Dropped Like A Hot Potato - Harvest Host

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

I received this note from Harvest Host on Monday.

Dear Chris​,

Your Harvest Hosts listing and complimentary membership have been deactivated as we are no longer operating the Harvest Hosts Hosting Program in Mexico. We appreciate your hospitality to our Members and wish you only the best- Thank you!

Best,

Sam

Unique RV Camping

www.harvesthosts.com

I replied to the email and I am waiting for a response.  We really enjoy hosting and have met many wonderful and interesting rvers over the years.  I am posting on FB groups letting them know we will continue to offer a spot although it is limited to size; Class B and TTs under 21ft.

On another note, we will fly to Puebla next week for a six-day adventure.  We hope to visit the famous Hacienda Chautla, a castle built on a lake, and also a day trip or two, one trip including Cholula.  

Dementia takes its toll and affects many of us.  My oldest sibling lost her husband yesterday after a long battle with the disease.  Interestingly enough, he in some way let people know he was ready.  He refused to eat yesterday and wouldn't take his medications.  Hours later he passed away.  A sad situation and one I wouldn't wish on my enemies. It consumes a lot of energy and money.  At $7000 a month it quickly drains a bank account and many lose their patrimony.  

Gringo Backlash In Mexico

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

Over the last two weeks, there has been a backlash caused by major hotel chains in Mexican beach resorts.  Mazatlan has had the most complaints from musicians who play "banda" music along the beaches, bars, and streets.  One major hotel owner has taken to social media.  He claims that the music is causing tremendous damage to the city.  The mayor backs the musicians and their music.  They may have come to a compromise.  

On Facebook groups in Mexico such as the New Civil List for San Miguel de Allende, some Mexican members have posted saying how unfair it is and that gringos should go somewhere else.  

I mention this because we have seen a change in attitudes of local sanmiguelenses.  It's not just with ex-pats but with tourists in general.  Housing prices continue to rise thanks to the influx of foreigners, chilangos, and queratanos.  Although change is good and it helps the economy grow, it isn't helping locals.  Tourist cities are like that.  San Antonio, Tx is a good example.  

At one time San Antonio had five military bases.  Military personnel would retire at 48 and then move into management positions in the few major companies in town.  This would reduce salaries and it still does.  The same hold true for the tourist industry.  Most jobs are minimum wage.  California has raised minimum wage to $20 an hour for restaurants with more than 60 locations within the state.  Many are closes because they can no longer compete yet I can't imagine living in California even on $20 an hour.  Impossible.  I left the state in 1984 asking for a transfer to San Antonio.  I couldn't buy a house in California but six months later I was a happy homeowner in Texas.

Sunset in SMA from the mirador!

We didn't buy the Durango I posted.  There were some irregularities.  The inspection revealed that the 8 cylinders had compression ratings from 140 to 190.  No one could explain how that would affect towing.  The company that did the inspection is very reliable.  The owners were once students of ours.  The head mechanic said that he would buy it and that it was in very good condition.  Not sure if anyone out there has any comments about the difference in compression on the cylinders.

Back home in Monterrey we said goodbye to all our Canadian friends who headed home after spending time in Mexico.  It was a great winter and it was fun meeting up on several occasions with all of them.