Ep 1. Growing Old in Mexico

In the first episode of Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness, titled "Growing Old in Mexico," comedian and actor Ravi Patel embarks on a journey to explore different cultures and lifestyles in search of the secret to a happy and fulfilling life.

In this episode, Ravi visits Mexico, a country known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. However, he is not there to party or relax; instead, he wants to understand why so many Americans are retiring in Mexico and what makes life in Mexico so appealing.

Ravi starts his journey in San Miguel de Allende, a city known for its colonial architecture and art scene. He meets with expatriates and retirees who have chosen to live in San Miguel and finds out that they are drawn to Mexico's affordable cost of living, friendly people, and slower pace of life. Ravi also learns about the challenges that come with living abroad, such as language barriers and cultural differences.

Next, Ravi travels to Ajijic, a town nestled on the shores of Lake Chapala, where he meets a group of American retirees who have formed a tight-knit community. He joins them for yoga and a potluck dinner and learns about the importance of social connections and community in retirement. Ravi also discovers that many retirees in Ajijic are able to live comfortably on a fixed retirement income thanks to Mexico's low cost of living.

Ravi's journey takes him to the town of Patzcuaro, where he meets a group of senior citizens who are defying stereotypes and living life to the fullest. He joins them for a dance class and learns about the importance of staying active and engaged in old age. Ravi also discovers that, in Mexico, there is a deep respect for the elderly and a belief that they have much to offer society.

In the final stop of his journey, Ravi travels to the coastal town of Zihuatanejo, where he meets a couple who have retired to Mexico to run a bed and breakfast. They share their love of Mexican culture and the joy they find in serving their guests and being a part of the local community.

Through his travels, Ravi discovers that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness and that what makes one person happy may not work for another. However, he also realizes that there are common threads that run through all of the cultures he has visited, such as the importance of community, staying active, and having a sense of purpose.

Overall, "Growing Old in Mexico" is a heartwarming and insightful look at retirement and aging in Mexico. It challenges the stereotypes of what it means to grow old and offers a glimpse into a culture that values the elderly and offers a slower, more fulfilling way of life.