Gringos in Paradise

the long version

In 2004, Barry Golson wrote an article for AARP magazine about Mexican hot spots for retirees longing for a lifestyle they couldn't afford in the United States. A year later, he and his wife Thia joined in the growing trend: they sold their Manhattan apartment, packed up their SUV, moved to the surfing and fishing village of Sayulita ( population 1,500) on Mexico's Pacific coast, and spent a year settling into their new life and planning and building their dream home. Before long, the Golsons had been absorbed into the rhythms and routines of village life, made lasting friends with Mexicans and fellow expatriates, discovered the skill and artistry of local craftsmen, and ultimately experienced a lifetime's worth of education about the challenges and advantages of living in Mexico. As much about family and friendship as about house-building, this book is about finding a personal paradise and making it a home.--From publisher description.