Wow, after working on building our place all morning I was enthusiastically watching Arlene here and then I stepped outside a moment ago and see a bunch of kites offshore up towards La Tuna! Who knew, it's 95 degrees out and the forecast was only 10-13 today? But the forecast tomorrow is north 16-18 and Tuesday is NW 20-24! Looks like this Norte came a day early! Arlene if you're still here we'll keep an eye out for you mañana. BTW, I'm 69, windsurfing since 1984 but learned to kite surf at 65. I often jokingly describe La Ventana as an 'alternative' retirement community for unconventional spirits, so many of us older folks are here although we have loads of young friends here as well because pretty much everyone here is groovy and stoked like Arlene. Why be normal when you can join this tribe? 🤙
I just ADORE Arlene! what a beautiful outlook on life! Brighton, you simply bring out the best in people when you interview them and I appreciate that SO MUCH! GRACIAS!!!
I love this woman. I have visions myself and she is getting after it. Respect. I'm a field biologist who directs a field station, but I'm looking for a major life change. I am eager to learn Spanish and I understand a bit from learning French and Latin. I am working on the language skills and getting a move figured out. I think I have about 6 months to leave.
Brighton, I think you’ve hit the interview mother lode with Arlene. She is the most interesting, adventurous, & fun person, & I’d love to be in her tribe! She made so many great points. I’ll be watching this one again, & showing my husband and friends. I totally agree about balance being so critical as we age. Falls kill! And I love what she had to say about owning verses renting. I’m so ready to live the Gypsy life again as a renter after decades of home ownership. It’s been great, but now it’s time to spread my wings in Mexico! Arlene is an inspiration. Cheers to aging backwards! 🏄♀️🤸🏻♀️💃🏻
Nice! I'm Arlene's neighbor in Mosier. (And we also owned a home in South beach, La Ventana) It's great to see her talk about her windsport passion. Happy, Happy Retirement, Arlene!!
Hola Arlene’s neighbor. I’m so glad I got to meet Arlene and then get to know her better during this interview. Are you no longer spent time in La Ventana?
Hi Brighton, we sold our home there-before prices skyrocketed😕--to focus in finishing our home build in Mosier. We decided we can easily rent in LA Ventana with no homeowner maintenance, just as Arlene stated. We haven't been down in a few years but are planning a trip this coming winter. I developed lower back issues and can't windsport anymore so we looked into buying an old sailboat to sail and moor in La Paz in the winter until we figured out how expensive moorage is there! Not in our budget. Sad 😢 I really enjoy watching your channel. You do a great job!
@@sw8234 Thanks so much. I've heard that the marinas in La Paz are crazy expensive. I hope you find a good spot to moor. And sorry about your back. But that does reinforce how renting can be the right option to maintain flexibility! Best of luck whichever direction you go.
I share your definition of freedom: to wake up without an alarm. For the past 22 years, we have been getting up when our body tells us. I don't let anything be scheduled that requires an alarm clock. This way we are more productive and healthy.
Refreshing to see someone who has never lost her "youth" .... Most of youth is in our mind. You never have to stop enjoying doing what you want. I think the best in life is usually simple things. Things that don't really take a lot of money. The only thing that might limit such, is human body parts wearing out. If you have your mobility, you have one of the most important things in life. The world could learn a lot form Arlene. 💚
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Well, it’s not early retirement, lol, I’m 63. But I guess I am referring to my earlier retirement years rather than when I’m unable to move…. 🙄😂 I am actually in the process of getting my Temporary Mexican Residency. I got the temporary visa part completed up here in Sacramento at the consulate, and have a trip planned to go to Ajijic on July 15 - August 16 to explore all of the Lake Chapala region and find a place to rent that has a yard for my two dogs and one cat. Because of my pets, I can’t slow travel, but will be setting up a home base close to my former Mexican exchange student family who live in Zapopan, Guadalajara. Retired life is good. I was/am a registered nurse.
