Waking Up with the Sun
One of the first adjustments I had to make was waking up at dawn. Ranch life starts early, with chores that can’t wait. Whether it’s feeding the livestock, checking on the crops - both of the former do currently not apply to me except if you consider a flock of dogs as "livestock" - or making sure the water supply is running properly (boy 'oh boy, did I had there some "unpleasant" surprises), there’s always something that needs attention. Unlike city life, where the day starts with coffee and emails, here it begins with the sound of roosters and the rhythm of nature.
Learning the Chores
Coming from a background where grocery stores provided everything I needed, it was humbling to realize how much effort goes into producing food. Tending to animals, gathering eggs, milking cows, and even just maintaining the land require patience and effort. At first, I made plenty of mistakes—forgetting to latch the chicken coop, overwatering plants, and struggling to saddle a horse properly—but the patience of experienced ranchers and the willingness to learn have made all the difference.
Embracing the Culture and Community
A rancho is not just about work; it’s about people. The sense of community here is unlike anything experienced in the city. Traditional gatherings are an integral part of life, filled with music, dance, and delicious home-cooked meals.
Advice for Fellow Newbies
For anyone considering a move to a rancho in Mexico, my best advice is to be patient with yourself. Learn from the locals, be open to new experiences, and embrace the unexpected. There will be challenges, but there will also be rewards that go beyond what city life can offer.
Living on a rancho in Estado de México has been an eye-opening journey. It’s not just about learning new skills—it’s about adopting a whole new way of life, one that is deeply rooted in tradition, hard work, and a strong sense of belonging.
