[00:00:00] Voice Over: Welcome to the expat experience, your essential guide to relocating, living and thriving in San Carlos, Mexico. Join seasoned real estate professional Robert DeForge as he pulls back the curtain on seamlessly transitioning from dreamer to doer. Whether you're eyeing a retirement bliss. Seeking the perfect work from anywhere setup or hunting for your ideal vacation escape.

[00:00:28] This podcast is your compass to navigating the exciting journey to San Carlos, Mexico living. Get ready to turn your relocation dreams into sun soaked reality.

[00:00:44] Rob DeForge: Hi Alex, welcome to the expat experience. Thank you so much for joining us today. Okay. Thanks Thank you for inviting me. Yeah. Um, so tell me, give me a little bit of background on yourself.

[00:00:57] Alex Mendoza: Well, myself, normally I don't do this. I'm [00:01:00] very reserved, very private. Uh, I guess I've built confidence throughout my life.

[00:01:07] Originally I'm from Oaxaca. I was just saying, you know, I'm a, uh, Mexican, a coconut, you know, Mexican, you know, I'm actually from Oaxaca. I was born there, but I lived there until like I was seven, seven, eight years old. Uh, my father passed away and my uncle took us to the States, but the way he took us wasn't, uh, the proper way we didn't formally fill out applications or anything, he actually paid a coyote to transfer us there.

[00:01:32] And so we went through the whole process of, you know, crossing the border through the tunnel and taxis on top of each other, hiding in apartments and just, you know, at risk of losing your life, you know, being young, it was a big. You know, trauma. So once we got to the States, our, our world just changed, you know, because in Oaxaca, we didn't have education.

[00:01:56] We didn't go to school. We come from a ranch where we had to [00:02:00] work in the farm, uh, feed the animals, feed the cattle, uh, pretty much, you know, work on the land and property there. And, uh, so that's what my uncle didn't want for us after my father passed away. So he took up, he took us upon himself to raise us.

[00:02:14] And so he took us to Phoenix and that's where, Everything just changed. It was a whole different experience, uh, coming from no power, no television. Uh, what do you call it? Uh, just, you know, no education, you know, I feel like. Once we got there, we had to learn how to read, how to write, how to do everything, but in a different language.

[00:02:32] It was a big change for us.

[00:02:34] Rob DeForge: That's a huge culture shock, isn't it?

[00:02:37] Alex Mendoza: It was a culture shock, exactly. Yes, it was. Once we got there, you know, we started school. Once we got there, we started school, but it wasn't easy. Like I said, you know, we had to be in I was supposed to be in the third grade, fourth grade, uh, transitioning to fourth grade, but, um, uh, we didn't have any education background.

[00:02:53] So we were sent back a year and pretty much start with an ESL program that the school was [00:03:00] providing and just pretty much start learning the language and pretty much learning how to read and write. And so that's why I feel like my Spanish is very limited in some words. I know it's very strong, but there's some words that I'm like, ah, what's that meaning or like, how do we like proper writing it with grammar?

[00:03:16] It's hard for me still, you know,

[00:03:18] Rob DeForge: sure.

[00:03:19] Alex Mendoza: I had to adapt.

[00:03:22] Rob DeForge: That's interesting. That's a little

[00:03:24] Alex Mendoza: history of me, you know? And so pretty much I was raised in the States and Phoenix until I was about 22 years old around that time.

[00:03:33] Rob DeForge: Okay. And, uh, at that time you came back to Mexico.

[00:03:37] Alex Mendoza: Uh, no, no, no, no. I actually left home when I was 17.

[00:03:40] Uh, I left home because, you know, I came out of the closet. Uh, my family was not, um, supportive. Uh, they didn't expect this because it's what has always been very religious. The family's Jehovah's Witness and that was a no, no, completely no, no, we were all raised, you know, very dedicated [00:04:00] to the religion and, uh, it was prohibited, you know, I was pretty much the one, I guess the black sheep out of the family and I kind of like said, you know what, I'm working, I started working when I was 11 with landscaping, we started working in the States, you know, Uh, helping with landscaping on the weekends with my uncles, you know, supporting the family.

[00:04:19] And then I started working in the, um, under the table, cleaning tables as a busboy. And Los Compadres in Phoenix, I'm in a restaurant. So I would go after school and start cleaning, you know, help the waiters. And I would get tips and get like a very minimal wage so that I can, uh, you know, buy stuff for myself because it was hard.

