As I adjust during my second mandatory stop back into the US, honoring the guidelines I have been given by my employer, I feed my eyes with the images of the last breathtaking views I had of wintertime Quebec and the “shoulder season” in Texas. My body feels more at peace after spending a more consistent amount of time in fewer locations in comparison to the first month of nomading. While my mind continues to think ahead, I feel more present and much more available to engage with the people in my immediate environment.
The itinerary for Month 2 included:
- Texas (Houston, Dallas)
- Quebec, Canada (Quebec City, Montreal)
Texas (Houston and Dallas)
My first US stop, a stone’s throw away from Mexico, was in Texas, where I eagerly visited friends who relocated from California. In Houston and Dallas, I enjoyed eating BBQ (despite some stomach issues that did arise after traveling to CDMX), visiting the hip artsy neighborhoods, and exercising my right to vote (as I was able to get my mail-in ballot on time for the midterm elections). I even got the chance to participate in a work-related social event where our ERG arranged in-person meetups across the country to watch Black Panther 2.
This trip felt more mellow — with the exception of a situation where I had to arrange a last-minute rental car for a rush visit to my second friend (my flight was canceled). It was refreshing to be surrounded by people that spoke my mother tongue because I, unfortunately, do not speak any other languages (much like the joke about that American stereotype).
Some of my favorite spots during this Texas visit included the Milano Spa, Katy Trail, (including Ice House), La La Land Kind Cafe, Truck Yard, and the Bishop Arts District.
Quebec, Canada (Quebec City and Montreal)
Despite some issues with my flight (again — the travel issues I’ve had always seem to be related to the flights), I arrived in Canada for the first time in my life with excitement. On the first morning of my trip to Quebec City (QC), I embarked on a walking tour/photoshoot of Old Quebec via Airbnb Experiences. In a kismet moment, almost immediately after arriving near the Château, the first snow of the year started (according to the photographer). I naturally “smized”, and the moment added another level of magic to the experience.
In the coming days in QC, I devoured a bunch of poutine and crêpes (the latter with maple syrup or “chantilly”), perused the shops and museums, and mingled with my fellow hostel-stayers between my remote work hours. I also went on my first actual dates since “nomading”, starting with a local French Canadian (spoiler alert: he was very kind but I did not feel a connection). I explored a couple of interesting bars to observe the nightlife, including MacFly and Sacrilege, and was stunned to see some scantily-clad women in the 15–30 degree (Fahrenheit) weather. I tried not to cry too hard every time I stepped outside (it was so cold!) or paid for anything (the taxes are high!).
Hearing so many people rave about Montreal, I decided to grab the Orleans bus to visit the city over my Thanksgiving holiday break. It kind of felt like a lot to squeeze this portion of the trip into just 3 short days, but I made the most of it by trying something new (the Canadian tradition of axe throwing), joining a walking tour (admiring the street art of Mile End), and hiking the icy Mount Royal.
Over the holiday season, I will continue to roam about North America — including New York City, Miami, and Las Vegas. I am excited to spend this time in the presence of friends and family before heading back abroad!
There is a sense of groundedness I am finding in my home country that is enabling me to better organize and reflect as this eventful, transformative year comes to an end. I am spending this time of the season intentionally, contemplating my goals for 2023 around sustaining this digital nomad lifestyle while continuing to thrive in my Recruiting work and developing Coaching practice. I am so excited to see what lies ahead in this new year!
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