North America

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A Couple of Really Full Days

I’m rather regretting not finding the energy to blog last night because my memories of yesterday are already pretty fuzzy…

I’d been working on this tedious project with seemingly no end where all the files were taking me more than twice the normal length of time for that client. I’ve been burning the midnight oil to keep on top of all my projects and getting up early to as well. I think I was running on about six hours of sleep last night when I got up to finish what I hoped would be the last of the tedious projects. I had another two projects due before bed and I had to make a run into La Ceiba, a community just north of Mérida, to pick up my new-to-me computer chair.

I finished the tedious job at last and started on the others to get a feel for how long they would take. And then I took a break to vacuum the swimming pool. Yes, that felt like a break. First time doing that and it went well. I was told I wouldn’t need to do it for a few weeks yet, but there was a lot of dust at the bottom of the pool from the wind we’ve been having. Might as well keep on top of my chores!

I was expected in La Ceiba between 3:30 and 4:00 and took off at the last minute. Driving there, I realised just how comfortable I am here already. I’ve not experienced the culture shock I did when I returned to Canada. Strange, huh? As I headed south, I decided that I might as well make a Costco run, too, since the store is just a bit further down the highway.

I thought it would be easy to get to La Ceiba because the entrance is right across from the Coliseo, but, of course, after multiple signs announcing La Ceiba, there was no sign for the exit to take that would bring me to its nearest retorno. So I caught the next one and had to double back a lot further than planned. I then had a very long wait at the gate to enter this exclusive community. Thankfully, my phone had reception, so I was able to let the seller know I was there!

I finally made it and was able to view two of items I’m planning to purchase, my dream desk and a “good enough for the price” computer chair. I’m also buying three bookcases, but, like the desk, I cannot pick them up till June 23rd. The seller made arrangements with her housekeeper for me to pick up the rest of the items on the 23rd. It was great to meet another expat who speaks fluent Spanish without being at a native level (I had more vocabulary than she did, but she had more verb tenses). So now, I have to find some strong arms and a bigger truck to help me move the desk and bookcases. It would be way too may trips in Moya. In Mazatlán, I’d book a pick-up truck taxi (auriga), but they don’t have those here. I’ve got some leads. I’ll need similar help in the fall, so I can consider this a test run.

So next stop was Costco where I dawdled even though I really needed to get home. Sometimes, you need a break… Shopping there is a new experience for me and it seems like it’s meant to be a treasure hunt. I found today in the office supply section something that wasn’t there last week, a three-pack of good scissors for just $140. I’ve been needing new scissors for a bit, so I was happy to put those in my cart. I then meandered through the food and was probably the only single person to ever go to Costco, pick up one of their giant bags of Brussels sprouts, and go, “Yup, that should do me for a bit.” 😀

I also bought a six-pack of beautiful coloured peppers, a huge block of Chihuahua cheese for only $100, another case of almond milk (toldya I’d have no trouble getting through the first one!), peanut butter, chia seeds, chicken breasts, and more. I enjoyed the samples as I went along and knew I was getting the hang of Costco when, thirsty, I went in search of, and found, someone peddling cold juice. My favourite sample were chicken and cilantro Chinese dumplings for only $120 for a huge bag, so I bought one since I have quite a bit of freezer space here. My total for my shop was $1,200, which I’d consider a success. I know I’ll be buying my meat there when I’m living in the city.

I grabbed a slice of pizza before heading home (their Hawaiian is not nearly as good as their plain cheese). The man who took my cart back to my truck for me insisted on packing my cold things into my cooler for me and made sure everything else was packed for easy transport in my bags so he got a $5 rather than $2 tip. I have to say that the cart guys at the grocery stores in Mexico make grocery shopping so much more pleasant.

I finally got home and by the time I had everything out of the truck and put away, it was almost seven. I got back to work and typed non-stop until about eleven, knowing that that would mean a much needed slow morning today. It was only then that I decided to see if the computer chair would work with the table I set up in the bedroom, which would let me spread out and set up my first proper office in eleven months. I thought the table might be too high. But NO.

