"Carpe Mañana" and Other Lessons from 30 Years Living in Mexico

In this episode of "Almost Retired in Mexico," we sit down with Kirk Robinson, who shares his remarkable journey from the fast-paced corporate world of LA to the tranquil shores of La Ventana, Mexico. At the age of 36, Kirk decided to leave his conventional job and pursue his passion for windsurfing by starting a resort in this idyllic Mexican town. 🎥🪁
As Kirk delves into his story, he unpacks the concept of "Mañana culture," a hallmark of Mexican life that can be both enchanting and challenging for newcomers. Mañana, often mistaken for simply meaning "tomorrow," actually signifies "sometime later" - a mindset that emphasizes patience, flexibility, and the importance of family and relationships over rigid schedules. 🌞✨
Kirk’s tale begins with a serendipitous visit to La Ventana after quitting his job. A series of fortunate events led him to own a shop in LA briefly before fully committing to his dream life in Mexico. With his first-mover advantage, Kirk pioneered the windsurfing business in La Ventana, navigating the complexities of doing business in a new cultural landscape. 🏄‍♂️📈
From building his home amid delayed schedules and unexpected costs to managing a business where employees prioritize family over punctuality, Kirk shares candid insights and practical advice for potential expats. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to the local way of life and warns that those who can't let go of strict timelines might find it hard to adjust. 🛠️⏳
In addition to windsurfing, La Ventana now offers a plethora of activities like deep-sea fishing, mountain biking, and pickleball, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 🌊🚵‍♂️
Join us as we explore Kirk’s fascinating experiences and extract valuable lessons on thriving in the unique Mañana culture of Mexico. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring expat stories and tips on living in Mexico! 👍🔔
#MexicoLiving #LaVentana #ExpatLife #MañanaCulture #Windsurfing #Pickleball #OutdoorAdventure #AlmostRetiredInMexico #KirkStory #TravelInspiration 🌟🇲🇽
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👉 • La Ventana
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[@peterbedford2610]

I remember going to Puerto Vallarta in 1981. It was so quaint and rustic. Everything was so relaxed..I oved it

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah - things have changed a lot in Mexico over the past 40 years!

[@cindyk3076]

Kirk and his wife have put their time in there, lol. How great that he was able to stay in the area and reap the rewards of his (and her) hard work. It looks like a beautiful area for all of the outdoor sports that he mentioned!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Its a great little town! And there are hot springs nearby on the edge of the water!

[@BosqueVillage]

Excellent! I moved down in 2004 to live off grid when I was 37.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

That's awesome. What part of Mexico are you in?

[@BosqueVillage]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Near Patzcuaro. Finally about to get some rain!

[@davebaker489]

Very straight forward and clear. So my take is if you've just gotta have your widgets right now.. Don't come to Mexico or learn to accept that you may not be the most important person , who has to have his widgets Now or even sooner. If you tend to be like the 4 yr old at Walmart whose mother just said No to and now you are screaming as you roll around on the floor it likely isn't for you. But if tomorrow or the next day or even the next day is ok you'll do just fine. Slow and steady often wins the race. Thanks Mr B PS the Lobsters were goooooooooood. P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes! And if there is a 4 year old at Walmart rolling in the floor screaming, you should feel compassion for the parents, not being annoyed by the screaming.

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Sorrow... Maybe. More likely though I'd feel contempt for the way they have brought up that child. PS I hate to wait. But it does leave one the time to enjoy another Margarita.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

I'm in Carpe Mañana mode without even being in MX :) You should consider selling Carpe Mañana merch :)

[@user-dt2iq7mq5t]

This video was short but sweet. Thanks!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you liked it!

[@Kimonha]

A legend

[@kocreteify]

Cool, thanks 😊

[@franciscarodriguez7438]

You should make a program about the mental problem that the USA end CANADA have. Compared to México,

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

When you say “mental problem” what are you referring to? I try to stay out of politics, do I don’t want to do a video about MAGA.

[@ethanmurray2203]

MAGA? It's a proven fact left wing people have far more mental illness. For a guy who doesn't do politics, you sure jumped into politics quickly. The US suffers mental illness because of the stress of life, the financial hardships, the vapid culture, the social division. Please leave your Pacific Northwest politics behind. We all want to leave politics in the US, that's why we want to go to Mexico. Please don't ruin that, as every major city in the US has been ruined, California has been ruined, as well as Oregon and Washington State.

[@franciscarodriguez7438]

Almost Retired in Mexico l am Mexican and l don’t like that they criticized Mexicans so much about tomorrow. That’s why in the USA and Canada there are many problems because everything has to be today,

[@franciscarodriguez7438]

Como mexicana me ofenden mucho con lo tanto que nos critican que todo lo hacemos mañana eso no está bien que digan eso en México no hay tanto problema mental cómo está en USA. y Canada no tenemos prisa el mexicano si sabe apreciar la familia y la. Vida en. General. Saludos.

