Factor #7 -- time to read; time to learn; time to rest
For some that will sound like the rhythm of Ecclesiastes. Those of us lost in the 70s will hear the Byrds' refrain of "Turn, Turn, Turn."
I had nothing quite so poetic in mind when I wrote down that factor. I was simply interested in some place where I could read, where I could learn, and where I could rest -- with no schedule. The time to do either of the three whenever I wanted.
When people ask me what I am going to do in Mexico (and it happened again today), I usually pull out these three practical pursuits: read, learn, rest.
One thing I thoroughly enjoy about Mexico is the lack of a frenetic pace. Now, fellow bloggers, I often hear you talk about relaxation, and the next thing I know you are posting schedules that sound very similar to mine in Salem.
I know the fill-up-the-calendar syndrome can follow us wherever we go. There will always be the business of living that often gets in the way of rest. But the balance, overall, appears to be in favor of rest.
The learning component does not have to be anything formal. I just want to keep my mind challenged by learning new things. Learning Spanish will certainly fill a large part of that need. But I want to learn even more mundane tasks -- how to wire a lamp, how to replace the trap under the sink, how to fix the hot water heater.
Reading is something of an addiction for me. Bliss of 1st Mate tried an experiment of not reading for a week. She learned a lot about herself. But she also learned the value of reading.
Is this factor still important to me?
Extremely.
Grade for Melaque:
A
My time in Melaque has convinced me that there will be time for rest and learning.
My only concern is reading. There is a book exchange in Villa Obregon. Buying books and magazines will be a challenge. However, I hope to keep up my magazine subscriptions through a mailing service, and several of you have posted internet sites for buying books. It might help to try to compile those in "comments" -- if you would be so kind.
Melaque provides nothing more than almost any place in Mexico could provide for rest, learning, and reading. But it is certainly no worse, either.
Melaque easily passes on this important factor.
Next post: daily learning to survive, and facing mountains of difficulties -- and being repeatedly crushed
For some that will sound like the rhythm of Ecclesiastes. Those of us lost in the 70s will hear the Byrds' refrain of "Turn, Turn, Turn."
I had nothing quite so poetic in mind when I wrote down that factor. I was simply interested in some place where I could read, where I could learn, and where I could rest -- with no schedule. The time to do either of the three whenever I wanted.
When people ask me what I am going to do in Mexico (and it happened again today), I usually pull out these three practical pursuits: read, learn, rest.
One thing I thoroughly enjoy about Mexico is the lack of a frenetic pace. Now, fellow bloggers, I often hear you talk about relaxation, and the next thing I know you are posting schedules that sound very similar to mine in Salem.
I know the fill-up-the-calendar syndrome can follow us wherever we go. There will always be the business of living that often gets in the way of rest. But the balance, overall, appears to be in favor of rest.
The learning component does not have to be anything formal. I just want to keep my mind challenged by learning new things. Learning Spanish will certainly fill a large part of that need. But I want to learn even more mundane tasks -- how to wire a lamp, how to replace the trap under the sink, how to fix the hot water heater.
Reading is something of an addiction for me. Bliss of 1st Mate tried an experiment of not reading for a week. She learned a lot about herself. But she also learned the value of reading.
Is this factor still important to me?
Extremely.
Grade for Melaque:
A
My time in Melaque has convinced me that there will be time for rest and learning.
My only concern is reading. There is a book exchange in Villa Obregon. Buying books and magazines will be a challenge. However, I hope to keep up my magazine subscriptions through a mailing service, and several of you have posted internet sites for buying books. It might help to try to compile those in "comments" -- if you would be so kind.
Melaque provides nothing more than almost any place in Mexico could provide for rest, learning, and reading. But it is certainly no worse, either.
Melaque easily passes on this important factor.
Next post: daily learning to survive, and facing mountains of difficulties -- and being repeatedly crushed
