it again soon. Maybe once a month. We had a great time. WHO IS THAT BLACK MAN? As I pulled out of our garage last week, I saw this brown shaved head trudging up our street. It's about a 20 degree incline at the end of 120 stairs. " Hey my brotha, you need a ride." I'm good he said" "just only mildly winded." Anyway come to find out the brotha has been travelling by motorcycle all over Mexico for twenty two months. Steve is his name. Steve is a merchant seaman, faith healer an actor in the Screen Actor's union. He plans to settle in Los Angeles in a year or two and return to acting. All this right outside my garage. And he's single. A SHOUT OUT TO.. Cleo and Helen a couple we met two weeks ago visiting from Flint Michigan. ANY PF CHANG'S FANS OUT THERE? A new one opened in Queretaro Mexico. It's in the largest mall in all of Mexico. There must be a dozen PF Chang's all over Mexico. This one is the closest to where we live and a forty minute drive. We arrived as the restaurant opened for lunch on Saturday, and before we left, every table was occupied and there were fifty people waiting.  ANGELA DAVIS DOCUMENTARY! Be sure to see it and relive this important part of our history. I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area during those years and have stories I can only tell in person. Professor Angela Davis then..  Professor Davis now.... 
Sistha aged well don't you think?
STAY FIT KEEP EXERCISING!
I'm up to 250 yards of non stop swimming at my swim club, 750 yards per day. It's an outside pool and the weather is great as are my swim mates. Sure am glad their English is better than my Spanish. Marvelle and I are committed to hiring a Spanish teacher this week. Check back with me on that. 72 the new 50!
RAVINIA TOUR IN CHICAGO
Marvelle and I hope to partner with our friends Randall and Wilma.
They have the experience we need. Check out the line up and dates and let us know what you want to see/hear and join us in Chicago THIS SUMMER!
"Hey Chicago, will it be above freezing by then!" (Just could not help myself)
COOKIN AND CRUZIN WITH MARVELLE
We have plans in the works to film our own BBS Cooking Show
AND ONLY HAVE ROOM FOR EIGHT PARTICIPANTS.
Call Marvelle and sign up TODAY!
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
I saw some new construction housing, two bedroom, $90,000 to buy and
5000 pesos to rent...($373 US) More on that next time. I'll have pictures.
THANK YOU FOR READING AND YOUR KIND COMMENTS
I appreciate both.
WHAT! VISIT MEXICO?
Let me know when you want to visit Mexico.
I love putting tours together.
TTFN
Cap'n Paul
pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
(773) 924 1947
COST OF LIVING AND RIDING THE BUS
February 22, 2014 Marvelle and I just got home from the organic market with three bags of vegetables for less than five dollars. Marvelle is much more into shoppng than I am. I just get a cup of coffee, take a seat at a group table and see how long it takes to get hit on. Today is was under two minutes. She was a nice lady who has lived in San Miguel for fifteen years. We agreed on lots of topics from real estate, to restaurants, to retirees who think Mexicans in Mexico ought to speak English. OH MY! THE BUS TO LAREDO Two weeks ago Marvelle and I took the bus from San Miguel to Laredo Texas to take care of some paper work.
Up scale bus.
No chickens no bandits. It was 1.5 hours to Leon, a major Mexican city,
then another 13 hours from Leon to Nuevo Laredo and a short four dollar taxi ride to the bridge that separates the U.S from Mexico. We walked across the bridge to enter the U.S. We won't do that again. T  We stayed overnight at The Marriott in Laredo Texas and had lunch the next day at an Olive Garden. After Marvelle picked up a few items at Wall Mart we checked out of The Marriott, took a taxi back over the boarder into Mexico, picked us a new visa for Marvelle, and headed for the bus station. No muss no fuss.
We arrived home safely the next day, car still in the garage and our stuff all where we had left it. The cost for the bus round trip, $114 each. When are get permanent residency that cost will be half.
MY POOL IS OPEN! FIVE MINUTES FROM THE HOUSE
Before moving to San Miguel six months ago, I was doing forty minutes of non stop swimming. Today I'm doing ten minutes of non stop swimming. Got a ways to go.
MORE ON OUR COST OF LIVING
I just paid a very nice lady $4.50 US for and hour and a half of ironing.
Our weekly housekeeper, internet, electricity, water is included in our rent. The deal is so good I've had to stop talking about it.
The woman at the organic market today, an artist, has been living here 15 years and pays 3000 pesos or $266 a month US including utilities. She has no plans to move. She speaks fluent Spanish and has a tourism side hustle. Tired of the cold?
Marvelle's root canals and implants are all done and at less than a third of US prices. Not a speck of trouble.
MARVELLE IS WALKING
And kicking my butt. I can't keep up. It's a big track. One lap takes us five minutes. I do one lap, Marvelle does three and is working on more. YOU GO GIRL!
EATING TOO MUCH!
We are having dinner here at our house tonight with a couple we met last week and our landlords. We're having cactus for the first time.
Tomorrow Sunday we are driving forty five minutes to a new PF Chang in Queretaro. We'll make a stop at Costco to do some big box shopping. 
COME FOR A VISIT
It's a renter's market.
Hasta la vista.
Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
(773) 924 1947 (It's a Chicago prefix. No long distance)
MY NEW MEXICO BLOG WE ARE NOT SPECIAL February 6, 2014 Lots of you have been E mailing us about how special we are and that we have the dream lifestyle, etc.. Thank you very much...but  WE ARE NOT SPECIAL NEGROES.
We just happened to both be from Chicago and are generally unafraid of living. Right now for example we are on a delux bus headed home. Only two other people are on the bus, it's pitch black outside and it's OK. Only thing missing is a 1/2 pint.
