Moving/Driving to Q Roo - a long trip report from a long time ago, now...

**Susie Q Roo** · 05-19-2004

Since I've been living here a week now, I guess it's time for a trip report, isn't it?

For a little background, I've been planning this move for quite a while, with a lot of research and reading and pumping people for info (thank you, Becky!). About a year ago, I started seriously scaling down my life and by October had sold my condo, my "nice" car, easily half my other stuff, and given away what I couldn't sell. I bought a travel trailer with plans of bringing it over on the Yucatan Express (which is no longer running) and lived it in my mother's driveway throughout a long Ohio winter, while I got rid of more stuff and planned my escape.

I often wondered why people who had moved here were so vague about the circumstances of their move. Now I know. Like having a baby, once you get here, you just wanna put the pain behind you and enjoy the fun stuff. But I will try to give you the realistic version.

In March, I came down here and found a place in Paamul and began corresponding with the owner about buying it (since I wasn't about to pull my travel trailer ALL the way here!). So... done deal. Bought a 5x9 enclosed cargo trailer and started packing.

Had to start packing first, because to do a menaje de casa (which allows you to bring your household belongings into the country), all your items must be listed and numbered by the box they're in and translated into Spanish - yikes. I lost sleep over this and my FM3 for weeks.

Finally got that all done and drove 4 hours to Indianapolis which was the closest Mexican consulate to me. They said I could send it, but that was a chance I wasn't willing to take as my driving companion had a limited window for leaving and I didn't want to trust the mail. That was a Wednesday. It would all be ready would be ready 6 days later on a Tuesday. I made plans to begin my trip Monday evening and pick my papers up on the way.

Before I left home, I e-mailed the woman at the consulate who had been very kind, informative, and helpful, to verify that all would be ready. Dumb me already had a priceline hotel booked (can't change those) and, when she said it wouldn't be ready 'til Wednesday, I BEGGED her to rush it through. As it happened, I wasn't able to pick it up on Tuesday 'til 1:30 pm, so I got a late start. I didn't care because I was just thrilled to have it all in my hands.

Long story short on the US part. Pulling the trailer made everything take much longer than it would have otherwise. I had my cat with me, which added to the excitement as I snuck him into 4 star Priceline hotels that I got for $35/night. Spent a couple nights with family in Dallas where I met up with the person who was driving down with me. Drove to Brownsville on Saturday, an all-day drive, planning to pick up Mexican auto insurance w/maps there. TIP: Sanborn's is NOT easy to find as I had previously been told, nor open 24 hours a day. I ended up having to purchase it online, so I had no maps, other than my US atlas, and the driving directions I had printed out from online. I wouldn't advise this, as Michael showed me the other day how many good toll roads we had missed.

We had hoped to cross early Sunday morning, but were turned back at the first two border crossings we tried. Luckily there are several close by. The first, the Banjercito was closed (Sunday), so we couldn't get the car permit. The second claimed to be too small to handle my FM3 and menaje de casa. You can imagine how fun it was to turn around pulling the trailer. The third, at Pharr, took us. In general, this was a breeze, and people were helpful and friendly but they do NOT speak English. Of course, we had to have about 200 copies made and were sent back and forth between I don't know how many offices, but it was all kind of amusing and no biggie. No one looked at my stuff, they just took one copy (of the 6 I had been told to bring) of the paperwork. No one cared anything about the cat, and didn't even look at his paperwork. Once all the copying and traipsing and stamping were done, we were on the road about 12:30.

However... at the checkpoint 30 miles in or so, they sadly shook their heads as they told us it was a shame we hadn't used a customs broker and had the paperwork stamped properly at Customs and we'd have to go back. Or... OR... we could pay the "taxes" on it right there and be on our way. How much did we think the "taxes" should be on all that stuff? Ummm... $20? Sorry, not enough. $50 should cover it. So we handed them some cash and were on our way, not knowing if we'd have to pay again down the road or not. We got off easy. Luckily, after that, the only checkpoints were military and federalistas who waved us on after determining we weren't carrying drugs or weapons. Though I hated doing the whole mordida (bribe) thing, it was better than having spent $200-300 on a customs broker for what little I had.

The trip was long and hot and dusty. I had $300 changed to pesos in Brownsville and it was nearly gone when I arrived - gas, tolls, and only 3 meals, since I had packed a 12-volt cooler with food and water. The rooms were charged to CC. The roads are poorly marked, so we often didn't know where we were, or where to go. The villages all have random and often unmarked speed bumps which I was sure was beating the crap out of all my stuff. The cities are crowded and busy and complicated to drive through. We found a couple great, clean, friendly, thoroughly adequate hotels with safe parking. We had 3 days of very hard driving from TX, including a 17-hour drive Tuesday to get here around midnight. I drank the water and ate the food everywhere we stopped with no problems. The cat was a trouper throughout but finally resigned himself to sleeping the minute we were in the car until we stopped, most days.