[00:04:37] And I have been. You know, full time parents was very difficult. So everything that we needed was to, we had to work for, you know, kind of, so we started working early. And so by the time I was turned 17, I was working, uh, in a really good, um, uh, place. I, I became a CNA when I graduated from high school. And I got a really nice job in a [00:05:00] medical field, uh, just pretty much being a health care provider.

[00:05:03] And so I felt the confidence that I can be on my own and I didn't really need the support from the family. So if they did, that was having a hard time dealing with things then. And then also having a hard time dealing with things in family. I just needed to find my path in my direction. So I left home when I was 17, but that kind of affected me.

[00:05:24] That kind of affected me though, because, um, when I turned 21, I had to, uh, renew my visas and, uh, process the paperwork. But, um, there was problems with the paperwork that we filed because, um, I guess my uncle filed. Like, uh, adoption, uh, uh, like an adoption process in, in, uh, in, uh, in Oaxaca, but they never followed through with the paperwork.

[00:05:53] They pretty much kind of sent paperwork back in the States, but it was never done correctly here in the, [00:06:00] in the state of Oaxaca. And so when we started filing for a residency, that's when they started, um, immigration started kind of doing their research and their background on ours, making sure that we were not doing anything fragile.

[00:06:12] They found different, you know, like, uh, they found my original father's birth certificate and then they found a copy of the new birth certificate that my uncle had filed as an adopt, you know, as an adopted. And so, but it wasn't like, it wasn't done properly. And so immigration took that as if we were trying to do like a fragile documentation.

[00:06:32] And so because of that documentation, they ordered an, uh, uh, Uh, they, they, they pretty much placed an order of deportation for myself, my siblings as well. And long story short, you know, we got nervous. I didn't go to the appointment that I was set for. Uh, I was young, I was stupid, you know, I was trying to find life, trying to go to school, paying for my school, working, and uh, it was just not easy.

[00:06:57] And uh, so I didn't go [00:07:00] to the appointment. I was scared also now, you know, to come back or having to leave the states and that was my biggest fear and I think that's anyone who goes through that process and I'm talking about it right now because I just kind of helped two immigrants, uh, this week that, you know, have come up to me and said, you know, I need help, blah, blah.

[00:07:19] I just got deported and I've been in that issue where, uh, you know, I was going to school that day that I was supposed to take, uh, an exam for my, uh, RN program is the day the immigration came and pick me up. And, uh, you know, I couldn't go to that. It's hard to talk about it. I've never talked about it or anything.

[00:07:43] I just keep that within myself. And so that day at 8 45 in the morning, because I was working, I did a night shift, I would do like 12 hour shifts. I can get. Kind of work out of the way and focus on school. Uh, immigration came and got me at work. And, uh, and so that same [00:08:00] day, 1145 at night, I was in Nogales homeless, nothing on me and like pretty much lived there for almost a month, you know, just begging and help looking for help.

[00:08:13] Rob DeForge: So what do they do? They just let you loose over the border. They say, go back and that's it. And you have to find your way, right? Yeah,

[00:08:21] Alex Mendoza: exactly. Yes.

[00:08:22] Rob DeForge: And I think Mexico doesn't really have a, um, a way to accommodate that. Like I have a friend in Mexico city, she owns an agency and when she hires somebody, she looks for people specifically, like what you're talking about, people that have been deported back to Mexico because they're, they're stuck, you know, it's a tough situation.

[00:08:45] So, but I can see where. Your path has helped you, helped you develop a lot of character because of the adversity, right?

[00:08:55] Alex Mendoza: I say survival skills and look for opportunities, you know? And then my, my saying [00:09:00] is always, what else can happen? You know, what's the worst that can happen? If it's already happened to me, that's my father.

[00:09:05] He died in an accident and he died in front of us. We were, I was five years old and he pretty much hemorrhaged in front of us. And so I always say, What's the worst that can happen to you if it's already happened, you know, and you don't know, you just can't lose hope though, you can't lose faith and you can't lose that, you know, that mindset, you know, putting yourself down or depressed or become depressed, you know, you can't, it's hard, but you can allow it.

[00:09:29] Rob DeForge: No, you know, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Right? Exactly. Yes. Exactly. Ultimately, that's a great story. So I got to ask because I worked in a restaurant, you know, when I was younger and my wife owned a couple of restaurants and it's and you know, so what would it's the hardest part? Business that you have to live it every day.

