Who are you?
Katie O’Grady
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
1. November 30, 2012 on my 44th Birthday to San Pancho, Nayarit Mexico from San Diego, CA2. March 2014 to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
3. June 2017 back to Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit
To live a life of adventure and freedom in a country rich in culture and history that reveres the family unit.
What challenges did you face during the move?
Downsizing, farewells and fitting every lego known to mankind into our 14-foot boat that we pulled behind our car to transport our remaining earthly belongings. Also, our 90- pound chocolate lab drooling on the back of my husband’s neck on the 4-day drive down.
Are there many other expats in your area?
Yes, many in each of the three areas we have lived.
What do you like about life where you are?
Family time, freedom, living a reinspired, reinvented life; living in a different language and therefore seeing the world through different lenses; the food, the people, the diverse topography; no longer being on the rat race.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
Visitors/residents that do not make an attempt to learn the local language or assimilate to life here in their adopted country in a respectful, gracious manner.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
Social courtesies. It is standard practice and the cultural norm to smile and greet people, to stop for conversation and interaction versus being on fast forward and always in a rush.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country?
Love it…the spicier the better! An icy cerveza on the beach is a favorite treat!
What are your particular likes or dislikes?
Don’t particularly care for cow’s tongue or tripe. Everything else–tamales, pozole, street tacos, seafood, the list goes on…love it!
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Research, plan, connect with other like-minded folks, hire a reputable relocation consultant; let the cards fall where they may, have a sense of humor, breathe, go with the flow, be grateful and humble. Learn the local language. If it is a fit, give thanks. If it is not, reassess and reroute.
What are your plans for the future?
To see much of this biodiverse, dynamic country that we are lucky enough to call home, to raise our children in a bilingual/bicultural world—presenting them with a global, inclusive perspective where they will live their truths and be of service to others.
You can keep up to date with Katie's adventures on her blog, Los O'Gradys in Mexico.
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