From Daily Life to Paradise. Lyrics from a popular 1970’s rock group could possibly explain your daily life. The words belting out with a strumming guitar rhythm sings, “You get up every morning from the alarm clock’s warning and take the 8:15 into the city!â€Â People spend most of their lives working hard and saving for retirement. Then when the time comes to cash in on the fruits of their labor, some can’t figure out what to do with themselves. Life is actually short-lived, and if you don’t pay attention, it will pass you by in a heartbeat!Â
At one point or another, we all love to go on vacation. Getting away from our daily routine can rejuvenate the mind and body. As the old saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!â€Â To make it a little clearer, working all the time makes for a boring life. After spending a week away from the job and other daily chores, you decisively tell yourself, “I can’t wait to retire and spend my days the way I want!â€Â Believe it or not, those days aren’t that far off.
Let’s talk about going from your daily life to paradise. After deciding to retire and begin the second half of your life, why not start fresh. Why not consider a place where you will never hear a word about snow and cold weather? How about spending every day in shorts, flip-flops, and a t-shirt? Where you will measure time only by either day or night. Doesn’t this sound like paradise? It could be a little scary and will definitely involve a lifestyle change. Most people won’t understand; however, just keep reading and see why millions have decided to restart their lives.
 Imagine a typical day in paradise
Rolling out of bed is much easier when not having to prepare for a structured day. You casually pour yourself a cup of java and walk out to your patio or balcony. The day is starting, just as the doctor ordered. The sun is shining bright, a refreshing sea breeze is gently swaying the palm fronds, and the birds are singing their morning hymns. Possibly the most significant decision you will make in the morning is what to have for breakfast. Do you cook or go out? Either way, it’s not going to ruin your day!
On this particular morning, taking a casual stroll seems to be a perfect beginning of a beautiful day. Slip on your shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops and set out for your favorite café. Getting around Mexico and especially in Playa del Carmen is super easy. If you live in town, pretty much everything you need or want is only minutes away. While walking along during the mid-morning hours, you will find shop owners and curbside vendors preparing for their day’s customers. Â
The aromas of passing restaurants make your appetite grow with every step. You step into a local café or restaurant, and someone immediately greets you with a pleasant smile. After exchanging the typical “Hola, Buenos dias!â€, you choose a table and preferably curbside. You order freshly brewed java and look over the simple menu, still taking in the crisp morning air. Choices include fresh pastries, a variety of fruits, and eggs prepared in American or Mexican style. It’s not unusual to strike up a casual conversation with neighboring tables.Â
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast, you slowly begin to weigh in on your day’s plans…or not. You can go home and hang out by the pool, read a good book, or work on a special project. If it is a beach day, grab your bag filled with your favorite necessities and head out. The Riviera Maya has some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches the world has to offer. Lay down your towel or beach chair just feet away from the Caribbean surf, or enjoy the shade under a swaying palm tree. Your day continues to get better with every passing minute!
There are many other ways to spend a day in paradise. Why not consider shopping at one of the various venues spread throughout the city? These venues include outdoor mercados, local boutiques, and modern malls. If adventure seems to be on the day’s agenda, why not zipline over the treetops, swim or snorkel in a cenote, or take an ATV tour. If you like ancient history, why not spend the day exploring one of the many Mayan ruins in the area. While you are out and about, grab a bite to eat at one of the roadside stands!
You don’t have to own a car to get around in Mexico. Transportation is plentiful and very affordable. If wanting to get across town and you don’t feel like walking, taking a taxi is only a few dollars at most. Using colectivos when going to neighboring villages or communities will cost a little over a dollar per person. Mexico has comfortable – longer distance travel buses that offer service coast to coast and border to border at very reasonable prices. Â
Remember when people use to say that you could measure time only by day or night? When the sun sets and the streets come alive with a festive flare, it will be time to decide where to enjoy your evening meal and nightly entertainment. Depending on the restaurant, you have several seating options. You can dine indoors with air conditioning, a covered patio, or open-air seating. You can also choose to eat on the beach with your toes in the sand. The Riviera Maya’s nighttime air adds a refreshing ambiance to any occasion.
The perfect ending to a perfect day
After a fabulous evening enjoying exceptional food and drink and spending time with friends or a loved one, a walk along the beach is a perfect ending to another perfect day. There is nothing like a whispering sea breeze, the sounds of a gentle surf, and the moon’s rays glistening off the water. When you finally get home, there are no worries about getting up in the morning and shoveling snow or scraping ice off the windshield. As a matter of fact, there should be no need for an alarm clock anywhere near you. When the sun once again rises over the Caribbean Sea, a new day is on the horizon.  Â
Other advantages to living abroad
Real Estate in Mexico has been and still is a great buy. When spending the rest of your days going from daily life to paradise, why not consider buying your dream home! There are plenty of choices between a stand-alone or a spacious condo. Owning a property on the beach or near it, surrounded by unspoiled jungle or close to all the conveniences, still costs a lot less than anywhere else in North America.Â
The Cost of living in Mexico is much less than what it is in both the US and Canada. This cost includes but is not limited to food, entertainment, and medical services. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and handcrafted beverage, and on most occasions, it will be half of what it cost back home. Doctor’s visits, having dental work done, or being in an American-styled hospital is a fraction of the cost compared to the United States.Â
Location and Weather in the Riviera Maya go hand-in-hand. Flying into Cancun’s International Airport from anywhere in the United States takes less than a day, and in some cases, can be a nonstop flight. When asked about the weather conditions along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the first word out of your mouth should be tropical!
We could talk all day about how great it is living in Mexico. However, the only real way to understand everything that you just read is to experience it on your own. Many other expats, retirees, and even seasonal residents started out by simply visiting the Riviera Maya. It might take several trips to get familiar with the surrounding area and change in lifestyle. But when the time comes to move, you will look back and say to yourself, “Why didn’t I go from daily life to paradise sooner?â€
Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate … we make it happen!