I can hear the fireworks now going off in celebration for no other reason than celebrating life. The taste of chilaquiles plays with my memory as I mentally map out all of the girls and I’s favorite restaurants in Guanajuato City, Mexico. I can already taste the brownie with the vanilla gelato from our favorite gelato place with the beautiful rooftop views. To say I am excited is an understatement. I have never been more excited than I am right now as we prepare for our move back to Mexico.
For those of you who have been following our journey for a while, you know that we sold all our possessions, ended our lease on our condo in Austin, TX and set out to travel the world full-time nearly two years ago. This crazy adventure has brought about tons of emotions, good times, bad times, and a lot of growth for our little family. We have gone back and forth about getting a home base as full-time travel exhaustion toyed with our emotions at times. Our most recent attempt at making a home base in Tirana, Albania fell through for multiple reasons. If you are curious, you can read more about that by clicking here.
Memories
Some of you remember when we tried to settle down in Guanajuato City, Mexico almost a year ago before I had a nervous breakdown while out shopping for couches. My wandering heart was not quite ready then to give up full-time travel. Now, nearly two years after we set out on this adventure I am ready. My girls are ready. I want my own sheets, a juicer, plants, books, a garden and the best friends you could ever imagine. This all waits for us in Guanajuato and my face literally hurts from this big ass smile plastered across my face as I write this.
We are ready. We are ready for a home to call our own. Traveling will not stop but we will have our own beds to return to. I envision a small cottage with a garden. I am putting it out there now. I see lots of laughter, sleepovers for my girls, tea with my friends in my living room, and Novella running around in our little yard. I see us sitting out on a small patio watching the beautiful sunsets of Guanajuato slowly introduce us to a star filled sky.
We do not have an exact move date just yet but it will be some time in January. Currently, we are in Florida visiting family. We are thankful for being able to spend time with family but it is also a challenge because of the inevitable reverse culture shock we feel each time we visit the United States. You see. When your eyes are wide open like travel has done to us, it is very hard to adjust back to life in the United States. Although, there is a sense of ease here like no other. If you want something, it is literally one click away.
Moving To Mexico: Moving Abroad As A Single Mom
Moving abroad as a single mom has its own unique challenges. Luckily, we have already lived in Mexico for a few months so we have an idea of what to expect. We will most likely rent a home off of Airbnb for the first two weeks while we search for a long-term rental.
Finding A Home In Mexico
There are a few ways you can find a long-term rental in Guanajuato City, Mexico. The old school way of walking around the city and searching for Renta signs is one way. However, there is very little English spoken so this may prove difficult unless you have a translator.
There is also the local paper called the Chopper where rentals are listed but you might come across the same issue of needing a translator. I have a past client that lives in Merida that I might be able to ask to translate for me. She is pretty amazing.
Last time we were in Mexico, I used a realtor. The issue I am finding with realtors is the costs associated with using one. Because I am a foreigner, they tend to show me properties that are geared towards foreigners and way more than I want to spend. I will definitely keep them in mind as an option but I am hoping to not have to use one this time.
Is Mexico Safe?
Safety usually comes to mind when single moms are thinking about moving abroad. We found Mexico to be very safe. You can read this post about safety in Mexico is you want to know more by clicking here.
Obviously it is wise to be aware of your surrounding no matter where you are at. I also am not a part of the drug trade so I should be completely safe.
Connecting with others who can relate is so important when it comes to moving abroad as a single mom. A big reason for us moving back to Mexico is that we have a little single mom community there. That is something we have missed while living in Albania. I value friendships. It is so important to surround yourself with loving people who get it and can relate to the single mom life. I look forward to the connection and support again.
I can’t wait to write all about Mexico. I think it is such a great place for single moms to consider when picking a place to move abroad to. It is right next to the US and you can live a good life on very little. Imagine slowing it down and not having to work long hours in order to provide you family with a good life. This is what moving to Mexico can do for you.
We found the people to be very welcoming and I look forward to their warmth and smiles again.
Viva Mexico!
Moving Abroad As A Single Mom: 90 Days To Freedom Course
If you are truly ready to move abroad, I am launching a new course that is perfect for you. I am teaming up with two other single mom living abroad experts and creating a 90-day group mastermind where you will be guided step by step on how to move abroad. If you are interested in joining this group mastermind, schedule a free 20-minute chat with me by clicking here.