Life Out of a Suitcase is launching a new interview series. We are talking to travelers and expats to get their experience as they globetrott.
The inaugural interview comes from Greta Francesca Iori AKA TheItaliopian. She is the author and creator of The Chronicles of an Italiopian and currently living in Cancun, Mexico.
1.Where are you from (home country and city)?
I am half Italian; Half Ethiopian and grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the most part of my life.
2. How did you come to be an expat? (What are you doing in your “new home”? What is your life like there?)
I am currently in my 3rd year of University studying International Tourism Management and Consultancy; I am in Cancun carrying out a 6 month working placement, with a sustainable tourism company, which promotes eco-travel in the Ancient Mayan World.
3. What do you wish you had from Ethiopia in Mexico?
Definitely ‘Injera’, which is the Ethiopian National food. It's extremely yummy but virtually impossible to eat anywhere in Mexico!
4. What was the most useless thing you packed?
Socks! I am not sure why I packed them in the first place, as it is called the Mexican Caribbean for a reason! But I can assure you that it is far too humid and uncomfortable to be wearing anything over my feet on any day!
5. What neighborhood/part of Cancun do you live in? What do you like/dislike about it?
I live in Cancun Downtown, which is not the beachfront tourist infested area of the city (that is known as the Cancun Hotel Zone). I live in a very pleasant area of downtown, which is in close vicinity to the famous Mercado 28, a market for all sorts of souvenirs and goodies. I live walking distance from Las Palapas, which is a square where locals come together every evening to eat, watch performances and buy local produce along the streets. It is a lively place to hang out any given day of the week as there is always something entertaining happening, and it's a great chance to munch on the delicious Mexican cuisine, mingle with a local, or even dance to the Latin rhythms.
I would have to say the most amazing little gem I have found in my neighborhood, is right across the street (Address: Avenida Palenque con la esquina de Xpuhil). It is a fresh fruit mix store where they have products like ice cream, yoghurt, popsicles, fresh whole fruits, and Aguas de frutas (the equivalent of fruit flavored water – all natural!). It is incredibly healthy, fresh and completely addicting! My personal fav, 'Agua', is a mix between pineapple and lemon! Sinfully good!
6. Favourite food? What do they make in Mexico that you can’t get anywhere else?
This may be completely random, but I have the biggest addiction to coconuts, whether its coconut milk, shakes, candy, chocolate, anything! It is after I moved to Cancun that I found the MOST INCREDIBLE local coconut producer which makes PURE coconut Bars (yes coconut lovers you read correctly) of all shapes and sizes; chunky squares of pure coconut delight! I have never come across this bar of heaven anywhere else on the planet! And am seriously considering leaving all my clothes to take back a full suitcase of it back with me!
7. Do you have a favorite escape from Cancun?
City life can become quite monotonous when engulfed with work and responsibility. Having the incredible opportunity to live on the Caribbean Sea is not something I take for granted at all, so I would have to say I gain complete escape and pure tranquility when diving in the ocean, or in the incredible caverns of a Cenote (sink holes) in the Riviera Maya. The crystal clear water and incomparable beauty of the underwater world is one of my favorite places to be. Tip for divers: The Famous Gran Cenote near Tulum has some of the most incredible stalagmites and stalactites. Well worth a visit!
8. What’s the best way to avoid getting mugged or robbed?
Cancun, Mexico is relativity one of the safest cities in Mexico. With the media focusing heavily on the drug wars and death numbers in some unfortunate areas of Mexico, people generally tend to stereotype the whole country to be dangerous. Of course like any other big city in the world, there are the simple golden rules to avoid any trouble, these are the ones I live by while here:
- Never travel alone after midnight
- Do not wander into areas I do not know/ do not know how to get out of
- Do not get into a stranger's car
- Always let someone know where I am
- Speak Spanish when in doubt (regardless of how broken up this is, coming off as a tourist can present unpleasant situations)
- “Alli donde Fueres, Haz lo que vieres” [When in Rome, do as the Romans do], Generally adapt to customs and traditions, or respect them in the least
I believe if the above are taken into account at all times, I am certain there will be no bumping into trouble!
9. What’s your feeling for your new home? Do you love it? Hate it? Do you never want to leave?
I am enjoying living in the vibrant city of Cancun very much! It is conveniently located a drive away from some of the greatest attractions, including one of the 7 new wonders of the world, The Chichen Itza Temple! The diversity from the sunny beaches, to the thick jungles and incredible Mayan archeological sites; I definitely am living the life! I will also get a chance to travel to other areas of Mexico in August, when I go on a 3-week adventure starting in Mexico City, as I cover as much as I can on my way back to Cancun! Stay tuned for the Chronicles of an Italiopian Mexican Take over!
You can also connect with Greta on Twitter.
If you want to be part of the Expat or Traveler Interview series, contact Life Out of a Suitcase.
Written by Greta for Life Out of a Suitcase. Read more stories by 20 something woman expats and travelers at Life Out of a Suitcase.
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