Living Large on a $2500 Budget in La Paz, Mexico

[@tomm9540]

One thing in life, Never wait for someone else to make your decisions for you, I was fortunate to travel around the World by myself, not waiting for others as they say "s#&t or get off the pot!"

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Great point!

[@cindyk3076]

Brad has a cute house and how nice that he's close to the malecon. I have never seen a stainless steel counter in all of the videos I've seen in MX, how lucky for him to find it! Thanks, Brighton, for another interesting interview!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Cindy! That is a unique kitchen!

[@Mphscat]

Oh what a upgrade this guy's life has gotten!!! Love these kinds of stories from people wanting to live the dream... thanks Brighton!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I love to share these folks stories!

[@Mphscat]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Keep up the inspirational stories to convince people to just go ahead and dare to live a better life!

[@davebaker489]

As always Good vid good guest. At 55 my father "invited" my mom to retire with him. She reluctantly agreed. They sold most unnecessary possessions including his beloved Vet and C&C boat and moved to his home. Nova Scotia. The story goes on but let's just say until he died they had a great time. He truly wanted to live before he died and they did. Now it's my turn. I'd really like to try a place like the La Paz area if only to see if my poor stiff joints would ease up. In some ways I envy you , Brad but, I will be bringing my dogs and of course Pam . Mr. B Keep em coming. P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for sharing Dave- glad your father got to retire early - and that your mom stayed with him!

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico It's always best to go out on Your Terms.

[@perrykomick9478]

Good on him for not waiting around to die...never let anyone who has no dreams control yours...

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Right?!? Agreed!

[@katwest6505]

What a beautiful video and I’m so impressed with Brad’s story. I want a dinner party invitation!! ❤

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Gotta be in La Paz honey :-)

[@kocreteify]

Sweet kitchen, especially for Mexico!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - it’s a great kitchen for Mexico!

[@mindblossomnow]

Wondeful video! My young daughter and I are coming to La Paz by the end of August and need to find a place to stay. I SO enjoy your videos; they give me hope and positive energy. I’d love to buy you and your wife a couple rounds of margaritas! 😂 Thank you for everything you do for others. Hope to meet you one day. 👍🏼🌺

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

How long will you be in La Paz? We are in Oregon now, and I'll be back in La Paz September 14 for a week. Then down for the season starting November 1.

[@mindblossomnow]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Oh thank you so much for your reply! We would like to stay for the full 180-day period that the Tourist visa allows. However, I’ve been told that that time period is not guaranteed. Praying we get most of it. Would really like to meet you and your wife and get to know La Paz (and surrounding areas)…to start fresh, less stress, better food, more safety, etc... Currently, we’re in Southern California working on our businesses in eCommerce (so we’re flexible to move and live anywhere). The goal? Finding PEACE!🙏🏼🤗🌺

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can find peace in La Paz! Right now, the 180 day visa seems to be pretty standard. We'll be in La Paz a bunch during your stay. I host happy hours (or breakfasts) on Sundays when I'm in town. I'd love to meet you at one of those.

[@mindblossomnow]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico THANK YOU, Brighton!! This is my prayer - for us to be granted the full 180-day stay. I hope that we will be able to receive this when we fly into La Paz’s airport. I was told (previously) that flying into Queretaro would NOT be good because the officials are “cracking down” and only granting a few weeks; that it was better to fly into Leon or Mexico City. So, given this news, I have wondered whether we’d have a better shot with getting the full 180 days flying into La Paz. I appreciate you confirming that we CAN find some peace in this beautiful city (La Paz)! And, yes, my daughter and I would love to come to one (or more) of your Sunday brunches…or any other gathering. We wanna spread love, joy, peace, and laughter and hopefully some hugs, too! Life can be tough on some days and we could use some joyful occasions. Stay well! Looking forward to meeting you and your wife. 🙏🏼 Angela

[@karav2879]

This is so inspirational! Thanks for introducing us to Brad and his lifestyle in La Paz. I’m just now turning 65 and I’m narrowing down my permanent move to Mexico to either the Chapala area or La Paz. I’ll be heading to Chapala in September and hopefully La Paz towards the end of the year, and God willing will be moving to one of those places next fall.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Both are great options! But one is wayyyyy hotter in the summer. Best of luck on your move!

[@markeisner318]

Great video there ! Enjoyed the details you each shared about living in Mexico. Looking forward to getting back to La Paz !

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you enjoyed it! When do y'all get back to La Paz?