[@legendasepicas3153]

En realidad no lo esta diciendo en forma de crítica sino más bien en comparación entre las diferencias Culturales entre países. Porque si, los Estadounidenses viven muy de prisas y se hace incapie en el video de que cuando vengan a México no traigan esa actitud que es normal en el día a día de la monotonía anglosajona. Saludos.

[@RobotDad]

Nice Interview!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks! And happy Father’s Day!

[@storres1368]

🙏🙏🙏

[@badgot45]

If you are one of those guys who expects to have cellular service everywhere you go and you feel like the world is against you because there is no internet once in a while don't move to Mexico.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So true! Thanks for sharing.

[@philschiavone101]

I have lived in Mexico and Chicago. I really don’t see the mañana culture that you are referring to. In fact, the Mexican men that I know put in more hours and are more successful than anyone that I know. I am the one who wants family time.

[@SharrellKline]

Sunday is sacred here because their regular workday is six days a week. For my husband and I it's unacceptable to even consider asking for help on a Sunday. The only exception would be for a legitimate life-threatening emergency. But I don't see that philosophy across my fellow gringo community because most gringo's idea of what an emergency is . . . let's say they're too often pretty selfish and entitled.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So true about the perception of "emergency." What I've had to adjust to is not sending requests on Sunday with the assumption that they'll just be ignored until Monday. Mexicans feel an obligation to follow through when they get your message.

[@deborahsearle2339]

Where is it?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

About 3 hours north of Cabo on the Gulf of California side of the Baja Peninsula.

[@KatKatz11]

Question? If I am a temporary resident in MX can I start a youtube channel? Or do I have to get permission from immigration or permi? Would I then pay income tax to MX or US? (Don't know the first thing about starting a channel, but thought I may want to learn at some point).🎉 thanks!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can definitely start a channel. You'll need at least 1000 subscribers before you can earn any money. I live half time in the US and that's my official "tax residence." This is common for Americans living in Mexico - even those living full time. So I pay US income tax. You should pay Mexican income tax on any money made in Mexico. But almost all my revenue comes from viewers in the US, plus KZbin is based in the US. If you ran an Airbnb, then it would be obvious that you need to pay taxes to Mexico. Online income isn't as clear. Good luck to you!

[@KatKatz11]

@AlmostRetiredinMexico This helps because, your saying I wouldn't even have to get a work permit UNTIL I actually make money at it (1000 subs). That's what I wanted to know, because I want to try it to see if I even enjoy doing it and if I'm getting enough subscribers in the first place to even go through the hassle of getting a permit and reporting income, so this would give me the time I need. Thank you!

[@L.Spencer]

@@KatKatz11 I don't think you need a Mexican work permit if your income is coming from the US. Like if you live in Mexico but teach English online for a company not based in Mexico, as far as I know, you don't need to pay Mexican income tax, but if you're a US Citizen you need to pay US income tax, despite wherever you're living. Or if you don't earn enough to owe any US tax, then maybe not, but probably will still owe Social Security. I'm not an expert, though.

[@faff1970]

Mañana is similar to america's "after lunch" phrase. You just need to push people to achieve your goals, gringos, mexas, canacos, whatever.

[@gloriakadar3288]

Mexico is America there isn't a country named America

[@SergioLopez-iz6tw]

All of you gringos & Canadians INMIGRANTS are welcome to Mexico but learn Spanish.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Claro que si

[@alejandraahmed1177]

Its a laid back society.😂

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Definitely!

[@nexo1398]

Dont encourage people to come grentrify the country even more...

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You sound like a conservative American.

[@nexo1398]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico on the other side you sound like the average entitled gringo Who thinks to have right to do whatever you want as long as you get what you want.

[@nexo1398]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico entitled grin.go you dont care about the harm you do as long as you get what you want.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Ouch - that sounds almost as bad as being a conservative American complaining about "those illegals from south of the border ruining America." I try to minimize my impact. I bought a house from another foreigner in an area where few Mexicans want to live. I'd love to do more for local residents - do you have suggestions on how to help?

[@gypsy1962]

Do they kill Americans and throw them down abandoned wells in this area?

[@SafeGuardYourSoul]

Mexico is safer than the usa ;) 30 people shot in Chidago alone per weekend. I doubt that many people get shot in the whole country of Mexico every 6 mos.

[@rcooley111]

If you tell them you're taking over their drug market in that area, then yes.

[@davebaker489]

Not likely. But they also don't enter schools and murder kids either.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Maybe. Do they randomly shoot up malls? No. Churches? No. Concerts? No. Schools? No. Grocery stores? No.

[@davehoagland8869]

I'm sure you have loads of experience in international living but it's probable you are the type who won't do well here, LOL!