I was thrilled to get confirmation on my first Mexican teaching gig today - a series of 6 to 8 classes in the elementary school of Majahual (Costa Maya). I will be running an after school program in Spanish and English from mid-November to mid-December, and the school is only 20 minutes down the sandy coast road from the beach house we rented in Xcalak. This is a dream come true for me (hell yeah!). I am hoping to develop a teaching circuit in the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan, and pursue a long time project that will be the object of another blog when the time comes.
So this will be a very steep Spanish immersion about one week after arriving in Mexico, pero asi le apprendi ! (that's how I learned it) and there's nothing like a little brain gymnastics for us - people of a certain age...
Somewhere between Izamal and Sudzal, Yucatan.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Memories of Cancun
I have gone back and back again to the beautiful Yucatan peninsula, and along the past year I tried to identify what exactly is pulling me to that part of the world. It has fulfilled many things over the years, and now I think I go for the sheer simplicity. I love that my main concerns become to get the bread at the bakery in the morning, do some laundry and hang it on the line, get food and prepare the next meal. Get up with the sun after a cool, quiet, and dark night. That's what I seek there, but it was not always this way...
I first went to Cancun for a 2 week vacation with a group of students of Laval Univertity in May 1986. I moved there in late September of the same year. Living in Mexico had an important impact in my life when I was 21. The city of Cancun was only 18 years old then, and everyone working there were from somewhere else. A great mix of Mayan, Mexican and young adults from everywhere in the Americas and Europe. It was before the cell phone, and actually not many people had a land line either. Life was very simple, and friends visited each other... how about that !
Three weeks after I arrived I got hired as Public Relations for a Spanish company based in Madrid. They owned hotels in Majorka and the Canary Islands, and they had just purchased their first hotel on Mexican land : The Green Sixteen (on the golf course). They cut deals with canadian travel agencies and so all our arrivals were from either Toronto or Montréal. My job was to host a happy hour and briefing every Saturday, set-up on site entertainment and events along the week, manage the shuttle to the beach, and assist guests in getting around town. A heck of a job!
Money was not super but eventually I had my own room at the Green Sixteen, and because I was constantly referring tourists to my favorite local businesses, I had many free bees. I was able to do pretty much every excursions and cruises, had access to free water sports including scuba diving, and many restaurants did not charge me a cent. Great life for a 21 year old !
After the sixth month I came to Canada for 6 weeks, and when I returned to Cancun I was hired as PR by the Paradise Beach Club (a popular joint) to promote their condo development, and I also got hired by the Hard Rock Café to train their team of waiters (past life in restaurants...). If you ever go the the Hard Rock Café in Cancun, you must know that I drove the pink Cadillac to it's final destination before it got mounted on its post.
Life was moving at a faster pace, and I felt right at home. I was spending more time with my good friend Luis, who was also good friends with the federal minister of tourism and the sub-minister for the state of Quintana Roo. We had some great times, they liked to party big and were treated like royalty everywhere they went. We had access to the best Cancun could offer. Too much.
About 2 months after my return, I got offered the Public Relations position for the Cancun International airport - a fantastic job opportunity. I felt the decision was not only about the job, but also about settling in Mexico for the long run. It was a government position, and required for me to become a Mexican resident. I was not ready to commit, so I declined the offer and I moved back to Oh Canada ! It was like ripping me in half.
And so I will soon go back once more, and maybe I will finally get a piece of land... not far fetched!
I first went to Cancun for a 2 week vacation with a group of students of Laval Univertity in May 1986. I moved there in late September of the same year. Living in Mexico had an important impact in my life when I was 21. The city of Cancun was only 18 years old then, and everyone working there were from somewhere else. A great mix of Mayan, Mexican and young adults from everywhere in the Americas and Europe. It was before the cell phone, and actually not many people had a land line either. Life was very simple, and friends visited each other... how about that !
