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In a time of COVID and recent tornados here in Kentucky, I ask myself what is an ex-pat of America in Mexico today?
I am an African American woman in her 50s. Because of technology I can work anywhere on the globe as a Medicare insurance agent. I decided to go on vacation after finishing the Annual Enrollment Period’s enrollments, the period when anyone can enroll in Medicare Advantage insurance. A couple of my family members have settled in the beautiful city of Merida, Mexico located on the Yucatan peninsula. They are semi-retired.
My cousin Stephen Boyd and his wife, Elaine Boyd live in the United States half the year and in Merida during the late fall to spring. I was asked for a visit before Christmas and found myself looking at real estate and considering working online in the balmy climates of Mexico during the winter and spring months. Stephen is a publisher a senior resource in Ports Townsend, Washington, while his wife Elaine recently worked as a teaching nurse in a clinic in Alaska. Till recently, Stephen and Elaine worked most of the year in the United States and took time off in Merida. Elaine retired six months ago and Stephen has given thought to retiring in the next year or so. My other cousin Moira Boyd, who lives in Merida Centro Santiago was an HIV researcher in New York City. She retired to Mexico approximately 10 years ago to get away from the hectic pace of New York.
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In Merida, she travels, hosts Airbnbs, hosts CouchSurfing, writes, does photography and publishes a blog called “Fromthemouthofmoi.” Both of my cousins pointed out the fact that life in Merida is sunny, safe and relaxed. They pointed out that their retirement dollars stretched farther, there were many ex-pats and many people spoke English. Although both are Spanish speakers, they admit that the language is the biggest obstacle.
But, other than the weather and the inexpensive real estate prices why was I so eager to go? I found three reasons: the burgeoning African American ex-pat community in the city of Merida, the strength of the U.S. dollar and my ability to work anywhere where there is Wi-Fi, a computer and an internet connection.
When I came to Merida, my cousins and African Americans in their neighborhoods, approached me with resources on how to live there, answering my questions from how to find a plumber, to where do you go to find a hairstylist for African American hair?
Merida is considered one of the safest cities on the North American continent. I asked myself will I feel alone or be lonely in Mexico? I realized my family connections and the ex-pat community, which is patronized by support organizations and businesses such as the English library would anchor me in the community. The English Library has cultural events for English-speaking people such as house tours of ex-pats, lecturers and book readings. In fact, many Mexicans in Merida speak English. However, I realized that I needed to speak some Spanish to feel safe and secure moving throughout the Yucatan.
Another issue was Pueblo culture around African descent people. It is still common to refer to individuals as Negro or a single Black woman as a Negrita. This is prevalent throughout Mexico, Central and South America. Coming from the United States and understanding the history of African descent people in America makes this language harsh and the cultural ramifications harken back to the late 70s in the United States when people had to address issues of integration, cultural and social awareness among people of a community.
This may not be the intention of this language, but many African- Americans find the language and cultural ramification startling and off-putting. I find this overwhelming for me as a newcomer starting a life in a new city and country. I realized that contemplation is different from making a life in a new place. But it helps me to awaken from the dream of a warm and beautiful place after leaving the chilly climate of Kentucky’s early winter.
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There are many problems with living in a developing country like Mexico. There are problems with drinking the tap water and flushing toilet paper down the commode because of the old Mexican sewage system. Yet, the people are friendly. Food, clothing, housing and utilities are cheaper, and the lifestyle is slower but urban. But is it worth leaving the familiarity and the modernization of the United States even for half a year?
These are all my considerations; and I have plenty of time to decide. Life in the United States because of COVID-19 is more home-based. This makes me ask the question: where do I want to make my home in the world? I have returned home for the holidays. Family and friends make me realize how blessed I am to have a home in the United States, even though I am aware of the possibilities of living in another country.
Bio.: Sherri Green is a 56-year-old African American woman working as a Medicare Insurance agent in Hopkinsville, KY. Her hobbies are traveling, movies, cooking, and hiking.
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