So instead of winding down to go to bed, I put this together:

Aaaaaaah. The only thing I haven’t located yet is my printing calculator, which I’ll need since I still haven’t done my taxes (due June 15th). But what an improvement! I’m seriously lacking in storage, but The Desk will have tons so I’m not keen on buying too much right now.

By the time I finally got wound down enough to get some sleep, it was well past midnight and I fell asleep just past one.

And was awake at eight. *sighs* Well, a solid seven hours is better than nothing.

I had to go to immigration and, to be honest, I really didn’t feel like going out again. But needs must. I took my time with breakfast and got started on some easy jobs due this afternoon, then headed off to Progreso. I parked at Bodega Aurrerá since I needed a few things there, INM is just two or three blocks away, and the store parking lot exit is right at a retorno for Mérida.

There was no one at INM, so I was able to immediately sit down with Alejandra, the lovely clerk working the desk. She confirmed that their system is back up and running and started to put some things into the computer. She handed me the original copy of my letter confirming my residente temporal status as well as my CURP number! That’s like a Mexican Social Insurance or Social Security Number and the piece I was missing to be able to open a bank account! I really feel official now! She accepted my photos and then I had to give her my fingerprints, using real ink on paper. And that was it! She says she’ll likely have my card for me next Wednesday!

I headed back to Bodega Aurrerá where the first order of business was to find a dish drainer because I’m never going to be one of those people who dries her dishes when they’re done. I had my choice of two ugly models, stainless steel for $150 and plain white for $75… or this cute little turquoise number for $45. SOLD. 😀

I also wanted a clothes drying rack because one of the dog’s lovely hobbies is to pull clothes off the line and destroy them. He’s already eaten my favourite headscarf, so I’ve decided that even if it’ll take longer, I’m going to dry clothes indoors. 🙁 Alas, Bodega Aurrerá did not have any drying racks. I was able to get a few more things on my list including some containers to store things in the bathroom because I have zero storage there.

I also bought myself what can only be called a self-indulgent present… I’ve been wanting to get back into Legos for a very long time and decided today to see if there were any inexpensive-ish kits in the toy section. Well, folks, I bought myself a new RV! LOL

I got in and started on the first of three loads of laundry. I knew that by the time I was ready to dry anything, I’d be moving around the house for a bit doing chores and whatnot, so I’d be able to keep an eye on the dog (who is otherwise really lovely, by the way. I’m having fun with him!). I finished the pressing work I had due today and then I decided I’d earned a proper break. So off I went to build my RV!

The van looked a little ghetto at first.

But it ended up pretty cute. I love how Lego designers pay attention to small details, like doors that open…

… and license plates!

Here are the van and trailer together. So cute. I’m infinitely amused that the only thing with fine detail in the trailer is a coffeemaker!

Lego’s instructions had the man driving and the woman cooking and taking care of the dog. I rectified that.

I then spent the afternoon continuing to get sorted. I dealt with the huge mountain of laundry, was able to store away the owners’ linens and any clothes I know I won’t wear this summer, organise the wardrobe with what I will wear for sure, and brought a semblance of order to the bathroom. I still have some work to do to be truly settled, but I, of course, don’t want to buy too much until I know where I’m moving. It’ll be nice to get the bookcases next month and unpack my books, though!

Rereading this post, it doesn’t sound like I got that much done in the last couple of days, but I really did and I’m beat. I would actually be okay with not having any work this weekend so I can just sit outside for a bit and bond with my charge as well as enjoy the pool. Don’t worry, though. I’ve had plenty of pool time — it’s wonderful to jump in after coming back all hot and sweaty from town! Even if I’ve only enjoyed it 10-15 minutes a day, it’s been such a privilege to have that chance!

Now, I think I will watch a movie. So far, I only have a couple of easy jobs for tomorrow, so it should be a less manic day. I know I need to spend a few hours in the garden, so that will give me plenty of outside time to keep building up my resistance to the glorious sun out here that I feel has resurrected me. Is this truly my life, to be living so comfortably in paradise?