Holy shit! I met you! With my sister who lives in Bolder, we saw one of your films! Crazy tiny world!!! You give me courage to travel! I am a retired teacher time to fly! Best wishes to you!
This was an inspirational interview! I’m turning 65 next week and will be retiring to Todos Santos by the end of the year. Looking forward to the simple life as well. Love the washing machine by the way❤
Arlene seems like a really evolved soul - I hope to meet her when I return to BCS. ~ As I live in Portland, I visit The Gorge / Hood River /Mosier & can relate to the beauty of living here too. It truely is the best of both worlds!
I’ve had some trips to Los Barriles, and a lot of the wind sports people there would talk about La Ventana. Your interviews are my very favorites of your videos. Loved this one with all of its inspiration and reality checkpoints ❤️
Thanks! I feel like Los Barriles and La Venta should have a rivalry. But they are very different. I hardly ever see a side-by-side or ATV in La Ventana, but they are wall to all in Los Barriles!
Arlene has such an interesting life and I love her outlook and free-spiritedness! I'm just wondering if she goes to Mexico as a tourist or a temporary/permanent resident? Arlene is a great interview!
I LOVE THIS. And perfect timing. I'm sitting on the floor of my empty living room, in the thick of purging my belongings, as I hit the road in one week for BCS!
Oh my goodness! I live full time in a motorhome. My 80k home can be wherever I want it to be. Is it a depreciating asset? Yes. So is my Jeep. But... It's an apartment on wheels and I love it.
Brighten you truly captured the essence and free spirit of this amazing, inspirational Woman.. wise , adventurous and she is the most generous person you will ever met..As always Arlene you inspire me and feel blessed you are in our lives! Great interview and shared words of wisdom! LIVIN’ THE DREAM! !
Kathmandu infuses its magic into the soul and Arlene is a soul sister. I spent years there, and now rent out my property, which also provides me a place to stay when I am in the area.
Wow. This was such an inspirational video. I already feel free and self-motivated and am creating a new life abroad - but this video affirmed my choices and added a jolt of courage. Thank You both!
I feel the opposite. If you rent you are kind of stuck when it comes to traveling because you have to find someone to rent your place if you are going to be gone for months or just let it sit empty and be paying for a place that you will owe money every month. 😔 If you own, you don’t have to worry about having to pay monthly or the landlord raising your rent. You can go travel and not worry about paying rent. If you have a property manager (which is very reasonable here in Mexico) it will make it easier to own and travel as well. Speaking from experience. Also, with renting, you have to worry about if the landlord will sell the house and you get kicked out 😔
I see what you are saying, but not everyone can buy a house outright, and will still be paying mortgage monthly when traveling, plus maintenance cost depending where you live. With renting, you can sometimes rent for the time you will stay before traveling again. But also having a home, you can travel for a week or two, then return, then do it again in a month or two, that's how I do it. It's good to have a base home, with a good airport that can take you anywhere easily.
Thank you Brighton for another great video. I also live in the Columbia Gorge area of Oregon and am looking at my future and what I want my life to look like. Arlene is wonderful. I appreciate the way she lives her life and agree with many points.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico, I am definitely considering it! My aunt and uncle retired years ago and settled outside La Paz and live in Comitan. It’s a great area!
@@corblioni Comitan probably hasn't changed too much. More houses, but it's still a quiet little beach community. BTW, I host events every Sunday - usually evening, but sometimes brunch - when I'm in town, so you've already got one event on your calendar.