[00:09:54] What, what drew you to that?

[00:09:58] Alex Mendoza: I always say things happen for a [00:10:00] reason, you know, things happen for a reason. My plan was never to come to San Carlos. I, the first place I found a job was in Senada and I moved there. And I lived there for almost two years working, uh, for this company that except my English and my Spanish, it helped.

[00:10:14] And so, uh, I became like a general manager for the quality department for the, um, uh, for this printing shop. It's called fortune fashion. They did t shirts for Tommy Bahama, Walt Disney world target. And so I was pretty much the channel of communication between the companies and the, services. Uh huh. So, but I met someone who has lived here.

[00:10:40] And, uh, so long story short, I decided to move here just to be with someone that it's, you know, not be on my own. I didn't, it was just living in, not knowing anyone was kind of hard. And so now that I have someone that I can be with, I can create a life, you know, brought me to San Carlos and we did, we were together for 12 [00:11:00] years.

[00:11:00] Living here before we opened the restaurant,

[00:11:03] Rob DeForge: man. And a great restaurant. It is. I love Calibri. What is, what is, how'd you come up with the name? Calibri?

[00:11:12] Alex Mendoza: Calibri, uh, that has a story. Yeah. Calibri has a story anywhere I go. I've always lived, um, uh, being raised in a position where you just have to have faith, you, or you have to have imagination, create your imagination and just kind of keep that, um, uh, magic going.

[00:11:32] I always believed in magic, uh, fairies, Tinkerbell was always my, my, my favorite character in Disney world. And so anyways, I would, I would see hummingbirds, uh, they would always remind me, you know, that even though you're a small creature, you're just an inspiration, you can be an inspiration. It doesn't matter how big or how small you are.

[00:11:53] You can be an inspiration of anything. So when I was actually building the restaurant and going through the, um, uh, [00:12:00] Um, going through the renovations and remodeling, uh, putting the project together itself. It was actually going to be four partners. The restaurant itself was going to be four partners. It was going to be Ramon Cruz with his wife, ex wife, and uh, who had pool house and La Playa who used to, that was next door, which was forever happy.

[00:12:20] At the plaza where we are, so my expectation was to learn. I always learn and I soak, I'm a little sponge. I need to soak myself and kind of feed myself with whatever knowledge or ever opportunity that I can get my hands on. And so my goal was just kind of get that feedback. And the other partner was going to be my, my, uh, my ex who we were going to work together in the building and the, and the, in the restaurant.

[00:12:44] I love cooking. Uh, I learned how to cook through my mom. She would always, um, make, uh, She would cook to sell food, you know, and so I would always help her make and prep and so we would always form a semi line and we would [00:13:00] prep food like tamales, tacos, uh, you know, whatever you can think of, pozole, menudo, and so we would go to different places.

[00:13:08] Places and deliver food for us so we can make extra money. Also, that was in Phoenix. And so I knew that at the kitchen, it could be my skill. You know, I love cooking. I like being hands on. I like trying to recipes. And so, but the first couple of weeks, the first months, um, uh, Ramona. His wife got pregnant and so that failed, uh, he felt, he decided not to go with the route before we signed any contracts.

[00:13:34] And then it was just myself and my partner, but we were also going through, um, uh, problems. We were also in the process, and I kind of saw that it was a transition of change where we're going to be separating because this was going to be like our window of opportunity of fixing things, but also fixing our relationship.

[00:13:50] And so, but, and that never happened. So pretty much I was left alone. And so when I had, uh, and I kind of stay with the project, I should not have, [00:14:00] but I needed, I just needed security. I needed, uh, a place to belong in a place to feel that I could, uh, I don't know, grow and uh, I don't think it was the best option, but it did become the best option because it was just, I was my, I was clueless on what to do, how to create out the project or where to start.

[00:14:19] I was, I wasn't well also because I was having problems with my relationship. And then also I had, um, uh, I left my job that I found here, um, uh, to, uh, so I can dedicate, you know, the restaurant, you have to be hands on 100%. You can't just open and leave it and expect your workers or your staff. It's not the same thing.

[00:14:38] You have to be involved. You have to know every niche on how it operates. And so when I had, uh, the doors open in the building, uh, trying to, um, um, when we remodel it, we started in summer and it was, it was around, um, eight, no, it was around, um, see May, June, July, it took us about, it took [00:15:00] me about, um, uh, five months to put the project together.