[@markeisner318]

Looking forward to my return Feb1st or 2nd. Miss everyone .

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@markeisner318 Why are you waiting til February?

[@user-do6uy5jb6n]

Once again, I am amazed at the type of video you make❤ take on things is really original. I’m enjoying it the things that you say are right on spot for me a lot of the times.😂

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you so much! I’m always on the lookout for a good interviewee!

[@GPosner8]

Wow! What a great story. Good for Brad. Life’s too short to give up on your dreams.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@GPosner8 so true - even when you need to make hard choices to follow your dreams.

[@travelingexpats]

What a great video! Love learning about people finding happiness living abroad in retirement or almost in retirement. Your channel makes us want to explore Mexico but not sure when we'll be able to squeeze it into our already packed retirement schedule so far.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks so much!

[@jaliscoguanajuatotravelsan5679]

Congrats Ray. Good move Everything you said is right on. You’re living the life 👍

[@Rennygade1]

I love these kinds of stories! Thanks to both of you for sharing!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I love sharing these stories!

[@gregheller1287]

Im looking for a place in La Paz. Brad can you share the email address for the apartments your living . Thanks GH

[@lunazamoraart]

I love your stories. I would love to spend more time in Mexico. Someday soon.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Crossing my fingers for you! 👊

[@mariaflores4468]

Hi! Never written before but I watch your channel regularly. I'm Mexican lived in the states for 50 years and now go back and forth between LA and Guadalajara my hometown. Just want to say I appreciate your wanting to speak Spanish and your kind comments on my compatriot. If I may offer my help for you guys. Be wonderful to meet Ray and practice his Spanish

[@mariaflores4468]

Got the name wrong. I meant Brad

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It's great that you can travel back and forth between the two countries. I just made a video with someone who was born in Mexico, lived in the US for many years and moved back to Mexico to retire: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2rCZHuojZ6oobc

[@CallowG]

The only thing keeping me here is a senior rescue ferret who is vastly exceeding her expected life span. 😆

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Awww! Good on you. Buy you could probably sneak them across the border!

[@CallowG]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I've looked into the logistics and by the time I got approval to bring her she'd probably be dead. I can wait and try to learn some Spanish. I might re-evaluate in a few months when Winter hits.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@CallowG If you're traveling by land, rules are much more "flexible." If you travel by air - then the rules are all enforced. Just an FYI

[@CallowG]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico If she were a cat or dog it would not be an issue, but she isn't. I have to get an import form approved, proof she was treated for parasites (she has none), gets a rabies vaccination (and risk anaphylactic shock with that). Plus she could get sick at any time. She's deaf and blind and wouldn't enjoy it at all. I can wait.

[@SophiaZanzotWhitted]

Hey friend 👋🏽 Good interview! Brad seems like a humble , nice guy. I saw him interviewed with Mariana also.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - Mariana got to Brad first. But I think the background for my interview was nicer ;-)

[@peggyj_SEO]

Brad, congratulations on your new life in Mexico. I'm a Michigander too. My husband and I spent 4 years aboard our sailboat cruising throughout Mexico. We spent a few months in La Paz. It's a great community. Since then, we purchased a beach front home on Mexico's mainland. I'm envious of your dinner party get togethers. Enjoy Mexico living. It's a wonderful lifestyle

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Congrats on your adventures. Where on the mainland did you settle?

[@peggyj_SEO]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico We bought a beautiful hacienda seaside house on the Sea of Cortes in San Carlos Sonora Mexico. We sailed from Seattle, down to Mexico, sailing throughout Mexico's Pacific Coast and the Sea of Cortes for four years.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@peggyj_SEO Sounds wonderful!

[@efrainsanchez5559]

Awesome story! I'm 53 thinking of doing the same thing, I already told my wife are you coming or staying ? I'm really having a hard time getting her out of her comfort zone, she is originally from Sinaloa Mexico, I'm originally from Guadalajara Mexico, we have a house by lake Chapala, I live here in Covina California, struggling with this heat wave. Life is to short not to enjoy, thanks for this awesome videos.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Highs are in the low 80's right now in Guadalajara. What does she think of living in the house on Lake Chapala? That's a pretty nice area - and close to GDL. BTW, I'm working on a video about a Mexican guy who grew up in the USA returning to Mexico to live in retirement. Coming soon.

