Valerie Pickle
YL: When did you move to the Yucatan and from where did you move?
Valerie: I left Canada 3 years ago, heading to Ticul to teach English in a small private school with no expectations of actually living in the Yucatan.
YL: Why did you move?
Valerie: My idea was to come and teach English with the hopes of learning Spanish. I wasn't really thinking on making a life here but planned to continue travelling through Central and South America.
YL: Why did you choose the city you now live in over other places in the world?
Valerie: I think Ticul and especially Santa Elena where I now reside chose me. While visiting Merida during my three weeks in Progreso, doing a teacher's practicum, I had a chance meeting with a lady whose father had lived in Ticul for over 30 years. She knew of a small private school there that was looking or would be looking for a teacher in Sept of 2004. I returned to Canada with the email address of Martha, the school owner and I began corresponding with her. She accepted my offer of work and so I started my journey in Yucatan. I became very fond of the place, the people, the culture and did not have the desire to return to Canada after two years here.
I don’t believe in coincidences; everything in life happens for a reason. The next happening was a chance meeting with a hotel owner from Santa Elena. During conversations with her she mentioned that Santa Elena lacked a decent restaurant to which I replied "Well, I don’t mind cooking!" From this encounter sprung a restaurant on the Ruta Puuc which I now own and operate.
YL: Did you buy a house right away or rent first? Do you think you made the right decision?
Valerie: It took about two years to decide on my next action. Building the restaurant was an interesting experience, but I had great help from Santiago, the husband of the hotel owner. The construction took from April 2006 to December 2006. We opened on Christmas day 2006 without electricity, which took another 6 weeks to install.
YL: Are you doing now what you intended to do when you moved here? If not, why not?
Valerie: As you can see by now, there were no plans. I just go where the wind blows me!
YL: What are the most interesting things about living here for you? What do you absolutely love?
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Valerie: Oh, I just love the people. Here in Santa Elena, they are sweet with a great sense of humour. Even though the restaurant can be quite busy at times, it is such a beautiful location and it brings me lots of tranquility and peace. To see the sun in the morning and hear the birds singing and watch the corn swaying in the fields, the moon rising and the stars that shine SOOO bright is breathtaking. It is always a wonderment.
YL: What do you miss from your "former life"?
Valerie: At times, my children and grandchildren, but I know that they are all doing fine. And I believe that home is where the heart is.
YL: What don’t you miss from your "former life"?
Valerie: SNOW!
YL: What is your favorite local food?
Valerie: Locally made empanadas with Chaya and queso relleno.
YL: What is your favorite time of year here and why?
Valerie: ALL year, even in the heat of summer. I love it!
YL: Where do you take guests who visit you here to show them something really special?
Valerie: My restaurant, of course! And I like to take them to Uxmal as I live so near and it is so great.
YL: The last time you went out to dinner, where did you go and why?
Valerie: Well I do get tired of my own cooking occasionally. The last time I went out to eat was at the Hacienda Ochil for a Sunday lunch. It was lovely and the ambiance was great too.
YL: How is the city where you live different for residents than it is for tourists?
Valerie: Santa Elena is one of your typical Mayan villages and therefore has retained its charm, though with the influence of Americans dollars things are slowly beginning to change. It really is a tourist spot along the way to Uxmal and other places. Seeing through the eyes of a tourist, a tourist would consider the people quite poor but living here, one see things through different eyes.
YL: Do you have friends from the local community or do you pretty much hang with the expat crowd?
Valerie: Yes, I do have friends here from the community and don’t get much time to hang out in Merida with the expats.
YL: What is it like owning and running a business here or working here? How is it different from doing the same thing in your country of origin?
Valerie: Having had a business in England and in Canada, I have had lots of experiences. Here it just takes a little longer to get the show on the road. But there are great lessons in patience. My employees make things much easier for me and always arrive with a smile on their faces ready to start work and they work hard. I feel so lucky to have them around me. Never do I ask them to do something I would not do myself.
YL: Do you find it more or less difficult to make a living here than in your country of origin?