[00:15:03] And it felt like an endless, because it was just money going into the, into the place. And then I was like, Oh my God, I can't do this. It's just too much, too. You know, it's, I'm not ready for this. So I had the doors open and this little hummingbird, just, I would see it around always. And I always, like I said, every time I see a hummingbird, it always brings me inspiration and reminder, you know, there's possibilities, there's always something.

[00:15:26] And so this little hummingbird came inside the building, the main room where the kitchen is, and, um, And so the workers, you know, started talking about it. Oh, look, he brought you, um, uh, he brought you luck. And I said, okay. And so I guess Mexico has a lot of, they're very mythical creatures and there's a lot of beliefs with hummingbirds.

[00:15:46] And so for Mexicans, a hummingbird is like a gate of another world. And so I didn't know that about hummingbirds and what the Mexicans believed. And so, they just started [00:16:00] telling me stories about hummingbirds, and what kind of, the miracles, witches, they told me a story where witches used to hunt them to take their little hearts, so they can use that as black power, black magic, I was like, what, really?

[00:16:12] And so I started googling stuff on hummingbirds, and I found a lot of stories about them. And so, I didn't, didn't really think much about it. But when this little Hummingbird came inside and we honestly, we all had to catch him. And so, and he would just tire out and we would just tire him out so we can let him out.

[00:16:31] And because he couldn't find his way outside the building. So, um, and every time I would let him out, he would just stand on my hand and just kind of stare at me, just kind of stare at me, just kind of stare at me and just wouldn't leave. And I would have to like go like this so I can, so he can just fly, you know, and so I didn't think much about it back then, but I was thinking a lot about my family because it was, you know, it's been years since I had seen anyone.

[00:16:55] And, uh, Or being close to them up until now, I have not seen my [00:17:00] mom because of the immigration problems. And so I was, we had a lot of, um, uh, problems with my ex. And so he was leaving. And so I wasn't sure if I was going to stay here or, uh, If I have another place where I can go, I don't know if I was gonna, I was ready to go call my family and say, I'm going to go to Oaxaca, maybe try something there and see what can happen.

[00:17:23] I mean, we do have a house there, but our house there is just a small little ranch style house that's been closed since my father died. And so I was just pretty much like, I didn't know what to do if I didn't know if I was should stay here or should I not and so I started praying a lot. I started, I always, you know, even though my religion didn't accept me, I still believe in Jehovah.

[00:17:44] I still believe in God. I used to have to believe in the power of being of someone and so I started praying a lot just for guidance and support and, uh, and I guess, um, long story short, you know, When this little bird came inside the restaurant [00:18:00] and it took three times for us to catch it and the last time that I could, that I, that I released it, he just kept staring at me and then I kind of just got shivers and I kind of got a message and said, you know what, it's, it is a mythical creature and it's like a sign from my father.

[00:18:16] Like he's here to visit me, he's telling me a message that I belong here. And then a lot of things that I researched about the, the, the, yeah, the hummingbirds. Things just started happening where I say, no, I know the name of the restaurant. I'm going to name it Hummingbirds Bolivari. And then I said, you know what?

[00:18:31] The information that I'm getting from the hummingbird from the, from that I found, I'm going to put it behind the menu. And then the concept just kind of became together. Everything just kind of started. Falling into place and just that little glimpse of magic moment of that little stare from this little small creature said, you know what, this is where I belong and I'm not alone.

[00:18:51] And I have this project that I have to build and I, you know, it's just, it just happened that way. And so I said, this is what's going to be the name of the restaurant, the name of the [00:19:00] restaurant, the concept, the colors, and I just started putting my little concept here because I didn't really know what was going to happen.

[00:19:06] Like, how was going to, where to start, even the colors of the walls, everything, you know, just. The whole concept.

[00:19:12] Rob DeForge: That's a great story. That's, that's great. How would you describe the Calibri dining experience?

[00:19:19] Alex Mendoza: You know, since I opened it, um, uh, I noticed that, um, I, I'm a big food eater. I like creating, um, recipes.

[00:19:27] I like bringing different stuff and bringing, uh, new flavors. You know, this, the savory of, um, Sweet and sour, uh, salty and, you know, things that can clash with themselves. You can, you know, so what I found out also with Zancardo's was not, there's, there weren't many options back then. Right now there's a few more options, but, uh, everyone sold hot dogs, burgers, uh, what do you call it, uh, fries and pizza, you know?

