I first moved to Florida about 12 years ago and experienced living in the Florida Keys. I would call Key West an international paradise of diversity. I met people that moved there from all around the world. I absolutely loved living in a town where everyone was from somewhere else. I had friends from Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Central America, and all over Asia. I felt like could be just myself, speaking comfortable with my strong European accent, sharing the "brutally honest opinions" with so many foreigners that expected you to be different.
Then I moved to San Diego, CA, and stayed 10 years. Again the city had a very international feel as it was so close to the Mexican border. I even learned Spanish. I loved practicing my Spanish regularly when shopping at many of the Hispanic grocery stores or whenever we were crossing the Mexican border to Tijuana. "T.J." was well known for affordable dental care and authentic Tijuana style Mexican food. I knew where and what time to go for the best flour tortillas, where they make the best tamales, and which store has the freshest meat. I loved going to "china towns" for amazing Asian food or to numerous Asian grocery stores that had always fresh seafood. I always enjoy walking through the isles with exotic food, maybe because I was instantly surrounded by foreigners like me. I was always seeking some connection with people whenever I got homesick.
When I moved to JAX almost a year ago I was a bit surprised that I don't hear or see as much Spanish as I was used to in other parts of Florida. I have tried a popular Mexican restaurant chain that has "Tijuana" in its name but unfortunately, I did not find a bit of T.J. flavor when trying their food. I have not discovered any Asian supermarket in this town yet. And authentic Asian restaurants are probably hidden gems that need to be discovered.
But I made a promise myself I will always seek cultural diversity everywhere I go and move. Therefore this website will include posts about international restaurants, shopping, cultural events, and stories about other foreigners living in Jacksonville, FL. If you are an ex-pat living in Jacksonville FL and would like to be part of this blog please reach out to me. I would like to connect and hear your story or tips on how to bring out more diverse topics to other ex-pats.
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