This book is a wonderful surprise, a fun contribution to the "things you need to know about Mexico" literary genre. Adams serves up all his dry facts with spicy humor and ribald stories. He has “been there and done that”, which makes him a master story- teller about the nuts and bolts of moving to Mexico. He has answered every question, some that you haven’t even thought to ask. Those questions, of course, are the very ones that trip you up because you didn’t know to ask them. While this book is not specifically about Baja California, Don is writing about living in old Colonial Mexico; the facts are the same and the warning is clear. Be prepared!

Don’t pass over the "Forward" by Teresa Kendrick. She writes "Traveling to Mexico is like having a fling, a stunning romance . . . Moving to Mexico, however, is not un-like getting married . . . Those who enter into their nuptials with Mexico armed only with childish dreams can expect frustrations . . . Once we move past the romantic vision, the sentimental outlook, our conceit as experts, and our insistences that Mexico be "our way," we can move on to really living within the reality of the country. It is from there that we can choose to love it.

Don gives a clear and insightful "Table of Contents." Just reading the chapter titles and their subtitles could easily give you enough information to see if you are in over your head. They read like this: Living in Mexico; Money Honey; Am I Right For Mexico?; The Day To Day Nitty Gritty; Moving Your Stuff; Driving and Other Daring Pursuits; What Do You Reckon Manna Really Is?; Habla Like The Locals; You’re Not in Kansas Anymore. The subtitles make you want to read the stuff even if you think it might be boring: Basic Training: What Mexican Money Looks Like; How Did You Get Into This Mess, and More Importantly, How Did You Get Out of It?; Checkpoint Charlie; The Witch May Be Busy; Keep a First-Aid Kit Handy; and Topes.

If you don’t have Don’s book and you have never heard about topes, you will soon learn the hard way! Topes are found when you least expect them and you will learn a new Spanish word. This is the upside. The downside is you are enjoying a pleasant sightseeing trip, when suddenly there is an ugly jolt, your head hits the roof, your teeth jar together, and there is a terrible sound from the underside of your car. You have just been introduced to the Mexican Tope, aka the speed bump. You know you have become a "local" when you can laugh at this! Don’t ever expect to see a warning sign.

Don gives us a few recipes too, and some we are sure to try, like a sweet avocado dessert. He’ll help you out on managing the local foods like tortilla selection, how hot are the chillies, how to use cilantro, and bolillos which can become addictive. But when it comes to the perfect margarita, this is what he says. "Now everyone I know, or know of, claims to possess the secret formula for the per fect margarita. I don’t have a dog in that particular fight since I believe the correct way to drink tequila is straight up and lonesome. That lime juice is better suited for pies, wound disinfectant, and squeezing over cooked fish and all street food."

Are you still wondering why you shouldn't bring your Volvo? Here is Don's answer: "Because you’ll play hell trying to find parts or get repairs.” Does he need to "splain" that further?

"Head For Mexico” is a comprehensive guide served up with gusto. It is sure to ease you gracefully into the real life of living in Mexico.

From the Mexconnect Internet Magazine, December, 2003

jennifer j. rose is a lawyer, editor and writer living in Morelia, Michoacán, and editor-in-chief of the American Bar Association magazine GP-|Solo.

Frankly, most "how to live in Mexico" books, – from Ken Luboff’s "Live Well in Mexico: How to Relocate, Retire, and Increase Your Standard of Living," John Howells and Don Merwin’s "Choose Mexico, 8th: Travel, Investment, and Living Opportunities for Every Budget," and Mexico 'Mike' Nelson’s "Live Better South of the Border" – spout the same line. Even the most recent version of Carl Franz’ "The People’s Guide to Mexico - 30th Anniversary Edition," geared more to the long-term tourist, has become as tired as tie-dyed t-shirts and bellbottoms. All of these books proclaim Mexican living as better and less costly – but none of them really describe how to make that lifestyle a reality.

The latest – Don Adams’ "Head for Mexico: The Renegade Guide" – stands out from the rest of the herd. Adams, a Texas-born Vietnam vet who whiled away his working years as a truck driver, insurance adjuster and teacher, actually lived full-time in Mexico for more than five years before setting out to write his book. He still lives in Mexico, and he’s here for the long haul. And his experience is not limited to a single area or transient accommodations. Respect for Mexico, its customs and its laws and a solid reality check for would-be expatriates are the polestar themes in this book.

