Monique Solomon sets sights on long-term travel and moves to Mexico

Monique Solomon’s love for travel started in her early years, and as she experienced diverse cultures and thrilling adventures, her desire for more grew. With a lifelong dream of long-term travel as an adult, she turned that dream into reality over a year ago when she relocated with her family to Mexico, making it their new home.

“We’re currently in Mèrida, Mexico. Mèrida is the capital of the state of Yucatan. I chose Mérida because of its safety and affordability. Housing is also more affordable here than in Kingston so that made it easier to find a comfortable home for all four of us on a tight budget,” Solomon told Saturday Living.

The transition from island to city life was fairly easy, according to the lifestyle blogger. Obtaining residency was hassle-free as she met the income requirements, and she was particularly grateful for Mérida’s well-developed modern city infrastructure, which allowed her to tackle any daily challenges, given that she already had plans in place to work from anywhere in the world.

Solomon explained that the country is similar to Jamaica in many respects. Both have a tropical climate and have miles of coastline.

“Just like home, if a workman tells you he’ll come back ‘mañana’, that could mean anywhere between tomorrow and next month. Mexicans love any reason to party and celebrate and their food spreads are incredible. The market downtown reminds me of Coronation Market, but it’s much cleaner and less aggressive. The malls and layout of the neighbourhoods uptown give me a glimpse of what Kingston could look like in a few years. The driving on the streets is outrageous just like our taxi men, but the kindness of the people reminds me of my yardies,” she explained.

But, there are differences, mainly in language. Also, she highlights that the pride Mexico takes in its parks and community spaces are different from what she has experienced.

As a visitor, she saw the country as the ultimate getaway. There are no visa requirements for short stays, creating a perfect opportunity for locals to travel and see what the culture has to offer.

WET YOUR TRAVEL FEET

“You can come here and explore and get your travel feet wet, especially if you’ve never travelled before. There’s much to see and experience,” she said. From the beaches to the mountains, the big city gives ‘Big Apple’ energy which is juxtaposed by the slow rural living.

While Spanish is the primary language, Solomon appreciates the country’s proximity to the United States, which exposes the locals to English.

“I’ve found Mexicans to be so warm and helpful to me especially when I’m trying to communicate, but fumble on Spanish words. They are quick to share their culture with others and that’s perhaps my favourite part of being here,” she shared.

She recently returned to Jamaica for a visit. While being back home, she visited the beach and received her fix of Hellshire-style fish, bammy and festival. She also had her fill of ackee and salt fish, and took a well-needed trip to Negril, known for the best sunset views.

For the first few weeks, she contemplated whether there should’ve been a move in the first place. But with the flare-up of gun violence plaguing the island, she stood by her decision, knowing very well it was right for her and her family.

“My teenage daughter told me it was such a relief to walk on the streets here and not be cat-called. That one line alone confirmed it for me. I’ve bar hopped on foot downtown with another female friend I met here and I never once felt unsafe. I can walk and video record for my YouTube channel on my iPhone. I’m still cautious, of course, but that is something I’d never even consider back home,” she recalled.

Mérida, she highlighted, is ranked in the top-five safest cities in all of the Americas year after year.

Outside of Mexico, the world-traveller has explored several cities in the United States, including New York, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and San Diego. She has also visited Panama, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, and Trinidad.

It is her hope to one day visit Southeast Asia and see Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia before exploring Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and China.

“I also want to visit several countries in Africa, but before all that, I’ll be heading back to South America since I’m so close! Look out for me in Peru, Ecuador, Chile and back in Colombia soon. My best friend has the Europe itch. I’d love to go too, so let’s see how far these dollars can stretch.

Jamaica will forever hold a special place in her heart, but she feels blessed to have discovered another place where she can comfortably put down roots – Mexico, which she now considers her second home.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com