Travels both intrepid and trepidatious, around the world and around the block

Gringos In Paradise:
A Book Review

By Kelly Monaghan

When I was young, "The People's Guide To Mexico" was my favorite book about Mexico. Now that I am (ahem) older, Barry Golson's engaging memoir "Gringos in Paradise" is pushing it aside on my shelf of favorites.

This is a supremely engaging account that succeeds on two levels. First, it will satisfy the armchair traveler's desire for vicarious pleasure. I was reminded more than once of "A Year in Provence" and, indeed, Golson's book has some of the same sure-fire elements -- "colorful" locals and quirky tradesmen, shrewdly observed and nicely evoked takes on the local folkways and manners, and an engaging cast of supporting expats.

But is also works as a good hands-on guide for people who might actually decide to follow in Golson's footsteps. He stops short of giving us access to his bank records, but there's enough information there to enable the alert reader to guage how easily (or not) Golson's experience can translate to one's own retirement dreams.

I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is even remotely thinking of retiring to South of the Border.

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Gringos In Paradise: A Book Review

By Kelly Monaghan

Gringos In Paradise:
A Book Review