And, since I've arrived, I've been doing mostly nothing but work. Have only seen the beach a handful of times. Work in paradise is still work. However, once I get settled, paradise is out there awaiting me. I've already had a visit from Dr. Carlos, a house call! A few days in, I got a horribly painful and itchy rash on my hands. The next day, it had spread badly, so the neighbors recommended this very nice guy who came right to my palapa within the hour and examined it and "prescribed" (a term used very loosely in Mexico, I found) some medicines for it. It was a $100 day for me, but I am better, which may have happened regardless, but Dr Carlos was kinda cute, and I felt pretty special having the doc come to me! I understand his fee of $60 probably would have been half that if I had been seen in town, but it was worth it to me to get some quick relief.

I'm sure I've left out a ton of stuff but this is already way long so I'll stop and you can feel free to ask about whatever I've forgotten.

Since I've gotten here, I've has some conflicting emotions. I waver between "OH MY GOD, I REALLY LIVE HERE!" and "Oh, my God, what have I done?!" Usually closer to the first, but it's starting to just feel like real life. It wasn't easy to do, but it was worth it and I'm pretty proud of myself for taking the giant step... don't think I'd do it again any time soon though!

jmac · 05-19-2004

Wait to go girl!!!!!!

It's so great to see people follow their dreams. Nowadays too many people put things off only to regret it on their deathbeds. I'm sure it's been a huge boost for you to accomplish it. Glad the trek wasn't too bad. Good luck & fantastic living. Hope to meet you sometime to hear the fabulous stories you're gonna have.

TAPPY · 05-19-2004

I am in awe that you did this....you go girl !!!! You are a Brave Soul !!!!
I hope it turns out to be a wonderful adventure for you.

cuffedlinks · 05-19-2004

Susie,

I echo what jmac and TAPPY have said! Keep us informed and let us know how things are going. Best of everything to you.

Becky · 05-19-2004

I'm SO proud of you Susie! I can't wait to come visit!

I sent you a long email yesterday or maybe the day before, so check your email!

Becky

roni · 05-19-2004

Thank you!!

Beachwolverine · 05-19-2004

Ditto to all the others - hope everything works out better than you imagined.

saxman · 05-19-2004

Its much easier to follow our fears than to follow our dreams. You apparently put your fears in perspective and you are at least trying things out. You are braver than most of us. Congratulations on your move and best wishes for your future.

Chris

ELECTRA · 05-19-2004

Good job! I admire your courage to follow your dreams and make them happen
....Now where did I put that pamplet on condos in Benidorm?????
Keep us updated!

dougie46 · 05-19-2004

Suzie,
We are in the midst of planning for our "adventure" in moving down there, and although it will be a longer trip, from way up here, my hat is off to you for doing this on your own...Can't even picture this without my sweetie to help and guide me through it all. You are a special lady to give this venture a go on your own...Way to go, and all the luck in the world be with you!!!
Dougie and Linda

caramba · 05-19-2004

Sounds like a lot of work to get there but I'll bet you're happy you did it. Keep the reports coming.

tommy · 05-19-2004

Susie, congrats...FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR FOR YOU!..keep us updated on the good life...WE are alL PROUD of you...are you keeping a journal yet...We will need the inside scoop one day....Heck you could probably sell it in book form in 1 year....

Michele · 05-19-2004

Congratulations!!! My family and I will be making the big move to PDC in the fall. We will eagerly await your progress reports and will live vicariously through you until our day comes. I must admit, this process of paring down and simplifying is NOT easy. How did we acquire all this crap? I can't wait to get there!!! Maybe we can get together and compare stories!!

Deb in Michigan · 05-19-2004

How are things since the fire? Is the dive shop running?

smeheux · 05-19-2004

Susie, you are an inspiration!
I am moving shortly to P.D.C from the U.K after a years worth of planning and know whats involved in such a life changing decision. You aswell as everyone else who gives up everything to live their dreams deserves every hapiness and fortune. Congratulations for doing what most people only dream of doing!

Cheers!