From the pre-planning stages while still NoB (the author’s term for north of the border) to crossing over to SoB (south of the border), Adams covers it all, giving cookbook directions, references, and abundant doses of good humor mixed in with lively anecdotes. The book is replete with resources for Canadians as well as Americans.

From lawyers, guns and money to hired help and fruit drinks and even death, there isn’t an aspect of living in Mexico which isn’t covered in chapters starting with the immigration process and leading the reader through housing, moving, driving, insurance, utilities, eating, communications, pets, medical care, teaching English, learning Spanish, and even sex. Matters as simple as ordering an ordinary comida corrida and paying for it and shopping at a tianguis are described in delightfully colorful detail.

The author’s been taken for a chump a time or two, and he comes clean with solid advice on how not to let that happen a second time. He’s no Pollyana, but he chalks every episode up to a learning experience. Even his most truly embarrassing moments.

While the thrust of "Head for Mexico| is how to live inexpensively in Mexico, Adams has been careful not to present it as a guide to life on the cheap. There are no promises about living like a hacendado on an average Social Security check here, but solid information and strategies for making limited funds stretch toward dignified and comfortable lifestyles. Good Old Boy charm and a healthy respect for a broad range of lifestyles get this author through finding fixer-upper rentals, emergency veterinary care, and town parades.

Only a man very secure in his own skin – or desperate for social approval – would wear a flimsy lavender nightgown with a red sash draped on his shoulder, an itchy homemade beard of fake hair glued to a piece of cardboard and a shiny gold crown while riding in the bed of a pickup truck. But Don Adams did one mid-December day in San Antonio Tlayacapán, and he describes his outing in a way that makes perfect sense. It was a celebration in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The audience for "Head to Mexico" extends beyond simply those contemplating a move to Mexico: those who’ve lived here since the days of Porfirio Diaz as well as the armchair tourist will find a refreshing take on one man’s integration into another culture. It’s an excellent resource as well as a warmly generous slice of everyday lives in Mexico.

The photo on the cover of "Head for Mexico, The Renegade Guide," shows what appears to be an attentive horse, a loyal dog and the perplexed author, Don Adams, pondering a map of Mexico. It is not clear which of the three will come up with the best route to follow.

Once the reader gets into the book, however, it quickly becomes clear that Mr. Adams knows quite well where to go next and how not only to survive, but how to enjoy himself to the max once he gets there. Adams has traveled in Mexico and lived here on and off since the early 1960s. About five years ago he made Mexico his retirement home. Ordinary humans should not be put off by the book’s subtitle, "The Renegade Guide". Notwithstanding Adams’ obviously adventurous character, he has compiled an almost encyclopedic collection of practical information about life in Mexico.

The book is entertaining, as well as informative. In a breezy and humorous writing style, Adams explains how to cross the border into Mexico and get through customs and immigration, get an FM-3, buy all kinds of insurance, stay alive on Mexican highways, hire domestic employees, get a fish bone out of your throat, take care of pets, find a place to live, pursue a vegetarian life style, set banking arrangements, break in a molcajete, get medical care-along with a few dozen other subjects. Along with almost every topic he covers, Adams provides numerous Websites for the reader to search for additional information.

Readers may draw as they will from Adams’ freewheeling commentary on sex in Mexico. His chapter on that subject covers a lot of territory. He even quotes Henry Kissinger and ends the chapter with advice on where to buy beer and liquor.

Adams’ own observations are enhanced by several articles contributed by other veterans of life south of the border. Ajijic resident Karen Blue, for example, provides an upbeat perspective on a single woman’s life in Mexico. Mark Farley tells about teaching English in Mexico.

Included in Adams’ advice to gringos is, quite correctly, that they stay out of Mexican politics. And while doing so, he wryly observes that expatriates tend to create enough political shenanigans in their own circles to keep themselves occupied without offending the host country.

While he is enthusiastic about life in Mexico, Adams does not ignore the problems. In his chapter "You’re Not in Kansas Anymore", he urges expats to maintain their perspective. "Is everything perfect in Mexico? How boring! You’re going to encounter problems, challenges, and aggravations. You’ll either learn to live with ‘em or head back to Paradise."

One final note: Forwards and introductions to books often are skipped over by readers who just want to get to the heart of the book. In this case, I highly recommend that the reader pause and read the forward by Teresa Kendrick, entitled, "Getting Used to Things". It eloquently explains a great deal about the realities of life in Mexico, for the benefit of those already here or those who are thinking about heading south to the fascinating place so well described by Adams.