She is quite the dynamo. I very much doubt the average male or female could keep up with her. The stories she must be able to tell (and maybe whisper a few). She's a lady we could all could learn from. Another live while you can video and of course another good one Mr B. P n D
Lol. Brighton, you are so bad about saying there's another video in one of the corners, and then NOT actually putting the link in the corner. I've noticed that in several of your other videos too.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexicolove that Arlene is so brave…I live in coastal CA and would be to wary of sharks to be in the water so much. Perhaps La Ventana is different with its warmer waters. I used to go to San Felipe as a kid and walk down the beach in the mornings with the “Clam Man”…was so magical! Love this show and your dimples. 🤣👍
@@mercyme8014 Thank you for the dimples comments! And for sharing the Clam Man story. Sounds like a magical childhood. experience. I haven't heard about sharks in La Ventana. But I guess they exist in the Gulf of California: ua-cam.com/video/-79oB38Jhjk/v-deo.htmlsi=9NMjRg0LU6w0w8ir
Arlene seems like she's done life right. I'm happy for her. But, I'd really like to know when people are on these videos who also happen to have big bucks saved up. More clarity/transparency would be helpful. I know you've done some videos of people where you really did delve into the financials and that's helpful if you're thinking of this sort of move on a lesser budget.
$1100 a month. The people in these videos never seem to acknowledge that their willingness to pay these prices end up raising the cost of living for the poor Mexicans. Regardless, I love Mexico but the same kind of place in SE Asia would be $300-400.
Gentrification and displacement is a complex issue. You are right - locals are being displaced. Just like in SE Asia. One solution is to only rent brand new condos - because locals couldn't afford those. But then that creates additional problems. It's complicated...
🌴🌴😞 IM SORRY… she spoke too much about sports… instead, of info on las ventanas!! I love MX and it’s awesome people sights& history! Our turquoise Caribbean.. beach life is fantastic also.
I don't think that Arlene is trying to bring Oregon with her. She really enjoys being in Mexico when she's there. Foreigners should not be trying to bring their home country into their new home.
Mexico is a lovely country with friendly people. I'll never be tired of the humble culture.
Humble culture - that's a great way to express it! Thanks for watching
I'm so grateful to have been able to move here. I wish I were independent and adventurous and smart like this lady is.
She is an amazing person, aligned and living her life ❤❤❤
I love Arlene! Such a breath of fresh air, of joy for each day and for experiencing life. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Thanks - Arlene is a special one!
I love seeing these people from Oregon because I am an Oregonian who is trying to figure out how to move to Mexico
Oregonians unite! Lots of us here in the Baja Peninsula.
Wow, after working on building our place all morning I was enthusiastically watching Arlene here and then I stepped outside a moment ago and see a bunch of kites offshore up towards La Tuna! Who knew, it's 95 degrees out and the forecast was only 10-13 today? But the forecast tomorrow is north 16-18 and Tuesday is NW 20-24! Looks like this Norte came a day early! Arlene if you're still here we'll keep an eye out for you mañana. BTW, I'm 69, windsurfing since 1984 but learned to kite surf at 65. I often jokingly describe La Ventana as an 'alternative' retirement community for unconventional spirits, so many of us older folks are here although we have loads of young friends here as well because pretty much everyone here is groovy and stoked like Arlene. Why be normal when you can join this tribe? 🤙
I am so impressed with Arlene!!! She is truly an inspiration for all ages!!!😀
I just ADORE Arlene! what a beautiful outlook on life! Brighton, you simply bring out the best in people when you interview them and I appreciate that SO MUCH! GRACIAS!!!
'Balance of Life's....What a healthy concept for living ones life!!
Totally agree
I love this woman. I have visions myself and she is getting after it. Respect. I'm a field biologist who directs a field station, but I'm looking for a major life change. I am eager to learn Spanish and I understand a bit from learning French and Latin. I am working on the language skills and getting a move figured out. I think I have about 6 months to leave.
Brighton, I think you’ve hit the interview mother lode with Arlene. She is the most interesting, adventurous, & fun person, & I’d love to be in her tribe! She made so many great points. I’ll be watching this one again, & showing my husband and friends. I totally agree about balance being so critical as we age. Falls kill! And I love what she had to say about owning verses renting. I’m so ready to live the Gypsy life again as a renter after decades of home ownership. It’s been great, but now it’s time to spread my wings in Mexico! Arlene is an inspiration. Cheers to aging backwards! 🏄♀️🤸🏻♀️💃🏻
I love the idea of aging backwards! You just can’t wait til you’re 80 to start 😢
Arlene is very cool. I’m so glad I got to meet her.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Aging backwards is a lifetime pursuit! 🙃
Nice! I'm Arlene's neighbor in Mosier. (And we also owned a home in South beach, La Ventana) It's great to see her talk about her windsport passion. Happy, Happy Retirement, Arlene!!
