Naomi and Russ Black became full-time Puerto Peñasco residents in 2007. Both are enthusiastic promoters of our community and encourage everyone to experience and participate in the many offerings of Peñasco.
1. How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
N: Because my mind seems never to stay still which equates to never ending projects and ideas, people often describe me as a creative person.
R: An extrovert personality which allows me to enjoy people while showing them the many sights, sounds and tastes of Peñasco and the surrounding area.
2. When and how did you first discover Peñasco?
Right after we married 32 years ago we joined friends from Cottonwood, AZ for a camping trip in the Mirador area.
3. What enticed you to locate here?
We were doing business here for years and already owned a home so when our daughter turned 18 we decided to sell half of our business which presented the opportunity to relocate.
R: Ever since I was 9 years old and my father promised to take me fishing in Guaymas, it was my dream to live in Mexico.
4. What was your biggest challenge when adjusting to life here?
N: Learning Spanish which has not come easily despite multiple attempts to become more fluent.
R: I was accustomed to preferential treatment by my US financial institutes, so standing in line at the banks here was a challenge. Now I’ve come to enjoy the waiting in line and meeting new people.
5. How do you fill your days?
N: If not a beach day, sewing and craft work in my little studio which is open to the public on Fridays from noon to 5:00 pm. All of my clothing creations are made from recycled materials and some have a vintage/Victorian allure while others are more fun or whimsical but all with a feminine flare.
R: Super active not only conducting “Russ Bus” tours but also working with the City administration to present the bi-monthly Mermaids Market plus developing properties.
6. Besides here, where do you think of as home and what do you miss about that home?
Where ever our parents, children and grandchildren are.
7. Prior to locating in Peñasco, what was your job/career path?
We were owners and executives of a two-office temporary staffing company which had 12 in-house employees and 2,000 +/- temporary staff.
8. What here always brings a smile?
N: When our kids visit and finding a really cool seashell.
R: Meeting the people who are all super nice and friendly. A quad with 14 people on it.
9. If you were to leave, what would you miss most?
The ability to go to the beach whenever we want to.
10. What one thing would you say to convince someone to relocate here?
We would never ever try to convince someone – if they want to, they will come.