I Have a New Home!

Hello Everyone, and welcome back to my Experiment in International Living. After a very long gap in communication, I would like to catch you up.

As with every single one of us, the pandemic has changed our lives significantly. In
my case, I have stopped living in different countries for three or more months at a time, and
have stayed in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is, naturally, still “being abroad.”

A week ago I returned from a trip to the US—Alexandria, Virginia—to get both of my Pfizer vaccines, see dear friends, take care of my taxes, and initiate a big change in my life. I first arranged with the Mexican Consulate in Washington D.C. to obtain a visa to become a permanent resident in Mexico. To do this, I had to be retired, or over 62 years of age, and prove that I wouldn’t be a financial burden on the country. I was able to receive this visa, and three days after I returned to Oaxaca, on April 9, 2021, I received the crucial card to become a Permanent Resident.

Jubilation!

What does this mean? It means that I can do everything that a Mexican can do except vote. (Never mind, I shall continue to do that in the US.) I can work, move about the country, and come and go as I please, internationally. I am an honorary citizen, which I consider a significant honor. I have loved Mexico all my life—its states, its cultures, and above all, Mexicans themselves. Here, I feel that my sentiments are reciprocated fully and warmly. I have indeed “come home.”

I am in the process of sorting out my life here—mostly doing what I did before my trip to the States. Since I was the polyglot winner of my latest Fluent in 3 Months language challenge, I decided to keep up with my Thai and Chinese studies, as well as to review Japanese, French, and Japanese in casual ways. We don’t know when international travel can safely begin again, and I don’t anticipate it will be as free as it once was for years. So, here’s to my International Life in Oaxaca!
Here are links to my Fluent in 3 Months “winning” conversations:
Thai: https://youtu.be/nNGCAM94qNo
Chinese: https://youtu.be/LI7WGA6kxk0

There is so much to learn here in Oaxaca, and in Mexico! I need another couple of lifetimes.

Anyway, love to you all, and please leave your name if you care to leave a message.Read more