Stuart Meheux

05-19-2004	#1 (permalink)
Susie Q Roo Critter Magnet Join Date: May 2003 Location: Q Roo Posts: 16,081	Moving/Driving to Q Roo - a long trip report from a long time ago, now... Since I've been living here a week now, I guess it's time for a trip report, isn't it? For a little background, I've been planning this move for quite a while, with a lot of research and reading and pumping people for info (thank you, Becky!). About a year ago, I started seriously scaling down my life and by October had sold my condo, my "nice" car, easily half my other stuff, and given away what I couldn't sell. I bought a travel trailer with plans of bringing it over on the Yucatan Express (which is no longer running) and lived it in my mother's driveway throughout a long Ohio winter, while I got rid of more stuff and planned my escape. I often wondered why people who had moved here were so vague about the circumstances of their move. Now I know. Like having a baby, once you get here, you just wanna put the pain behind you and enjoy the fun stuff. But I will try to give you the realistic version. In March, I came down here and found a place in Paamul and began corresponding with the owner about buying it (since I wasn't about to pull my travel trailer ALL the way here!). So... done deal. Bought a 5x9 enclosed cargo trailer and started packing. Had to start packing first, because to do a menaje de casa (which allows you to bring your household belongings into the country), all your items must be listed and numbered by the box they're in and translated into Spanish - yikes. I lost sleep over this and my FM3 for weeks. Finally got that all done and drove 4 hours to Indianapolis which was the closest Mexican consulate to me. They said I could send it, but that was a chance I wasn't willing to take as my driving companion had a limited window for leaving and I didn't want to trust the mail. That was a Wednesday. It would all be ready would be ready 6 days later on a Tuesday. I made plans to begin my trip Monday evening and pick my papers up on the way. Before I left home, I e-mailed the woman at the consulate who had been very kind, informative, and helpful, to verify that all would be ready. Dumb me already had a priceline hotel booked (can't change those) and, when she said it wouldn't be ready 'til Wednesday, I BEGGED her to rush it through. As it happened, I wasn't able to pick it up on Tuesday 'til 1:30 pm, so I got a late start. I didn't care because I was just thrilled to have it all in my hands. Long story short on the US part. Pulling the trailer made everything take much longer than it would have otherwise. I had my cat with me, which added to the excitement as I snuck him into 4 star Priceline hotels that I got for $35/night. Spent a couple nights with family in Dallas where I met up with the person who was driving down with me. Drove to Brownsville on Saturday, an all-day drive, planning to pick up Mexican auto insurance w/maps there. TIP: Sanborn's is NOT easy to find as I had previously been told, nor open 24 hours a day. I ended up having to purchase it online, so I had no maps, other than my US atlas, and the driving directions I had printed out from online. I wouldn't advise this, as Michael showed me the other day how many good toll roads we had missed. We had hoped to cross early Sunday morning, but were turned back at the first two border crossings we tried. Luckily there are several close by. The first, the Banjercito was closed (Sunday), so we couldn't get the car permit. The second claimed to be too small to handle my FM3 and menaje de casa. You can imagine how fun it was to turn around pulling the trailer. The third, at Pharr, took us. In general, this was a breeze, and people were helpful and friendly but they do NOT speak English. Of course, we had to have about 200 copies made and were sent back and forth between I don't know how many offices, but it was all kind of amusing and no biggie. No one looked at my stuff, they just took one copy (of the 6 I had been told to bring) of the paperwork. No one cared anything about the cat, and didn't even look at his paperwork. Once all the copying and traipsing and stamping were done, we were on the road about 12:30. However... at the checkpoint 30 miles in or so, they sadly shook their heads as they told us it was a shame we hadn't used a customs broker and had the paperwork stamped properly at Customs and we'd have to go back. Or... OR... we could pay the "taxes" on it right there and be on our way. How much did we think the "taxes" should be on all that stuff? Ummm... $20? Sorry, not enough. $50 should cover it. So we handed them some cash and were on our way, not knowing if we'd have to pay again down the road or not. We got off easy. Luckily, after that, the only checkpoints were military and federalistas who waved us on after determining we weren't carrying drugs or weapons. Though I hated doing the whole mordida (bribe) thing, it was better than having spent $200-300 on a customs broker for what little I had. The trip was long and hot and dusty. I had $300 changed to pesos in Brownsville and it was nearly gone when I arrived - gas, tolls, and only 3 meals, since I had packed a 12-volt cooler with food and water. The rooms were charged to CC. The roads are poorly marked, so we often didn't know where we were, or where to go. The villages all have random and often unmarked speed bumps which I was sure was beating the crap out of all my stuff. The cities are crowded and busy and complicated to drive through. We found a couple great, clean, friendly, thoroughly adequate hotels with safe parking. We had 3 days of very hard driving from TX, including a 17-hour drive Tuesday to get here around midnight. I drank the water and ate the food everywhere we stopped with no problems. The cat was a trouper throughout but finally resigned himself to sleeping the minute we were in the car until we stopped, most days. And, since I've arrived, I've been doing mostly nothing but work. Have only seen the beach a handful of times. Work in paradise is still work. However, once I get settled, paradise is out there awaiting me. I've already had a visit from Dr. Carlos, a house call! A few days in, I got a horribly painful and itchy rash on my hands. The next day, it had spread badly, so the neighbors recommended this very nice guy who came right to my palapa within the hour and examined it and "prescribed" (a term used very loosely in Mexico, I found) some medicines for it. It was a $100 day for me, but I am better, which may have happened regardless, but Dr Carlos was kinda cute, and I felt pretty special having the doc come to me! I understand his fee of $60 probably would have been half that if I had been seen in town, but it was worth it to me to get some quick relief. I'm sure I've left out a ton of stuff but this is already way long so I'll stop and you can feel free to ask about whatever I've forgotten. Since I've gotten here, I've has some conflicting emotions. I waver between "OH MY GOD, I REALLY LIVE HERE!" and "Oh, my God, what have I done?!" Usually closer to the first, but it's starting to just feel like real life. It wasn't easy to do, but it was worth it and I'm pretty proud of myself for taking the giant step... don't think I'd do it again any time soon though!

