Tag Archives: expat life

May 13, 2023 · 5:37 am

Blogs About Mexico Worth Reading — Travel Documented

Samantha, from Travel Documented, is our featured blogger today. Read on to see what she has to say about her amazing life as an expat in Mexico.

Many things brought me to Mexico, including the culture, the people, warm weather, excellent food, cost of living, amazing cities, I could go on and on….close to the USA.

The blog I host is called Travel Documented. I live to travel and have been for some time. I think the name encompasses our passion for traveling to multiple places while documenting our journey. We write where we go. So far, these areas are Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.

I love to write and share stories and adventures as I embrace new cultures and new languages. I make many mistakes, but I hope to learn from them and share what I have learned in the process. My blog is for a variety of audiences: Expats and Immigrants to Mexico from the USA and Canada, Solo Travelers and Solo Female Travelers, Those Looking to Exit Corporate America, The FIRE Community (Financial Independence, Retire Early), Remote Workers, and those wanting to leave the USA and are gathering information and experiences. As we continue to travel, our audience may expand to include minimalists and backpackers.

My favorite blog post is Mazatlan, Mexico: It’s Not Just Beautiful, It’s a Hidden Gem. I haven’t found anything to be extremely difficult to write about. I enjoy writing. However, just finding time to collect my thoughts and sit down to write can be challenging at times.

My recent visit to Mexico City (CDMX) has been the experience I’ve had in Mexico so far. I absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to visit again. It was absolutely amazing. So many things to do. It blew me away. Unfortunately, it was also the worst experience. I was spat on in Mexico City. It was me and a store clerk at a restaurant at the same time as a man who demanded the restaurant give him food. I think I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The store clerk didn’t react, nor did I. I just walked away and was fine.

For those planning to move or travel to Mexico, I recommend spending some time in a variety of places in different climates at different times of the year. Study Spanish and practice speaking it as much as possible. Learn about the Mexican culture, take an interest in the society, culture, the food, and have a humble spirit to integrate.

I plan to remain in Mexico as long as possible. I have no immediate plans to leave. I have residency here.

I would love to continue to collaborate with others, share information and build a community online and in person. As far as the future, who knows? I like to remain open to possibilities.

Connect with Samantha at: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travel.documented1234

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travel.documented/

Website: https://traveldocumented.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented

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March 23, 2023 · 7:37 am

Nifty, Nifty, Look Who’s Fifty

Today is my birthday, and I’ve reached a milestone. I’m 50. I really never imagined myself at this age. It’s sort of snuck on me. But here I am, looking forward to the next stage of life, gray hairs and all. 

So how have I been? Two years ago (I gave myself some extra time), I made the resolution to be fit at fifty. I have to admit, I don’t have those Victorian babe arms just yet, but I am more toned than previously and nearly ready to move up a hand weight level. Whoop! 

I also have gone nearly completely gray. It’s a bit premature, but I decided during social isolation that I would stop dyeing my hair, and that’s the unsurprising result. It does shine terribly when it reflects the light during my online classes, and it’s become wispy and unmanageable, but what are ya goin’ to do?

Although there were some setbacks in my 40s, health issues, unemployment, Covid, and my mom’s death, I managed to write and publish a whole slew of books, install electricity and internet at the house, and adopt this motley crew of animal companions (I’m not an animal hoarder–nope). 

Most days are full and satisfying, allowing me to flex my creativity, and my pets make sure to let me know I’m valued (even if it’s just to open the food packets for them.)

My life here in off-grid rural Mexico is still challenging. Everything takes twice the effort with half the result. I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. I am grateful for what I have, though, and that’s enough for now.

How has aging been for you?

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June 30, 2022 · 9:35 am

Spanish Accelerated

For those of you that struggle with the language barrier, you’ll love today’s featured ex-pat. In this post, I’d like to introduce you to Judit Megal, owner of Spanish Accelerated (Use code Spanish22).

My family is Russian and I grew up with Russian as my first language and English as my second. Knowing these two languages can give you a bird’s-eye-view of how languages work and how Spanish and English are similar and different, both at the same time. My mom was an immigrant in her 40s and to her last days, spoke with a heavy accent. So I understand the struggle learn a second language, especially later in life.

In 2006 a job brought me to Mexico. I was working for Diamonds International, in Riviera Maya. Now I live in the Riviera Nayarit, another job moved me here and I loved it so much I stayed!

I’ve had so many defining moments since moving to Mexico. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in Mexico City, in heavy rain, at rush- hour, because I didn’t understand the directions given to me… I also couldn’t pronounce the words Cuauhtemoc, Tlaquepaque, and Jacarandas, which were all on my way to work. It was definitely stressful to be in Mexico City, alone, on a bus, and not understanding. It has contributed to my desire to learn, and fast.

After over a decade of living in Mexico, I’m more Mexican now than something else, the daily rhythm, the way we say things, handle problems, negotiate, etc. It made me much more Cabrona than before but also allowed me to express my more feminine, soft side. I love Mexico!

Six years ago I’ve decided to take my Spanish lessons to be a full-time job because my side hobby was so satisfying that my client exploded. I teach mainly to retirees and snowbirds because they are the biggest population here. We work online, both one-on-one and in small conversation groups and I found that combination brings the best results. Plus, you must speak the language, because only reading and writing will bring you 2/3 of the way. The understanding part, especially when people speak fast, is crucial, and can’t happen without YOU SPEAKING. ( Our private classes are off the record and designed to give you the courage to speak).

Facebook is an easy way to reach me:
https://www.facebook.com/MexicanSpanishLessons

Or for more information, you can also go to:

Spanish_Accelerated

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