[00:19:55] And so what my goal was to make things a little bit different. Every month I changed my monthly [00:20:00] specials, you know, right now I'm creating my monthly specials. And I try to use things that are. There are available, like for example, right now we're going to, there's pumpkin, you know, pumpkin is going to be available.

[00:20:09] So I'm making a gelato with pumpkin spice. I'm going to be making like a hummus with pumpkin. So I try to use, um, uh, things that it's coming available and by the season, because there's a lot of stuff here you can't get also, you know, we're right now we have Sam's and Walmart, but that's only been around for about 12 years to here and YMS and Carlos.

[00:20:28] And so we do have Costco, but that's all the way to, and we'll see you. Yup. And so you have to make a trip and you have to really, you know, kind of plan things out to stop yourself. And back then, I didn't have the experience of getting suppliers. Now, people, they bring me my meats, they bring me my salami, they bring me Back then, I started with, uh, just pretty much going and shopping.

[00:20:48] And I still do. Like, every morning, I go select the produce, I select the I try to select everything because, you know, and I don't freeze anything. I have to I don't If I ran out during the day, you know, I have You [00:21:00] know, 10 fillets or 8 fillets, I ran out, I'm out because I don't like keeping that. You know, after 3 days the flavor is not right, the consistency is not right.

[00:21:08] It's just, you know, that changes a lot, you know?

[00:21:11] Rob DeForge: Is there a signature dish at Colibri? Any kind of like your name

[00:21:16] Alex Mendoza: varies because a lot of people do come for the fillet. A lot of people come for the pizza or they come, you know, for the salad. They, you know, I think there's some, uh, I do have my hummingbird pizza that everyone orders and then I do have the fillet, you know, one of the.

[00:21:30] I guess one of the struggles that we did go through, and we still do go through, is trying to get tarragon, to make the beurre naissance. That's something you have to order. You have to order and have it on stock. And it's dry tarragon that I use. That's something that you can't find. If you go to Sam's, there may, you may get a little bottle, but that's not enough too.

[00:21:48] For the restaurant size, you know, you know, business type of thing. So those are the struggles you go through here.

[00:21:54] Rob DeForge: I cook a lot as well. Yeah. There there are ingredients that can be challenging. [00:22:00] So if, if I, if I have a trip to Hermosillo, I, I make sure I look around up there as well and try to find it.

[00:22:05] Yeah,

[00:22:05] Alex Mendoza: exactly. Try to find things, you know, things that you don't normally find here.

[00:22:09] Rob DeForge: So has the community influenced Calibri? You know, since you've opened,

[00:22:17] Alex Mendoza: Oh, I work strongly with the community. I think, um, uh, once I started opening the restaurant, um, uh, the community has supported me and, uh, they guide me through every, cause it's, it's so small that everyone knows everyone and everyone's involved.

[00:22:32] It's really a community. You know, um, my son Carlos works together. You know, the, there's a lot of volunteers. There's a lot of, uh, programs that, you know, like the SBPA, the, the Rescate, uh, what else? Um, um, the Chris program is new right now. The Rotary Club, uh, what else? Uh, there's so many clubs that, you know, there are, there are, they're funded by nonprofits, you know?

[00:22:55] And so we started working with all those nonprofits and I feel like [00:23:00] my lifestyle has always taught me that, you know, if you can give. Then why not? You know, support as much as you can, because you never know what and what shoes you're going to be tomorrow or the next day. So always support it as much as you can.

[00:23:15] Rob DeForge: How do you see the whole food scene in San Carlos? How do you see it evolving, you know, in the future? And Calibri evolving?

[00:23:27] Alex Mendoza: Yeah, right now, yeah, you have to evolve. You can't stay stagnant. You know, I've changed. When I first opened, it was about, I had 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 tables and the bar inside the main room.

[00:23:41] It was just like where the oven is, and then the main room, and that was it. That was when I first opened, and my staffing was about, there was five, five plus me. So that's, that was my staffing when I first opened. My kitchen, I made it too small the first time around, and I had to expand it a little bit because I started with tapas and pizza.