Don Adams´ book on moving to Mexico, called "Head for Mexico, The Renegade Guide," is both encyclopedic and entertaining. Written in a breezy, down home, Texas way of talkin´, it is a veritable treasure trove of information. The cover of this 350 page paperback is adorned with a handsome photograph of the author in resplendent cowboy garb, looking at a map, with his horse and dog by his side and spectacular canyons as backdrop, setting the tone for a fanciful ride to a new land. The journey is made completely enjoyable with amusing anecdotes of the author´s own experiences, with sidebars and stories from other travelers and writers, and an exquisite forward by editor Teresa Kendrick, (Getting Used to Things).

The text is accented by the beautiful drawings of William Gentes, and is laid out in an easy to read and use format. It is replete with lots of fun filled facts such as web addresses for government agencies both in Mexico and abroad, referrals to appropriate agencies, informal advice for finding housing, driving in Mexico (and other dangerous pursuits), and a myriad of other helpful topics. Frankly, this amount of detail might be drudgery in another author´s hands, but Don´s light heartedness prevails, and we are carried along by his open and inquisitive approach to new circumstances, adversity and good times.

The real gems of the book are the true accounts of the writer´s varied adventures relocating here, combined with very sound advice in managing the "small stuff." In a sense, Don´s book is the heir to an earlier guidebook to Mexico, "The People´s Guide to Mexico," by Carl Franz and Lorena Havens, which I read and used faithfully at age 20 as a young hippie on my first sojourn South of the Border. The "Renegade Guide" is better suited to those of us with still adventurous spirits, but somewhat more advanced age, hoping to remain in Mexico for our later years rather than just to pass through. His wisdom will help all adapt to a new life in another country in good humor and with real appreciation for the magic of Mexico.

So, we are given a primer in the basics, from learning the income requirements for a resident visa, to importing a car, (complete with tips on driving and insuring in Mexico!), obtaining health care for both the human and animal members of the family, money management, learning Spanish (or teaching English) and much, much more.

A bit of self disclosure . . . I have been a Don Adams fan for a long time. I first became acquainted with “Uncle Donnie´s” writing on an internet chat room well before I moved here, and then followed his lively and spirited comments more on the forums on MexConnect.com He is smart, funny and irreverent, and it was a pleasure to meet him personally some years later and find the authentic person equally as interesting and charming as the cyber person.

And the real Don Adams comes through in his book. We learn much about how he settled into South of the Border, exploring a new culture and a new land, all with the high spirited enthusiasm that is the hallmark of the man.

Don's new book has just been released. If you had your little heart set on another warm and fuzzy "Living In Mexico On Umpty-Five Dollars a Month" treatise, ya better ride on, partner, cuz this ain't it. Don Adams just ain't that kind of writer and "Head for Mexico" is not the kind of book that will be irrelevant or out of date next month if the dollar or peso exchange rate fluctuates 15%.

What really gives Don Adams a leg up and also makes this book somewhat unusual is that he actually knows what he's writing about. Yes, he really lives permanently in Mexico and has for some time. In this day of quickie, formula written guides to almost everything, that's a pretty unique concept. Don has been visiting Mexico on a regular basis since the 1960's and has probably crossed the border more times than many of the restaurant workers in El Paso, Texas.

Don has personally dealt with immigration, customs, auto importation permits, permits for pets, monthly government checks, banks, ATM cards, credit cards, travelers checks, doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs, realtors, rental agents, grocery shopping and, of course, the fine art of street corner taco stand dining al fresco. (Donnie's dining habits are a bit more adventurous than most of ours). He also tells you what you can't bring, what you don't need to bring and a few things that maybe you should bring.

A special education teacher back in real life, Uncle Donnie is well qualified, both professionally and psychologically to "splain" things to us expats and to those desiring to join our ranks. As most of you already suspect, folks who willingly entertain the idea of leaving their mother country, their families, their friends and whatever social support systems they have in order to move to a foreign country with a different language, customs, culture, and laws are a little dingy anyway. Authorities generally agree that most of us are, at best, four or five degrees out of phase. Uncle Donnie has taken this differential into consideration and, realizing that most of us have serious learning disabilities and are attention-span challenged, he added a little humor. Well, actually, he added a lot of humor. Reading "Head for Mexico" was the first time I'd ever chuckled my way through instructions on dealing with immigration or clearing customs. Either activity can be a harrowing experience if you are not prepared or don't have the proper attitude.