[@Shane3274]

Dude, STOP gettin married. You worked too hard to give it away. Glad it worked out.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yup - it worked out perfectly in the end for him. Who knows - those divorces might have cut his nest egg so much that he was forced to retire in Mexico. Best move ever!

[@naailahauladin593]

I really enjoyed this video! Brad is such a wonderful authentic person and I am really blessed to be one of his dinner guests from time to time! @Brighton - love you channel!!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Naaila - you’re the yoga instructor Brad mentioned, right?

[@janetprincehair4356]

Hi Brighton, this is such a good video. Good information. My husband and I are coming soon for the winter months. Can't wait to go to these activities. We will be staying in El Centinario, can't wait!! Thanks for the encouragement and these amazing videos!

[@thetravelingkittens1393]

What a great guy! Thanks for sharing this story. I need to do a reconnaissance visit soon! Anyone have the airbnb number for that apartment?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Here are two of the units: www.airbnb.com/rooms/33881228 and www.airbnb.com/rooms/45973810

[@derrick8224]

Fabulous. Thank you for sharing

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for watching!

[@beverlyabramowitz243]

Good afternoon. I have found that another great way to meet the locals is to join a gym, especially one that offers fitness classes.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@beverlyabramowitz243 Great suggestion! Thanks for sharing

[@grisellecc5807]

Great video!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnandersen8199]

I know the location well. So excited for you. Making life happen.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks John - where are you these days?

[@charlies3502]

I watched the video. I have not read the comments. I have been in La Paz for a month now. I have rented a 2 bedroom 'apartment' in the middle of the malecon. I paid 48,000 pesos for my month's stay (which is coming to an end). The accommodations are maybe a 5-6 on a scale of 10. My first week here the weather was pleasant. Since then the weather has been HOT (I wonder what Brad thinks today coming from Michigan(?)). The food is fantastic - but not cheap. The local facebook groups seem supportive (with a couple exceptions). Brighton (is it ?) - you are a great spokesman for La Paz - but ya know - for someone who loves La Paz so much you sure do seem to spend time away. I visited your Centenario area and I guess we are different people. I want to end this on a positive note - I can appreciate La Paz as an alternative to 'The Villages' in central Florida for some retirees. (I hope that is positive).

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Charlie. I'm hoping that La Paz and The Villages are very different places. The weather definitely gets hot in the summer. My wife really likes summers in Oregon which is why we spend so much time up north. I usually come down a few times in the summer - I'm headed down in a month. My wife also picked the El Centenario area ;-) I would have chosen Esterito. But El Centenario is a hard place to visit without a guide. If you don't know which streets to turn down, you'll miss all the good stuff. It's mostly a regular Mexican town. But the view of La Paz across the bay at night is wonderful - the moon rises over downtown. Most of the gringos live off calle 13 or 19, which have great views starting about 5 or 6 blocks off the highway. There's a little traditional park where the locals play soccer Friday and Saturday nights. But you'd never find that stuff if someone didn't tell you. I'm thinking about making a map of El Centenario so people can understand why folks live out here. ;-) Best of luck finding your forever home.

[@CollegeRecruitsNW]

Thanks Brighton, I'll be down in the area end of the month and would love to buy you a Margarita, or the beer w the hot seasoning, etc on it. Can I just come into the Spangish Club anytime I'm in La Paz as I continue to investigate and plan my retirement. May I get a Brad dm? And a Brighton? I live in Bellingham, WA. so cool..!! Thank you so much!!

[@nala3038]

Bellingham WA? Brings back memories. I lived there for a week in Dec 94, with my aunt and her husband. Boy was it cold there!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can show up at Spanglish. I think they prefer RSVPs facebook.com/share/g/PDh2Ph8XKHcxCJcd. You'll also find Brad at Baja Buddies on Wednesdays: facebook.com/share/g/QMQoohQMuLUGnnjq/ I try not to share my guest's personal info as they could get overwhelmed ;-) I'll be in Oregon, then Oaxaca until mid-September (then in La Paz for a week.)

[@enriquegutierrez1902]

Enrique from Yuma is also interested in those apartments in La Paz address Regards brother

[@susannbasta2972]

My friends & family are instilling tremendous doubt. I am a solo senior female.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry to hear that. Here’s a recent video I did with a single woman in Mexico. I should make a playlist!

