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Mexican Expat in Indonesia - Interview With Ana
| Published: | 8 Feb at 10 AM |
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Filed: Interviews,Indonesia
Ana Gaby is Mexican by birth and soul, American by passport and heart and Indonesian by residence permit. A former international development consultant she quit her dream job to pursue her dreams of raising a family overseas. Four years, three countries and two little boys later, she currently calls the Big Durian her home. When she's not chasing her little boys around or volunteering at an expat association she spends her time exploring Jakarta and finding the sweetness beneath it's prickly surface. Ana's expat blog is called Stumble Abroad (see listing here)
Meet Ana - Mexican expat in Indonesia
Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in Mexico. Although I go to visit my parents in Monterrey often I no longer know where to call home other than wherever my husband and boys are; whether it is a hotel room, an apartment in Jakarta or a serviced apartment in between moves.
In which country and city are you living now?
We call the Big Durian home for now. Jakarta, Indonesia is a thriving city that is currently going thru some growing pains and about to hit a moody adolescence.
How long have you lived here and how long are you planning to stay?
We’ve been here since May 2011. It hasn’t really been that long but it seems like much longer since we visited Jakarta often and usually on longish trips while we lived in Bangkok. So in reality about a year and a half although it feels like three years. We have about a year and a half left.
Why did you move and what do you do?
I originally moved to Washington DC to pursue my career at an International Organization. A few months into my first job I met a handsome Floridian who eventually became my husband after a two-year long-distance relationship across the Atlantic. I quit my job and endeavored in the trip of a lifetime hopping around every few years for my husband’s job. I’m one of those fabulous trailing spouses and have become an expert lady who teas. I’m a professional traveler making a home out of wherever we might be.
Ana son's Joshua being pampered in BaliDid you bring family with you?
It all started as just the two of us and now we have doubled our family membership. Our two boys are our biggest pride and joy and they are our motivation behind every thing we do.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Growing up I travelled often. I did several international exchanges during my school years and eventually finished my studies in France. After working in the US and Belgium I already had a bit of experience being an “expat” although it was much different that what we do now. It’s certainly quite different being a student or a young professional than moving around with a family. The biggest transition was living abroad while having kids. Being literally on the other side of the world has its perks when you are single or newlyweds but can be hard if you have a young family.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialize with other expats?
You really have to put yourself “out there”. What might seem more natural in your home country isn’t always as easy when you are abroad. You really have to make an effort to meet new people, pursue new hobbies and find converging interests. Having kids makes things much easier, though. The little ones do a lot of the work for you since they are not shy and will approach and smile at everyone! I mainly socialize with other expats. When we lived in Germany we had a few German friends but in Thailand and Indonesia we have found the divide with the locals to be a bit broader. Of course there are a few exceptions but in general my closest friends are foreigners like me.
Ana's son Evan at the Monkey Forest in BaliWhat are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Indonesia is an archipelago that comprises over 17 thousand islands and each area has its charm and appeal. Bali is of course a most see as well as the beautiful beaches in Lombok. Jakarta can be a lot of fun if its explored like with an open mind and allowing lot of time for traffic conundrums. Yogyakarta has a beautiful vibe to it. The temples, the authenticity and traditions are vibrant and make it a wonderful escapade.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
Jakarta is as diverse as its people. You can find most anything in Jakarta. From five-star dining and glitzy shipping malls to herbal shops, amazing golf courses, Chinese temples and great craftshops.
How does the cost of living compare to home?
Compared to the DC area I think prices are similar when it comes to food products and restaurants. Imported products, whether food, electronics, clothes or furniture are really expensive due to high import tariffs. Rent here is quite steep in the expat enclaves. Compared to Bangkok, Jakarta seems super expensive. Then again I visited a lot or markets and ate a lot of street food in the Big Mango, which I don’t do in Jakarta. You can spend as much or as little as you want but if you are craving things that taste like “home” you will pay a hefty price.
Jakarta SkylineWhat negatives, if any, are there to living here?
Things sometimes seem too complicated and take too long. A simple transaction at a bank or at a print shop can take hours. The lack of safe public transportation and sidewalks make it a very difficult city to walk. There are very few public parks and most of the outdoor activities are held outside the city.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
Be open-minded and give yourself time to get to know Jakarta. The Big Durian is prickly on the surface but there is a lot of sweetness beneath its seemingly spiky exterior.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Being away from my family and friends. I was used to it. I had lived abroad a long time even before officially considering myself an expat. However, once the kids got into the equation it became harder and harder to not have their grandparents nearby and for them to grow up away from their cousins.
Bicycles for rental in Old Town JakartaWhen you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
I often wonder the same thing. I think I will be too busy making a home for the kids and settling in that the reverse cultural shock won’t hit me until I go to a super market and see hundreds of cereals on one single aisle. I think finding a church will be a big priority and as long as we are together as a family and centered in God there’s nothing we can’t go thru.
What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
Buddhist Temple in China TownTell us a bit about your own expat blog.
StumbleAbroad.net started as a diary of our lives in the Big Durian to share with our families. It eventually became a place where I document our adventures and misadventures as we navigate life with two toddlers in a foreign country. Lessons learned in traveling, tips on surviving voyages with little ones and places worth trying in Jakarta are just a few of the things you will find on Stumble Abroad.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
I love making new friends and showing people the treasures hidden in the Big Durian. Just send me a comment on my blog (see link below) or tweet me @AnaGabyAbroad
Ana blogs at http://stumbleabroad.net/ which we recommend a quick visit if you haven't been already. Stumble Abroad has an ExpatsBlog.com listing here so add a review if you like! If you appreciated this interview with Ana, please also drop her a quick comment below.
