Mexico City pulses with a unique rhythm that lures many to its vibrant streets. For writer Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, this city offered more than just a fresh start; it was an embrace of life’s softer side. Her journey from bustling Brooklyn to Mexico’s soulful capital reveals the allure of living abroad.
In 2014, a harsh Brooklyn winter pushed Mennlay towards sunnier terrains. Choosing Mexico City, a place bustling with art, architecture, and literature, was more than a mere whim. It felt electric and right. Her partner’s connections here provided a warm welcome, making this city of contrasts feel like home.
A Welcoming City
Mexico City proved to be more than just a shelter from cold winters. Mennlay found herself amidst poets, artists, and intellectuals, thanks to her partner’s friends. Though the relationship ended, her bond with the city grew stronger, affirming the decision to stay where creativity overflowed every corner.
Navigating Residency
Mennlay’s move wasn’t without its challenges. Securing residency involved frequent visa renewals, discussions with immigration lawyers, and eventually achieving permanent residency. Her career played a significant role in this journey, proving her intent to contribute genuinely to the Mexican community.
Her American background as the child of immigrants instilled in her the importance of adhering to proper immigration procedures. She empathized with the challenges faced by those moving to the U.S. and aimed to respect Mexico’s processes and people.
The Joy of Remote Work
Mennlay’s flexible career in cannabis and food writing allowed her to work from anywhere, a freedom not taken for granted. This lifestyle fostered exploration and a deep appreciation for global cultures, something more challenging within the confines of an office.
Mexico gifted her the time and space to delve into her passions for food and anthropology. The calmer work pace there, compared to the U.S., offered richness in experiences despite financial limitations.
The daily routine Mennlay embraced in Mexico, filled with meditative mornings and leisurely creative breaks, embodied the city’s slower pace. Compared to her hectic U.S. lifestyle, this approach felt more nourishing and aligned with her artistic aspirations.
Cultural Revelations
Moving to Mexico brought expected cultural shifts. Mennlay soon realized that preconceived notions of cultural homogeneity were naive, facing anti-Blackness early on.
This realization spurred deeper exploration into Mexico’s complex history with its Black community. Such introspection and forming bonds within local food and cannabis communities were vital in finding her place.
The connections Mennlay forged spoke volumes about overcoming linguistic barriers. From initial English-speaking friendships to more integrated Spanish interactions, evolving language skills led to more meaningful relationships.
Learning Spanish
Fluency in Spanish was no small feat. Each milestone in language proficiency felt like a personal victory, allowing deeper connections with the locals and enhancing everyday interactions.
Language mastery enabled Mennlay to seamlessly integrate into Mexican life, enjoying the softening of interactions and lowering of cultural guards.
Finding Community through Music
Upon arriving, Mennlay’s background in DJing naturally led her to Mexico’s underground music scene. Past friendships and new connections enriched her understanding of the city’s diverse cultural landscape.
Her interest in wellness and cannabis further broadened community ties, fostering a unique environment that embraced her American roots while harmonizing with Mexican culture.
Switching comfortably between English and Spanish with friends became a testament to her growth, making up for early linguistic missteps and bridging connections.
Planning the Leap
Preparation is key when moving abroad. Mennlay suggests considering proximity to family and work commitments before making such decisions. Understanding visa processes and legal requirements are essential.
Once logistics are resolved, embracing the adventure and new experiences enriches the journey.
Feelings about Returning
Thoughts of returning to the U.S. still linger but are tempered by the allure of Mexico City. The city offers a complex yet fulfilling life that surpasses her previous experiences stateside.
Mexico’s stunning landscapes and rich culture continually reaffirm her decision to make it home.
Cherishing the Natural Beauty
If Mennlay could highlight just one aspect of her life in Mexico, it would be its awe-inspiring nature. From snow-capped mountains to the serene coasts, the land’s beauty underscores the profound connection she feels with her new home.
Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey’s story encapsulates the transformative experience of living in Mexico City. Her journey illustrates the courage to seek softness in life and the lasting rewards it brings.
