The “Simple” Life

Now which country, I ask you, makes simple things complicated?

I’m sorry to read of the complications where you live in the US for seemingly simple matters.

I think you missed an important word, “My Canadian father-in-law…”

Within walking distance of where I live part-time in Canada are four walk-in barber shops. One is a two-chair, second-generation family business; one has been operating for decades; one is a low-cost “chain”; while the “new one’ (five years) offers cappuccino while waiting.

For the more frugal, who are not in a hurry, a local hair cutting training program offers low-cost haircuts.

British Columbians can go to a pharmacist who can diagnose and prescribe for many illnesses, including conjunctivitis). The patient pays no fee for these services. The patient can pick up OTC medications and be on their way in 10 minutes or wait to pick up their prescribed medication. There are four pharmacies within walking distance of my part-time location.

Minor Ailments and Contraception Service

I was doing some woodworking recently in Troncones. The seemingly simple matter of getting the plywood and basic lumber took two weeks. Just getting wood screws of three sizes (1-1/4”, 1-1/2”, and 2”) required going to two ferreterías because neither ferretería sold all three sizes.

The project included drilling some 1/4” and 1/2” blind holes. This is done with Forstner bits. I consulted a local carpenter with 60 years experience. He had no idea what I was talking about.

Many of us decry big box stores, but they seem to be stocked with a wide range of products. I left home early in the morning and met up with the carpenter. We went from small ferretería to small ferretería looking for these drill bits. The ferreterías all seemed to be selling the same products and no one had any idea about Forster bits or how to drill a blind hole. I got home hours later and ended up ordering from Amazon, waiting another week, because it appeared this “simple” purchase was “impossible”.

I recognize that things are different in ‘the other Mexico’, places like DF, Guadalajara, Morelia…. But “my Mexico” is where I chose to live at my home is in the Zihuatanejo area.