New neighbours

In the last few weeks new owners have moved into 2 of the condos in my block. I am REALLY pleased to be able to tell you that both ladies are great!

My next door neighbour works in Guatemala for the Mexican consulate, so she won't be here all year, but will try to rent her condo for 2-3 month periods. She's about my age and seems really nice, quiet and friendly.

My neighbour upstairs and across is a mid-30s Canadian of Polish descent. She's a livewire and bundle of energy, and has been back and forth to my condo for advice and discussion about lots of things here. It's great having been here only 4 months to be the one giving advice and helping out! We have eaten together a few times, and in fact I'm going shopping with her this afternoon to get some electronics. She will also only be living here 4 or 5 months each year and is hoping to find some medium-term renters. In fact, we have both been talking to agencies about rentals, and some of them are just outrageous! One of them wanted $100 a month PLUS 35% of the rent, and she wanted me to buy 2 bicycles for the renters too lazy to walk the 6 blocks to the beach!!!! plus other things like a washing machine and numerous beach towels. In the end she'd take half the rent and I'd lose more than the other half buying all this extra stuff, not to mention where am I going to store 2 bikes?

My place is still on the internet but I think I might concentrate on houseswaps.

But I'm SO happy that this time I have good neighbours. There are now people in 5 of the 6 condos and so far so good. Fingers crossed!