Pre Guanajuato - in New Jersey

 I n 2017, I was 70, living in New Jersey, and looking for an affordable Retirement Haven.

 Previously, I had almost moved to the mountains in Roanoak, Virginia, but that didn't work out.

 

Costa Rica, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Ashville were other places I considered, but I decided that as long as I  could afford New Jersey, I would remain in NJ.

 

I was School Bus Driving, but when my hours were cut by a third, I started looking again.

While reading an issue of International Living Magazine, I accidentally noticed that their  Editor for Mexico lived in Guanajuato, Mx. - I had never even heard of Guanajuato, and here the editor for a Retirement Magazine was living there....Hmmmmm!!!!!!!  I had to check it out.

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My First Trip to Guanajuato (GTO)

After reading the article in International Living, I did a Google Search. I discovered that GTO was in Mexico's Central Mountains ( I love mountains), with a Moderate Climate, a University, and a lively Cultural Scene. After clicking on a YouTube video Guanajuato - Mexico's Dream City, I had to See If this place Was for Real. So I booked a 5-day trip for Easter Week 2017...... 

 I Came....I Saw.... I Fell in Love !!!!   Just One Look was All It Took.

I returned to New Jersey knowing It was the place for me. 

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Second Trip

I returned in August for a 10-day stay and walked thru many of the neighborhoods, checking out the amenities and the Rental Costs.

The Big Question - Can I afford to live on my Social Security?

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My Life-Changing Decision

On both visits, I stayed at  Maggic Home Panoramica Hotel.

Toward the end of my second visit, I was invited to dinner at the Owner's Home located next door to the Hotel. While enjoying dessert with the family, Maggi (The Owner) asked:
"Michael, would you like to see a Guest Room we have available in our home?". 

 

We walked up two flights of stairs that opened onto a Patio with a Breathtaking Mountain Crest View and to a Furnished Guest Room with a Bath. Maggi also offered two meals a day. I was seduced by the ambiance and excited, knowing that the total cost would allow me to live on my Social Security Check.

 

I immediately replied,      "Sí, Gracias",     and that I would move in ASAP, explaining to them that back in N.J., I had an Apartment to vacate, a part-time job to quit, and a lot of unknown loose ends. I now had a Mission to accomplish. This Life-Changing decision was made in August 2017.

 

Out with The Old

I hustled back to New Jersey, applied for Temporary Residency at the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia, and by October 2017, I had my Mexican Temporary Residency Visa in hand - I now had only six months to get myself to Guanajuato, or I would have to start the residency visa process all over again.

 

I proceeded to Empty my N.J. Apartment, quit my part-time job (saying goodbye to My School Bus Kids & their Parents was very sad), turn in my leased car, change my U.S. residency to my brother's home in California, and by Mid March 2018 (less than a year from my first visit), I was in my New Home in Guanajuato City, along with My Camera, 2 Suitcases, a Carry-on, and a Briefcase with a computer.

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I was Adopted

Best of all, I Had Been "Adopted" by a Wonderful Family - Maggi, her husband, their three children, and 5 yr. old Grandaughter. I am still living at Maggic Home and Looking forward to each new day. Living here at Maggic Home made the transition pleasurable & easy. 

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For More about Maggic Home click here The MAGGIC TOUCH