Hey, y’all.
I figure if you’re reading this, you are regular enough to the forums to know a little bit about me…artist/painter and hitchhiking/bicycling traveler.
As I may have mentioned, I’ve been hopping around some over the years (Moldova/Ukraine, Chicago, Wichita, Austin, and now in Tijuana).
Now that I’m in Tijuana - real Tijuana - not the resort towns of Rosarito or Ensenada, I want to find another artist or other creative type to be friends with and join me in this live/work situation I’m trying to create here. I’m flexible about what you do. You could be a writer, glass-blower, whatever. Having a creative friend is my main goal.
I’m not sure I could guess what questions a potential roommate or neighbor might have, but I’ll try to explain fully what my “quest” is.
For the longest time, I’ve been trying to find enough time to be a painter. Not as a hobby aside from work, but actually finding a way to make it something more life-fulfilling. I don’t have any hopes of being remotely rich, but still would like to be able to put a bit of food on my plate and have the freedom to move around the globe sometimes for extended periods in a non-touristy fashion.
One solution is the spacious 2 bedroom apartment I’ve found here in Tijuana, which I’m renting for 220 bucks a month. My hope is to be able to utilize this place as my live/work while I am here, but also as “home base” if I choose to go elsewhere for a bit.
I feel I could deal with a friendly and sincere roommate, but would be fine in helping you find a place of your own if that’s what you prefer (actually, the first floor neighbor has expressed the desire to move in with her boyfriend).
I am finding that one serious issue I’m having is isolation-related depression. I have Tijuana friends and acquaintances, but as most long-term travelers know, cultural differences and language barriers can leave one feeling isolated even in the midst of people.
Add to that the similar situation Vincent Van Gogh felt himself in while in Arles, without many
creative people of similar interest to associate with, which has been a persistent problem for me in some places I’ve lived. Not that I’m actively looking for my Gauguin - I really don’t wish to have an asshole as a companion.
To explain more about myself, I could use the simple statement that my personality closely mirrors the general INFP classification for Briggs-Meyers. I am an idealist, very left-leaning, and rely heavily on intuitive thinking.
Many people (former teachers, friends, romantic partners) point out that I’m quite intelligent, but a fair share (business people - generally salespeople and other pro-capitalists) think I’m rather stupid. Some people have even gone so far as to call me special, but I sometimes wonder if they mean in a Luna Lovegood, needs-a-helmet sort of way.
I try to keep fit by incorporating exercise into my lifestyle, but am not really into sports. I don’t run, but prefer brisk walking or bicycling.
I’m not a club person, and prefer museums to pub crawls, and prefer sharing booths with friends to dancing. I love to observe and people-watch, and love to sit with someone imaginative and invent stories about strangers passing by.
Okay, about living here…
This is Tijuana. You’re definitely not going to find Trump-style living here. Poor construction methods abound, but I’ve seen some apartments that have been upgraded very nicely. Central heat and air is a rarity, and people generally use work-arounds for the weather, siestas on hot days (90°) and sweaters and heavy blankets at night in winter (45°-50°).
About apartments in Tijuana…they’re rarely turn-key, and generally any small repairs are left to the next tenant. Cheap deals can be made for apartments that need more work, as I have done.
The issues with my particular apartment are…stucco that was applied without primer - it’s flaking off and the entire apartment should be repainted. The bathroom is just ugly grey tile with sink plumbing that doesn’t work. A remodel, along with locating the tankless water heater closer to the bathroom (or a second heater) is in order. The four doors and jambs need replacing, and I would like to build an enclosure around the entry stairwell to make the apartment more airtight.
I’ve consuted with a few people, and it would be cheap to do. I’ve always been a DIY kind of person, so I have no issues with remodeling.
The good news is the electricity, water, and propane are cheap. I use about $5 for each utility each month. Another person, bigger fridge, etc. will increase costs, but I still predict low expenses if you’re energy conscious.
Also, each bedroom is at least 200 square feet. The place really is spacious and bright.
If it turns out we both think living here long-term is possible, I think installing a wood-burning stove is a good idea. I really want to poke around and see if there’s decent thrift or junk shops that might have old furnishings to refurbish, too.
I should make it clear, each bedroom is 200 ft square minimum. One is square, one is rectangular (pictured). One shared bathroom with shower, but I wouldn’t mind getting a tub if we agree. There is a pantry/laundry room next to the kitchen, and two living or dining areas, plus that gap over by the stairwell.
Scale: Each floor tile is 11 and 1/4" on each side.