IS IT SAFE TO LIVE THERE?

Years ago when I moved to Germany, my family and friends were seriously concerned for me. “Why are you moving to Germany?” they would ask. “Aren’t there Nazis there?” “Is it safe? Do they discriminate against Black people?” “You know no matter what you do you’ll never be German.”

When my family and friends recognized what a wonderful life I was having in Germany they began to visit. They found the people warm, friendly and welcoming. They partied just as hard in the small Oldenburg town where I lived as they did at home in New York City. It was an eye opening experience that the most immovable New Yorkers swore to follow me and move to Oldenburg when they retired.

Alas, after 20 years together with my German husband, my marriage ended in an ugly divorce. I grabbed the opportunity to return to the states to spend time with my mom, family and friends whom I had sorely missed over such a long time.

At first, I thought I would live in New York. My mom, brother and several cousins had moved to New Jersey where rentals and real estate where much more reasonably priced. My sister and the rest of the family chose to remain in Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx where costs for everything and anything had soared and were exorbitantly high. They were so enraptured by the rat race that they couldn’t free themselves from the monkey trap. “If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere” is an anthem that blinded them to the reality that you don’t have to work yourself to death to be happy or successful.

After recognizing that I am no longer a New York City girl, I moved to Las Vegas thinking I would continue my career as an entertainer. The environmental change was the first shock. Of course, Las Vegas is in the desert. No water, no greenery and intensely hot weather all year around. Even in the winter the comfortably cold nights are overshadowed by the heat of the day.

Las Vegas is a good place to make a living if you are a world renowned super star or an impersonator. I don’t fit into either of those categories so it wasn’t the best place for me. However, it was the right decision because that’s where I met Rey.

Me, and my superhero Rey (yes, he is my superhero!) chose to spend our lifetimes exploring the world. We’ve lived in numerous countries, share similar experiences and it’s amazing how our goals are so closely merged that we actually think as one.

The decision to move to Mexico came from me. I never considered the fact that Rey had lived here before and he never mentioned that he wanted to return.  Through our daily happiness meditations, the universe guided us to Mexico. I fell in love with the country in Tijuana. “This is not Mexico” Rey teased. “This is South Compton”. When I said I wanted to move to Mexico Rey couldn’t contain his excitement. “I know the perfect place!” He brought me directly to Puerto Vallarta.

Why did he never mention his desire to move to Mexico? Rey is an adventurer and willing to follow me anywhere. He is a person who can jump out of a plane anywhere on the planet and make a life for himself. Just like me!

Once again questions came from family and friends. “Why are you moving to Mexico?” they would ask. “Aren’t the drug dealers there?” “Is it safe? What about the Cartel?” “Do they discriminate against Black people?” “You know no matter what you do you’ll never be Mexican.”

My dear family and friends, these questions are self-limiting, insecure and powerless. Discrimination of all kinds exists all over the world. So does crime, injustice, inequality and poverty. By the same token, the world is full of love shared by good people of every nationality, cultural background and economic status.

The earth is beautiful. Explore it. Love it. Cherish it. Get your passport and manifest your destiny!