Hola Arlene’s neighbor. I’m so glad I got to meet Arlene and then get to know her better during this interview.
Are you no longer spent time in La Ventana?
Hi Brighton, we sold our home there-before prices skyrocketed😕--to focus in finishing our home build in Mosier. We decided we can easily rent in LA Ventana with no homeowner maintenance, just as Arlene stated. We haven't been down in a few years but are planning a trip this coming winter. I developed lower back issues and can't windsport anymore so we looked into buying an old sailboat to sail and moor in La Paz in the winter until we figured out how expensive moorage is there! Not in our budget. Sad 😢
I really enjoy watching your channel. You do a great job!
@@sw8234 Thanks so much.
I've heard that the marinas in La Paz are crazy expensive. I hope you find a good spot to moor.
And sorry about your back. But that does reinforce how renting can be the right option to maintain flexibility!
Best of luck whichever direction you go.
Glad to hear Arlene talk about being “old” and kite surfing. I have been thinking about learning how to kite surfing being “old”.
Me too. I thought I was too old to learn - but she’s convinced me to try it. The folks doing this really love it.
I share your definition of freedom: to wake up without an alarm. For the past 22 years, we have been getting up when our body tells us. I don't let anything be scheduled that requires an alarm clock. This way we are more productive and healthy.
She was great! I loved her. Quite a spirit and wonderful role model. Thanks for sharing her story…immensely enjoyable!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Refreshing to see someone who has never lost her "youth" .... Most of youth is in our mind. You never have to stop enjoying doing what you want. I think the best in life is usually simple things. Things that don't really take a lot of money. The only thing that might limit such, is human body parts wearing out. If you have your mobility, you have one of the most important things in life. The world could learn a lot form Arlene. 💚
“Keep your stern free to swing” “expats in general are inately happier”. As an early retiree, I can so relate! Love the sentiments❤
Thanks for watching! And congrats on the early retirement. How are you spending your retirement days?
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico
Well, it’s not early retirement, lol, I’m 63. But I guess I am referring to my earlier retirement years rather than when I’m unable to move…. 🙄😂
I am actually in the process of getting my Temporary Mexican Residency. I got the temporary visa part completed up here in Sacramento at the consulate, and have a trip planned to go to Ajijic on July 15 - August 16 to explore all of the Lake Chapala region and find a place to rent that has a yard for my two dogs and one cat. Because of my pets, I can’t slow travel, but will be setting up a home base close to my former Mexican exchange student family who live in Zapopan, Guadalajara. Retired life is good. I was/am a registered nurse.
Holy shit! I met you! With my sister who lives in Bolder, we saw one of your films! Crazy tiny world!!! You give me courage to travel! I am a retired teacher time to fly! Best wishes to you!
I love her simple life! That is how I wash when I go visit my family en Mexico. Y si es Mexico 🇲🇽 y lo amo
This was an inspirational interview! I’m turning 65 next week and will be retiring to Todos Santos by the end of the year. Looking forward to the simple life as well. Love the washing machine by the way❤
I think Arlene is my new hero
She’s adorable. I love her minimalism.
Arlene seems like a really evolved soul - I hope to meet her when I return to BCS. ~ As I live in Portland, I visit The Gorge / Hood River /Mosier & can relate to the beauty of living here too. It truely is the best of both worlds!
Lots of great advice and ideas from this wise wild woman. Totally appreciate this video!! Inspiring
Thanks. So many great nuggets packed into this interview.
I’ve had some trips to Los Barriles, and a lot of the wind sports people there would talk about La Ventana. Your interviews are my very favorites of your videos. Loved this one with all of its inspiration and reality checkpoints ❤️
Thanks! I feel like Los Barriles and La Venta should have a rivalry. But they are very different. I hardly ever see a side-by-side or ATV in La Ventana, but they are wall to all in Los Barriles!
