Triana Elan moved herself and her three horses to Ensenada, Baja CA, Mexico in June '04. It's been an adventure trying to learn the language and customs, but she loves it and has made many friends. Triana is a freelance writer and English teacher occasionally. Triana has been embraced by the local indigenous people and in an effort to help them with their own sustainability, she is selling their items in my Etsy store called Mamita's Tienda
1) What inspired you to become a BoomerScaper?
I think the BoomerScaper concept is terrific; it opens up options for Boomers that they may not see otherwise and offers a different way of thinking, from the inside!
2) Is there a particular story or moment when you realized “I’m not in Kansas anymore”?
Ohhhhh, yes! I think the day I realized that was actually a reverse of that horror one gets when living in a foreign land. I expected a lot of things to be different about Mexico, and the further from the border you are, the more radically different they become! I must admit that I realized this the first time I took my pickup to a mechanic here…the guy charged me for work he didn’t do, and while he was at it, he broke two things that had been functioning perfectly before he touched my truck! One does have to be careful here, and use word of mouth rather than relying on any kind of certification or consumer protection. If you’re not into adventures once in a while and your schedule demands that you are efficient, Mexico will make you crazy.
3) What advantages does your adopted country offer over a more traditional post-career life in the USA?
Well, I’m not post-career yet. I am fortunate that I can work online and teach English here, and that keeps body and soul together. I love the people here. Their warmth and friendliness is unsurpassed, and their culture and customs are rich and varied. The cost of living is much lower here too. Lots of Americans that live in Mexico prefer to live in American colonies or gated communities, but that’s not for me. I have way more Mexican friends than American ones and I find that Mexicans are very forgiving, tolerant people who genuinely care, especially when you take the trouble to learn their language.
4) It’s your birthday. BoomerScape just gave you an all expenses paid trip to any destination in the world. Where are you going? What are you going to do there?
Wow, an all-expense paid trip for my birthday? Since it is in mid December, I’ll return to London and go to the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships again. I love London at Christmastime!
5) What do you see when you look out your window in the morning?
I see trees and the foothills that surround Ensenada on the west side.
6) If you could change one thing about your new home country, what would it be?
I would like to see Mexico take more of an interest in educating its kids.
7) Pretend you work for the tourism board and you have to convince me to come visit your new home country. In a sentence or two, what would your sales pitch be?
Imagine a city by the sea where the fresh ocean air mingles with the smells of real Mexican food, and where no matter where you look, there are bright colors and happy faces. Imagine street vendors that offer coral necklaces and handmade indigenous items that you can’t find anywhere else, with music floating through the air as you browse in the sun.
8) What is the most adventurous and/or spontaneous thing you have ever done?
Well, the list is long, but one very memorable time was back in the 80’s when some friends and I decided to camp inside the West Kennet Long Barrow, an old ceremonial burial chamber near Stonehenge. It was January and we were hoping to have a visitation by some spirits. We wound up getting so cold we left at about 3:00 in the morning!
9) What would you say is the defining moment of your generation? Why?
I believe that the defining moment for our generation was the assassination of JFK, combined with the Vietnam War. Those two events stripped us of innocence and changed the mind sets of those of us old enough to remember the first conspiracy theories and protests emerge that redefined America’s relationship with its government.
10) If you could be any character from a favorite childhood book, movie or TV show, who would you be? Why?
That’s a difficult question to answer because I like being me. Let’s see…I would have to say Johnny Quest. He got to go to exotic places, there was always excitement and he had a brilliant father, plus they had all kinds of terrific gizmos that we’re now using in everyday life.
11) Given no constraints, describe your perfect day.
I wake up feeling energized, have my morning coffee and read the news online, then I get dressed and go to the ranch to work with my horses. After I come home I have a nice bath, sit down at the computer and work. Later I go out with my friends, or perhaps I veg out in front of the TV. A perfect weekend day is going someplace I haven’t been, taking day trips to explore the nooks and crannies on the outskirts of Ensenada.
12) How did you go about researching potential BoomerScape destinations? What was at the top of your selection criteria?
I wanted to see what kinds of options are or will be available for retiring Boomers that want to live a less expensive lifestyle but still be productive if they so choose; perhaps a post-retirement business abroad or being able to offer some kind of service. It doesn’t seem like many Boomers will settle for the stereotypical retirement that we grew up with, where a sedentary lifestyle sets in and life is simply puttering around trying to find something to do. There are many gaps to be filled in other countries that can easily be done by retired people, especially if they can afford to volunteer. It’s never too late to make a difference.
13) What final words of advice would you give to others considering BoomerScaping?
Think in terms of how you will feel happiest. Thoroughly research medical facilities and available prescriptions you may need. Think about how close or how far from the U.S. you want to be, and what type of climate best suits you. Do the best you can to learn the language of your adopted country. Even if you don’t have to do that, the locals will treat you with much more respect and warmth if you are at least trying. Don’t think that American values, culture or convenience will follow you. You will have to adapt. Living abroad is a rich experience but it can be pretty stressful when you really realize it’s just not as efficient as it was at home. Above all, visit your place of interest several times before you make your decision. While visiting, try to refrain from staying at a resort unless you have the kind of resources to live that lifestyle. Try to get to know the local flavor and the culture and customs of your host country. If you have pets you want to take with you, don’t expect the natives to value your pet as much as you do. Animals in Latin America are simply that…animals. They generally do not live indoors and are there to do a job, which is to guard the house. Don’t let your pet out of doors unless it is in an enclosed area. Your own common sense is your best guide.