Captain Bill Pinkney ain't afraid. Negro sailed around the world on a sailboat by himself.
Lives in Puerto Rico and still is sailing. Negro older than dirt. He's from Chicago too, Southside like me and Marvelle. All of use to ski before we just got too damn old.
YOU JUST GOT TO JUST STOP BEING AFRAID NEGRO.
Cause you're gonna die anyway.
You want something to be afraid of, 2016 the Republicans take the Presidency, the House and the Senate. Be afraid of that Negro.
Live life ole bean, every golden minute of it! And enjoy Budweiser, every golden drop of it. Those of us from Chicago, of a certain age, lived by those words. Who said those words anyway? You are not special when you move from Chicago in the winter. To us it just makes good sense especially if you can, i.e. retired, kids gone, no grand kids you like, and two social security checks. BUT FIRST YOU GOTTA STOP WITH THE "I CAN'T, THEY WON'T LET ME, I'M NOT LIKE THEM." If you're Black and between 60 and 75 and from Chicago, we probably are related. AND LIVING OUR LIFESTYLE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. IF YOU ARE HAPPY, THAT THE RIGHT LIFESTYLE! CAN I HAVE AN AMEN BY BROTHERS AND MY SISTERS? It's raining outside the bus. We're in Monterrey MX. Big city with two bus terminals. It's 910pm. We get home at 1030am. Now ain't that special! NEXT ISSUE: COST OF LIVING AND RIDING THE BUS IN MEXICO. Thanks for reading and loving us. Cap'n Paul and Marvelle SUPER NEGROES
MY NEW MEXICO BLOG
IS IT TOO COLD TO BLOG January 26, 2014 It's not cold here in San Miguel, however Constant Contact has lost a lot of my past bogs and and the create functions are acting funny. Compared to what's going on outside your door I'm in good shape. This is you Chicago! And this is me in San Miguel. I have been swimming here the past three days. La Gruta is a hot springs a twenty minutes drive from our house.  WHAT'S UP WITH YOU LIVING IN MEXICO CAP'N PAUL Not much I'm afraid. Even being married is going well. Good news makes for dull reading. We spent December in Puerto Vallarta entertaining friends. Not much happening here since then. We'r e enjoying our new home. I found a Blues Bar in town playing great music from back in the day. I had planned to do my usual rant about moving to safe, warm, cheap Mexico, but my rant ain't working. Marvelle's daughter says take more pictures of the life and times of Cap'n Paul & Marvelle and say less. So I think I'll wrap up this session with an Email we got from Bill Mitchell an old friend of Marvelle. NEWS FLASH!! Fifteen folks from Chicago are coming to the Fiesta Americana in Puerto Vallarta Feburary 9 - 19, 2014. Marvelle and plan to be in PV attending a health conference. Give us a call on our Mexican cell, (415) 125 5184 and we'll show you around. Hasta luego. Cap'n Paul Hola, Why does DC have Chicago weather? Doesn't God know that the south is not equipped to handle anything like this. Do you know that the heaters in our apartment are blowing cold air because they can't handle temps in the teens and single digits?! Some counties in the area have closed schools for the week. I thought it was interesting that in Wisconsin schools are closed and the governor has instructed people to stay inside because of the low temperatures and high winds. I'm telling you these things because I know how homesick you are to be back in the wintery mix. Just think of how enjoyable it is to walk out in the brisk 8 degree weather first thing in the morning and scrape the snow and ice off your windows. To have the snow plowed by the city trucks cover the hour of shoveling you labored over. Or not be able to see out the windows because the water has frozen in the window washer supply lines. So how's the routine going in Mexico? We were so saddened by the fact that you had rain in Puerto Vallarta during the New Year's festivities. Had we been able we would have gone down to console you. But now that you are back home in your new house on the hill overlooking all the peasants and the other little people, I would imagine you are in your comfort zone. Enjoy it while you can. We're working on another political campaign. The candidate is running for a City Council at Large position for the District. You can imagine how many people want to get out in the cold and work on a campaign. Not to mention the excitement voters have of attending fund raisers and meet and greets in sub freezing weather. Boy oh boy is it fun.. Well, as much as I would like to continue this great tale of love for winter weather I can't because I'm just too sleepy. But I will keep you posted. Take care, Bill and Martha MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
OUR COST TO LIVE IN SAN MIGUEL
October 3, 2013 I have been doing a lot of reading this week about the 10,000 people who turn 65 every day. That's a lot of people who would like to retire. However, what I have been reading online, says that the majority of we Baby Boomers are not financially ready to retire and perhaps will never be able to retire. When you think about how many black folks are in that number, we, the last hired and the first fired, an even greater number of African American may not be able to afford retirement. WHAT HAVE I DONE, BABY BOOMER REVEAL THEIR DEEPEST FINANCIAL REGRETS But is there another way? Marvelle and I are living fine in San Miguel, on a hill, with a thirty mile view.  HERE'S OUR BUDGET Rent.......................................$450 month includes internet and utilities Bus to town 5 minutes...........$15.40 month (20 R/T FOR TWO) Food and wine at The Mega...$300 month Gas for Jeep............................$100 month (not driving much these days) Favorite jazz club for dinner......$38 for two with drinks Health club with lap pool..........$46 month Vonage for no toll US calls.........$40 month TOTAL.....$990 month  Our grocery store The Mega. Taxis are $2.70 anywhere in the city. Four people is 68 cents pp. One B/R furnished, flat screen TV, all utilities, friendly English speaking neighbors. Parking across the street for our Jeep.....FREE San Miguel, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Cabo, Cancun,etc are the more expensive cities in which to retire. You can do it on two social security checks of $1000 each and save money. IS IT TRUE OR IS CAP'N PAUL A BIG LIAR! The only way to know is to come for a visit. Marvelle and I are working on a two city visit plus shopping. Vacation in Mexico. Check out the possibilities. NEXT ISSUE "But what about health care Cap'n Paul?" My prayers go out to the family of the black women killed in DC today. Cap'n Paul pmixon@honeyletstravel.com (773) 924 1947 Marvelle Manga Mixon Check our my wife's new website http://blackboatersandfriends.com
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
WE'RE AFRAID TO VISIT
September 20, 2013
Dear Blog Readers,
Marvelle and I would like to visit all of our readers in the US but..We're afraid of all the reports of violence. What do you suggest?
