Hi JP, thanks for the link. I’m not sure, but based on the article, it seems like the issue you’re highlighting is not just gentrification (which happens everywhere when a place becomes desirable to live), but that it’s foreign money and people who are displacing the locals. I wonder what the city and federal governments are doing to slow the impact of digital nomads and the growth of AirBnBs? Probably not enough. It’s a complicated problem, but if you’re getting kicked out of your apartment it must feel like a simple one.
I have a podcast coming this weekend where I talk to someone in Lisbon, and like you, she’s mad as hell about the AirBnBs and foreigners driving up the prices of real estate there. So, you’re not alone.
I can’t know specifically what about Emily’s life is problematic for you, but she’s come to Mexico to try and build a life, she’s not just passing through or living in an AirBnB and refusing to learn Spanish. Are there no good foreigners in your mind? Like at what point does someone stop being a problem and start being a local?
Elizabeth this was so insightful. Emily I learned so much from you and your adaptability. I liked how you changed the framework to “I’m camping” when water stopped and just moved about your day to day. And how you recognize “this is what I’m paying for” really great reminders. I’ve been to CDMX twice and I can see why people are moving there, Roma and Condesa are obviously very attractive places. Hope to read more of your substack Emily.
Reframing was key to my success when we moved to Switzerland. When I was upset by something foreign in the culture, I would try to remind myself that it wasn't good or bad, just different... but it was difficult, and I wasn't always successful.
Great interview Elizabeth and Emily! Emily, your life in CDMX sounds like a dream, so happy for you! And your tips for lasting long-term survival as a foreigner in a new country are bang on.
I just love these interviews, Elizabeth! I always learn something about this expat/immigrant experience. She was a great interview and had so many wonderful insights. I also love listening to it. It’s a fun way to immerse myself in your stories.🙌💕
Beth! You're the best. Glad you enjoyed it. You're always so supportive and kind; you're my ideal reader. I've been thinking about you and wondering how the French integration is going... hanging in there?
Lol! Oh yes, hanging in there for sure it gets better and better. It’s funny. I took a trip back to the states for two weeks and came running back here ha ha ha there is something really interesting about trying to assimilate in a foreign country. It pushes you in ways you didn’t know you needed to be pushed! 😂 are you still doing the interview format for the podcast because that was also really great I hope you haven’t stopped doing those! I know they’re a lot more work, but they are pretty fabulous!🙌🙌🙌
Going home after being away is its own thing—super challenging and uncomfortable. You sort of forget how to be an American. It’s hard when home is a foreign place.
The podcast lives on! I'm working on editing one now with @Lucy Pepper. Would you like to be my next victim? I’ll DM you so you won’t have to turn me down publicly!
LOL! You're hilarious! Of course! I'd be happy to :) But I hope I can be as interesting as your esteemed guests! Vive le podcast! So glad you are continuing it!
What a cool idea! As a person who has struggled to maintain herself without her culture and family to support her, I can understand why this is a question you want to explore.
Informative and enlightening. Living somewhere so ancient and modern is indeed wonderful. The air and water quality are huge negatives though, as mentioned. I remember falling in love with CDMX my first time there when I didn’t realize the metro would start immediately the doors closed—I fell off balance onto a young man and probably hurt him a lot. I apologized profusely, and he was smiling at me, trying to make me feel less guilty! One will have so many friendly, heartwarming moments like this in Mexico.
Dont come. You make life more expensive for all of us.
Hi JP, thanks for the link. I’m not sure, but based on the article, it seems like the issue you’re highlighting is not just gentrification (which happens everywhere when a place becomes desirable to live), but that it’s foreign money and people who are displacing the locals. I wonder what the city and federal governments are doing to slow the impact of digital nomads and the growth of AirBnBs? Probably not enough. It’s a complicated problem, but if you’re getting kicked out of your apartment it must feel like a simple one.
I have a podcast coming this weekend where I talk to someone in Lisbon, and like you, she’s mad as hell about the AirBnBs and foreigners driving up the prices of real estate there. So, you’re not alone.
