Rachel Hartman

My name is Rachel Hartman. I’m originally from the Midwest, but have lived in Mexico for more than a decade. I keep a blog about life here at mexicointheveins.com.

I first came to Mexico to teach English in Mexico City. I loved interacting with my students, traveling around the country, and absorbing myself in the Mexican culture right from the start. I taught English classes for two years.

Finding a place was not difficult – Mexico City has a wide variety of housing options, and I chose to live in an apartment with a roommate.

While living in Mexico City, I met the man who is now my husband. We got married and lived in Mexico City for a few more years. We then moved a few times, and now live in central Mexico.

I currently work as a freelance writer and am raising a family here.

In every place we’ve lived, my husband (who is from Texas) and I have always made friends with the locals - a key ingredient, in my opinion, for enjoying the expat experience.

There are some other expats in my area as well, which helps me keep in touch with my roots and also allows me to tune in with others who share that “foreign” feeling I still have at times.

The biggest challenge I have with expat life is occasional bouts of loneliness, whether that be in the form of homesickness, feeling like I need to figure out challenges on my own, or simply missing the United States in general.

Local market in San Miguel de Allende

Overall, though, we’re happy in Mexico. I love how life here moves at a slower pace, how people and relationships are highly valued, and how the family is the center of many social activities.

To anyone considering coming to Mexico, I’d say it’s important to get involved in your community, whether that be through a volunteer project, full time job, or simply getting together with friends for coffee once a week. Also, do all you can to learn the language as quickly as possible. Don’t be afraid to have those awkward, slow conversations – put yourself out there, and you’ll pick up language skills easily.

I don’t know how much longer we’ll stay in Mexico, but I do know that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The place has begun to feel like home, and I find myself missing fresh tortillas and salsa whenever we leave. Viva Mexico!