The Real Marigold on Tour - Mexico

Some of you may recall last year a film crew from the BBC shot an episode of The Real Marigold on Tour in GDL and Ajijic.  

For those not familiar with the show, it's a travel series based on the movie Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  The 'on tour' series has a few variously famous older Brits traveling to destinations around the world to see if they would make good retirement spots.  This year they visited Russia, Vietnam, somewhere else and this week its Mexico and our little village.

For those who can get it BBC 9pm UK time Thursday March 6th... Usually within a day or two the whole thing will either be on youtube or launch-able from the BBC website.

It might be worth a look...

td

If it's Wed. 3/06 I've missed it--if it's Thurs. 3/07 maybe we can watch.

Someone has posted it on YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myWDytrLObw

Cincy wrote:Someone has posted it on YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myWDytrLObw

Thanks for posting the video. I have not seen Linda for several years and was very happy to see how she finished her home. We were living in Ajijic when she was remodeling her place and it sure turned out beautiful. Great video, I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks for the posting.

I have just finished watching the UTube ...firstly I could not understand the characters humor....as if they were visiting a Zoo.......

I must be sleeping under a rock because I never realized the "excessive" Penthouse Entertaining that goes on and on and on...I wonder if these are the same invitees who had a GOFUNDME to met their medical expenses

Why was Chapala left off , Chat to the folks who support the American Legion.... and I think the TV audience would have heard and seen a more balanced picture of Lakeside expats....or not???

Seriously the people here who vilify what is going on NOB (politically wise) and think they have escaped a unbalanced life style...Think again....For me this show has been an eye opener.... and shows the vast divide within the foreign community of the have's and the have not's.......

lakeside7 wrote:I have just finished watching the UTube ...firstly I could not understand the characters humor....as if they were visiting a Zoo.......

I must be sleeping under a rock because I never realized the "excessive" Penthouse Entertaining that goes on and on and on...I wonder if these are the same invitees who had a GOFUNDME to met their medical expenses

Why was  Chapala left off , Chat to the folks who support the American Legion.... and  I think the TV audience  would have heard and seen a more balanced picture of Lakeside expats....or not???

Seriously the people here who vilify what is going on NOB (politically wise) and think they have escaped a unbalanced life style...Think again....For me this show has been an eye opener.... and shows the vast divide within the foreign community of the have's and the have not's.......

I agree with your last sentence, lakeside7. The Real Marigold actors were certainly not shown what it's like for the average Lakeside resident. I was hoping to see more of them doing the things we all do here, like walking along the malecon, having coffee at the plaza and chatting with friends, and shopping at the tianguis. Most of us have never had the opportunity to attend penthouse parties or 'members-only' nights at the theatre.

Actually the Real Marigold actors DID visit the American Legion as well as filmed and interviewed at LCS- real day to day people with all the activities there. Talked to volunteers and observed classes.
None of that footage was used.

It was a television show. It was meant to entertain, not inform. That's why they chose to show the absurd "Penthouse Party Porn" footage and left the rest of it on the cutting room floor.

It wasn't a documentary nor intended to show "real life". And yes, it was ridiculous.

Yeah, it was kinda embarrassing actually. Hope nobody I know sees it and thinks I moved here for penthouse botox parties.

Raises her hand. I got the Botox that night at the request of the producer. It had been done 3 weeks earlier and the Dra. Valeria came back to do a little "top off".

This is not a travelog show it is a showcase for the characters. Apparently there are a dozen or so older entertainers from whom they choose that go on these excursions to "retirement" places. None of them are actually looking for a place. The show scouted here, decided what they wanted to show and how, made all the arrangements and filmed hours and hours. They know what they are looking for and want lots to choose from the film. It isn't about the location although they show some nice scenery from everywhere they go. There were plenty of interesting people to talk to at that party.

Every trip has a personal revelation by one of the characters. A point of personal vulnerability. Early on I thought this show was trending toward exposing Jannette's preference for luxury living. Halfway thru the show I figured they weren't going to use much of the party footage and was very surprised. The producer got that vulnerability with Rosemary talking about her feelings about her looks as a young woman.

It all reminded me of when HGTV and International House Hunters rolls thru here every once in a while. All scripted.

The show was obviously not intended to be a documentary about life in this area. It was silly as hell, intended to be so and anyone who did more than cringe a bit about it is taking life too seriously. I only hope that NOB'ers aren't attracted to move here because of it.
In terms of truth in advertising, it's about as useless as "Tangerine Travels".

And there was not just a little mocking going on though those involved seem unaware of their actual role in the program.

Note that the “penthouse” is the third floor. So much for height regulations.

The house is obnoxious.. just for its height , it shows that the person who built t had no feel for the village or the neighbors and just wanted to show off. awful..I am sure glad I do not live near there..

This is where the Real Marigold people were staying in Ajijic and where they attended the penthouse party.....https://www.ajijicbellissimos.com/. According to the hotel's Facebook page however, they are renting it as an AirBnB now, and not serving free breakfasts anymore, only providing coffee and fruit or herbal waters.

Gosh, I live across the street therefrom on the uphill side. I had no idea, what was happening down there. I just knew that it was a very large property that rented out space and that on the weekends their parking area was usually full.

MexicoPete wrote:Gosh, I live across the street therefrom on the uphill side. I had no idea, what was happening down there. I just knew that it was a very large property that rented out space and that on the weekends their parking area was usually full.

I didn't realize you lived right down in the village, Pete. I always thought you lived up on the mountain?

This program is NOT a travel documentary, it's a show, just light entertainment - it was not serious.  I think it was lost on most Americans - just like Monty Python...

I’m American. I get Monty Python. Or Mr. Bean.

suegarn wrote:

MexicoPete wrote:Gosh, I live across the street therefrom on the uphill side. I had no idea, what was happening down there. I just knew that it was a very large property that rented out space and that on the weekends their parking area was usually full.

I didn't realize you lived right down in the village, Pete.  I always thought you lived up on the mountain?

I do live up as high as you can go on Juarez in Ajijic. The Bed and breakfast is the one across the street from me, I think. I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time. :)

The B&B is on 16 de septiembre near La Bodega.

It is across from Mainecoon´s house and it is the house that was built up and blocked his view...not anywhere near you Pete

Yeah he was pretty pissed when they added that 3rd story and blocked his view. If he is smart he will have ensured that the B&B has all the proper permits, licenses and is paying all relevant taxes.....many are not.

I would be pretty pissed too so I couldn’t blame him but should have fought it at the time.

Have you tried fighting this kind of thing? Not many people win because it is easy for those who want to do whatever to pay off someone and the building goes up.. We have plenty of examples
around us to prove it.