reports of violence  Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
NO STORMS IN SAN MIGUEL
September 19, 2013
For those who asked if we are ok, we are. Acapulco is 300 miles from our San Miguel De Allende home, and the gulf of Mexico is 400 miles. We're safe. Thanks for your concern.
We've had some rain in San Miguel, but today the sun is out and it's warm.
Our prays are with the families everywhere who are loosing lives and homes
in these storms.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR MARVELLE
Tomorrow we have our Spanish finals. Marvelle has had enough.
I'm taking another four weeks. Wish me luck.
Look for more in my next report.
BYE FOR NOW. Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
WE'VE COMPLETED WEEK THREE OF
SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL
September 13, 2013
Hola blogger readers. One of you asked this week, "What do you and Marvelle do everyday in San Miguel De Allende". "Well it's pretty uneventful." Monday through Friday we're up at seven and out the door between 8 & 8:15am. The bus to school runs every three minutes from right in front of our apartment. It's a five minute ride to Academia Hispano Americana. Classes begin at 830am.
When we get home Marvelle watches the Steve Harvey Show and I jump on the computer. Exciting stuff huh?
It's a three day weekend in Mexico. The holiday is September 16, 2013.
Marvelle and I will watch fireworks on Sunday with our new friends Rodrigo and Stephanie. Rodrigo is from Monterrey Mexico and Stephanie is a sistha from Philadelphia. Great couple who have built a great home in San Miguel, a casita for their full time maid, and have recently completed building a fourth house on their property that Marvelle and I hope to rent and complete our plan to move from PV to San Miguel. Life is good.
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
IT'S COLD AND RAINING IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?
September 8, 2013
Marvelle and I came to San Miguel to learn Spanish and to get way from
the heat and humidity in Puerta Vallarta. We did not expect to have to wear our cotton sweats that we use during ski season in Lake Tahoe. OH MY!
WHERE AMERICANS ARE LIVING IN MEXICO
Google "The best places to retire in Mexico" and there is a ton of listings. I like the top two, but then I began to think about how do you get the top two slots on Google. You can use technology, but my personal feeling is to always follow the money. To get those top spots somebody got paid. I did not get paid for what follows, and the opinions are mine and Marvelle's.
MY DON'T LIKES FOR RETIREMENT FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN BABY BOOMERS We don't like Lake Chapala. The lake is dead. There is no swimming, fishing, boating. There are lots of old people using walkers. I don't have anything against old people on walkers... but not me just yet! There is lots of over priced property. And the communities are strung out on one major road like those in the Los Angeles basin. And everyone speaks English. Yuck! CLICK FOR VIDEO. And it's expensive.
We don't like Cabo San Lucas. It's a regular American beach town. A great place for spring breakers. And it's expensive. Not for Black Baby Boomers! Or maybe? We don't like Guadalajara. It's like living in Chicago without the bad winters and Lake Michigan. Much too urban a place for us to retire in.  Guadalajara, MX
Puerto Vallarta/La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a second look.
I feel like a traitor turning on the city Marvelle and I have lived in for the past nineteen months but..."you gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em."
PV IS BIG FUN... It has great villas, beaches, sailing, fishing, a ton of restaurants, nightlife for the young, great golf, the best medical and dental care you can get in either country, all that and Vallarta Adventures.
But the real estate is all over priced, rental can be high, and after you buy the T shirt, there ain't much more to do as a long term retiree.
We have encountered about six African Americans living in the greater PV area. Some have purchased home and are having second thoughts about their decision.
Marvelle and I may be moving if we find the the right deals. But we do know that we want to spend a few months near the beach in PV. Stay tuned. MARVELLE AND CAP'N PAUL'S RETIREMENT PICK FOR BBBR (Black Baby Boomer Retirees)San Miguel De Allende of course. We like the weather during the summer months. We like the size of the city, about 150,000 with about 6000 additional expats. We like the people, the music, the architecture, the food and the vistas.  San Miguel too can be expensive if you don't know how to shop. Rule #1. QUIT THINKING YOU NEED TO BUY A HOUSE!! Why, when you can rent a house the owner wants $300, 000 for $850 a month, fully furnished including utilities. You may want to move and can't sell the darn thing. Rule #2. SHOP CRAIG'S LIST FOR GOOD RENTAL DEALS. Network, network, network. A Spanish language classmate of Marvelle suggested we look at a one bedroom his Mexican girlfriend had for rent. I handed her the rent money after ten minutes in the apartment. Rule #3. Be friendly like me and Lynn Avery and talk to everyone, because information is what you need and want. MAREVELLE AND I ARE NOT SPECIAL. Two people with $1000 a month each in income, can live very comfortably in Mexico without living in the boonies. Come visit us for a "Vacation With A Purpose." We will show you how. AS I APPROACH 72... You know, when I was forty five, seventy two was old. And when I was thirty, seventy two was really old. So if you are thirty and reading this blog remember you are reading the ranting of a really old man. Having said that, except for my knees, I'm only fifty. I've already traded in my left knee and will have the right one replaced soon.