05-19-2004	#2 (permalink)
jmac reposado Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manitoba Posts: 1,040	Wait to go girl!!!!!! It's so great to see people follow their dreams. Nowadays too many people put things off only to regret it on their deathbeds. I'm sure it's been a huge boost for you to accomplish it. Glad the trek wasn't too bad. Good luck & fantastic living. Hope to meet you sometime to hear the fabulous stories you're gonna have.

05-19-2004	#3 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 21,148	I am in awe that you did this....you go girl !!!! You are a Brave Soul !!!! I hope it turns out to be a wonderful adventure for you.

05-19-2004	#4 (permalink)
cuffedlinks añejo Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The City of Presidents Posts: 15,998	Susie, I echo what jmac and TAPPY have said! Keep us informed and let us know how things are going. Best of everything to you.

05-19-2004	#5 (permalink)
Becky reposado Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,118	I'm SO proud of you Susie! I can't wait to come visit! I sent you a long email yesterday or maybe the day before, so check your email! Becky

05-19-2004	#6 (permalink)
roni añejo Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 59,637	Thank you!!

05-19-2004	#7 (permalink)
Beachwolverine life=playa Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 618	Ditto to all the others - hope everything works out better than you imagined.

05-19-2004	#8 (permalink)
saxman way into it Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The Sierra Nevada Foothills, CA Posts: 217	Its much easier to follow our fears than to follow our dreams. You apparently put your fears in perspective and you are at least trying things out. You are braver than most of us. Congratulations on your move and best wishes for your future. Chris

05-19-2004	#9 (permalink)
ELECTRA reposado Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA (unfortunately) Posts: 1,080	Good job! I admire your courage to follow your dreams and make them happen ....Now where did I put that pamplet on condos in Benidorm????? Keep us updated!

05-19-2004	#10 (permalink)
dougie46 life=playa Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 679	Suzie, We are in the midst of planning for our "adventure" in moving down there, and although it will be a longer trip, from way up here, my hat is off to you for doing this on your own...Can't even picture this without my sweetie to help and guide me through it all. You are a special lady to give this venture a go on your own...Way to go, and all the luck in the world be with you!!! Dougie and Linda

05-19-2004	#11 (permalink)
caramba añejo Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 6,641	Sounds like a lot of work to get there but I'll bet you're happy you did it. Keep the reports coming.

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05-19-2004	#12 (permalink)
tommy Rastaman Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Austin Tx Posts: 12,845	Susie, congrats...FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR FOR YOU!..keep us updated on the good life...WE are alL PROUD of you...are you keeping a journal yet...We will need the inside scoop one day....Heck you could probably sell it in book form in 1 year....

05-19-2004	#13 (permalink)
Michele añejo Merchant Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Playa del Carmen, QR, MX Posts: 5,168	Congratulations!!! My family and I will be making the big move to PDC in the fall. We will eagerly await your progress reports and will live vicariously through you until our day comes. I must admit, this process of paring down and simplifying is NOT easy. How did we acquire all this crap? I can't wait to get there!!! Maybe we can get together and compare stories!!

05-19-2004	#14 (permalink)
Deb in Michigan sandflea Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 5	How are things since the fire? Is the dive shop running?

05-19-2004	#15 (permalink)
smeheux toe in water Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Playa Del Carmen Posts: 44	Susie, you are an inspiration! I am moving shortly to P.D.C from the U.K after a years worth of planning and know whats involved in such a life changing decision. You aswell as everyone else who gives up everything to live their dreams deserves every hapiness and fortune. Congratulations for doing what most people only dream of doing! Cheers! Stuart Meheux