[@davebaker489]

I hate regrets. Hope you do what you want before it becomes a strength sapping regret.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

Other people’s anxiety is not your responsibility. Every explorer was called crazy. 🤪🗺️🧭 🧳

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWe6q3lnlrp8r6s

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Yes ... I remember that 1

[@deniseochoa3817]

Hey Brad!!! I’ll be coming down there soon and want to stay! We should meet up!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can find Brad at many social events around town. Definitely the Spanglish group on Tuesday nights.

[@AmonarayIsalay]

We just built our home in Todos Santos. We could swap dinner parties!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@AmonarayIsalay Nice! I'm going to be in TS in September to film a video. Would you like to show off your house and be interviewed while I'm in town?

[@martyb4404]

Brad’s a lucky man he got rid of the 2nd wife. Tells him to go get another job again….lol…Beat it. Dude looks happy as can be. Wishing him the best.

[@Kimonha]

This guy is very cool. I’d love to be a guest at his dinner party. I’ll bring the tequila.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So true - it was a great dinner party I got to attend.

[@cloudnationmedia8326]

Any modest social security & pension income friendly non beach city recommendations? 😊

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Check out this video: Move to Mexico: Beyond the Beach kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmjZdmCvqahkarc

[@storres1368]

🙏🙏🙏

[@jjd903]

Get some killer hurricanes down there. I'd a picked somewhere more inland, higher altitude

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah, hurricanes happen. But La Paz is usually pretty sheltered because of the direction they move. Lots of rain tho!

[@TraderK67]

👍👍💪

[@irisavila6643]

Good story!! - a shame he waited "patiently 5 years for his partner to come on board.. only to find out.. not happening" HE wasted 5 GOOD YEARS!! - Great thing he came to his senses & waited no more... great to see he is enjoying his retirement!! MY FAVORITE VIDEO IS STILL The couple that came from ALASKA & bought the property site unseen PRE RETIREMENT INVESTMENT!!! 🥰😉

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - Brad could have moved sooner if he knew that it was never going to work out with his wife. Tom and Toni - the couple from Alaska. I love that video too!

[@lizaronni]

What about healthcare down there? Is there some kind of universal coverage and does it work differently for ex-pats? Or is it cash pay and how expensive is it?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

There is universal care for $1000usd, but it’s slow. Most expats just pay for private care. Really fast and cheap. A specialist visit might cost $50USD and you can get an appointment next day.

[@lizaronni]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Wow! That’s mind-blowing compared to here. Have you talked to anybody who is navigated through the healthcare system down there if they are living with more complicated and expensive health conditions? With a bunch of people retiring down there, they surely have to be a few with age-related conditions that will need more care as time goes on. *Or* are they delaying the arthritis and heart disease because it’s easier to live a healthy lifestyle?

[@nala3038]

@@lizaronnivery good question!

[@CassieDavis613]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico But, healthcare costs could escalate to $100K or more for catastrophic illnesses such as Guillain Barre syndrome, stroke, heart attack, trauma injuries, etc. Those urgent/emergent things will not allow a return to the USA for treatment. They need to be handled there ASAP. I have been following expats for years, and it happens. Have plenty of savings. No money, no treatment.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@lizaronni Great questions. For the most part, Mexico is a healthier place to live - so some disease is delayed. But if you have a serious problem, it could get really expensive. There was an 80 year old guy who was hit by a car on the highway. He needed expensive care until he passed about 6 months later. His bill was around $130k USD. In the US, it would have been in the millions. My suggestion is to buy into the universal care - but only use it in a catastrophe.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Argentina is great! Have you been there?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I haven't been. Maybe Brad has.

[@user-do6uy5jb6n]

Wow I wouldn’t give to have a man like that❤😂

[@user-do6uy5jb6n]

So much for Voice texting I meant what I would give to find a man like that😂😂😂

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can find one in La Paz!

[@SophiaZanzotWhitted]

You're funny!! 🤣

[@JonathanMartinez-mg7ie]

Could anyone recommend a good location/neighborhood to come and scout the area for a week or so? We prefer to be in an area with locals as well as expats and it doesn't have to be fancy. Want more of a living type of feel as opposed to touristy. Planning on week visit next March. TY

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Most tourists in La Paz are Mexican, not foreign. So even touristy places don't feel like gringolandia. I suggest looking in the Esterito neighborhood - or anywhere within 4 blocks of the malecón.

[@JonathanMartinez-mg7ie]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thank you

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

La Paz is more expensive than NYC. La paz looks more interesting though and safer and cleaner too.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I guarantee I can find cheaper housing in La Paz than NYC. There are poor parts of La Paz just like there are poor parts of NYC

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico La Paz looks very clean and safe though. It looks way more Civilized than NYC.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Do You need a car in La Paz? Not needing a car in NYC is one of the things that make it so affordable.

