REVISITED: IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS TO LIVE IN MEXICO

On March 7, 2010, after having just received my renewed FM-2, I blogged about the requirements to live in Mexico with the following caveat: “I’m slightly hesitant to post this, as the requirements seem to change quite frequently. I’m not so sure that the actual laws change that often, but the interpretation of the laws certainly seem to!”






Just a few weeks later on April 1, 2010, all hell broke loose and both the laws and procedures changed drastically, basically nullifying my post! I do wish to point out that if you are a first time applicant, you will still need to adhere to all the requirements I listed in my blog. Even though the laws and procedures have changed, those requirements still remain in place for first time applicants. I confirmed this from a friend who just received his first FM-3.







My friend Linda recently posted the new requirements and procedures now in place. For me to do to the same would be redundant, so I am referring you to her blog. It is two parts and she has done a totally outstanding job, including step-by-step instructions you will need to follow. It is the best information “out there” and definitely worth a review. It could save you lots of time, pain and suffering!






The new system appears to be more streamlined and the Mexican Government has lightened up on the requirements for renewals. I think they finally figured out that all we “extranjeros” do is live here and spend money!



YOU MUST CHECK OUT LINDA’S BLOGS. GO TO: http://ldorton.blogspot.com/







In closing, please refer to the caveat at the top of my blog!!!

MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM SOME VERY MEMORABLE FOLKS

I recently received the following quotes in the form of an e-mail from a former co-worker and good friend. I’ve received this one previously, perhaps two years ago, and enjoyed it so much that I was pleased to receive it again and I thought I’d share it with you.

Now, before you ask/criticize, I have not, repeat, have not, checked with the Internet Gestapo, SNOPES, to confirm the validity of these quotes. I’m passing them on not as the Gospel according to Mikey, but as an interesting take on life in general, be they true or false. I found them entertaining and hope you will too. (And by the way, how in the hell does SNOPES know so much and who gave them the absolute authority on all issues??? Who funds them??? Who are “they”???)

Here are some interesting and timeless "quotes" I hope you enjoy!



Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.'

- Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter)

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I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: - 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.'

- Eleanor Roosevelt

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Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement..

- Mark Twain

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The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible

- George Burns

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Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.

- Victor Borge

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Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

- Mark Twain

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By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.

- Socrates

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I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.

- Groucho Marx

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My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe.

- Jimmy Durante

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I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back.

- Zsa Zsa Gabor
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Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.

- Alex Levine

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My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying.

- Rodney Dangerfield
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Money can't buy you happiness .... But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery

- Spike Milligan

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Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP .

- Joe Namath

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I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap.

- Bob Hope

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I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it..

- W. C. Fields

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We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.

- Will Rogers

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Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.

- Winston Churchill

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Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty .. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out..

- Phyllis Diller

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By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere.

- Billy Crystal

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And the cardiologist' s diet: - If it tastes good spit it out.


(A special thanks to RM for putting me back in touch with these very amusing quotes!)

NOUNS OF MERIDA: PERSONS, PLACES, THINGS

THIS POST: THINGS

SUBJECT: THE MONUMENTS OF MERIDA

Simply defined, a monument is a structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial to a person, place, or event, usually of some historical importance.

Merida, and Mexico in general, enjoys a savory heritage filled with famous characters and exciting events. Being a very proud people, the Mexican’s never hesitate to embrace their heroes and the events that shaped the history of their country. They love their flag and fly it proudly at every opportunity, and they absolutely love their monuments! And I absolutely love their espirit de corps!

In Merida, you can find a monument almost everywhere you look! And they keep erecting them as I type and as you read! I don’t know of too many glorietas, or “round-abouts/turn-abouts” here in Merida that are devoid of a monument. For those that are, I’m sure there must be plans in the making to construct one! And I say the more the merrier! It’s a great reminder of where we’ve been, and why we are here. I wish the US had the same patriotic inclinations, but there are just too many groups who would find too many politically incorrect connotations in any monument, and the courts would be even fuller than they are now with trivial law suits. (That statement sounds almost political, and I don’t blog “political”!)

The most famous monument in Merida, and the most visited and photographed, is the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland), located on the Paseo de Montejo. Visited by thousands of locals and tourists every year, it is a huge structure and often is the center stage or backdrop of numerous events here in Merida. It is revered by all who visit it and it stands quite stately guarding the traffic that passes it by. It’s one of the absolute nicest monuments you will ever witness anywhere.

(Note: Click on any picture to enlarge.)

Merida’s monuments come in all shapes and sizes. Some are quite large and even intimidating, while others are small and inconspicuous. Here are a few examples:

I don’t know what each monument is supposed to represent, but I do know that each one has its own unique character and unsurpassed charm.

This monument was erected to honor the memory of Pedro Infante, a famous Mexican singer and actor. He was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, November 18, 1917, and died in Merida on April 15, 1957, as a result of an airplane accident.

The International Lions Club even snuck in for a commemorative monument!

This monument honors the local Mayan/Yucatecan dance the “Jarana” which is performed quite often throughout the city by various dance groups.

This monument commemorates and celebrates motherhood.



Some monuments are merely fountains while others are intricate displays of Mayan history. At Parque de las Americas (Park of the Americas), almost every structure there can be considered a monument to the Mayan people.

This was a monument to Miguel Canto, but unfortunately, he’s been “busted” and he now adorns someone’s garden or he’s been melted down for his bronze content. I hope he can get his head back on straight and he gets repaired!

Here’s a few photos of a work in progress and the finalized project. Indeed, a very nice addition to the Paseo de Montejo. It commemorates Francisco de Montejo and his son. This was one glorieta that was devoid of a monument, but no longer!

Each monument tells a story and holds cherished memories for the citizens of Merida. Viisitors to these monuments are struck by the feeling that this must have been an important person, or a very noteworthy event, and I often ponder the historical significance. It would be a “monumental task” to research each and every monument, but it may prove to be a worthwhile adventure that I may undertake one day!