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Black Expat Life Week 2 -3

Writer's picture: V. WoodsV. Woods
“…..change the name from the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America”

During the 2nd Week, my eyes were watching news stations reporting what was going on the states. We watched as LA was on fire. Multiple fires took away the home of thousands. We watched as the fires burned and the media was looking for someone to blame. The East Coast and the South were in a Winter storm without power or water. And then we heard from Donald Trump. What stood out to me was his jump to talk about changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.


Grocery shopping in Boca del Rio


As we settle in with the idea of living a life outside the country, shopping for food is very important and different. I now have a driver to take me where I need to go. So as I shop for food, my driver is with me. He also shows me how things go. For instance, I can pick my own donuts with prongs, place them on a pan, and then have them boxed up. There is a bagger for every cashier. You tip them. In the store, I found products that I would buy in the states such as Simply’s Lemonade for myself and Reese’s peanut butter cereal for my son. I later regretted paying 200 pesos ($10) for each one of those items. As I pay attention to what I’m buying, I’m definitely not spending as much on food as I would in the states.


Settling in…


After Air Bnb hopping and apartment searching in Veracruz, Boca del Rio, and Alvarado, we are settling into our 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath furnished apartment in a gated community in Alvarado. Utilities, WiFi, maintenance, security, and cleanings 3 times a month for less than $900 a month. Alvarado is very quiet which is what I desire. The beach is 10 minutes away. A Walmart Express is less than 10 minutes away and 15 minutes from the nearest mall. I’m using Uber Eats for groceries most times . If I want to go anywhere, I call Alfredo, our taxi driver. If we want to explore in other areas, I arrange for Memo to be our tour guide/translator. Memo has connected me with Alfredo (taxi driver), Ingrid, an English speaking real estate agent, and even a loctician. Very different life we’re living these days but with the familiar.

If considering moving out of the country, please visit as often as possible, build relationships with the people, and make sure you have a purpose for being there.

Week 3

I wanted my son to visit the town of Yanga so I arranged for Alfredo to drive us and Memo to be our guide/translator for the day. I also needed to make a stop in Cordoba, check out a new land development in Yanga, and pay Mrs. Emelia, an Afro Mexican woman (Negra) a visit outside of Yanga. This was my son’s first visit to Yanga and my fourth. After stopping in Cordoba for lunch, we headed to Yanga to meet with Mayra, a real agent for “Raices de Americas.” She showed us the available lots and plans for the subdivision. One of my goals is to acquire land in Mexico.

“What are we buying?” - Aaron

We left headed to the “El Yanga” statue and town center where a second statue is located along with a beautiful mural but not before trying sugar cane found on the road. Aaron got the opportunity to learn the African history of Yanga, Veracruz.


A visit to Mrs. Emelia’s home


I met Mrs. Emelia during my visit to Yanga in August of last year. My visit to Yanga was for Carnaval. As I sat in a cafe, I saw her approaching me and said to myself, she looks like somebody as in familiar. She came over to talk to me and wanted us to take a picture together. I have since returned to the area in November to interview her. She speaks absolutely no English and I haven’t learned enough Spanish to have a full conversation with her. But we both are so happy to see one another when we do. I communicate with her daughter and son via Facebook and feel like they are “La familia” as well.

Mrs. Emelia wanted to support me by buying a “Memphis born, Globally Made” t-shirt. At this point, I think I have more Memphis born apparel in Mexico than in Memphis, lol. I had made a promise to her to bring it to her before Christmas but since I didn’t make it back I brought it with me.

We headed to her home to drop off what I had for her. After traveling through sugar cane fields, we found her and her husband, Mr. Francisco. She was waiting on us. I thought we were just going to drop off the gift but she prepared the table for dinner. She prepared mole with chicken, rice, and tortillas. Mr. Francisco brought out the beer. There was also Strawberry soda. Aaron had his first authentic Mexican meal made with love along with beer.

Alfredo making Aaron laugh and Memo
Alfredo making Aaron laugh and Memo
Mrs. Emelia and her grandsons
Mrs. Emelia and her grandsons

Our 1 month anniversary of living in Mexico is January 29th (Lunar New Year)!


Q & A Living in Veracruz January 31st!


Yanga Nation Tours are Available Now!



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