Last week I found a swimming pool close to our San Miguel apartment and intend a 30 minute non stop swim on Tuesday, September 10th, my 72nd year on the planet.
I've never been one for celebrating my birthday. Lots of you do a birthday week or birthday month. For me it's just another day where I need to eat better, drink less and exercise more. I do know that being in a rut is a sure way not to wake up on the right side of the grass..Our moving to Mexico is one way to be rut less. BETTER SEX?
In my last blog I promised to tell you how to have better sex by retiring in Mexico Your solution is to practice more, get better, then come to Mexico. The sun is finally coming out at 1pm. Think I'll go have some chicken wings at Hanks.  Hasta la Vista Cap'n Paul Y Marvelle  711pm - The chicken wings were terrible but Serena Williams was great.
HAPPY LABOR DAY BUT NOT HERE
September 2, 2013
I was thinking last night how much living here in San Miguel De Allende is like
living most places in the USA with its highways, shopping malls, and two Starbucks.
Yesterday we were invited to have mimosas and omelettes at the home of a friend of a friend. Folks here really know how to network. And since we are the new guys on the block, we always go and listen. Expats are also intrigued by the Marvelle and Cap'n Paul story.
THE VIEW
FROM OUR TERRACE
When we returned home I tried to find football on the T.V but could not.
So we ended up watching the news on WGN T.V. in Chicago. There were more shooting again in Englewood, my old neighborhood.
NEW EVENTS FROM MARVELLE, ME ESPOSA
July 2014, Culinary Sailing
On a Voyage 600 Catamaran
Learn to cook southern style and international dishes on board the Voyage 600 with Chef Marvelle. The crews on the other BBS yachts were astounded how well the crew on Cap'n Paul's and Marvelle's boat ate everyday. It was all due to Marvelle and her skillful crew.
Learn how she does it in seven days - Galley Cooking.
July 2014, First Mate Training For Men Only
On a Moorings 50.5
Guys, come learn how to help our captains run a big yacht, power or sail.
You will experience seven days of intense sailing.
July 2014, Black Boaters & Friends
On a Moorings 4800 or Moorings 50.5
This vacation will be Black Boaters Summit Marvelle's way including
the name change. E-mail, blackboatersandfriends@gmail.com,.
August, 2014, A Seven Day Vacation
At Our Virgin Gorda Villa
Please let Marvelle know which vacation you may be interested in attending and she will send you more info.
blackboatersandfriends@gmail.com
MY NEXT BLOG
How To Retire In Mexico And Have A Better Sex Life
Hasta la vista
Pablo
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
Today Marvelle and I Completed
Our First Week Of Spanish Language School
August 30, 2013
A down to earth black women did this. Wait until you see the homes that she has built.
Still afraid to visit Mexico? Oh well! Marvelle, Stephaine and I are lovin it!
Got home work in Spanish to do.
Hasta manana.
Cap'n Paul
And like our friend Lynn would say;
"riding it till the wheels fall off"
pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
CAP'N PAUL IS STILL IN MEXICO
July 18, 2013
My apologies to the readers of this blog. I have been real busy with The Last Black Boaters Summit and not keeping up with my writing.
It is as much work planning an event for forty participants and five boats as it is planning for one hundred and seventy participants (BBS2011) and twenty four boats. BUT I'M BACK.
SOBRIETY & CELIBACY
Has anyone seen Marvelle? She's been gone for more than thirty days. Not a good time for me to stop drinking I'll tell you that. I have lost twelve pounds, so it's not all bad.
I look better too!
Marvelle and I are scheduled to meet in Chicago on the 26th and travel on to BBS2013 in Tortola. Whoopee!
INSIDE PUERTO VALLARTA  It's hot! There are no American or Canadian tourist on the streets, in the restaurants, or in the stores. Everything cost less including airfare, but now is not the time to visit PV in my opinion.
To escape the heat Marvelle and I have enrolled in AHA Spanish Language School September and October in San Miguel De Allende. It's an intensive four hours a day, five days a week. Ay Caranba! See my story on San Miguel below. Join us.
RENT IN SAN MIGUEL FOR $300 A MONTH. I found a place on my last visit to San Miguel that was livable at $300 a month, no contract, furnished, safe and with utilities paid. No lease, pay and stay.
Upscale housing will cost you on the average $650 - $1000+ a month but everything is
negotiable.
MEDICAL TOURISM
When Marvelle and I return to PV in November, we're going to launch our weight reduction surgery program. Your cost in America, $20,000.00. Here in Puerto Vallarta $7000 all inclusive. Quite a savings. Watch the blog.
I WENT SAILING TODAY
It was only the sixth time sailing in nineteen months. It was an awesome day; ten knots of wind, not a cloud in the sky only three people on board. My kind of day.
We sailed on a BABA 30 shown below. The boat sailed itself.
Marvelle is not a sailor!!
Until next time come for a visit or for a lifetime.
We'll show you how.
Cap'n Paul & Marvelle Living in La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, Mexico pmixon@honeyletstravel.com (773) 924 1947 toll free
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
CAP'N PAUL ON THE ROAD AGAIN
SAN MIGUEL IS THE BOMBJune 29, 2013, Saturday
I got over to Hank's Bar early, 5pm or so. It was packed the day before with lots of folks knocking back the two for one drinks. 