Meet Ana - Mexican expat in Indonesia
Here's the interview with Ana...
Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in Mexico. Although I go to visit my parents in Monterrey often I no longer know where to call home other than wherever my husband and boys are; whether it is a hotel room, an apartment in Jakarta or a serviced apartment in between moves.
In which country and city are you living now?
We call the Big Durian home for now. Jakarta, Indonesia is a thriving city that is currently going thru some growing pains and about to hit a moody adolescence.
How long have you lived here and how long are you planning to stay?
We’ve been here since May 2011. It hasn’t really been that long but it seems like much longer since we visited Jakarta often and usually on longish trips while we lived in Bangkok. So in reality about a year and a half although it feels like three years. We have about a year and a half left.
Why did you move and what do you do?
I originally moved to Washington DC to pursue my career at an International Organization. A few months into my first job I met a handsome Floridian who eventually became my husband after a two-year long-distance relationship across the Atlantic. I quit my job and endeavored in the trip of a lifetime hopping around every few years for my husband’s job. I’m one of those fabulous trailing spouses and have become an expert lady who teas. I’m a professional traveler making a home out of wherever we might be.
Ana son's Joshua being pampered in Bali
It all started as just the two of us and now we have doubled our family membership. Our two boys are our biggest pride and joy and they are our motivation behind every thing we do.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Growing up I travelled often. I did several international exchanges during my school years and eventually finished my studies in France. After working in the US and Belgium I already had a bit of experience being an “expat” although it was much different that what we do now. It’s certainly quite different being a student or a young professional than moving around with a family. The biggest transition was living abroad while having kids. Being literally on the other side of the world has its perks when you are single or newlyweds but can be hard if you have a young family.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialize with other expats?
You really have to put yourself “out there”. What might seem more natural in your home country isn’t always as easy when you are abroad. You really have to make an effort to meet new people, pursue new hobbies and find converging interests. Having kids makes things much easier, though. The little ones do a lot of the work for you since they are not shy and will approach and smile at everyone! I mainly socialize with other expats. When we lived in Germany we had a few German friends but in Thailand and Indonesia we have found the divide with the locals to be a bit broader. Of course there are a few exceptions but in general my closest friends are foreigners like me.
Ana's son Evan at the Monkey Forest in Bali
Indonesia is an archipelago that comprises over 17 thousand islands and each area has its charm and appeal. Bali is of course a most see as well as the beautiful beaches in Lombok. Jakarta can be a lot of fun if its explored like with an open mind and allowing lot of time for traffic conundrums. Yogyakarta has a beautiful vibe to it. The temples, the authenticity and traditions are vibrant and make it a wonderful escapade.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
Jakarta is as diverse as its people. You can find most anything in Jakarta. From five-star dining and glitzy shipping malls to herbal shops, amazing golf courses, Chinese temples and great craftshops.
How does the cost of living compare to home?
Compared to the DC area I think prices are similar when it comes to food products and restaurants. Imported products, whether food, electronics, clothes or furniture are really expensive due to high import tariffs. Rent here is quite steep in the expat enclaves. Compared to Bangkok, Jakarta seems super expensive. Then again I visited a lot or markets and ate a lot of street food in the Big Mango, which I don’t do in Jakarta. You can spend as much or as little as you want but if you are craving things that taste like “home” you will pay a hefty price.
Jakarta Skyline
Things sometimes seem too complicated and take too long. A simple transaction at a bank or at a print shop can take hours. The lack of safe public transportation and sidewalks make it a very difficult city to walk. There are very few public parks and most of the outdoor activities are held outside the city.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
Be open-minded and give yourself time to get to know Jakarta. The Big Durian is prickly on the surface but there is a lot of sweetness beneath its seemingly spiky exterior.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Being away from my family and friends. I was used to it. I had lived abroad a long time even before officially considering myself an expat. However, once the kids got into the equation it became harder and harder to not have their grandparents nearby and for them to grow up away from their cousins.
Bicycles for rental in Old Town Jakarta
I often wonder the same thing. I think I will be too busy making a home for the kids and settling in that the reverse cultural shock won’t hit me until I go to a super market and see hundreds of cereals on one single aisle. I think finding a church will be a big priority and as long as we are together as a family and centered in God there’s nothing we can’t go thru.
What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
- Never cease to do what your like. If you love running, run even if it’s on a treadmill. If you like photography, find a photography group.
- It’s ok to feel out of place. You will eventually find your place in your new home.
- Be patient. Settling in takes time.
- Open your heart and mind. You never know what you might find of who you might meet.
- Stay connected with friends and family. They are your biggest support group.
Buddhist Temple in China Town
StumbleAbroad.net started as a diary of our lives in the Big Durian to share with our families. It eventually became a place where I document our adventures and misadventures as we navigate life with two toddlers in a foreign country. Lessons learned in traveling, tips on surviving voyages with little ones and places worth trying in Jakarta are just a few of the things you will find on Stumble Abroad.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
I love making new friends and showing people the treasures hidden in the Big Durian. Just send me a comment on my blog (see link below) or tweet me @AnaGabyAbroad
Ana blogs at http://stumbleabroad.net/ which we recommend a quick visit if you haven't been already. Stumble Abroad has an ExpatsBlog.com listing here so add a review if you like! If you appreciated this interview with Ana, please also drop her a quick comment below.
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