Arlene has such an interesting life and I love her outlook and free-spiritedness! I'm just wondering if she goes to Mexico as a tourist or a temporary/permanent resident? Arlene is a great interview!
Very cool, thanks for the vid!
I'm definitely going down to Bajaj Sur this winter!
I LOVE THIS. And perfect timing. I'm sitting on the floor of my empty living room, in the thick of purging my belongings, as I hit the road in one week for BCS!
Awesome timing! Have a great drive south. Where do you plan to end up?
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico headed to La Paz! (unless Loreto changes my mind when I visit)
@@vagablonding Both great options! Enjoy
I love your heart, Arlene. ❤ Such a giving spirit and so genuine and authentic. Can I come over??
Wow Arlene is such an inspiring person! Great interview
I agree! Thanks for watching
she's amazing xoox Keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you are xoxo , Thanks for sharing.
Oh my goodness! I live full time in a motorhome. My 80k home can be wherever I want it to be. Is it a depreciating asset? Yes. So is my Jeep. But... It's an apartment on wheels and I love it.
We used to have an RV for travel back and forth to Mexico. it was a great way to get around - everything we needed on 6 wheels ;-)
Brighten you truly captured the essence and free spirit of this amazing, inspirational Woman.. wise , adventurous and she is the most generous person you will ever met..As always Arlene you inspire me and feel blessed you are in our lives! Great interview and shared words of wisdom! LIVIN’ THE DREAM! !
So inspiring! Love to see people living life on their own terms and creating their own happiness. 😊
What a fantastic interview; Arlene you are so inspirational! Thank you for sharing your philosophy.
And thank you for watching!
Wow. Inspiring video..La Ventana is on my list.
Kathmandu infuses its magic into the soul and Arlene is a soul sister. I spent years there, and now rent out my property, which also provides me a place to stay when I am in the area.
Wow. This was such an inspirational video. I already feel free and self-motivated and am creating a new life abroad - but this video affirmed my choices and added a jolt of courage. Thank You both!
I would to know more about what to expect on driving down to Las Ventana's; how big or how difficult is driving your vehicle into Mexico?
Hola Lady, good for you, you have done so much!! Congratulations and keep healthy!!
what a neat lady! I love how confident and self-possessed she is. She's living life on her own terms
Exactly! thanks for watching - and commenting.
Arlene is a fascinating woman thanks for the video ❤
I feel the opposite. If you rent you are kind of stuck when it comes to traveling because you have to find someone to rent your place if you are going to be gone for months or just let it sit empty and be paying for a place that you will owe money every month. 😔 If you own, you don’t have to worry about having to pay monthly or the landlord raising your rent. You can go travel and not worry about paying rent. If you have a property manager (which is very reasonable here in Mexico) it will make it easier to own and travel as well. Speaking from experience. Also, with renting, you have to worry about if the landlord will sell the house and you get kicked out 😔
I see what you are saying, but not everyone can buy a house outright, and will still be paying mortgage monthly when traveling, plus maintenance cost depending where you live. With renting, you can sometimes rent for the time you will stay before traveling again. But also having a home, you can travel for a week or two, then return, then do it again in a month or two, that's how I do it. It's good to have a base home, with a good airport that can take you anywhere easily.
Love Arlene- what a great soul!
Me too!
I love her spirit ❤
Me too! Thanks for watching.
I live in San Bernardino, CA and I visited La Ventana, BCS this past June 2024 and oh my Lordi, it is heaven. I am also planning to move there.
Enjoy!
Thank you Brighton for another great video. I also live in the Columbia Gorge area of Oregon and am looking at my future and what I want my life to look like. Arlene is wonderful. I appreciate the way she lives her life and agree with many points.
The gorge is gorgeous - bit mostly in the summer. I recommend following Arlene to Mexico ;-) at least in the winter.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico, I am definitely considering it! My aunt and uncle retired years ago and settled outside La Paz and live in Comitan. It’s a great area!
