Monday, November 28, 2011

living my life



Socrates may have believed that the unexamined life is not worth living.


But what about the unlived life?  Is it worth examining?


Such parallel cul-de-sacs are inevitable these days.  I spent the day sitting on a broad beige beach on Banderas Bay.  It is a long way from perfect, but it is exactly the mixture that initially drew me to Mexico.


A mock paradise for people from around the world to set aside their busy lives and come to the beach to depressurize by doing nothing.


When I decided to retire in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is what I had in mind.  It was the place that banked my best vacation memories.


But that was a mistake.  I was retiring in Mexico, not moving there as a tourist.  I figured that out early in my planning -- and Puerto Vallarta slipped from my list.


As a tourist, I valued that odd mix of sitting in the sand with no plans – interrupted only by manic bouts of ziplining, parasailing, waverunner racing, and dancing.


As a retiree, I needed to find a place to live a daily life.  And, for now, I have found it in Melaque.


And that is where the unlived life comes in.


This visit from my German pal Hollito came at just the right time.  I had fallen into the philosophical trap of believing that doing stuff gives meaning to life.  I know better than that.  Worth is not derived from great projects.


In fact, it is often the smallest things in life that give us purpose.


Last night and today, I sat with Hollito, his Mexican-born wife, her mother and step-father, her sister and the sister’s two children, and her friend from Argentina and the friend’s son.  People I have never met before.


And everything worked fine.  While driving north, I had visions of re-living a Lucy episode -- where everything would flow from Spanish to German to English and back again. 


It did not turn out that way.  English was the general choice of communication.  And talk we did.  I felt as if I was part of one of those Mexican family groups I see so often gathered at the beach.


Politics.  Crime.  Economics.  Globalization.  Relatives.  Taxation.  The philosophy of death (there were two physicians amongst us, and it is by far one of my favorite topics).  Customs officials.  Souvenirs.


One of the most humorous conversations were when Hollito and his wife described how his Mexican wife has become more German than he is, and how he has become more Mexican.


I am glad I had the opportunity to simply sit and talk with a new group of interesting people.  That was certainly worth the four-hour drive north.  I have Hollito and his friends to thank for that.


I know it is not an entirely new lesson.  But unless I am willing to get out there and live my life through something other than mere activity, there will not be much to examine.


And now -- on to Oregon.

20 comments:

Michael Landfair said...

Steve, why Oregon and is it permanent or just a visit?

Michael Landfair said...

Steve, why Oregon?

NWexican said...

When I left LA 23 years ago my mother said, "As long as you have a home here you will always be a tourist somewhere else." Hmmmm.

Steve Cotton said...

But I am just a tourist in the world no matter where I go.

Steve Cotton said...

To get my visa.

Christine said...

Yes, but I am reminded of a quotation. I don't know the source...Paz, perhaps. Or was it you?
"He upon whom the dust of Mexico has settled will never be content in any other land."

ANM said...

Yee Gadz, Man!  You sound positively reflective and full of self-questioning?  Have you been dipping into the Schopenhauer and Kirkegaard again?  You know how they upset your stomach.

ANM

Irene said...

Winter is fast approaching here in the Northwest.  Bring a fleece jacket.  Instead of sitting on the beach having good conversations you can sit around the fireplace and have good conversations.  How long will you be traveling in China?

Holger Sood said...

Steve, we have to thank YOU for visiting us in Vallarta. And of course you were a member of the family - when I suggested to meet you in the condominio, nobody came up with a "But...", all agreed at once. Next time we will get a room for you here. :-)

Steve Cotton said...

Considering the amount of dirt in the air around here, it is a wonder any of us can move as a result of the dust of Mexico.

Steve Cotton said...

I find that Kirkegaard goes down well with a bit of Dijon.

Steve Cotton said...

I look forward to it.  And thanks for the photographs.

blog said...

When I started thinking about living in Mexico I looked on the far western side (Baja California actually); and ended up on the far east side (the State of Veracruz). And currently living at the southern end of Mexico.  Kind of makes a point for renting before buying ;-)

blog said...

I think of it as I am a resident of planet earth - and leave it at that ;-)

Colin Hayward said...

Steve, just found your blog this morning. Quick question: have you, or anyone else, ever figured out why so many German men have married Mexican women? Have a great trip NOB!

LeslieLimon said...

An I Love Lucy moment???  Those are always interesting! :)  Glad you had a good time. I hope you enjoy your time in Oregon. :)  

And I LOVE the photo you used in this post. So inviting and so peaceful at the same time. :)  

Steve Cotton said...

It was one of those moments that makes living in Mexico memorable.

Steve Cotton said...

No idea.  But it is an interesting cultural question.  Two more dissimilar cultures are hard to imagine.

Steve Cotton said...

And I suspect I will rent until my ashes are spread.

Steve Cotton said...

My point exactly.  Unfortunately, the world issues no passports.