I sat on the bar as I usually do. And as I check out to see who was there I spot this brotha waving at me. I beckoned him over and introduced myself as Paul from Chicago to which he replied, " Captain Paul?" Needless to say I was at a loss for words.
ARE YOU WASTING AWAY YOUR RETIREMENT? STOP IT!
Join Marvelle and me in Spanish Language School in the best city in all of Mexico,
San Miguel De Allenda. Or, don't go to class and tour the city.
We got the lodging hook up in one of the best neighborhoods in San Miguel.
Call us for more..(776) 924 1947! Jose Luis is sending me better photos to follow.
VISITING SAN MIGUEL? ONLY PLACE TO STAY IS CASA CALDERONI. TRUST ME!
Check out Trip Adviser. Don't just take my word for it. I extended my stay three days.
It's just that good.
My bed at Casa Calderoni.
Can't wait to share it with Marvelle...Yum!
Cap'n Paul
Old but still kickin!
(773) 924 1947
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG.
CAP'N PAUL ON THE ROAD AGAIN
AND UNDERWHELMED IN GUANAJUATO
June 24, 2013, Sunday...
Monday, 1250pm
I was so disappointed with Guanajuato I got up at 5am, Monday, did four hours on the computer, and packed,
I am now on a bus to San Miguel de Allende. I like San Miguel. It's a little pricey but cool in the summer. Marvelle and I can study Spanish there.
BTW, I now "do bus." The terminals are clean. Everything is clearly marked. And the people are very helpful to the language challenged. Buses are FAST!
Even using taxis in the cities, the whole trip is cheaper than driving. 
Guanajuato is not all that bad. I just was expecting so much more. The hotel was right next to a gringo internet and coffee café.
El Tal. Best coffee is town. You want the 411 about the town you're in hit the Starbucks or where ever Americans drink coffee early mornings.
I got information on great apartments furnished for $300 month. The guys I talked to were all retired with wives and two social security checks.
They bank money every month.
Guanajuato is 7000 feet. The last time I tried to visit a city with that much altitude I was sick. Not this time. Lot of water, no booze and all those days in the gym the past few months made the difference. THANKS MARVELLE.
I'M IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE AND I LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Another Cap'n Paul great pick, The Hotel Posada De Las Monjas,. Big, well appointed rooms with a live fireplace Marvelle.  And, our favoring jazz club is only twp blocks away. Life is good!!
Gotta go celebrate with a club soda on the rocks!!
Cap'n Paul
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
THE RAINY SEASON HAS ARRIVED AND
MARVELLE IS GONE!
6/22/13
Let me tell you it has been REAL HOT in the cities by Banderas Bay.
We had to turn on the air in the bedroom to sleep. But I can see sleep comfortably now that the rain has come and we're back to normal.  Marvelle went to Rio and Salvador Bahia this morning.  She left most of her clothes so I guess she's coming back. I'm on a 1115PM delux bus to Guanajuato, MX. They tell me the seats are better than on American Airlines first class. I'll let you know.  Everyone I talk to raves about the city. I was at a "Friends of La Cruz" mixer yesterday and this old salt went on and on about all the best places to people watch. I guess if you like college girls....I DO NOT, preferring vintage Chicago Sistahs like the one I got!! My mission is to find a Spanish Language school and place for Marvelle and I to live September and October. Come on down. I'm staying at Residencia Mexicana for $35 a night with breakfast. CAP'N PAUL ON A LOCAL BUSCheck it out. Cap'n Paul don't do bus. I had my first car when I was 15....a real long time ago. But my Jeep was in the shop in Puerto Vallarta and the waiting room sucked. So I jumped on the bus, like the one three photos up, and headed to Boca de Tomatlan one of my favorite tourist don't go places.  It was so nice. I ate a great big fried red snapper, drank two mescales (not advised for first timers) and four beers. I HAD A GOOD TIME. And I was not driving...yet! The bus was a great experience; clean, safe, fast and only 14 pesos round trip. Well that's it for now boys and girls. Retire in Mexico or come for a visit. It's cheap, safe and fun. TTFN Cap'n Paul On the road again 773 924 1947 leave a message
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
WHERE IS THE BLOG BEEN CAP'N PAUL
6/11/13
To tell the truth there just ain't been a lot to share.
Marvelle and I are working hard on
The Last For Real Black Boaters Summit. Why it takes more time to manage 40 people and four boats than it does 174 people and twenty four boats (BBS2011), is beyond me. But we have been putting in the hours to make BBS2013 the best that it can be.
I'm excited that I get to skipper the biggest bareboat in the BVI, a Voyage 600.
We have one cabin left on another boat if you want to join us. $1250 plus air.
Call. Don't email. Cap'n Paul, (773) 924 1947
GENTLEMAN. THINK YOU'RE A GREAT LOVER?....THINK AGAIN. BUT YOU CAN BE. My wife Marvelle gave me a new book to read, She Comes First. She said even, or especially at, seventy two, there is still room for improvement. I consider this book required reading for every man, although most of you brothers reading this will think, "I don't need no help or advise about my sex life and especially not from anyone crazy enough to live in Mexico." YES MY BROTHA! YOU PROBABLY DO!
NO GIGGLING PLEASE. GROWN FOLKS ONLY! This is serious shit. The two most important things we do in life, raise children and have sex, is not taught in public schools. " We're to leave SEX EDUCATION up to the parents" it's said. Talk about the blind leading the blind!! Thank God for the internet.
I would get into it more with you, but Marvelle's girlfriends are already on the phone,
"Girl, did you see what your crazy husband wrote this time."