@@corblioni Comitan is about 5 minutes from where I live. They just got two new restaurants out there. ;-)
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico, it’s been years since I visited them, back in 2013. I’m sure much has changed! I’m hoping to come visit next year some time.
@@corblioni Comitan probably hasn't changed too much. More houses, but it's still a quiet little beach community. BTW, I host events every Sunday - usually evening, but sometimes brunch - when I'm in town, so you've already got one event on your calendar.
Fabulous. She is winning
Yes! I love this comment.
What a wonderful person!
I know a couple who have a home in La Ventana - and Hood River. The man is an avid wind surfer.
I am ok with all her ideas she es very smart , to owe a house is a compromiso that I do not want to have
What an icon.
You interview the coolest people
I love finding the coolest people to interview!
Sweet lady,be safe.😃
Why so expensive monthly for that beachfront villa?
First? Keep up the great work. Living part-time in Baja CA (norte)
What a delightful woman! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
She is quite the dynamo. I very much doubt the average male or female could keep up with her. The stories she must be able to tell (and maybe whisper a few). She's a lady we could all could learn from. Another live while you can video and of course another good one Mr B. P n D
Great video!
Thanks!
Lol. Brighton, you are so bad about saying there's another video in one of the corners, and then NOT actually putting the link in the corner. I've noticed that in several of your other videos too.
Argh! I need a system to remind me where I need to add a video!
1. Wow. This woman has LIVED.
2. No Amazon delivery? That's a deal-breaker.
Well, you can get Amazon. It’s just not as fast or cheap.
Do you still keep your US bank account when you moved to Mexico?
Whatever you own … owns you back. 😁. Yup.
I’ve heard this before, but Arlene really showed me what it means. Thanks for watchjng
Surprised that costs for camping and such are comparable as U.S.
Arlene , do you have your own channel or can someone contact you?
Good content and some nice editing
Thank you! This was me editing at the last minute to try to keep on schedule. Glad you like it!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexicolove that Arlene is so brave…I live in coastal CA and would be to wary of sharks to be in the water so much. Perhaps La Ventana is different with its warmer waters. I used to go to San Felipe as a kid and walk down the beach in the mornings with the “Clam Man”…was so magical! Love this show and your dimples. 🤣👍
@@mercyme8014 Thank you for the dimples comments! And for sharing the Clam Man story. Sounds like a magical childhood. experience. I haven't heard about sharks in La Ventana. But I guess they exist in the Gulf of California: ua-cam.com/video/-79oB38Jhjk/v-deo.htmlsi=9NMjRg0LU6w0w8ir
Smart woman!!
I agree! Thanks for watching
Arlene seems like she's done life right. I'm happy for her. But, I'd really like to know when people are on these videos who also happen to have big bucks saved up. More clarity/transparency would be helpful. I know you've done some videos of people where you really did delve into the financials and that's helpful if you're thinking of this sort of move on a lesser budget.
Everything she said 100%
I spend as much on food in Mexico as i did in the USA😢
I would only rent
$1100 a month. The people in these videos never seem to acknowledge that their willingness to pay these prices end up raising the cost of living for the poor Mexicans. Regardless, I love Mexico but the same kind of place in SE Asia would be $300-400.
Gentrification and displacement is a complex issue. You are right - locals are being displaced. Just like in SE Asia.
One solution is to only rent brand new condos - because locals couldn't afford those. But then that creates additional problems. It's complicated...
🌴🌴😞 IM SORRY… she spoke too much about sports… instead, of info on las ventanas!! I love MX and it’s awesome people sights& history! Our turquoise Caribbean.. beach life is fantastic also.
🙏🙏
Mayors get a lifetime pension ? Makes it easy with SS and pensions from various jobs
Please don’t bring Oregon to other parts of the world
I don't think that Arlene is trying to bring Oregon with her. She really enjoys being in Mexico when she's there. Foreigners should not be trying to bring their home country into their new home.
I'll be there soon Arlene.
Great gal!