Mohr Central

We were supposed to go to Albania. We had planned a trip to a retirement option - Albania. It sounds fantastic. Visa on arrival for a year, cheap cost of living, lots of resort options on the Mediterranean, near the center of Europe. After studying and researching this looked like a top option. We had eliminated so many places that have high financial investment options or they're too hot of cold. We knew in old age we wouldn't be able to travel far as easily. We want to be near family.

Ultimately, when we sorted it out, we realized that Thailand travel is too much. In so many ways it's ideal, but the travel requirement would minimize options. Even Albania took 20 hours easily because there are no direct flights. Our trip in July 2026 to Guadalajara took 15-20 hours. That's a stretch as well. But that's more doable. Albania could take longer. Mexico could be shorter.

Of course medical care is another primary factor. Mexico comes in high on that list. America is comparable because of the high cost. Mexico is low cost for very good care. US is very good care at a high cost.

Grilling delicious meat FAVGDL2607_0472square.jpeg - Food costs --- I was struggling figuring out expenses during each meal. We had to use the MacBook calculator to convert pesos to dollars. I believe our individual meals worked out to less than 200 pesos per meal per person which is about $10.So that's about $60 a day for the two of us. 10 days would be $600 for food. Most of the food was excellent. Some, like the sushi was terrible.

Dia de Muertos

Base: White or pale face paint representing a skull (calavera).
Eyes: Large, dark circles outlined with painted flower petals, rhinestones, or colorful swirls.
Nose: An inverted black heart or triangle shape on the tip of the nose.
Mouth: Stitched or lined vertical marks across the lips to mimic a skeletal grin.
Accents: Bright acrylic or water-based pigments featuring marigolds (cempasuchil, spiderwebs, and delicate dots.

The Skull Shape: Painting the eye sockets and nose black represents the skull. It strips away material status, wealth, and ego to show that everyone is equal in death.
Bright Colors: Vibrant shades replace mourning black with joy. Yellow and orange (marigolds) guide souls, red honors the blood of life, and purple signifies grief turned into peace.
Floral Embellishments: Flowers like marigolds (cempas�chil) painted around the eyes or worn as crowns represent the fragility of life and the blooming renewal of the earth's continuous cycle.

If you are planning to participate in the local festivities in Guadalajara or want a specific design breakdown, let me know if you would like to explore symbolic color meanings or how to style a respectful look.

Time zones Since we clearly changed time zones on US side I imagined we changed per Mexican practice as well. Translating money, language and time was grueling. The time only matters when we're catching a bus or getting in a museum or show. Speaking of time we did notice patterns of culture in timing. You go to a restaurant and hang out before and after. The waiter will get to you in their own good time. Dinner seems to be served late but it wasn't clear how late. No breakfast place in our Colonia Americana neighborhood was open before 9am. Food carts were out in the streets late until 9 or 10. Rudimentary English was spoken everywhere. - FAVGDL2607_0461Ajijic