 

 

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Preserving Your TIP Deposit and Legalising Your Vehicle Status After Entering Mexico on a Residente Temporal Visa in Mexico

I went into Progreso at about ten this morning and drove around in circles for a bit near the INM office looking for parking. Like many Mexican cities, Progreso is a maze of one-way streets so it’s not hard to get out of your way while being a block from your destination! Once parked, I immediately went to a little photography studio near the INM office so I could get the necessary pictures taken.

They were going to take about 15 minutes to process, so I went up the street to the Santander bank. When I came back, I was told there was a problem with the printer and someone was working on it. Just as I was going to give up and ask if there was another studio I could try, the issue was resolved. The photos were only $25!

It was then a block’s walk to the INM office…

…where I was told they’ve been having trouble with their system for a few days and that they would call me when they could process my fingerprints. Finally, something goes wrong! 😀 I was bummed because I’m on a tight work schedule this week, but I figured that if I was in Progreso, I might as well bite the bullet and go to Aduana to see about preserving the TIP deposit on my truck and making it legal for the next year. This is where the post gets “fun.”

Again, my disclaimer:

Please do not take the following information as being generally valid and legally binding advice. This is just my own personal experience and knowledge. I will not answer specific questions about the Mexican immigration process or temporary vehicle import because I am not qualified to do so.

As way of background, again, Mexico is quite particular about foreign plated vehicles coming into the country. You therefore have to import them temporarily according to the length of your stay. Only visitors and temporary residency holders can have a foreign plated car in Mexico. Those with permanent residency status or citizenship are not allowed to have a foreign plated car in Mexico.

Because I was only granted a 30-day entry with my residente temporal visa, I was only able to import my truck for 30 days. At the end of that 30 days, my truck would be here illegally and I would lose my 200USD deposit on it. You are supposed to extend your temporary import permit (TIP) once you get your temporary residency card. The catch is that it is just about impossible to get the card before the deadline to extend your TIP comes up . There is a 15-day grace period to get legal, so that tends to be enough time, but you lose the deposit.

The advice I found to preserve the deposit was to go to Aduana (customs) at every step of the journey to getting your residency card and advising them of each minor update. Because I’m doing immigration out of a small office, I knew things would move quickly and going to Aduana up to five or six times would be a waste of my and their time. I was also given conflicting info that there is absolutely no point going to Aduana until you have your residency card in hand. I decided to go to the halfway point of both points of view and go to Aduana once I had in hand proof that my temporary residency was granted.

Last night, I made copies of the following:

-the letter from INM confirming that I’m officially a temporary resident;

-all the documents I got from Aduana/Banjercito when I crossed the border (including the official-looking thing the holograma is stuck to before you peel it off and stick it on your windshield);

-my passport;

-my vehicle registration.

And I’m pretty sure I had more in there, but that was the bulk of it. I also painstakingly wrote a letter explaining what I wanted them to do. I found a template for that, but modified it significantly since I saw glaring vocabulary errors in it that didn’t make me trust it too much. So I’m not even going to share the link to it.

My hosts explained to me how to get to Aduana and boy was I grateful for that because it was very intimidating! First, they said to find and follow a big truck as it would very likely be going to Aduana. Solid advice! I got to the entrance with no issues. I then had to present myself at a control checkpoint.

There, I was asked my purpose for going to Aduana and to present my passport, driver’s license, and the documents I was going to show Aduana. The guard understood what I wanted and he went through my papers. I heard him say, “Perfectisimo,” sounding impressed, under his breath. This boded well! He then explained to me that I had a long drive ahead of me, that there would be three different speed limits, and that I could not pass other cars. Then he cleared me to go.

He wasn’t kidding about the long drive!

