The people who are using terms like 'colonizer' are cunts.
Yes - I'm using such a strong word because it's appropriate. You don't owe anyone an explanation for what you do - nor do you need to cater to first world brats complaining about gringos.
It's xenophobic bullshit - Americans can't complain about uncontrolled illegal immigration for fear of being called 'racist'... yet Mexicans can be unmitigated xenophobes and get a pass? No thank you.
Honestly, Mexican nationalism can be very regressive and nasty. I prefer other Latin countries where people aren't as full of themselves like the Mexicans. Why not try out Spain? You can live there without fear of North American aggros calling you a colonizer or attacking you for being a 'white male'.
Almost five years ago my husband and I sold our house in Seattle, got rid of most of our possessions and set out to become digital nomads.
Ironically, we were living in CDMX for three months when Covid hit.
Different thoughts about your newsletter and the topic itself, which we've given a great deal of thought during our travels and frequently write about in our own newsletter.
First off, I appreciate your thoughtful and nuanced take. Too often people seem to come down on one side or the other: Being a digital nomad is brilliant and is the perfect way to live! versus Digital nomads are selfish colonizers destroying the world!
In my opinion very little in life is black and white. It's mostly shades of gray and everything has pros and cons. They all need to be considered and since we all have different opinions and values, few of us are ever going to see the world the exact same way.
As for CDMX, I think right now there are a lot of pros and cons, and the cons are best addressed by government action. Sadly, that isn't something Mexico excels at. Even though we frequently use Airbnb, I have zero problem with governments using zoning to restrict them. That being said, I hope a balance is struck because I do believe the influx of American wealth is a net gain for CDMX, which is an incredible city that more people should see.
And I guarantee our presence over the past five years in places like Tbilisi, Georgia; Bansko, Bulgaria; Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and now Novi Sad, Serbia, are definitely welcome by locals. These are all cities and countries that have struggled economically and I firmly believe that our spending money in places like these are far far better than had we stayed in Seattle and kept our "wealth" there. We've always acknowledged we have a certain level of privilege no matter where we live. But we think the world is better off when we spread that "privilege" around to other places.
No, we aren't doing this for altruistic reasons. We think these countries and cities are interesting and we do enjoy a more affordable COL but we do try and be decent people and think before acting and care about our impact on local communities.
Really great writing - again! Thank you! I think about this topic all the time, as we are selling our house to move abroad (not Mexico) and I want to consciously add value to where we're going (not take away or cause resentment). That's part of why we're going somewhere where we can get residency and pay taxes and contribute to the economy. I also want to go with an attitude of loving what is there, not trying to change it to be like things were at home.
Also, isn't it great and interesting that where artists go, things change and evolve?
I’ve been following you since a couple year now, I remember I saw a picture that IG recommended me of a man wearing a Friday’s Khalo shirt. (You definitely know which one I’m talking about)
Well, that day I was curious to see what you have to show and communicate.
When you moved to Mexico City I was thrilled, I’m beyond proud of my country and my city, I’m aware of the the bad things but all places have a negative side. So I like that foreigns are able to see by first hand how is Mexico in reality, and the beauty of its people. ALL PEOPLE no just the “whitemexicans”.
Anyway, I had mixed feelings when I noticed you started to make a living doing tours in the city, because my thoughts were “he is an outsider” why is he talking about my culture to other foreign people? I honestly did not like it. My dad is involved in tourism, so I thought that was an example of how people feel about ‘immigrants’.
It is funny because a year later that you arrived to Mexico, I moved to the US, due a job offer. Now you live in my beautiful city and I live in your country (not your city though).
And I have to say you inspired me, when you open your blog I opened my account and followed you, I wanted to do the same I wanted to start writing, I am definitely a newbie but Im in the process of ‘becoming’.
So in conclusion, I think those are not responses but merely reactions, because I did, I reacted when I knew you were doing tours, but you are a good person, and I can bet you are informed about history in Mexico city far more that all the people that is angry talking, I didn’t know about how condesa started. So strongly support someone who investigate and is based in facts.
So thank you for showing to the world how beautiful my country is.
PS- The next time I’m there I’m gonna try some of the restaurants you had shared.
PS II - I enjoyed your article very much, what it made it good (in my opinion) is that you carefully write being neutral and based on facts.
Have you ever thought about writing a book about early Mexico before the Spaniards arrived.
Mexico City was filled with water and canals called chinampas, They were the most productive agriculture in the world, 100% recyclable living and the most sustainable living in the world. The Spaniards came and drained the city and it immediately caused hunger, destroyed their culture and economy. Check out the Arca Tierra project. I love history and cultural anthropology. I'm so fascinated by this cultural experience.
