Life in the real Mexico is a wonderful experience. However, one must remember that this is a different culture, a land where the tourist is easy prey to the person who does not obey the laws. As with any foreign place, it's imperative that you learn the safe roads and safe areas of the cities. In fact, it is a land you do not explore without advice on where to travel.

Could you winter in Mexico? The climate in the south is wonderful, and some centres are building good hospital facilities. Living is economically reasonable in some centres, but prices are rising. The Mexican people, as a group, are friendly, anxious to please and willing to help. Many local universities are offering language courses to help newcomers learn to speak Spanish, and will give art and cooking classes as well.

Mexico has much to offer but, as a winter resident of a town on the border (we winter in Brownsville), my advice would be to take several guided tours (not promotional tours) to the areas in which you are interested, stay a few weeks each time or in each place, and investigate carefully before making any commitments. I have met several Canadians who winter in Mexico and several who live there permanently, and they express the highest praise for their lifestyles. Conversely, I have also met some who have had bad experiences with overpriced dwellings and shady highway officials.

The real Mexico has much to offer. If you have never visited, think of it for your next holiday!

My husband, Bruce, and I would like to thank Lourdes Jiminez and the Mexican Tourist Board from Toronto. They provided us with the opportunity to visit both the places I have mentioned and others just as exciting, as representatives of the Canadian Snowbird Association. The courtesy and good will shown by the tour people, the hotel owners and others involved made the trip most pleasant, comfortable and informative.