[00:23:59] But then I [00:24:00] saw the, the demand on other dishes. And so then I started doing samples and then I started, you know, kind of going through that phase of growing and evolving. Eventually I now expanded to two new locations where now I have the bar for service and, but also sitting and I'm involving that space right now.

[00:24:18] And then thinking that, you know, with the space of the plaza, they wouldn't give me the opportunity. Out outside, um, uh, where the, uh, where at? Where I have the sitting area now. So I did take over the, the upstairs and I still have that, but those are more private sittings. But because it's a retirement, uh, community, people would not go upstairs.

[00:24:38] It was a struggle. So then I talked to the, you know, to the owner of the plaza with my lease. You know, you know, I can't support it. I'm not being able to support my, uh, my clients and they can't go upstairs. So I kind of negotiated, you know, the kind of like the exterior part of the Plaza so I can use for sitting, you know, and so it's, it's been involved.

[00:24:59] And [00:25:00] so you have to evolve, you have to be changing, you know, constantly. Right now I'm also changing my menu. I'm doing some adjustments, uh, making it more nicer. I'm also including some meals that I've done in the past that people do request or they constantly come and ask me. And if we can make it. And so I'm, I'm going to be starting this new menu this coming week.

[00:25:18] And so it's going to be a whole different printout. And so, and then I also, I'm changing the bar. I want to make it more like a, like a, I say like the little hummingbird nest because I have a lot of ladies that come and play cards. So I'm putting like tables there. And then upstairs, I'm going to open it for the community, for the young community, for the community, where people can have little private dates or can rent the space and use it.

[00:25:38] You know, it's got a nice view for the, um, uh, it's got a little bit of you, you know, so it's open that space also. So you have to evolve.

[00:25:46] Rob DeForge: I love to set up there. So, you know, Alex, there's a lot of conversation out there around sustainability. Um, how does that fit in with Calibri or, or does it,

[00:25:59] Alex Mendoza: what do you mean?

[00:25:59] [00:26:00] Sustainability,

[00:26:00] Rob DeForge: sustainability, green, you know, um, doing things with little waste. You know, uh, you know, having the ecology in mind, um, you know, basically just renewable, everything along those lines. Does there, is there anything to do with Calibri that you feel like sustainability is impacted or you're incorporating into your restaurant?

[00:26:24] Alex Mendoza: Well, you know, it's hard to do that because there's, I don't think we have like a system in place by the government here. And so you get involved as much as you can. Like my boxes, I collect them and then they come and pick them up so that uh, they can, they can be reused, you know? Yes. And then I also get involved more a lot with which I'm gonna start scheduling a lot of cleanups on Carlos and just kind of helping go pick up trash and you know, promote them more, you know, because that needs to happen also, because the community itself, we get a lot of visitors and unfortunately they do leave a mess, you know, and that's where us, the residents have to kind of step, step up and uh, [00:27:00] it kinda help.

[00:27:00] You know, like also like my oils, uh, because they come in, pick them up. I don't just throw them in the trash. They come and pick them up. And then I also have like, uh, uh, uh, for my dishwashing part, I also have like, uh, and like my sinks, they're all have a filter. Like, uh, I clean that also, they come every week and clean that out.

[00:27:20] So that way there's no, Sewer problems also, you know, so that's what I try to focus also.

[00:27:27] Rob DeForge: Do you have any advice, uh, for expats, for people coming to the area regarding cuisine? I mean, other than visiting Calibri, any, is there any other advice?

[00:27:36] Alex Mendoza: I think every place has a great, um, atmosphere. I love going to other places.

[00:27:41] I don't, you know, I I'm always working at the restaurant, but I like going to different restaurants too. And I see a lot of comments, like, where do you recommend to go? You know, I say, if you're visiting visit and enjoy every place, you know, go, you know, go, uh, and involve yourself and kind of try lunch here, lunch there.

[00:27:59] And then [00:28:00] also, and I always tell my staff also, and I try to focus with them and, uh, learning the language, you know, because that opened the doors in my, in my lifestyle, learning English and Spanish has always helped me. But I also, you know, try to merge. And so I always try to do like a community table also when I do events.

[00:28:17] And I also provide like a. Like, uh, for example, on Wednesdays, I do like a paint between the wines, and so I put a community table and people come in, and it's really great because I see the Americans, Mexicans, young, older, and they come and we all paint together, you know, and so they feel secure and safe.