COME TO PUERTO VALLARTA MEXICO IF YOU LIKE HOT!! It's 96 degrees today in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle where we live. Hotel prices have gone down everywhere in Banderas Bay.
It's time to visit.
Later this week I'm driving into Puerto Vallarta, 40 minutes, and check out all the hotels advertIsing rates of $75 to $36 per night. You can check them out on Trip Advisor and Hotel.com.
I was married near the church in the photo above in 1973.
MARVELLE AND I ARE ABOUT TO GET ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
Marvelle's in Salvadore Bahia mid June. I'm headed to Juanajuato Mexico to check out lodging for our September and October stay and to select our Spanish language school.
I may just keep on driving over to the Yucatan Peninsula 
Its' a hard job, but
Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
(773) 924 1947
pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
KEEPING BUSY IN OUR RETIREMENT PARADISE
Semana Santa, an Easter Week vacation that brings thousands of Mexicans to PV and other cities on Banderas Bay, spared our tiny town of La Cruz and our condo community of La Joya. While there were a few more people here, the number of visitors was not overwhelming like in this Puerto VAllarta beach pictured below.
The Canadian snow birds, who arrived later this winter and were fewer in numbers than last year, have all gone home leaving me no one to network with at the pool.
The upside is I have the pool all to myself.
TIME TO GET BUSY AND NOT PLAY GOLF!
I got my State of Nayarit drivers license last week. 350 pesos and i was in and out in under an hour. They were actually having a 50% off sale. No test, just a few health questions, pay the money and I was out the door. . I just love it.
SPANISH/ENGLISH ANYONE?
I started a Spanish/English Club this week made up of Mexicans wanting to learn English and Gringos who want to learn Spanish. It's beginning to take off. We're meeting daily at
the yacht club restaurant.
Three days ago, while I was writing this blog, I felt a tightening in my chest and began to sweat a little. "This is not good" I thought as i made my way to the bedroom to tell Marvelle what was happening. She immediately fed me two aspirins and got on the phone to my cardiologist. He said he would meet us at the hospital in forty minutes.
Ten minutes passed and I was feeling better and said, "I don't need to go to the hospital." Marvelle said, "get in the car hard head."
Long story short by 5PM I had had two ECGs and two blood test. I checked out 100%.
No heart attach. No heart episode at all. "Gas" my doctor said as I handed over $270 dollars US for lab and doctor fees. " Lay off the beer, beans and cabbage."
I've been to the gym twice since then, seven miles on the bike in 30 minutes, pumped a little iron and did twenty laps in the pool. I ask Marvelle if she would like to contribute to my cardio rehab. "Maybe later she said."
Today, Sunday, we are going to the last day of the La Cruz Farmers Market.
The fish sellers always slice off a piece of raw tuna for me to sample.
Marvelle just walks away.
At noon we're driving into Puerto Vallarta to have lunch with friends. Herb is not big
on having lunch in out of the way places. But he'll love El Rio BBQ
MARVELLE AND CAP'N PAUL ARE IN CHICAGO...
April 24 - May 18, 2013. Come by and see us if you're in the area.
(773) 924 1947
CANCEL MORGANS MEET AND GREET. .. We will find another place and advise.
It's still cold in Chicago!!
Have a great Sunday everyone.
I'll keep bloggin if you keep readin.
Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
LIVING IN MEXICO DEAL BREAKERS
Our housekeeper came this morning. She comes every other Sunday and spends six to seven hours turning our condo into a show place. I love that. Luz was an hour late. She forgot Mexico went on day light saving time today. She called and said she was on her way. Marvelle and I usually leave the house and shop the La Cruz Farmers Market while Luz cleans. Marvelle decided to sleep in so I went alone. It's another perfect 85 degree day. Not a cloud in the sky. I even saw two other Black Americans, but that is another blog. The music was excellent. I had breakfast at OSOS,  with friends from the SF Bay Area who also live here. Semana Santa, a big Mexican holiday, is over. Most of the Canadian snow birds have gone home, and the pool where we live is empty...Yes! When I returned from the market, Marvelle shared an article sent online by International Living. Marvelle said that I had no adjustment to make moving to Mexico because I've been visiting and vacationing in Mexico since 1968, that I can get most things done in Spanish and that I am a very flexible middle class hippie. She and her friends from Chicago are not. I think she's jsut jealous because she had to grow up in the mean streets of Chicago while I smoked weed in the Haight Ashbury. Be that as it may, for me, sitting on the veranda, drinking a big glass of wine, looking out at the water, talking with my wife, my day can't get any better, unless someone at the market invited me out sailing. But after reading the International Living piece, I can see where many of you may not adjust living overseas as rapidly as I did. Please read what follows and give me some feedback. Also keep i mind that where we live there are two Sam Clubs, two Walmarts and a Costco. Cap'n Paul Thanks for reading my blog IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR HOME OVERSEAS... STAY HOME!! Over the last 11 years of living throughout Latin America, my wife, Suzan, and I have missed lots of things we had back in the States. The first one for me was roasted red peppers. Eight brands in the supermarket back home... none in the first two countries we lived in. (For Suzan, it was Triscuits.) There have been many more. Decent power tool bits, boneless chicken breasts, punctuality, customer service... But none of these things have been deal-breakers for us. Suzan and I are lucky this way... we quickly learned to go with the flow and enjoy the novel and unusual things our new locations offered... AND to savor the challenge of replacing or working around the things we wanted but couldn't find. That's why we make a habit of advising anyone considering a move abroad to do one simple thing-ruthlessly assess yourself. Before you do