[@buckchile614]

So, should we double it to 5k for a couple?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Nope - you'll still pay the same costs for housing, car insurance, gas. Food prices might double. A couple could live comfortably in La Paz for $2500-$3000USD

[@MichaelSmittySmithScottsdaleAz]

What about healthcare in the area. Where is a major hospital as I have heart condition

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Brad is about a 5 minute drive from 2 great private hospitals that have English speaking doctors and emergency rooms.

[@MichaelSmittySmithScottsdaleAz]

​@@AlmostRetiredinMexicothats great I wonder how the prices compare to se asia. I have a heart condition so healthcare is a must for me. Thx

[@alalesc3796]

Mexico is the best place in Latin America to retire to.😀

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree! When we look back to colonial times, it must have been better to be colonized by the Spanish than by the Brits. The US turned out to be a bunch of jerks while Latin America is so friendly!

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Well in some places. In South America it can be a challenge navigating through the poverty and their dictators. Not all... but some.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@davebaker489 I agree - but even with poverty they are still more kind than USers. Dictators maybe not so much...

[@kellyname5733]

Im confused as to which La Paz you are living in. Are in La Paz in Baja CA or La Paz, State of Mexico? Thanks

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry. Baja California Sur. The other one is just a neighborhood.

[@kellyname5733]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I had forgotten that La Paz is the capital city of Baja. Whew..I thought I was loosing my mind as I have been up and down Baja for many years. Great Video BTW-Thanks

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

La Paz isn't one of the "popular places" on the peninsula. But it's becoming discovered. Mexicans have been vacationing here for decades. Gringos are just figuring it out.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

NYC is cheaper because of all the high crime but Mexico is way more interesting. San Miguel de Allende looks nice but expensive. Saludos

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

NYC is cheaper? How so?

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico It's full of illegal immigrants and high crime, very dirty streets, public transportation is a disaster. Rich people refuse to invest or live in that cesspool that's why NYC is so cheap. Dollar stores everywhere.

[@nala3038]

NYC is NOT cheaper!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@Mongoose-ct6us Do you actually live in NYC or are you getting this info from watching the news? Studios rent for an average $4000 a month - I'm not sure how anyone could call that cheap.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I've lived in NYC all my life. No studio goes for four thousand dollars. NYC is the leading city to host illegal immigrants, criminals and welfare recipients. How could it possibly be expensive? It's a city of immigrants so there is no way in hell it's expensive. Trains don't even work in NYC. Rich people have all left.

[@user-ix7se4lb3s]

Hey Brighton, If you can find me a little furnished place there in L.P. let me know, I'll throw you a hundy.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I’ll let you know. But I recommend checking Facebook groups like Loco La Paz Expats. There may be group specific to rentals too.

[@maricelarooper9558]

It’s definitely not always perfect and maintained any longer in the states.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Definitely!

[@zionenergy957]

She will regret that decision

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree!

[@Backtothecryptoverse]

Unfortunately show will regret that decision

[@vivianmonteiro8163]

I think if you are struggling to meet Mexicans in Mexico says you are comfortable in the homogenous bubble ways you come from back in your country and you want the comforts of your familiarity to acclimate into mexico. It still is a form of whiteness .

[@CassieDavis613]

Bitter?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Do you live in La Paz? Maybe we could be friends.

[@vivianmonteiro8163]

@@CassieDavis613 Not at all bitter. Acclimate into your new land. It's that simple. If one is not willing to to associate with the culture, then go back to where you came from. Your only there for the comforts of economic convenience and that's not acceptable.

[@juniorlinares1221]

Stop the gentrification!!!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Help me understand. His Mexican landlord created 5 units of housing on a property that was probably originally one house. One of the families is Mexican. 2 are long term renters and then 2 are short term rentals. Gentrification usually implies that locals are being displaced. To me this seems like the solution to gentrification - building additional housing while maintaining units for locals too.

[@perrykomick9478]

😂...because Mexicans have never crossed into the US?😂

[@user-nb9jm3xo8u]

Brad, I'm sure your exwife found a much better person to replace you!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hopefully someone who just sits home on the couch in Michigan.

[@perrykomick9478]

Im sure she is sitting in her apartment eating ice cream and getting fatter...😂...while he is enjoying his life with his new friends