I’ve lived in Merida, Mexico for the past two years and it can sometimes be overwhelming by how much it’s changed, so I can only imagine what it feels like for locals.
While my very presence adds to the issue of gentrification, I try to be conscious of how I can be a better resident. When I left DC, gentrification of some of the last remaining black areas was rampant and has only intensified since then. DC natives are being pushed out to areas that are unsafe, food deserts, and away from many things that contribute to an overall healthy wellbeing. What do we do when we’re running away from one problem, only to arrive somewhere else and become the problem for others.
* Deep Sigh*
I’m looking forward to reading the next parts of the article and also sending this to my friends as this is a topic heavy on our spirits.
This piece definitely resonates with me. I found myself in quite a similar situation to you. I’ve created videos in Mexico for 4 years after also moving there for my partner who is Mexican (now we are married!). Our goal is to share the beauty of Mexico and the USA through the eyes of a tourist and a local (our channel is literally called Tourist to Local). When I put clips on Tiktok, I would get the same comments accusing me of colonizing. I’d never had anything like this happen on YouTube. It made me feel sick and completely misunderstood. I suppose that’s the downside of short form content—it appears on the feeds of random people, without context. You can study the language, immerse yourself with locals, and minimize your impact as much as possible, but to a random viewer you’ll just become the asshole who moved to Mexico and doesn’t know “real Mexican food” when you share recommendations from your native partner’s family😅
Anyways, this post really made me think about my personal impact, and I look forward to your future articles. Btw I met you a few years back at the LTA summit and have been a long time fan. You and alexxelmundo are my biggest inspirations for videography. It’s been so cool to follow your journey. Keep it up!!
"Many critics decry that Mexico City is becoming less Mexican. Perhaps. But it is also becoming more cosmopolitan. And there is a tradeoff inherent within. As a place becomes more like the world, the world also becomes more like that place.
The question to me is not whether foreigners should come or leave. We can not reverse globalization, nor should we want to. We can only try to channel these forces towards more equitable and desirable outcomes."
-On one hand you have ethnic people dealing with the unfortunate history of lost language's, communities, land and most importantly, identity. I believe we would like to keep our identity but can never gather a foothold because of the political land grab on the globe. And so, doing business with or partaking in "gringo" affairs only leads to further demise. A wall has been placed between the understanding of minorities and "gringos, seeming to place the needs of the affluent "gringos" over the locals. It seems they cannot comprehend that their needs should not over ride our homes and land. That we are different people and it's ok not to have everything at the expense of others.
This section highlights the self centered nature of Americans. Your way or the high way, and unfortunately this highway extends to all first world people. Globalization is the loss of identity and culture, the H&M of human beings.
As a Mexico City native, brought up in the suburbs and living abroad for the past eight years this topic fascinates me. Because I like to see how some factors create a situation that sends ripples and drives a lot of social media buzz and public discourse about it.
I think the specific issue with the nomads is overblown. As most people versed in the topic and as you mentioned, most of the outcry is created by Mexican hipsters who in the past twenty years moved to the formerly run down Colonias and started living the bohemian life. They are now being priced out. Foreigners concentrate in three neighbourhoods and I see that dynamic reminiscent as that of London or Vancouver real estate. I also think that you can’t really call gentrification when a place that was built by and for the gentry goes up in value. I’d reconsider the issue if places like Doctores, Obrera and Guerrero become unattainable. That would the the equivalent of Hell’s Kitchen gentrification process.
What’s not overblown is of course that real estate is completely out of reach for the majority of the population. Nothing out of the normal in the world today. The lucky lower middle class people that qualify for social housing get to live in the boondocks and their quality of life is bad. Working class people does much worse. And the city has, as many similar places, bad zoning laws and building codes and red tape that incentivizes builders to take profits upmarket.
So there are things to fix, but I don’t see the city government interested. This topic has clearly not left the realm of social media but let’s see how this plays out. I adore my city with all my heart, and seeing this level of way overdue recognition makes me feel homesick. And hopefully this conversation also brings attention to the city’s proverbial sustainability problems.
Hi! As a long time resident of Mexico City sur-poniente, I sometimes feeling resentful for all the city’s government resources given to the magical Condesa-Roma-Polanco neighborhoods. Having an influx of foreigners boasting about low cost of living does not help. Mexico City is huge and there are many neglected areas.
