Pepe Kabande Making the Move to Sayulita

Pepe Kabande, from Guadalajara, lived in Bali, Indonesia, and Cartagena de India in Columbia, before moving back to Guadalajara for a year. He discovered he much prefers living in smaller towns to big cities. So, with the intention of opening a store in Sayulita, Pepe and his dog, Eva, made the move to Sayulita two years and one month ago.

How did you first hear about Sayulita?

I know Sayulita from a very long time ago.  I was a helping a client with decorating their house in Patzcuarito and they introduced me to this town about 16 years ago.

What was it about Sayulita that made you want to move here?

To see the life and the seasons here all year round by the seaside. Also, Sayulita always had a crowd. To me it was like San Miguel de Allende (which I love), but Sayulita is more of a rustic town and I really like that. I also always felt accepted in town every time I visited. I actually found my shop and house all in one day. It was like everything was supposed to be like that.

What was the hardest adjustment you had to make when you moved to Sayulita?

Nothing, because I am always so free. I just decided to move here and did it.

What did you find most rewarding about moving to Sayulita?

Opening a new store – Origenes David Luna, with my partner, David Luna.

What do you like most about living in Sayulita?

I like the weather. I like the tropical way of living. There are a lot of great people. I have very good friends and we accept each other immediately.

Are you involved with any local organizations or do volunteer work? If so, what do you do?

Currently I’m so busy with work I don’t have any extra time, but I do help out some of the local people. I’ve sponsored some of the surfers and helped out with the amount to enter surf tournaments. I also go to town fundraisers to support various causes.

What do you do for fun and relaxation? Any favorite restaurants or places to go?

I like to get together with my friends and have drinks, cook, and go to the beach. Now I very much like Palmar Trapiche.  Don Pedro’s has always been a favorite and is close to my shop. My favorite of favorite is Naty’s for everyday lunch or breakfast.

How do you support yourself in Sayulita?

With my businesses – Origenes David Luna and Origenes for Men.

How does the cost of living in Sayulita compare to where you used to live?

It’s more expensive here than in other places I’ve lived. Here I can buy very good quality products at the Friday market but it’s kind of pricy or I go to Puerto Vallarta to buy exceptional food. Even for food for my birds I have to go to Bucerias.

How has the experience of living in Sayulita changed you?

I feel more in touch with the earth. I’m in the jungle – I feel good and I’m healthy. Usually I’m not in one place more than three years. I don’t like to settle anywhere, but I think I’m going to stay here in Sayulita.

What advice would you offer someone wanting to move to Sayulita?  

To start to see what it is they are going to do when they come here. Figure out what you’re going to do for work and how you’ll contribute to the community. We need people with knowledge and young people with power to go on.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks to everybody who does the contribution they are doing in Sayulita. With businesses, and food, and people who come to the markets. We need to make a living and it has to be complete with all of us. I’m very thankful for all those things because they compliment our lives.