[00:28:34] Because I'm there also, and so they can, you know, I'm the bridge of communication and introduction, you know, this is, and I know this because of this, and you know, and kind of, who doesn't know each other, and then we do an introduction, and they kind of do a little icebreaker and stuff like that, you know, but it's a great community, it's a nice community, and so what's nice is that, uh, the nationals are getting more involved, and I think that's the goal also, to get all the nationals involved.

[00:28:58] Yeah.

[00:28:59] Rob DeForge: There's a lot more [00:29:00] coming here all the time. Oh, yes. All the time. I see it in, you know, in the real estate business, there's more and more people coming from all over. Absolutely. Yes. It's been the hidden gem for so long. You know, I never, I tell people where we are and they say, what? Wait, where? Ca San Carlos?

[00:29:15] What is that? You know, but everybody knows Puerto Penasco and Rocky Point and Cancun and Ka San Lucas. They know all these places. But you know, San Carlos,

[00:29:27] Alex Mendoza: they're great places to vacation because I've been there. But, um, uh, it's not a place to live, you know, for me. No, my, I have cousins there, and so I've gone and visited them, and so I see their lifestyles.

[00:29:38] I see what they're living and being, and they lived in, in the States also. So we talk about. You know, the transitions of everything. And so it's San Carlos is a special, unique place. You know, I think it has a combination of different, uh, worldwide, you know, we got Canadians, Americans, you know, Europeans, a little bit of everything and they all work [00:30:00] together, you know, they become best friends, good friends here, you know, where in the States or anywhere else, you don't even know your own neighbor.

[00:30:06] So it's what makes the difference on Carlos, you know, it's

[00:30:10] Rob DeForge: a very inclusive place. And the only thing I would like to touch on a little bit, because since I've been here, um, if you could talk a little bit about the, uh, LGBTQ community and your involvement and what you see happening as far as that community goes.

[00:30:34] Alex Mendoza: I feel like I'm, uh, there's a lot of community here and, uh, but, you know, I understand their, uh, their situation because it's not, it's nothing that, uh, has, uh, his has been exploded. For example, even the government right now, I work, I'm working closely with the secretary of tourism to promote it more because there's a lot of, you know, there's a lot of people, you know, there's a lot of businesses also that are.

[00:30:59] You know, [00:31:00] and so but I think it's just being afraid also because you know, we live in a world where everywhere. Everything's just judgmental. Everything. Everything's being criticized. And so and so it's easier to criticize them to actually something's just fear or the or the fear of. Trying to get to see or explore that world and this harmless, honestly, you know, it's, it's nothing different between you and I, you know, we all want to have the opportunity of having a family.

[00:31:25] We want to have the opportunity of having a job. We want to have the opportunity of just being, um, being felt part of the community. You know, it's, we're not trying to harm anyone or. Harm anything. We just want to co exist with everything. And so I am getting involved and it was something that I kind of struggled to, um, uh, get, um, uh, get it out there because I have my family background.

[00:31:48] Like I said, that was the reason why I left home. And so trying to get, when I first met, when I had my first pride party, it was in 2018 and I was very nervous whether if it [00:32:00] was going to be possible or not, but there's so many gay, um, um, Couples here that live together that are retired here. And it's just amazing.

[00:32:07] You know, when I didn't have this, when I do have this kind of events, they come out and they support it and you see, wow, you know, you get young, older, different generations, you know, and it's just amazing. It is amazing, but we do, we're more private. We're more enclosed because like I said, you know, we're afraid, you know, you don't know where you're going to meet with someone who's very, I don't know.

[00:32:29] Against it. And you know, the, I, I do get a lot of comments when I post something, I do get negative feedback and it's just, it's hurtful, but you know what, it's what doesn't break you makes you stronger. So, yeah, yeah. I

[00:32:41] Rob DeForge: mean, listen, you're never going to make everybody happy, but I do know, and I've traveled pretty extensively throughout Latin America and that can, there can be a sort of, uh, historically there has been, uh, machismo culture.

[00:32:57] That has kind of, and I know. I [00:33:00] spent quite a bit of time in Puerto Rico and it. It can be kind of over the top there regarding that the discriminatory attitude towards the community, but I have to say in San Carlos that I have seen a lot of inclusiveness a lot here, you know, and there's no, um, I don't feel the when I'm out.

[00:33:25] I don't feel any kind of, uh, attention or, you know, anything going on like where people are going to, they might say things, you know, online when you put a post because everybody's a keyboard warrior, right? You know, you've got that anonymity or whatever, but I think in real life, I've, I've never seen anything negative at all.

