Location-flexible living in the U.S. — deciding where to live next year

On By Nicole HennigIn Housing, Living in the U.S., Location flexibility, Minimalism2 Comments

Now that I’ve lived in Oaxaca for a few months, I’m starting to think about future locations. I’m glad I came here this year and I haven’t ruled out returning at some point, but I think I’d like to try some U.S. locations in 2014.

For a summary of what it’s been like living here, see my last post: Living in Oaxaca, what it’s like for me.

I now have a renewed appreciation of the convenient infrastructure of the U.S. Here are some things I’m looking forward to:

  • drinkable tap water
  • reliable internet
  • convenient shopping (i.e., Trader Joe’s)
  • speaking in my native language
  • paying for most things with credit cards (so I can earn more frequent flyer points… see my post about “travel hacking“)
  • a good selection of indie films (one of my favorite things to do for fun)
  • discounts on electronics, and being able to have things shipped cheaply from Amazon
  • being able to stream Netflix or Pandora without needing to use a VPN service. (I use and like Tunnel Bear, but it can slow down your connection).

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Living in Oaxaca: what it’s like for me

On By Nicole HennigIn Language & culture, Living abroad, Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico7 Comments

Today is July 27 and I’ve been living in Oaxaca since May 1. So far it’s been wonderful and also a bit hard at the same time. I’d like to discuss all aspects of my life here, since I always appreciate hearing all sides when I read other people’s blogs.

First, the wonderful aspects:

  • Great weather. After May ended (the hottest month here), the weather became beautiful. Cool in the mornings and evening, in the 70s-80s during the day, with a brief rainstorm in the late afternoon. Very reliably nice. Day after day. (When I was in Boston from January through April I was so cold all the time!)

    • Oaxaca weather averages

  • Beautiful old buildings. I absolutely love the old architecture. I also love the ordinary buildings that are a bit crumbling. It reminds me of the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi,” the idea that there is beauty in imperfection.

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Street art in Oaxaca

On By Nicole HennigIn Language & culture, Living abroad, Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico1 Comment

Oaxaca has so much wonderful and interesting street art! Since I came here in May, I’ve been taking photos whenever I come across something interesting.

Here are some examples from my set on Flickr – Oaxaca Street Art.

Street art Continue reading “Street art in Oaxaca” →