Aduana was on the wrong side of the median and I missed my turnoff. F&V warned me that if I did that it would be a mess to sort out. So with traffic being non-existent, I just turned around and drove the wrong way back to the turnoff. 😀

I went into the Aduana building and was greeted by a surly guy at a desk. I explained what I wanted and asked if I was at the right place. He said yes, but didn’t volunteer any other information. Undaunted, I pulled my wad of paper out of my folder and presented it to him. We exchanged more words and then he took my letter from INM and went to another room. When he came back, he had me sign in and was quite snippy when I didn’t understand all his instructions. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend if you’re going to do this. I rather wished I’d had one! I was then told to sit and wait.

It wasn’t long before a smiling woman came to see me! I again explained what I wanted and she went through all my paperwork, handing back whatever she didn’t need. Finally, she sighed and said, “Sorry, you’re missing a…” All I caught was “comprobante” (receipt or voucher) and “domicilio” (residence). My brain pedalled hard and I blurted out, “Proof of residency, like a water bill?” She said yes. I dug into my folder and pulled out the water bill V&F left for me that they said I would need a lot and for which I should have had copies. I was very annoyed with myself that I’d come all that way and would have to come back for my lack of foresight.

Well, the woman took the document, examined it, smiled even more brightly, and said, “Let me go make a copy.”

THANK YOU.

Don’t ever take for granted that copies will be made for you. This is the third time I’ve been caught without a necessary copy and only the second that Aduana took care of it for me.

When she came back, she bundled my paperwork, had me fill out a few small forms, then took my forms to another desk to be stamped and processed. She then handled me a bundle and said to come back next Monday between eight and three to get my “results,” which I’m hoping means the necessary paperwork to be legal till next year!

I remain amazed that my language skills are sufficient to do this stuff. If your Spanish is poor or non-existent, do yourself a huge favour and get a “fixer” to help you out that will save you lots of frustration. Also, copy everything you’re given and all your official documents and proofs of identification, keeping them in a folder that you should have with you at all times. From the stories I’ve read, being caught without a copy of something is the main reason why people end up having to do multiple trips, whether it be to INM, Aduana, the bank, vehicle licensing, etc.

Okay, back to work I go. It’s going to be a late one again since I suspect I’ll be back at INM tomorrow!

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Official Approval of My Request for Temporary Residence in Mexico

One of the really complicated things about bringing a vehicle into Mexico on a temporary residency visa is preserving your deposit with Aduana (customs) and Banjercito. I am going to write in greater length about that once I’ve been through the process. But at any rate, I decided that I should start the ball rolling on that tomorrow, so I went back to the INM website tonight to print out the page that shows that I’m approved for temporary residency.

There, I found quite a surprise.

There was a notice for me to download a PDF. I did so and was startled to get a scan of a very formal letter complete with stamps, seals, and signatures, confirming the approval of my request to transfer my 30-day entry into a 1-year temporary residency card.

The following happened when I opened the PDF:

  1. The text swam before my eyes after I saw the header that my case was approved.
  2. I took a deep breath and started to read.
  3. I burst into tears when I realised that I  not only understood what I was reading, but that this was Good News.
  4. I cried for a bit,then went outside and did a happy dance with the dog.

I hadn’t even realised that I’d been thinking of the possibility of a worst case scenario of my application being denied at this stage!

At this point, the hard work from an immigration standpoint is done. Next year, I need to renew my card for a further three years and then I’m done with INM except for an address change until I convert to permanent residency. After a year of permanent residency, I can choose to begin the process of naturalisation (acquiring citizenship).

This felt suspiciously easy…

I think that several things worked in my favour:

  1. I was able to exceed the requirements for acquiring a residente temporal visa.
  2. I speak Spanish, so I was able to do my own research as to requirements and procedures (I think those who don’t speak Spanish are mad to try to do this alone and should pay for a “fixer” to help them as that will save them so much time!).
  3. I was able to do the final steps at a small immigration office (I hear things move much more slowly at the Mérida office).