I can’t know specifically what about Emily’s life is problematic for you, but she’s come to Mexico to try and build a life, she’s not just passing through or living in an AirBnB and refusing to learn Spanish. Are there no good foreigners in your mind? Like at what point does someone stop being a problem and start being a local?
I’m not sure what you mean. But I’d like to hear more.
Search.
https://themexicocitypost.com/2023/07/08/the-battle-against-gentrification-in-mexico-city/
So, immigrant go home? Sounds like something they are hearing a lot of in the US.
So, no comments on the "expensive" thing? Figures!
Elizabeth this was so insightful. Emily I learned so much from you and your adaptability. I liked how you changed the framework to “I’m camping” when water stopped and just moved about your day to day. And how you recognize “this is what I’m paying for” really great reminders. I’ve been to CDMX twice and I can see why people are moving there, Roma and Condesa are obviously very attractive places. Hope to read more of your substack Emily.
Thanks for your comment, Istiaq! I am happy it resonated and look forward to seeing more of you on Substack.
Yes looking forward to reading more of your life in Mexico!
Reframing was key to my success when we moved to Switzerland. When I was upset by something foreign in the culture, I would try to remind myself that it wasn't good or bad, just different... but it was difficult, and I wasn't always successful.
Great interview Elizabeth and Emily! Emily, your life in CDMX sounds like a dream, so happy for you! And your tips for lasting long-term survival as a foreigner in a new country are bang on.
Thanks, Kaila! I am glad it resonated.
I just love these interviews, Elizabeth! I always learn something about this expat/immigrant experience. She was a great interview and had so many wonderful insights. I also love listening to it. It’s a fun way to immerse myself in your stories.🙌💕
Beth! You're the best. Glad you enjoyed it. You're always so supportive and kind; you're my ideal reader. I've been thinking about you and wondering how the French integration is going... hanging in there?
Lol! Oh yes, hanging in there for sure it gets better and better. It’s funny. I took a trip back to the states for two weeks and came running back here ha ha ha there is something really interesting about trying to assimilate in a foreign country. It pushes you in ways you didn’t know you needed to be pushed! 😂 are you still doing the interview format for the podcast because that was also really great I hope you haven’t stopped doing those! I know they’re a lot more work, but they are pretty fabulous!🙌🙌🙌
Yay! I’ll DM you!
Going home after being away is its own thing—super challenging and uncomfortable. You sort of forget how to be an American. It’s hard when home is a foreign place.
The podcast lives on! I'm working on editing one now with @Lucy Pepper. Would you like to be my next victim? I’ll DM you so you won’t have to turn me down publicly!
LOL! You're hilarious! Of course! I'd be happy to :) But I hope I can be as interesting as your esteemed guests! Vive le podcast! So glad you are continuing it!
Great interview! I’m running too a series of interviews with expats. My focus in this moment is how to stay authentic while adapting to a new culture.
Thanks! Look forward to reading it.
What a cool idea! As a person who has struggled to maintain herself without her culture and family to support her, I can understand why this is a question you want to explore.
Living abroad alone is even more challenging. I’ve experienced it myself, and I understand how difficult it can be to stay rooted while simultaneously seeking inclusion. If you're interested in this topic, here’s a part of those interviews: https://open.substack.com/pub/emanuelab/p/authenticity-and-adaptation-grow?r=3vhlfh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Informative and enlightening. Living somewhere so ancient and modern is indeed wonderful. The air and water quality are huge negatives though, as mentioned. I remember falling in love with CDMX my first time there when I didn’t realize the metro would start immediately the doors closed—I fell off balance onto a young man and probably hurt him a lot. I apologized profusely, and he was smiling at me, trying to make me feel less guilty! One will have so many friendly, heartwarming moments like this in Mexico.
I enjoyed this interview. I felt like the question of dating would have been interesting too.
Oh! Good idea. Thanks, Luke.