Valerie: It is equal wherever you are. It all depends on your disposition and attitude toward life.
YL: Are your work habits different here?
Valerie: I should say "Yes!" to this as in the past my hardest thing to learn was to delegate. So I look upon this venture as my own personal lesson in life. Learn to delegate! and its working! I do work at a much slower pace. Even though it is a long day, things still get done. How great is that? I just don’t get as stressed as I would back home.
YL: Did you speak Spanish when you moved here? Where did you learn Spanish (if you did)? Is the language barrier a problem for you in your daily life?
Valerie: No, I did not know much Spanish when I arrived and have learned as I have gone along. I take every opportunity to study and continue studying. The language only becomes a barrier when the staff burst into Maya when it gets busy, but body language is easy to understand.
YL: What interesting Spanish word or saying have you learned lately? What does it mean and how did you learn it?
Valerie: Gracias a dios! "Thanks to god". It is just a common expression out here.
YL: Are you a Mexican citizen? Do you plan to become one?
Valerie: No, I am not a Mexican citizen as I carry two passports now: one English and one Canadian. I am not sure at this point what it would take to become a Mexican citizen and have not really thought too much about it. It took me 20 years to become a Canadian citizen so who knows how long it will be before I consider another one! I'm also not sure if I can carry three passports.
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YL: Have you traveled much within Mexico? If so, where and what has been your favorite location to visit? What did you see there that you liked so much?
Valerie: I have travelled around the peninsula and I like Merida very much for all the cultural activity that it provides. But my heart is here in Santa Elena. Also I like Lake Bacalar because of its blue waters; to swim in them was exhilarating, like swimming in the cenotes.
YL: How are you treated by Mexicans? Do you feel resented or welcome?
Valerie: I have not come across too much resentment; more commonly I feel welcome for being able to give employment. I feel I have great communication skills and one can do this in any language. But through the grapevine I hear the town people like me, so that's good!
YL: How do you feel about the economic prospects of Mexico? Of the Yucatan?
Valerie: It is certainly growing in tourism and I feel it is a good thing.
YL: What are some changes you are hoping for in the city in which you live? Do you see any progress towards these changes?
Valerie: I am happy with the way things are and I can see progress happening.
YL: What are your plans for the future here?
Valerie: Right now to continue developing the grounds, planting trees, flowers etc. I want to employ more people. I would really like to turn the restaurant and grounds into a more of a spiritual retreat, but little by little.
YL: What is the one most important piece of advice you would give someone buying property and/or planning a move to the Yucatan?
Valerie: Mmmmm... well... I would advise that you leave all your mental and emotional baggage behind in your country. Take a deep breath, let go of all your old hostilities, and get ready to embark on a new adventure in life. Life is an adventure and we are here to experience everything to its fullest.
YL: If you could say something to all the people of Mexico, what would you say?
Valerie: A great big "Thank You!" for your patience with a foreigner and thanks for the laughs you have given me and for your warmth. Nowhere else have I ever felt such comfort.
YL: If there is anything else you would like to add for our readers (people interested in or considering moving to the Yucatan, former Yucatecans, people planning to visit for an extended tour…), please add them here:
Valerie: Live day to day! What happened yesterday has gone. Today is new life!
Editors Note: Valerie Pickle and her staff run the restaurant called The Pickled Onion. Next time you take a visitor out to Uxmal, make plans to stop in Santa Elena for lunch. The surrounding village and the central church there are also worth a visit.
Comments
A.K.J. 17 years ago
Hi Valerie, I was wondering if you have a website and also an email or any way of which to contact you? I am coming to Yucatan in May and would love to visit your restaurant! I've been scouring the web for an address but the closest I can find is that it's near to the Flycatcher Inn! Please email me dubyadotdot@yahoo.com many thanks!
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Trudy Woodcock 17 years ago
I love the Pickled Onion and take people there every chance I get! Valerie is a wonderful person and a great cook. Her staff is lovely and she treats them so well it is no surprise that they love her. Valerie is only getting started here. Can't wait to see what is next.