anything else, be completely honest with yourself and think hard about the things you actually need to be happy. Ask yourself what you'd do if you couldn't find these things in your new home or had to come up with your own replacements for them. To aid in this assessment, we came up with this little exercise. Imagine that when you get up tomorrow morning, you will board a plane and fly away to live permanently in a foreign country. What is the one thing you would make sure to take with you if you could? In other words, what's the one thing you'd miss the most if you arrived without it and couldn't find the same thing in your new country? Your 4G smart phone? Your non-stick cookware? Your 50-inch high-def TV? Your nicotine gum? Your hybrid SUV? Your memory foam pillow? Your favorite contact lens solution? Your "Swedish steel" woodworking tools? The English language? The point is to identify your deal-breakers. It doesn't matter if it's ultra-pasteurized half and half for your coffee or a particular brand of denture cleanser or high-thread-count sheets or easy-to-scoop kitty litter. If you don't have it or can't do it, and you can't find it or get it done, and it makes you miserable... then it won't make much difference if you're swinging in a hammock on a pristine white-sand beach in a tropical paradise. You'll be unhappy. And here is what all the successful expats Suzan and I have ever known have in common: They don't have any real deal-breakers because they stay flexible, they improvise and they keep things in perspective. If they can't find good Ranch-style dressing, they make their own from scratch with ingredients they can find. If unfamiliar local procedures or bureaucracy means they can't get all the chores on their daily to-do list done, they don't rant and rage... they make shorter lists. If they can't grill an acceptable steak with the grass-fed beef from the local mercado, they grill chicken and fish and use the beef for chili and stew. If they don't know enough Spanish or Portuguese or French to order a pizza over the phone, they learn it... or learn to enjoy making pizza at home. Over the years we've met a few expats who never wanted to do that. They spent most of their time trying to make their lives in Mexico or Ecuador or Belize or Uruguay exactly the same as they were back home...and complained when they weren't. This is the biggest deal-breaker of all, of course, because the only place on earth exactly like back home is... back home. That's why this exercise is helpful. It brings your expectations into focus...and clarifies the reasons you're considering a move abroad in the first place. And if, after being honest about your own deal-breakers, you can say that you're still up for an adventure that will constantly challenge and endlessly entertain you with new ways of living, thinking, and seeing-then the expat life just might be for you.
MY NEW MEXICAN BLOG
NOT MUCH TO REPORT
There just has not been a whole hell of a lot of things to report since last time.
Boring and AARP like I don't want to be. But I know you REALLY need to hear from me so here goes.
CAP'N PAUL IS NOT A RACING SAILOR
Cap'n Paul was invited to race on Destiny in the Banderas Bay Regatta on the Schooner Destiny, for three days. That was fun. Hard, but fun. For an inexperienced crew, we did ok. THE LA CRUZ MARKET
Our favorite thing to do on Sundays is to walk to the La Cruz Farmers Market. The market will close at the end of the month. We buy a little fish, have a little breakfast, people watch. Exciting stuff.  MARVELLE AND CAP'N PAUL IN CHICAGOMarvelle and I will be in Chicago April 24 - May 18, 2013. We're planning a "DO YOU GUYS REALLY LIVE IN MEXICO" meet and greet. Those of you who still maintain Mexico is dangerous can join us and look for any bullet holes we might have in our bodies...lol...lol.. We'll talk about cost of living, medical care, and things to do. Standby for more. Do you thjink we look a little wasted in the photo?
WHAT ELSE...OH YES! NEW YEAR EVE, 2013
Marvelle, is planning a NEW YEARS EVE PARTY, December 28, 2013- January 4, 2014, here at The Villa Savana.  WANNA GO. E-mail Marvelle today as it's almost full already: WELL THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS. It's 630 am. Guess I'll go to the gym and work on my six pack! Cap'n Paul
Keeping it real in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
pmixon@honeyletstravel.com
(773) 924 1947
MY NEW BLOG
MARVELLE AND CAP'N PAUL DAY TO DAY!
We just got in from getting a pedicure, manicure and message in Bucerias the next town north of La Cruz. Gena, the salon owner, is a fellow graduate of the University Of California Santa Cruz. She graduated in 1990, 19 years after me. 
Marvelle and I now have pretty feet and no I did not paint my toes...yet! Waiting for the Last Black Boaters Summit to do that. Check it out. Salon Diva.
OUR DAY TO DAY...
has been filled with eight to ten hour days working on Black Boaters Summit, our 1st Annual African American Teen Sailing Camp, Dental Tourism, Retiring in Mexico for African American Baby Boomers and loosing weight. Sitting on the beach in the sun indeed!
INTERACTIVE BLOG I want you, without thinking about it too hard, to send me five words that best describes your thoughts about Mexico. Please do it before reading the rest of our blog.
Just five words. No narrative or comments. Send to pmixon@honeyletstravel.com,. Many thanks.
WHERE TO RETIRE IN MEXICO
I've been coming to Mexico and Puerto Vallarta since 1968 four years after the 1964 movie, Night Of The Iguana, put the sleepy fishing community on the map. So I guess it makes sense that forty nine years later that I would come here to retire. There are, however, two other Mexican cities where American Expats have settled. These are their stories. BLING!BLING! Marvelle and I took a road trip to San Miguel and loved the city. We will spend September and October there. Too hot in PV. Join us. Ajijic is another city Americans have retired to. THIS IS AJIJIC
AJIJIC AND LAKE CHAPALA MARVELLA AND CAP'N PAUL DRIVE TO AJIJIC
Marvelle and I like San MIguel a lot better than Ajijic.
Marvelle and I live here because it is the best place to live in all of Mexico.
Watch the video and you will see why. And guess what...THERE ARE EVEN MEXICANS LIVING HERE...LOL...LOL
COME VISIT!
