Life is an adventure

Six years ago, I was thinking about moving to Costa Rica.

Arenal volcano, Costa Rica

In fact, it was more than just a dream, as I had sold my house and everything in it. And then... the pandemic arrived and, partly due to health regulations, my mother's health declined rapidly. So my plans were delayed by a few... years.

During this delay, I continued to dream and search for the location of my next adventure. Even though I couldn't move abroad, I could travel. I crisscrossed Quebec and the Maritimes, discovering several countries that each enchanted me in their own way.

My initial destination was supposed to be Costa Rica, but... I fell in love with Colombia,

Cartagena, Colombie

and Vietnam,

Near Hoi An, Vietnam

and Thailand,

Bangkok, Thailand

and Portugal,

Peniche, Portugal

to finally decide on Mexico.

Credit: Forte Labs, Valle de Bravo, Mexique

Why Mexico?

I'll tell you everything. In fact, I would have preferred Thailand. The beauty of the country, the kindness of its people, the feeling of safety, the cost of living...

But we mustn't forget

• The distance (it's on the other side of the planet);

• The language (the intonation and alphabet are completely unfamiliar to us);

• The time difference (which complicates relationships with family and friends back in Quebec).

Mexico, for its part, also has a lot to offer.

• The Latin culture, which I identify with;

• The ease of a language with the same roots and the same alphabet as my mother tongue;

• The ability to return to Quebec easily and quickly;

• The delicious food with fresh produce year-round;

• The temperature. We opted for a region that is temperate year-round where neither air conditioning nor heating are necessary;

• The quality and accessibility of healthcare;

• The slower, more relaxed pace of life;

• The welcoming Mexican culture;

• A less dominant presence of the gouvernment in private life;

• The importance placed on interpersonal relationships.There, no one would dare ask for anything without properly greeting the person they were addressing.

A few months ago, I began the necessary steps. I read extensively, watched videos, improved my Spanish, requested an appointment with the Mexican consulate, etc.

Finally, on June 9, I presented myself at the consulate in Montreal. I carefully prepared my application, making sure that each document met the requirements. I certainly did my homework well, because the next day, I had my visa in hand.

These long months, or rather, years of preparation, are finally paying off. I'm putting the house up for sale next week and plan to leave at the end of the summer.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure, exploring a new culture, and discovering new traditions. But I must admit that I also have butterflies in my stomach at the thought of leaving my family, my friends, and my country.

Sainte-Croix, Quebec, Canada

Fortunately, communication is easy these days. Messenger, FaceTime, phone calls, emails, and more allow us to stay connected. This is a far cry from the not-so-distant past when only mail was available.

credit: Pony Express Rider, William Henry Jackson