I should have the residency card itself in the next couple of weeks, at which point I am going to open a bank account. I also want a Mexican driver’s license at some point, but as long as I’m driving a Canadian-plated car, I’m not in a rush to do that. The final thing I will do and what reader Peter is giddy to hear about is getting Mexican health insurance. All will be revealed in due time! 😀

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A Lot of Little Things Happened Today

Today started with initial contact with a potential new client. Business is officially back to normal! 🙂

But, again, I need a proper office. I had a long typing day yesterday and am paying for it in pain. But there is hope on the horizon. I posted a wanted ad for some office furniture and someone who just bought a furnished house and currently has doubles and triples of a lot of things responded. She’s putting together a price for me for my dream desk, a chair that will tide me over, a few bookcases, and the exact type of armchair and ottoman combo I was hoping to find for my house! She knows my budget, so let’s hope I can pay for it all!

It’s been a week since I went to INM in Progreso, so I checked the status of my application this morning and nothing had changed. But when I looked back in the afternoon, there was an update! I was told things move very quickly after that first update, so I kept checking back. Well, I can go back to immigration tomorrow to give them photos for my card and to get fingerprinted. This is really happening!

Monday is curry night in Chelem thanks to the Chelem Curry Club. Two British expats nearby make curry for takeaway on Monday nights! I had it last week and it was fantastic, so I put in an order for tonight to pick up at 5:30. They are just a few blocks away, so I can walk.

Here’s my filthy Moya who needs a good bath inside and out. I park her outside the compound because dealing with the gate and the dog is way too much.

Looking down my street:

Turning towards the beach. Can you see how turquoise the ocean is?

This is Calle 17 or the Beach Road. I can walk down it all the way into Chelem.

Monday night curry is a set menu for just $150. This is what you get, a container full of the main and sides, plus a piece of hot and buttery garlic naan.

Going clockwise from the bottom right:

-chicken Mumbai (creamy, coconutty chicken curry)

-served with pilau rice (ie. cooked in turmeric)

-onion bhajia (like a fritter) with mint yogurt

-saag paneer (spinach with cheese)

“all smeared with our own mango chutney and garnished with fresh cilantro”

Last week was similar, except I had a samosa-type thing instead of the bhajia and the chicken had a tikka masala sauce.

This meal is a real bargain at $150. It’s just a bit too much for one meal, but not quite enough for two. I would pay $15 to $20 in Canada for this meal and feel that I got my money’s worth, but it would be an occasional treat. At about $10, it’s something I plan to do every Monday that it’s offered. That’ll be next Monday, but then there will be a hiatus for three weeks. I am really impressed, to be honest. You can tell this food is made by Brits who are passionate about their curry!

After dinner, I played with the dog for a bit since he was being a brat, which I know means that he just wanted some attention. I wore him out! Now, I have to get back to work since I’m going to immigration tomorrow. I’m regretting take it so slow this morning since I’ll now be slammed tomorrow! But, hey, this really does beat the famine days! 🙂

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Mexican Spanish Peculiarities: Tomate and Jitomate

My first year in Mexico, I never questioned the difference between “tomate” and “jitomate” when it came to the red sphere of deliciousness, the tomato. Everyone knew what I meant when I said tomate and I understood jitomate if I saw it in a recipe.

Last night, my curiosity finally overtook me and I did some research. I was surprised by what I discovered.

In most of the Spanish-speaking world and about half of Mexico (northern and Baja), this is a tomate:

Well, in the other half (central and southern), that fruit above is a jitomate and this is a tomate:

Got that? In a very small part of the Spanish-speaking world, a red tomato is a jitomate and a green tomato is a tomate.

I found a map that shows which Mexican states use only tomate (they include Sinaloa) and which use tomate and jitomate (they include Yucatán). Follow that link to learn more about the difference between tomate and jitomate.

Fun fact: both tomate and jitomate come from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word xiltomatl. I am learning that just as Canadian English has incorporated Native American words, so has Mexican Spanish. I expect to start picking up Maya and Maya-infused Spanish now that I live in Yucatán!