Three weeks after I arrived I got hired as Public Relations for a Spanish company based in Madrid. They owned hotels in Majorka and the Canary Islands, and they had just purchased their first hotel on Mexican land : The Green Sixteen (on the golf course). They cut deals with canadian travel agencies and so all our arrivals were from either Toronto or Montréal. My job was to host a happy hour and briefing every Saturday, set-up on site entertainment and events along the week, manage the shuttle to the beach, and assist guests in getting around town. A heck of a job!
Money was not super but eventually I had my own room at the Green Sixteen, and because I was constantly referring tourists to my favorite local businesses, I had many free bees. I was able to do pretty much every excursions and cruises, had access to free water sports including scuba diving, and many restaurants did not charge me a cent. Great life for a 21 year old !
After the sixth month I came to Canada for 6 weeks, and when I returned to Cancun I was hired as PR by the Paradise Beach Club (a popular joint) to promote their condo development, and I also got hired by the Hard Rock Café to train their team of waiters (past life in restaurants...). If you ever go the the Hard Rock Café in Cancun, you must know that I drove the pink Cadillac to it's final destination before it got mounted on its post.
Life was moving at a faster pace, and I felt right at home. I was spending more time with my good friend Luis, who was also good friends with the federal minister of tourism and the sub-minister for the state of Quintana Roo. We had some great times, they liked to party big and were treated like royalty everywhere they went. We had access to the best Cancun could offer. Too much.
About 2 months after my return, I got offered the Public Relations position for the Cancun International airport - a fantastic job opportunity. I felt the decision was not only about the job, but also about settling in Mexico for the long run. It was a government position, and required for me to become a Mexican resident. I was not ready to commit, so I declined the offer and I moved back to Oh Canada ! It was like ripping me in half.
And so I will soon go back once more, and maybe I will finally get a piece of land... not far fetched!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Chug Chug Chugging along!
Now that the flights, the car rental and the accommodations are booked and confirmed, the focus comes back to the present time. In the business zone, everything must be carefully planned and organised for a smooth operation while we are away.
Things seem to be moving much faster now. The kitchen reno is going so well that it seems that it will be finished by the first week of July. School is almost over for the boys. Effective today The Little Workshop is closed for the summer, and Le Petit Atelier's last classes for this school year will take place at the end of June. Many Little Workshop students and Petit Atelier clients are already confirmed for September, and the work will soon begin to fill available spots on both schedules.
With July comes the time to organize the fall, confirming teachers availability and looking at tentative training and work schedules, and preparing training material. It's also a good time for contacting prospect clients and advertise private music lessons for August registrations, and update the web sites.
With August comes the time to confirm all of that, clean and prepare the studio for Little Workshop students, buy piano and guitar methods, and begin training for the two new and fabulous Petit Atelier teachers, prepare payroll schedules, and start a new set of financial books for a new year of operations.
This is all the juggling required to run our two little businesses - and I absolutely love it!
Things seem to be moving much faster now. The kitchen reno is going so well that it seems that it will be finished by the first week of July. School is almost over for the boys. Effective today The Little Workshop is closed for the summer, and Le Petit Atelier's last classes for this school year will take place at the end of June. Many Little Workshop students and Petit Atelier clients are already confirmed for September, and the work will soon begin to fill available spots on both schedules.
With July comes the time to organize the fall, confirming teachers availability and looking at tentative training and work schedules, and preparing training material. It's also a good time for contacting prospect clients and advertise private music lessons for August registrations, and update the web sites.
With August comes the time to confirm all of that, clean and prepare the studio for Little Workshop students, buy piano and guitar methods, and begin training for the two new and fabulous Petit Atelier teachers, prepare payroll schedules, and start a new set of financial books for a new year of operations.
This is all the juggling required to run our two little businesses - and I absolutely love it!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
How?
How is this possible? Well, it did not happen overnight. Tim and I have always wanted to live abroad with the boys for awhile, we were dreaming of a one year venture somewhere in another country. Along the past few years my life has turned around for the better, and self-employment allowed me to make healthy changes. I took charge, for better or for worse, and it brought me a great sense of empowerment. The Little Workshop, our home based little music school, is exactly where we want it to be in terms of volume of operation. We have no plans to grow it bigger. As for Le Petit Atelier, my mobile music education service, it is growing steadily and it is proving to be a solid little business with a lot of potential for further growth.