Accept Uncle Donnie's "good old boy, down-home humor" for what it is - an initial inoculation necessary for your healthy survival in Mexico. It's his way of suggesting that if you are lacking in patience or do not possess an active sense of humor, you just might consider moving to Sun City, Arizona instead of Mexico. The Mexican people are warm, friendly, courteous, understanding and very forgiving. However, Mexican Customs (Aduana) officers or immigration (migra) officials do not always deal kindly with arrogance, deceit, rudeness, or pomposity.

Maybe, as a way of validating his own observations and experiences, Uncle Donnie enlisted the aid of a small cadre of other experienced expats to offer up their personal tales of passage to paradise. This eclectic little band of un-indicted co-conspirators is a pretty decent demographic representation of the gringos living here in Mexico. These contributors include:

• A single, divorced, middle aged mother of two grown children, retired from a high-pressure, 80-hour-a-week job in California. She now writes and lectures on her own time schedule and terms.
• A retired businessman and his wife from Texas who seem to be having the time of their lives remodeling their new home and generally just enjoying themselves.
• A single male who supports himself teaching English as a second language and tells you how you can do it, too.
• Another single woman who came down here 14 years ago, sick, depressed, confused and has somehow managed to support herself and build a new life. She writes for several local publications and a couple of online magazines.

Although "Head for Mexico" is a complete guide in itself, Uncle Donnie included enough additional reference material to keep you busy for the rest of your natural life. Appendix I contains names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, websites, and/or e-mail addresses for over 160 valuable resources for information about various aspects of visiting or living in Mexico. Most are free; a few are not. Speaking of free or not, when you buy Head for Mexico, what you see is what you get. Uncle Donnie ain't selling anything else here. He doesn't sell real estate. He isn't pimping for a monthly or quarterly "newsletter." The book doesn't ask you to buy additional "information packets." When you finally get to page 342, there is no pitch for you to send $19.95 to some pigeon-drop P.O. Box in East Amboy, New Jersey for a poorly shot and amateurish video tape of beautiful Mexico. When you lay down your $23.95 USD for a copy of "Head for Mexico," you get the whole enchilada. (Yes, pun intended).

Oh, did I mention, it's a really funny book? I'm glad I got to read the manuscript. I only wish this book had been available a year ago when Patty and I first started to plan our move to Mexico. It could have saved us a lot ofanguish and anxiety.

Jack and Patty Wolfe moved to Ajijic last year from Prescott, Arizona, their home since Jack's retirement 16 years ago as an NBC News cameraman. Jack was ready and willing to oblige us with a review of Don Adams' new book, especially since that meant he could have an advance copy.

Marie McCarthy
Still working for the man in Washington, D.C.

Am thoroughly enjoying the book! The chapter on finding a place to live and experiences with Mexican landlords was particularly useful. So much I've read on the internet indicates that rentals can be either pricey or hard to come by. There's also enough personal experiences floating around out there to instill a fear of renting. Your take on this was reassuring. This is a book that I will refer to and re-read often.

It was so much fun to read a guidebook to Mexican life that is so personable. I thoroughly enjoyed the anecdotes sprinkled among the hard facts. If you were to write another book, one that was completely about stories of your life in Mexico, I would certainly buy it.

"Head for Mexico" is equally at home in the reference section of your library or in your beachbag next to your poolside lounge chair. The book ambles along in Adamsesque fashion, pausing here for the protocol for crossing the border (less complicated than you think) and there for the protocol for using toilet paper (more complicated than you think). And as you amble alongside, you painlessly acquire a sturdy working knowledge of Mexican housing, driving, psychology, values, survival phrases, food and expat communities. Personal reports by Blue, Judy King and Bill Haslbauer, among others, of their adventures, offer encouragement as well as varied perspectives. Your Mexican experience, whether business trip, vacation or retirement, will be safer, easier, more fun and far, far richer for having read Don Adams’ remarkable guidebook. Happy Trails.

Susan Bleiberg currently lives in Delaware. After visiting Mexico she is now a contributor to publications in the Ajijic, Jalisco area.

Cynthia Buchanan, author of Maiden, a 1999 American Classic Novel lives and works in the Texas/Mexico borderlands. She is currently developing a screenplay based on the exploits of Mexican aviators during WWll.