SENOR PABLO AND MARAVILLOSA
Formally Cap'n Paul & Marvelle
MY NEW BLOG
MOVING TO MEXICO? RENT DON'T BUY...
That will not make me the poster boy of my friends selling real estate here in Mexico.
But it's the way I see it and here is why.
To begin with, everyone I know who owns is trying to sell their homes, except here where I live in La Cruz. La Joya, below. Where we live. Best run condos in Bandares Bay.
The primary reason owners give for wanting to sell is that many home owner associations have owners who do not, and will not, pay their association fees. Not a good thing.
In my opinion, if you are at retirement age, it does not make sense to take a good portion of your savings and buy a house unless you are really sure you have found paradise. And even then I think it's a bad idea. You can always rent in paradise. And it is a renters market.
After three years of the T shirt and shorts paradise of Puerto Vallarta we can move on if we wish, no strings, no home ownership holding us back. 
And forget renting your place to help with the mortgage. It' ain't happening.
Marvelle and I will spend three months this year away from PV. It may be in the mountains of Mexico, or maybe Chicago, or who knows. And guess what, we get to return to our La Cruz, La Joya home and not pay rent on those three months we are gone. Now how nice is that? WE ARE NOT SPECIAL Thank you again readers for your very kind words about our lifestyle, but we are not special. We graduated from Lindblom and Englewood High Schools in Chicago. How special is that? Do we look special to you? We both worked our way through college. Nothing special about that.
Now, there has for me been stops along the way that might have contributed to my sense of adventure;
Navy flight crew age 17 -21, United Airline Customer Service, successful Xerox Sales Rep during the early days, California home owner, owner of three copy shops in California, sailed from San Francisco to Florida via the Panama Canal in my 32 foot sailboat, operated Black Boaters Summit for 16 years, married ten times (now that's really stupid) and I now live happily in Mexico where Marvelle keeps me grounded. (She went to Englewood.)
WE ARE NOT SPECIAL. And you can do it too! Just buy my book "The African American's Hand Book On Moving To Mexico." Soon come! IT'S JUST A VACATIONShare this two bedroom condo where we live for $400 a week or $600 per month per person for two people. ROOMATE WANTED!  We have our first "maybe retire" in Mexico coming down the end of April. She is a nice lady from Chicago. ROOMMATE WANTED!!
We decided that the two week to one month visit will be "JUST A VACATION". We will do tourist stuff and we will also look at places to live, visit doctors and dentist, and talk with other African American Expats. But the plan is for her to return to Chicago to give the idea more thought. Join us. We have other condos available in our building. Who knew our North American neighbor might one day become
an economic rival to India and China NEXT ISSUEFour retirement cities; Puerto Vallarta San Miguel de Allenda Ajijic La Cruz De Huanacaxtle Hasta Luego Cap'n Paul (773) 924 1947
MY NEW BLOG
WHY MARVELLE AND CAP'N PAUL MOVED FROM CHICAGO TO MEXICO
2/24/2013
Some have called us crazy....But....
FOLLOW THE MONEY, Deep Throat. Boomers will remember him.
True the weather is better in Mexico. Yes it is safer than living in Chicago. The sailing is great in Bandares Bay. Mexican people are really friendly. There are lots of great restaurants where we live. And more than a millions Americans living here in Mexico.
But the number one reason Marvelle and I moved to Mexico is we get a lot more for our money here.
We live in a furnished two bedroom, bay view, gated community with underground parking for $900US per month. Monthly living cost Rent..................................................$900 TV........................................................$10 Electricity.............................................$41 Mexican phone and internet...............$32 Water...................................................$15 Gas for condo........................................$6 Vonage...unlimited US calls.................$40 Food for condo...................................$400 Total....$1444
Gas for car.............$3.19US per gal
Housekeeper.............$4US per hour
Keep in mind that we could cut our overhead by 50% if we did not live in the greater Puerto Vallarta area. Click here to find out more.
NEXT ISSUE, RENT DON'T BUY AND WHY!
MY NEW BLOG
MOVING AFRICAN AMERICAN BABY BOOMERS TO MEXICO
2/22/2013
BACKGROUND
For the past sixteen years Honey Lets Travel, an event planning company I founded in 1997, has had as it's mission statement, "to introduce African Americans to yacht chartering and sailing vacations" while earning me a modest living.
For the past sixteen years we have met our objective by introducing over one thousand African Americas to sailing through an annual event called BLACK BOATERS SUMMIT or BBS. Now there are eight other African American Sailing Organizations exposing African Americans to sailing, some for profit, some for the fun of sailing. I think my work here is done. Black Boaters Summit 2013 will be my last. I have a new dream, to create African American Baby Boomer communities throughout Mexico.
I believe providing the right information, to the right people, at the right time, I will make that dream a reality and provide affordable, meaningful, retirement to African American Baby Boomers (AABB).
 SO WHAT NOW SENIOR PABLO! Over the next few weeks Marvelle and I will share with you stories of our lives here in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. We will bring you relevant stories and video that we find on the internet. We will attend retirement conferences here in Mexico and talk with expats living here. We will detail our cost of living and give you an idea of what we do day to day. Marvelle and I, will produce this year, a hands on tour for those who want to see some of what this country has to offer. There is a lot to cover, so let's begin. AABB MOVE SOUTH TO MEXICO... VIDEO #1 Live, work, retire in Mexico. This video tells our story. IMPORTANT STUFF! PLEASE CLICK THE LINK AND WATCH THE VIDEO. If one picture is worth a thousand words, this video is priceless.  Fiesta Americana In Merida.
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