So between the two businesses which will keep operating with our team of great teachers and coordinators, we will be able to manage a steady income while keeping a fluid communication all along the three months. The other important financial part of the puzzle is that we are subletting our house while we are away. A very good friend came forward with an offer that we could not refuse, and it will be great peace of mind to know that our house is in good hands.
As for the cost, we are paying very low rental fees because in each case (3 different houses) we are getting long term rate for properties that are usually rented for much more money on a weekly basis. The first house is in an amazing location on the Caribbean, and we are taking advantage of the end of the low season pricing-with long term rate. The very best pricing we got is for the ranch, which is costing us $500US for the month, and which allows us to afford some weekend trips while we're there. The last destination is the beach property we rented with friends in 2008, and the owner is giving us a great deal.
So with all these factors combined, our 3 month stay will cost us the same as what a family of 4 would spend in one week in an all inclusive resort. The timing is just right for all of us, so we're doing it. It feels both very crazy and very sound... and more importantly - it feels right.
So between the two businesses which will keep operating with our team of great teachers and coordinators, we will be able to manage a steady income while keeping a fluid communication all along the three months. The other important financial part of the puzzle is that we are subletting our house while we are away. A very good friend came forward with an offer that we could not refuse, and it will be great peace of mind to know that our house is in good hands.
As for the cost, we are paying very low rental fees because in each case (3 different houses) we are getting long term rate for properties that are usually rented for much more money on a weekly basis. The first house is in an amazing location on the Caribbean, and we are taking advantage of the end of the low season pricing-with long term rate. The very best pricing we got is for the ranch, which is costing us $500US for the month, and which allows us to afford some weekend trips while we're there. The last destination is the beach property we rented with friends in 2008, and the owner is giving us a great deal.
So with all these factors combined, our 3 month stay will cost us the same as what a family of 4 would spend in one week in an all inclusive resort. The timing is just right for all of us, so we're doing it. It feels both very crazy and very sound... and more importantly - it feels right.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Five months to departure
Five months and six days. So far so good, everything is going well and our kitchen reno will begin on Monday. A little bit ahead of schedule, and it's all good. Tim and I spent two hours at Ikea this morning, and we walked out of there in an excellent mood. Life is full of surprises!
On the booking front, the deposit has been sent for the ranch. It was a bit complicated, and I had to use Western Union for the first time. I discovered that they have an amazing network of service points, and it is possible to wire money in a matter of seconds to be collected in the tiniest remote towns. Pretty amazing. So it is confirmed - we will be in the heart of Yucatan farm land for Christmas and to break in the new year. I'm sure that there will be some nostalgia in the air. A memorable Holiday season, half way through our big adventure.
On the practical front, I have been wondering how we can carry so much luggage in the rental car. We will have many instruments, and our regular luggage. We can travel light, and we have been to Mexico before with one single suitcase for the four of us - and one carry on each. But even with reduced luggage, the problem will be the first grocery shopping which will have to be done on the way to our first destination - with a full car. It will be the biggest shopping as it will include all the basics, and it will also be for the most remote place in our journey, for one entire month. After some research, I have found the solution in... a rooftop bag. It doesn't require a rack, and it is made with thick waterproof fabric. If you find yourself with a space problem when traveling by car with your family, you may want to check it out: https://roofbag.com/OrderProducts.asp - or borrow it from us when we come back!
On the booking front, the deposit has been sent for the ranch. It was a bit complicated, and I had to use Western Union for the first time. I discovered that they have an amazing network of service points, and it is possible to wire money in a matter of seconds to be collected in the tiniest remote towns. Pretty amazing. So it is confirmed - we will be in the heart of Yucatan farm land for Christmas and to break in the new year. I'm sure that there will be some nostalgia in the air. A memorable Holiday season, half way through our big adventure.
