From Mexico’s Heat to Toronto’s Streets

Back in 2023, I packed up my life in Toronto and moved to Mexico to live with my girlfriend, now my wife. Having lived in Toronto all my life, I was no stranger to city living, but I always had the travel bug, eager to explore new places whenever possible. If you’d like to see snippets of my travels moments, I’ve tucked away in stories, check out my Instagram page @umbfitness. Click the link on the main page.

When most people think of Mexico, they picture beaches, cocktails, and endless sunshine. And yes, Mexico has plenty of that. I’ve had the chance to explore many of its cities, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Puebla, to name a few, along with dozens of small towns. I’ve also visited several of its beaches and resort areas. Each place has its own rhythm, shaped by its people, food, architecture, and traditions. That’s what makes Mexico so captivating: no two cities are alike.

Let’s start with the weather. If you love hot and humid, Tuxtla is paradise. For me, not so much. Most of the year the temperature sits above 32°C, and it can feel relentless. Another adjustment was the driving, erratic to say the least. Add to that the pothole-riddled streets, which I noticed weren’t unique to Tuxtla but common across many cities I visited.

The people, though, were largely warm and welcoming. Still, as anywhere in the world, there are always a few who try to take advantage. Safety, too, was something to keep in mind, especially when traveling between cities, but that’s a story for another time.

Despite the challenges, my time in Tuxtla was unforgettable. I honestly thought I would spend the rest of my life in Mexico. But life, as it often does, had other plans. My wife and I are now preparing to move back to Toronto.

The idea of returning home after living abroad stirs up mixed emotions. I’ve been back to visit family and friends, but moving back is different, it’s bigger, heavier. There are so many little things I once took for granted in Toronto, things I only came to appreciate after living elsewhere. This experience has changed me, and I know I’m returning as a different person.

Have you ever lived abroad and come back home seeing everything differently? If so, I’d love to hear your story.