The weather here is getting a little warmer each day. The constant breezes coming in from the ocean keeps it nice and cool by the water. As the first phase of the malecon nears completion, workers are installing the lights that will illuminate the walkway at night. This morning I when I went into town to take the photos below, and I thought our beaches have never looked more beautiful. I saw quite a few European tourists out enjoying them.
The latest news (as of last week) about the return of cruise ships is that there will be occasional arrivals from July until October/November when the normal schedule commences.
One question I get often is how the cost of living here compares to that of the US. The answer is “it depends on how you live”. For me, it is much less than in the US. Gasoline is always a concern and I finally found out how to compare the price of gas here to what it is in the US. I’d include a spreadsheet for this but it would probably get caught in virus scans. Right now it shows that I am paying the equivalent to $2.33 per gallon.
Several US citizens who live here or have property here contacted me to say they had received a survey that asked fairly personal questions and were concerned about it. I am really not sure of where this survey came from, but as the local representative for the Consulate, I had no knowledge of it. In fact, there is a Privacy Act form which should be completed by American citizens who wish the Consulate or me to release information about themselves. Without one of these forms signed, the Consulate is precluded from providing any information to third parties (including in emergency situations). I keep these with me so if you need one just let me know. An example of when you may want to disclose personal information is if you are traveling here and your family members need to contact you in case of an emergency.
Real estate sales in Costa Maya, especially in and around Mahahual continue to be strong as people are taking advantage of current prices which have remained fairly level since last August.
Sales include:
· two lots in Benque Soya (between the lighthouse and cruise ship pier)
· lot at km10 south of Mahahual
· lot at km 8 south of Mahahual
There are also four new exclusive listings being added at http://www.costamayaliving.com/Listings.html.
· Two adjacent 16mt lots in Placer – $423,500usd
· 20mt lot in San Jose – Rio Indio – $275,000usd
· 50mt lot in Uvero – $274,000usd
· Lot on Lake Bacalar between the highway and lake 254mt deep by 20mt wide – $220,000
