Adapting to New Cultures: A Journey from the US to Oaxaca

Luis García, who lived in Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida, introduces himself along with Isaías Manzano. They discuss the curiosity of living in a less touristy area like Wisconsin and how people usually move north instead of settling there.

Isaías Manzano mentions they have been living in their current house in Wisconsin for almost eight years, having lived in another house for about six years prior. Luis García also lived in Culiacán, where they met and started their relationship before getting married in Sinaloa.

Isaías Manzano reveals that his parents are from the area, and they practically inherited the land where they currently live. The property was originally owned by his parents, and he acquired it in a way that can be described as inheriting it.

Isaías Manzano mentions having the best view in town, as confirmed by a teacher. They discuss using a drone for filming, with the advice not to use it from above as everything looks clear from below.

Isaías Manzano states that he works as a carpenter, making furniture, doors, windows, and other construction-related items. He expresses gratitude for having consistent work in his field.

Isaías Manzano mentions that there was a time when English was taught in the area. He explains that his children speak English as their first language, but they also speak Spanish. He teaches them both languages at home and through classes from a US-based academy.

Isaías Manzano's brother lives in a small town called Baldwin, Wisconsin, with a population of around two thousand people. The area is described as rural with dairy cows and horses, resembling a ranch setting.

Living in Oaxaca is described as very tranquil, with a strong sense of community where neighbors know each other well. The culture is friendly and welcoming, allowing for a relaxed lifestyle. The speaker appreciates the calm atmosphere and enjoys socializing with locals over coffee.

The speaker contrasts the treatment of people in Oaxaca with that in Mexico City, mentioning that in Oaxaca, being a foreigner doesn't elicit the same reaction as in the capital. The speaker feels more integrated into the community in Oaxaca and notes the curiosity of children towards foreigners.

The speaker discusses their family's response to living in Mexico, mentioning their extensive travel history and the challenges of settling in a new country. The speaker highlights the importance of having family support when considering relocating to Mexico.

The speaker explains the difficulties faced by foreigners in acquiring property in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of having local connections or family members in the country to facilitate the process. They mention the additional steps and processes involved for non-residents.

The speaker reflects on their journey of adapting to Mexican cuisine, mentioning the initial struggle with unfamiliar dishes but eventually embracing and enjoying traditional Mexican food like enfrijoladas and entomatadas. They highlight the shift from fast food to homemade meals as they settled into their new life in Mexico.

The speaker clarifies their residency status as a permanent resident in Mexico, highlighting the process of obtaining residency for themselves and their children. They mention having the right to reside in Mexico and the possibility of acquiring Mexican citizenship in the future.

Children born in the US to a Mexican parent can apply for dual nationality, having both American and Mexican citizenship. The speaker, a Mexican model, obtained permanent residency in the US, which requires living there to maintain. If outside the US for more than six months, residents may need to start the process again. Laws regarding nationality and residency differ for children, involving visits to the embassy and considerations for having an American spouse.

The speaker discusses the cultural differences that arise when marrying someone from a different region, highlighting the challenges and richness of diverse cultural backgrounds. They mention their upcoming marriage to an American from Atlanta, reflecting on the cultural nuances and experiences gained from such relationships.

The speaker shares their personal journey of leaving Mexico at 17, working in Georgia, and reflecting on the experiences that shaped their life. They express gratitude for the diverse experiences and cultural learnings gained from their time in different places.

The speaker reflects on overcoming differences in relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural disparities. They express optimism for a positive future and acknowledge the value of peaceful coexistence despite past disagreements.

The speaker discusses their attempt at farming, mentioning crops like maize and peas, but acknowledges that agriculture was not their forte due to the labor-intensive nature and low productivity. They express respect for those dedicated to farming and recognize the challenges involved in agricultural work.

The speaker's family plans to stay in Oaxaca, with their children showing interest in fields like forestry and biology. The children prefer staying in the countryside, indicating a potential future in the region. The speaker's eldest child is considering studying locally, showing a preference for remaining in Oaxaca or the surrounding area.

The conversation starts with a question about the person's name, Jacob, who enjoys living in a small town for its tranquility. They mention speaking mostly in English during the day but switch to Spanish when necessary for family and friends. The speaker has never lived in the USA for more than a few years and plans to visit as a tourist, not for work.

The speaker expresses interest in finding a companion from Oaxaca or the USA, specifically mentioning a preference for a woman from Oaxaca or an American. They ask for any recommendations and mention their intention to move to the area.

The discussion shifts to the listener's farm in Wisconsin, emphasizing organic practices and self-sustainability. They mention raising ducks, chickens, and turkeys for both eggs and meat, with a tradition of slaughtering a turkey for Thanksgiving. The farm also produces its own eggs and meat.

The conversation delves into the speaker's cultural identity as a traveler with a broad perspective. They mention celebrating holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, adapting traditions from the USA. Despite being a traveler, the speaker maintains connections to specific cultural celebrations.

The speaker discusses raising goats for meat but faces resistance from their children who see the animals as pets. Despite the intention to consume the livestock, personal connections hinder the process. The speaker also mentions the construction of their Mexican-style house and the preparation of traditional foods like handmade tortillas.

The conversation touches on the speaker's car, possibly brought from the USA. The mention of owning a car hints at the speaker's mobility and potential ties to their previous location. The car serves as a practical asset for transportation in the current setting.

The Harvey family from the United States can stay in Mexico for 10 years with a car permit. They are involved in carpentry work, making furniture and engaging in construction activities.

There are work opportunities in the town for carpentry and woodworking. Materials like wood are purchased locally, and most of the island's woodworkers are involved in the process.

The property has a stunning view, ideal for relaxing and enjoying beverages like beer and coffee. There are plans to build a small cabin on the property for a cozy retreat.

The speaker, a Mexican, met an American woman from Wisconsin, leading to a whirlwind romance with a quick engagement and marriage within months.

The speaker appreciates their partner's work ethic, energy, love for travel, and compatibility in interests. They describe their partner as a good father, hardworking, affectionate, romantic, and friendly.

The love story exemplifies that love knows no borders, as the couple found each other despite coming from different countries. The speaker emphasizes that love can be found anywhere, even with someone from a different nationality.

The speaker reflects on the construction of dreams and new lives, pondering the structured nature of life and the realization that life unfolds step by step, not always as planned.