When somebody from SMA told me that the town used to be much safer and I asked how so, they responded that now they lock their doors at night. ha ha! I lock my doors in LA whenever I enter or exit my house as common practice.

And then when the topic of ‘safety’ comes up in SMA, the conversation usually jokingly concludes with ” o well, let them all think that – more magic for us!”

I do recommend not travellling the highways at night and using all other ‘normal’ safety precautions while in town. But, otherwise, go! you won’t regret it!

happy travels… and how lucky for you to have Gto. as your hometown state

A

I have enjoyed reading about your endeavors in my home state of Guanajuato. I’m so happy that you enjoy learning about Mexico and our culture.

I was born in Leon, Gto. but grew up in a small town called Cd. Manuel Doblado, then I moved to Guanajuato for 3 years while going to la Prepatoria oficial de la Universidad de Guanajuato. I moved to the USA 12 years ago and have been back a couple of times to visit my family. My American husband and I would love to go again and bring our kids so they can be immersed in the culture and language. BUT, the only thing holding me back is the alarming stories I hear in the news and the things I hear from my family and friends back home. Did you ever feel in danger?

Welcome back to the US!!

Magda

My girls (1st and 3rd grade) are at Pasadena Unified School District’s dual immersion program housed at the San Rafael campus.http://sanrafael.pasadenausd.org/

Lots of great things happening at school and totally gung ho, committed parents. A short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBQY5yqPIBg

Let’s talk in September : )

Abrazos,

Karla

I also wanted to say – I think it is amazing what you are doing for your children. My family always went on vacations abroad (Europe) but never did what you are doing and I wish we had been more adventurous. Since then, I have gone to university in London and lived around Europe (Paris, France; Sarajevo, Bosnia; Barcelona, Spain) before coming to Mexico, and I haven’t touched down in the US in over 2.5 years. Living abroad and getting a completely new perspective on life is so healthy, I think, since we in the US have such a skewed vision of life pressures and how life should be (I am from NY originally). I think your children will thank you for the experiences you gave them when they grow up.

I look forward to being in touch this autumn!
Whitney

oh, and for the DF, too! clearly 4 days was insufficient, so we’re each looking forward to returning and exploring further…

muchas gracias, Whitney. Please, let’s, stay in touch!

x,
Amy

When you return to Mexico for 6 months, I hope you and your family will get to spend a week in Oaxaca trying the food (completely different from northern Mexico and completely amazing), going to the different artisan towns, and enjoying everything Oaxaca has to offer.

If you would like any advice about where to eat, what to see, what would be fun for children in Oaxaca, and other such things, don’t hesitate to be in touch. I love talking all about Oaxaca and giving recommendations!

Whitney

Perhaps when school starts we could meet for a coffee?

and thank you for your kind words… it really has been a treat for us all, and a gift to be able to share it with others.

I’ll be in touch in September, but don’t hesitate to email me as well!

all the best y gran abrazos, Amy