[00:33:44] You know, you know, when I'm at the beach or anything like that. So in that regard, it feels like, uh, San Carlos is kind of special in that way. You know?

[00:33:54] Alex Mendoza: Right. Right? Yes. Exactly. Yes. And we do need places like that, you know, because there's a lot of families [00:34:00] that need places to go. You know, I know, um, uh, three, um, uh, here right now that are living here that have kids, you know, they're married couples with kids and they're taking them to school.

[00:34:10] They had, they came to me and asked me a recommendation of school and I kind of introduced them to the, what do you call it, to the owners of the schools and say, you know, this is the families, you know, and which is nice because there, there's families that are raising kids, you know, um, Husband and husband, wife and wife, you know, which is nice.

[00:34:25] You know, you, they're adopted kids, you know, who are needing that love, who are needing that, um, uh, special care, you know, that's all we want is an opportunity of acceptance, you know, and these are kids that are being adopted and are being raised, you know, with true love, you know, love is love, like we always say.

[00:34:44] Rob DeForge: Well, anything else that, that you would like to share with the audience?

[00:34:53] Alex Mendoza: Um, pretty much, you know, uh, food is food. I love, um, food. And, uh, like I said, [00:35:00] it's about playing with flavors. I'm always recommending, uh, Uh, ingredients like bacon and ice cream and, you know, sir, I'm recommending, uh, uh, what do you call it?

[00:35:09] Gelato with wine, uh, doing combinations of flavors. You like to

[00:35:14] Rob DeForge: experiment. It sounds like you'd like to. So maybe there can be a little bit of a fusion twist. To your, to your palate, right? Is that a, yeah, exactly. That sounds like it. And

[00:35:25] Alex Mendoza: some people say, what? Strawberry in a pizza or, you know, or lemon, you know, like lemon, you know, slivers of real lemon.

[00:35:32] And I put it in the oven and just that whole, just changes the whole thing, you know? So you experiment with flavors. And so once they try that, like, oh, they come back, they, they keep coming back for that flavor, you know?

[00:35:44] Rob DeForge: Okay. Everybody, when you come to, to San Carlos to visit, make sure you go to the Calibri restaurant and also live music.

[00:35:52] Yes, we have

[00:35:52] Alex Mendoza: live music every day, from Tuesday through Sunday, and then we also have a lot of events. You know, I started, um, Art Walk [00:36:00] in 2009, actually, and that program started because of, uh, I was having a hard time finding a job. That was before the restaurant. And that was my first, uh, business here in San Carlos.

[00:36:11] And that was just to promote local, um, vendors, local artisans. People who artists local artists. And so this Sunday we have the, uh, our local artwork, a little markets, you know, we've started promoting little markets and people come in and, uh, bring everything they do and they have their business online.

[00:36:30] Uh, and so. For example, tomorrow we have this class where they're teaching them how to do candles. And then on Sunday, the lady that's teaching them, she's going to set up, um, her stand and sell her candles and our artwork. And so that also creates jobs for other people. You know, she's a single mom who's started her business and so started, you know, ways of opportunities.

[00:36:51] So we're working together, you know, as the community. And so, which is also to promote local, consume locally, you know? Yeah,

[00:36:57] Rob DeForge: yeah, I love it. Well, you know, I don't know if [00:37:00] you knew this, Alex, but I'm an artist. I, I used to do sculpture a lot and I traveled and did art shows and things like that. Yeah. So I, yeah, I'm a, I'm a art addict and, uh, I have to leave my wallet at home because , I have lots of art.

[00:37:13] Alex Mendoza: I know. I love art. I like to paint. You should come and paint with us. You know, you can do something, bring something on Wednesday and work on something. My

[00:37:20] Rob DeForge: wife, my wife has mentioned, so I know I'm gonna be there. Yeah, definitely. Yes. Uh huh. Well, listen, thank you so much for being on the expat experience podcast and we'll see you soon.

[00:37:30] Did you have a wonderful happy hour? I know I'll be there.

[00:37:38] Voice Over: We appreciate you joining us. Visit expat experience podcast. com for more practical tips and insights on making your move to paradise. We're here to help navigate the process of relocating to San Carlos every step of the way. Start your journey toward living the dream in [00:38:00] Mexico.