On the practical front, I have been wondering how we can carry so much luggage in the rental car. We will have many instruments, and our regular luggage. We can travel light, and we have been to Mexico before with one single suitcase for the four of us - and one carry on each. But even with reduced luggage, the problem will be the first grocery shopping which will have to be done on the way to our first destination - with a full car. It will be the biggest shopping as it will include all the basics, and it will also be for the most remote place in our journey, for one entire month. After some research, I have found the solution in... a rooftop bag. It doesn't require a rack, and it is made with thick waterproof fabric. If you find yourself with a space problem when traveling by car with your family, you may want to check it out: https://roofbag.com/OrderProducts.asp - or borrow it from us when we come back!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Why???
mmm... I am generally on the side of 'why not', but there has to be a more rational aspect to such a long stay in Mexico. So on the work front, Tim and I intend to work hard on our respective music.
I will be working on my repertoire (book) of early childhood French songs, rhymes and games, writing new material, and develop a Spanish program. I will be teaching occasionally in local schools, providing music workshops to children, and/or teacher training. I intend to improve my skills on the mandolin, and Dylan will be recording some of the bed tracks for the CD that will accompany the book. These goals are very difficult to achieve when caught in the day to day routine of our city life, so I expect to make important progress in these areas. I will also make key contacts for another project that I have for the coming years, but that will have to be another blog! As for Tim, he will be working on his fiddle playing and write music as well. He is exploring the possibility of getting some gigs, and possibly study with local master musicians. We will be carrying quite a load of instruments; guitar, mandolin, banjo and violin, with a few recorders and some percussion, and the multitrack recording guizmo.
The children will keep up with school too. I will handle the most I can, and we will 'skype' in a tutor on a regular basis. It will be challenging, but very manageable.
So we're not really slacking off here... Let's call it a 'temporary slow motion withdrawal from urban life'. Yeah, that's it!
I will be working on my repertoire (book) of early childhood French songs, rhymes and games, writing new material, and develop a Spanish program. I will be teaching occasionally in local schools, providing music workshops to children, and/or teacher training. I intend to improve my skills on the mandolin, and Dylan will be recording some of the bed tracks for the CD that will accompany the book. These goals are very difficult to achieve when caught in the day to day routine of our city life, so I expect to make important progress in these areas. I will also make key contacts for another project that I have for the coming years, but that will have to be another blog! As for Tim, he will be working on his fiddle playing and write music as well. He is exploring the possibility of getting some gigs, and possibly study with local master musicians. We will be carrying quite a load of instruments; guitar, mandolin, banjo and violin, with a few recorders and some percussion, and the multitrack recording guizmo.
The children will keep up with school too. I will handle the most I can, and we will 'skype' in a tutor on a regular basis. It will be challenging, but very manageable.
So we're not really slacking off here... Let's call it a 'temporary slow motion withdrawal from urban life'. Yeah, that's it!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Reno Plan
Ready to make our big kitchen reno move, and for us the work begins this weekend with a MAJOR purge. We have to empty the kitchen, remove the suspended ceiling, and paint... all before July 1st. It may sound like a reasonable goal to most people, but for us it represents a fair challenge.
This is the first renovation project since we moved in the house and did the basement studio 12 years ago. We're not doing anything major, no big structural or design changes. A bigger park view window to let the sunshine in, and a lot of cabinetry to finally have much needed storage space. New ceiling with light fixtures from this century, and new floor. It will be fabulous!
And best of all, once this is done, our house will be adequate for the downtown sublet market - our ticket to future traveling!
This is the first renovation project since we moved in the house and did the basement studio 12 years ago. We're not doing anything major, no big structural or design changes. A bigger park view window to let the sunshine in, and a lot of cabinetry to finally have much needed storage space. New ceiling with light fixtures from this century, and new floor. It will be fabulous!
And best of all, once this is done, our house will be adequate for the downtown sublet market - our ticket to future traveling!
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