I would add to your perspective that for a long time, most U.S. foreigners living in Mexico City were executives from global firms coming to fulfill management and directive posts at the filial offices here. So, they were bosses. That might unconsciously add to the 'invaders' feelings. Looking forward to your next posts.
Just a note to say great article. You know, that encampment in Juárez next to the church are displaced people who were living in the residential building behind the church (owned by the church) and they've been living there in the street since the big earthquake in 2018. My story is similar to yours too. TR for years now, struggling to find a place to live in Mexico City because of the gentrification. Living with my girlfriend's mother in Naucalpan.
Not just Mexico City but Merida as well, we are tired of them buying houses in front of the beach and thinking they own the beach as well, fighting with locals because they don't speak English, they are rude, condescending and honestly not welcome anymore.
yall gringo lovers can pack your shit and leave mexico city. Yall jacked up the prices, call the cops on Mexicans gong about their days, make the food less spicy and overall contribute nothing but your narcism. GTFO out of the city
Glad to reconnect with your stuff after several years. You and your Vagabrother inspired my wife and I to get up off the couch and immigrate ... to Portugal. Yeah, I know you did Spain in Caps, but I think I watched all your “stuff” and it lit me up, man! And that hard to do when you’re in your 70’s.
My wife and I are planing our first road trip into N. Spain and got tired of the RickStevish stew and wannabe Utubers (people with a gopro who think they are VLOggerS). So we remembered some of your stuff that we saw pre-pandemic and partook a second serving. Amazing similarities (same-same in VNAM), comparing Basque Country and Portugal, right down to the fresh/green sparkling wine and Bacalhau/cod.
And so is the building vitriol here, comparing Mexico City with Lisbon, with the foreign occupation of both digital workers and old (mostly white) retirees with money driving up property prices and rents. Not sure I see Globalization the same way is you do, but age insidiously builds a layer of nostalgic pessimism so forgive me. The world is on fire, people are in motion, and there are only about 2 million lifeboats for the 8 billion passengers. But I like the cut of your jib and will give it a whorl. If you need a new novel for your book club about an ex-Pat having a really bad day that illustrates how much fate plays into our wanderlusting lives, check out “A Lie Never Dies”, available on Amazon. Chin-Chin.
The people who are using terms like 'colonizer' are cunts.
Yes - I'm using such a strong word because it's appropriate. You don't owe anyone an explanation for what you do - nor do you need to cater to first world brats complaining about gringos.
It's xenophobic bullshit - Americans can't complain about uncontrolled illegal immigration for fear of being called 'racist'... yet Mexicans can be unmitigated xenophobes and get a pass? No thank you.
Honestly, Mexican nationalism can be very regressive and nasty. I prefer other Latin countries where people aren't as full of themselves like the Mexicans. Why not try out Spain? You can live there without fear of North American aggros calling you a colonizer or attacking you for being a 'white male'.
Almost five years ago my husband and I sold our house in Seattle, got rid of most of our possessions and set out to become digital nomads.
Ironically, we were living in CDMX for three months when Covid hit.
Different thoughts about your newsletter and the topic itself, which we've given a great deal of thought during our travels and frequently write about in our own newsletter.
First off, I appreciate your thoughtful and nuanced take. Too often people seem to come down on one side or the other: Being a digital nomad is brilliant and is the perfect way to live! versus Digital nomads are selfish colonizers destroying the world!
In my opinion very little in life is black and white. It's mostly shades of gray and everything has pros and cons. They all need to be considered and since we all have different opinions and values, few of us are ever going to see the world the exact same way.
As for CDMX, I think right now there are a lot of pros and cons, and the cons are best addressed by government action. Sadly, that isn't something Mexico excels at. Even though we frequently use Airbnb, I have zero problem with governments using zoning to restrict them. That being said, I hope a balance is struck because I do believe the influx of American wealth is a net gain for CDMX, which is an incredible city that more people should see.
And I guarantee our presence over the past five years in places like Tbilisi, Georgia; Bansko, Bulgaria; Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and now Novi Sad, Serbia, are definitely welcome by locals. These are all cities and countries that have struggled economically and I firmly believe that our spending money in places like these are far far better than had we stayed in Seattle and kept our "wealth" there. We've always acknowledged we have a certain level of privilege no matter where we live. But we think the world is better off when we spread that "privilege" around to other places.
No, we aren't doing this for altruistic reasons. We think these countries and cities are interesting and we do enjoy a more affordable COL but we do try and be decent people and think before acting and care about our impact on local communities.
Looking forward to the rest of your thoughts.
