Leaving America: The Frustrating, Delicious, Soulful Truth
Trump’s In…I’m Out
I still remember sitting there, shaking my head in disgust as the 2024 election results rolled in. I hadn’t been going around shouting, “If Trump wins, I’m leaving!” Instead, I kept my frustrations quiet, unsure how to act on them. I felt lost in my emotional turmoil, but I had no concrete plan for an escape. But I am now happily outside the heart of the craziness that I felt was coming after the inauguration (and I was right).
So yeah, this is happening. I packed up my life…yes, again…and left the country. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drop everything and try to move abroad, welcome to my little experiment in figuring it out. Think of this as my way of answering all your questions about where I am now, where I’m going, and how I’m doing it.
The Backstory
For those of you who don’t know, my life was pretty textbook—good corporate job, stunning house, reliable car, the whole supposed American dream. But honestly? It just wasn’t working for me. I had all the things you’re supposed to want but my life felt almost joyless.
So back in 2021, I took an 11-month sabbatical to escape my burnout. I traveled to nine countries, ate some incredible food, got kissed by a gecko, and even found a place I loved—Madeira, Portugal. But trying to get residency there was super frustrating. So I gave up trying and decided to make it work back in the U.S. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Why Leave? Why Now?
Leaving your home country is no small decision, but it’s easier when you’re in the crosshairs of a political administration that’s against so many things I am—Black, queer, and a woman. And let’s be real, things haven’t been trending in the right direction in the U.S. for a while. So when my dear friend, Tammi, called me the day after the election and said, “We gotta get outta here, girl,” she didn’t have to say it twice. I knew the universe was offering me a way out, and a friend to brave the ups and downs with. I was totally in!
It’s not just about political frustration—but yes, that’s a factor—it’s about seeking something deeper. I’m not just looking for a new address; I’m looking for a place where I can feel safe, live my values, and finally give my parasympathetic system a well-deserved vacation. I want a life that’s rich with new flavors, vibrant cultures, and soulful moments of growth.
As I approach this new chapter, I’m fueled by the belief that life should feel expansive, not constrictive. And frankly, America hasn’t felt expansive for a while for me.
How I’m Planning My Escape
(Hint: AI Played a Role!)
One of the first steps in planning this adventure was deciding where to go. Tammi and I decided our criteria and dusted off my Excel spreadsheet from 2021. Then a friend mentioned using ChapGPT to make a list of countries for her. Duh. I use ChatGPT for everything—why it didn’t occur to me sooner to let AI pick my future home is beyond me.
With a few prompts, AI helped narrow down cities that are LGBTQ+ friendly, affordable, and offer temperate climates. Our top 5 contenders? Argentina, Thailand, Mexico, Ecuador, and Portugal. (More on how I used AI in an upcoming post!).
My Why
This blog is more than just a travel diary; it’s my heart on a page. I’m here to:
- Show you the glamorous and not-so-glam truth about moving abroad.
- Serve up drool-worthy food and travel photography and stories that make you want to pack your bags and join me.
- Sprinkle in some creative soul-searching—because this isn’t just a physical move, it’s a journey toward personal transformation.
The name of this journey? Taste, Travel, Transform. It’s all about exploring feasts for the mind, body, and soul.
The Realities of Moving Abroad
Of course, it’s not all sunsets and sangria. Moving abroad is messy. There’s the paperwork, the red tape, the cultural adjustments, and, oh yeah, the whole ‘not being a millionaire’ thing.
But here’s the thing: growth isn’t supposed to be easy. (I learned that on my last journey.) It’s supposed to challenge you, push you, and ultimately, transform you. And I’m feeling ready for the challenge…like the universe is on my side.
Am I an expert? Not even close. Will I mess up in embarrassing, cringe-worthy ways? Without a doubt. But hey, isn’t that half the fun? At least, that’s what I’m betting on.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, you can expect me to spill all the details: the prep work, the missteps, the little victories, and the big culture shocks. I’ll be documenting it all with candid reflections, tips I learn along the way, and a healthy dose of humor.
There’ll be plenty of travel and food porn to drool over, too—because what’s an adventure without that? So whether you’re here to dream about your own escape, laugh at my attempts to adult in foreign countries, or simply soak in the sights, this space has something for you.
Buckle up and join me as I fumble, feast, and find my way to a life I’ve been dreaming of. It’s going to be a ride worth taking. Let’s do this!
And hey—if you’ve got any advice, questions, or just want to cheer me on, drop a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
Love it!
Yay! And I’m so glad you made that call the day after the election.
Your blog is off to a great start.
Waiting to hear about this next place.
I hope to post about Cuenca, Ecuador next month (April 2025). Stay tuned!
I hope settle in Thailand so I have some where to visit that I haven’t been to before!
Well, I hope to disappoint you…sorta. I plan to find a home base long before I get down the list to Thailand. Universe, I hope you’re listening.😆 But I’m all for visiting with you.