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Allan Wilcox 17 years ago
Valerie
Loved the article. My first experience at the Pickled Onion is one that I will never forget in that it was my 60th birthday in April 2007 and Valerie and David put on such a wonderful diner for us. The weather even made the night complete with a storm that threatened to blow us right out of the restaurant and forced us to move 3 times during the diner to stay or attempt to stay dry. We ate every night at the Pickeled Onion during our stay at the Flycatcher Inn in Santa Elena in April and again when we returned to the Yucatan in December. Wonderful food, the advacado soup is delightful my favourite and if you are staying in the area I would also recommend her boxed lunches for those travelling on the Ruta Puuc.
Give my love to David and his sister and I hope to see you again in the future.
Allan
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Debbie M 17 years ago
My husband and I ate at the Pickled Onion last February on our way through the Yucatan, we loved it! The food was delicious, and the girls working in the kitchen came out afer out meal and chatted with us about Santa Elena and Maya ways. (It was late and our group of 6 were the only customers at the time) i am dreaming of retirement soon and a move to the Yucatan...... thank you for wonderful stories like this and great photos!!!
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Dave L. from Calgary Ab. 17 years ago
My wife and two children will be moving into our new condo near Puerto Villarta in early Feb. Thank you for the encouragement of your article as we venture into familiar but relative unknown territory. We are excited as well as a little nervous about how life will change for us.
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Dave & Lisette 17 years ago
Valerie!!!!! So great to see some publicity for you. We were there in July with our daughter and the couple meals we had in your WONDERFUL place were delightful. We stayed at the Sacbe cabins right across the street from your restaraunt and finding you with your warm smiles, friendly conversation, yummy food and beautiful ambiance was one of the blessings of our trip. We look forward to our next visit. All the best to you and your fantastic staff!!!
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Z.Gunt 17 years ago
Hello Valerie.
I'm so happy for you and your succses. You are wonderfull person. You made me think, ones again.! I'm looking for a place to live for a two years now, and did not fined the right one, jet. With your warm introduction of the place you live in Santa Elena and Yucatan people. I think that I fined the right spot. Life is wonderfull so do you. The article is great and you and your "Picled Onion" looks wonderfull too. Take care my friend. Hugs Zl.
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Geoff Clark 17 years ago
Hi Valerie--I have just bought a house in Merida, in Santa Lucia to be exact. I'm a New Zealander living in LA and now about to move, at least part time, to the Yucatan. It was most inspiring reading your words on life there, I hope to find the same peace and joy there that you have.
On another note, that Sunday brunch at Hacienda Ochil IS delicious, we loved it. When we are next there we will come and visit you at the Pickled Onion, I can't wait!!
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Rainie Baillie Bowie 17 years ago
What a wonderful interview! It very well captured the essence of Valarie. Not only is the food at the Pickled Onion a real treat, but it is a real treat to visit with Valarie as well. It is well worth the trip from Merida...very relaxing and serene.
Rainie Bowie
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Tim Perry 17 years ago
My heart is full of joy, after reading Your article I have been going to the Yucatan area for 6 years in a row. Mexico is always on MY mind ,I live in the state of Maine USA, its way to cold and the People are getting colder by the day in USA!!! I miss the genuine true People of the Maya,I know They are so proud,and work hard at what They do. I plan on going to Merida on Our next visit, and look forward to seeing and talking with You, as I am counting the days untill We can move to the Great Country of Mexico...Love to You and good Health, Ifeel like I have always Known You just from this article...TimPerry P.S> If You would ever like to drop Me an E-mail just to chat with asoon to be Expat....timperry1953@hotmail.com Adios!!!!!
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Jess Marren 17 years ago
Hi Valerie, Not sure you will remember me, I'm a friend of Jackie Moxon, I think we met at Eden. Loved your story, so inspiring. My daughter Jenn and I started a catering business in 2005, we feed the seniors at the David Durward Centre, but who knows maybe the Yucatan or some other place will beckon me. I'm sure it was a lot of hard work, but it sounds heavenly!
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