Cynthia says....

David McLaughlin, Publisher
Mexico Connect Magazine
www.mexconnect.com
Ajijic, Chapala, Mexico

David says....

jennifer j. rose
Editor/Writer/Lawyer
Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico

jennifer says....

I would second the recommendation of Don Adams' book, Head for Mexico. It's been said that one of the main purposes of going to school is to learn where to look for information the rest of your life. One learns how to use the library, etc., and the only thing missing from Uncle Donnie's book is the Dewey Decimal system. There are enough practical leads in it to keep you going for the next five years: telephone numbers, addresses, who to talk to, and websites galore; including practical advice and informed opinions. Both Canadians and those just NoB (Donnie-ism for North of the Border (of Mexico); now you know what SoB means . . . NO, not SOB . . . you will find invaluable references that it would take years to find by themselves. But don't let what I've said turn you off; the book is entertaining and easy reading, as well. The table of contents is very descriptive, enabling you to go directly to a subject of interest and actually find what your're looking for. The index is also excellent. All in all, Head for Mexico is the most comprehensive and palatable book on the subject I've read. It is useful for both "newbies" and long-time gringo residents alike.

Teresa A. Kendrick's "Mexico's Lake Chapala and Ajijic" guide to the north shore area is also an excellent resource for specific data, as are Karen Blue and Judy King's offerings.

Laughing at all hours, keeping my roommate up last night - Uncle Donnie's new book is hysterical! It's also packed with the most truthful and helpful information that anyone moving to Mexico (or just thinking about it) will ever need.

For those of you who don't have it yet, don't wait another minute (even if you think you know everything there is to know . . . you don't!) - you can purchase it at www.trafford.com.

Thank you again Uncle Donnie etal., for this wonderful book. As I plan my return trip, I am gaining tons of useful information and more that a few laughs (belly laughs)!

“. . . What an absolute delight to read! So far it is the most informative “how-to-move-south-of-the-border” book I have ever read. And I will tell you, I have read ALL of them. I have been collecting these books since 1999 and have gained a wealth of information from some of them. Not all of them have been exactly what they say they were . . . but nonetheless, I have enjoyed all. This one will go at the top of my list, though.”

“It is just the best reading on the subject I have seen in a long while. While most of the books I’ve read on moving outh of the border are full of information . . . but usually mundane reading at best. Facts, only facts . . . however, Uncle Donnie’s book IS factual it is also just flat out, straight up funny. Much easier for me to remember something that has made me laugh or cry. And I do both while reading this book!! I generally can’t remember which book I may have read a certain bit of information in that I might need to recall . . . but believe me, I’ll know which one to reference in the future. Great reading even if you don’t have plans of moving south.”

• “Uncle Donnie has a winner!!! I’m already on page 111 and I’ve been laughing out loud and grinning and smiling . . .”
• “The quality of the cover photo is quite outstanding.”
• "His description of the different rental properties he’s seen or lived in is very interesting and full of tips."
• “The book is crawling with enough URLs to keep the computer maniacs thrilled to bits.”
• “FOLKS, IF YOU PLAN TO MOVE TO MEXICO YA GOTTA GET THIS BOOK . . .”
• “. . . there’s a section in there that groups all the negatives together…and it does make you gulp…but it could save some people a lot of hardship and expense.”

“I swear there is gold in them thar pages . . . it has exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. I knew it would be well written and funny, that was a given, but who knew it would be so jammed packed full of useful, usable information! Just his section on rentals and buying alone were worth the cover price. I kept reading sections to my husband. We’re going to be much better equipped to go forth and find our perfect retirement nest. His description of what to ask about and what to look for, or look out for, are informative as well as hysterical.”

"I finished Uncle Donnie's book and was very disappointed. It ended. I would have liked for it to go on much longer . . ."

Hello. How interesting that I would find an email from you. My husband and I were just discussing tidbits of information from some of our "Mexico" books.

Well, I have already finished both books. I ordered your husband's book after I emailed him with a question and he so kindly replied with an answer. In that email he recommended your book. So, I ordered that one, too. My husband and I have read them both and found them interesting, informative and entertaining. Don's humor is priceless and the information provided in both books is very beneficial. There is so much to know!?? I subscribe to Judy King's newsletter and really enjoy that as well. I hope to meet you and some of the other authors of these fine books at some point during our Mexico travels?.