Really great writing - again! Thank you! I think about this topic all the time, as we are selling our house to move abroad (not Mexico) and I want to consciously add value to where we're going (not take away or cause resentment). That's part of why we're going somewhere where we can get residency and pay taxes and contribute to the economy. I also want to go with an attitude of loving what is there, not trying to change it to be like things were at home.
Also, isn't it great and interesting that where artists go, things change and evolve?
Love this exploration.
Hey Marko,
I’ve been following you since a couple year now, I remember I saw a picture that IG recommended me of a man wearing a Friday’s Khalo shirt. (You definitely know which one I’m talking about)
Well, that day I was curious to see what you have to show and communicate.
When you moved to Mexico City I was thrilled, I’m beyond proud of my country and my city, I’m aware of the the bad things but all places have a negative side. So I like that foreigns are able to see by first hand how is Mexico in reality, and the beauty of its people. ALL PEOPLE no just the “whitemexicans”.
Anyway, I had mixed feelings when I noticed you started to make a living doing tours in the city, because my thoughts were “he is an outsider” why is he talking about my culture to other foreign people? I honestly did not like it. My dad is involved in tourism, so I thought that was an example of how people feel about ‘immigrants’.
It is funny because a year later that you arrived to Mexico, I moved to the US, due a job offer. Now you live in my beautiful city and I live in your country (not your city though).
And I have to say you inspired me, when you open your blog I opened my account and followed you, I wanted to do the same I wanted to start writing, I am definitely a newbie but Im in the process of ‘becoming’.
So in conclusion, I think those are not responses but merely reactions, because I did, I reacted when I knew you were doing tours, but you are a good person, and I can bet you are informed about history in Mexico city far more that all the people that is angry talking, I didn’t know about how condesa started. So strongly support someone who investigate and is based in facts.
So thank you for showing to the world how beautiful my country is.
PS- The next time I’m there I’m gonna try some of the restaurants you had shared.
PS II - I enjoyed your article very much, what it made it good (in my opinion) is that you carefully write being neutral and based on facts.
-Joanna.
Have you ever thought about writing a book about early Mexico before the Spaniards arrived.
Mexico City was filled with water and canals called chinampas, They were the most productive agriculture in the world, 100% recyclable living and the most sustainable living in the world. The Spaniards came and drained the city and it immediately caused hunger, destroyed their culture and economy. Check out the Arca Tierra project. I love history and cultural anthropology. I'm so fascinated by this cultural experience.
Thank you for this article, Marko!
I’ve lived in Merida, Mexico for the past two years and it can sometimes be overwhelming by how much it’s changed, so I can only imagine what it feels like for locals.
While my very presence adds to the issue of gentrification, I try to be conscious of how I can be a better resident. When I left DC, gentrification of some of the last remaining black areas was rampant and has only intensified since then. DC natives are being pushed out to areas that are unsafe, food deserts, and away from many things that contribute to an overall healthy wellbeing. What do we do when we’re running away from one problem, only to arrive somewhere else and become the problem for others.
* Deep Sigh*
I’m looking forward to reading the next parts of the article and also sending this to my friends as this is a topic heavy on our spirits.
This piece definitely resonates with me. I found myself in quite a similar situation to you. I’ve created videos in Mexico for 4 years after also moving there for my partner who is Mexican (now we are married!). Our goal is to share the beauty of Mexico and the USA through the eyes of a tourist and a local (our channel is literally called Tourist to Local). When I put clips on Tiktok, I would get the same comments accusing me of colonizing. I’d never had anything like this happen on YouTube. It made me feel sick and completely misunderstood. I suppose that’s the downside of short form content—it appears on the feeds of random people, without context. You can study the language, immerse yourself with locals, and minimize your impact as much as possible, but to a random viewer you’ll just become the asshole who moved to Mexico and doesn’t know “real Mexican food” when you share recommendations from your native partner’s family😅
Anyways, this post really made me think about my personal impact, and I look forward to your future articles. Btw I met you a few years back at the LTA summit and have been a long time fan. You and alexxelmundo are my biggest inspirations for videography. It’s been so cool to follow your journey. Keep it up!!
"Many critics decry that Mexico City is becoming less Mexican. Perhaps. But it is also becoming more cosmopolitan. And there is a tradeoff inherent within. As a place becomes more like the world, the world also becomes more like that place.
The question to me is not whether foreigners should come or leave. We can not reverse globalization, nor should we want to. We can only try to channel these forces towards more equitable and desirable outcomes."
-On one hand you have ethnic people dealing with the unfortunate history of lost language's, communities, land and most importantly, identity. I believe we would like to keep our identity but can never gather a foothold because of the political land grab on the globe. And so, doing business with or partaking in "gringo" affairs only leads to further demise. A wall has been placed between the understanding of minorities and "gringos, seeming to place the needs of the affluent "gringos" over the locals. It seems they cannot comprehend that their needs should not over ride our homes and land. That we are different people and it's ok not to have everything at the expense of others.
This section highlights the self centered nature of Americans. Your way or the high way, and unfortunately this highway extends to all first world people. Globalization is the loss of identity and culture, the H&M of human beings.
As a Mexico City native, brought up in the suburbs and living abroad for the past eight years this topic fascinates me. Because I like to see how some factors create a situation that sends ripples and drives a lot of social media buzz and public discourse about it.
I think the specific issue with the nomads is overblown. As most people versed in the topic and as you mentioned, most of the outcry is created by Mexican hipsters who in the past twenty years moved to the formerly run down Colonias and started living the bohemian life. They are now being priced out. Foreigners concentrate in three neighbourhoods and I see that dynamic reminiscent as that of London or Vancouver real estate. I also think that you can’t really call gentrification when a place that was built by and for the gentry goes up in value. I’d reconsider the issue if places like Doctores, Obrera and Guerrero become unattainable. That would the the equivalent of Hell’s Kitchen gentrification process.
What’s not overblown is of course that real estate is completely out of reach for the majority of the population. Nothing out of the normal in the world today. The lucky lower middle class people that qualify for social housing get to live in the boondocks and their quality of life is bad. Working class people does much worse. And the city has, as many similar places, bad zoning laws and building codes and red tape that incentivizes builders to take profits upmarket.
So there are things to fix, but I don’t see the city government interested. This topic has clearly not left the realm of social media but let’s see how this plays out. I adore my city with all my heart, and seeing this level of way overdue recognition makes me feel homesick. And hopefully this conversation also brings attention to the city’s proverbial sustainability problems.
Hi! As a long time resident of Mexico City sur-poniente, I sometimes feeling resentful for all the city’s government resources given to the magical Condesa-Roma-Polanco neighborhoods. Having an influx of foreigners boasting about low cost of living does not help. Mexico City is huge and there are many neglected areas.
I would add to your perspective that for a long time, most U.S. foreigners living in Mexico City were executives from global firms coming to fulfill management and directive posts at the filial offices here. So, they were bosses. That might unconsciously add to the 'invaders' feelings. Looking forward to your next posts.
Just a note to say great article. You know, that encampment in Juárez next to the church are displaced people who were living in the residential building behind the church (owned by the church) and they've been living there in the street since the big earthquake in 2018. My story is similar to yours too. TR for years now, struggling to find a place to live in Mexico City because of the gentrification. Living with my girlfriend's mother in Naucalpan.
Not just Mexico City but Merida as well, we are tired of them buying houses in front of the beach and thinking they own the beach as well, fighting with locals because they don't speak English, they are rude, condescending and honestly not welcome anymore.
yall gringo lovers can pack your shit and leave mexico city. Yall jacked up the prices, call the cops on Mexicans gong about their days, make the food less spicy and overall contribute nothing but your narcism. GTFO out of the city
Great article
Glad to reconnect with your stuff after several years. You and your Vagabrother inspired my wife and I to get up off the couch and immigrate ... to Portugal. Yeah, I know you did Spain in Caps, but I think I watched all your “stuff” and it lit me up, man! And that hard to do when you’re in your 70’s.
My wife and I are planing our first road trip into N. Spain and got tired of the RickStevish stew and wannabe Utubers (people with a gopro who think they are VLOggerS). So we remembered some of your stuff that we saw pre-pandemic and partook a second serving. Amazing similarities (same-same in VNAM), comparing Basque Country and Portugal, right down to the fresh/green sparkling wine and Bacalhau/cod.
And so is the building vitriol here, comparing Mexico City with Lisbon, with the foreign occupation of both digital workers and old (mostly white) retirees with money driving up property prices and rents. Not sure I see Globalization the same way is you do, but age insidiously builds a layer of nostalgic pessimism so forgive me. The world is on fire, people are in motion, and there are only about 2 million lifeboats for the 8 billion passengers. But I like the cut of your jib and will give it a whorl. If you need a new novel for your book club about an ex-Pat having a really bad day that illustrates how much fate plays into our wanderlusting lives, check out “A Lie Never Dies”, available on Amazon. Chin-Chin.