Expatify

Travel & Expat Lifestyle Magazine

Jim Johnston in Mexico Expat Spotlight

jim-johnston-mexicoToday’s Expat Spotlight interview is Jim Johnston, an artist, writer & traveler in Mexico City, Mexico.

Quick Stats:

  • Name: Jim Johnston
  • Occupation: Writer
  • Current Location: Mexico City, Mexico
  • Originally From: USA
  • Expat Locations: Mexico
  • Website: www.mexicocitydf.blogspot.com
  • Twitter: none

How did you become an expat, and why?

My partner Nick had bought a ruin of a house in San Miguel de Allende in 1989, just before we met. We were both artists at the time (now we are writers), living in New York City. The time we spent in Mexico kept getting longer, and we realized that we were simply happier in Mexico than we were in New York. Having portable careers made the move possible. We came to Mexico full-time in 1997, eventually leaving San Miguel for Mexico City,
where we now live.

Where else have you been an expat?

Just Mexico.

Best piece of expat advice you’ve received?

No answer.

Best piece of expat advice you’d give?

Learn to re-define the term ‘common sense’–much of what you think is common sense is actually culturally based learning.

Favorite expat related web sites?

These are all Mexico-related:

Are you planning or dreaming of a move? Are you going home instead? Where to and why?

I never dream about returning to the U.S. Bangkok is high on my list of places I’d like to spend more time–and southeast Asia in general. I can imagine that Mexico might always be a base for me, but I definitely want to experience immersion in other cultures that only and extended stay can provide.

Tell us more about what you do in your location?

For most of my adult life I worked as a visual artist–potter, sculptor, painter, and printmaker. I also taught art workshops.
Four years ago, I moved full-time to Mexico City. I didn’t have a studio then, so I spent the year researching and writing ‘Mexico City: an Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler’. Since it’s publication in 2006, it has been the no. 1 selling Mexico City guidebook on Amazon. It was updated in October of 2008.

I also write freelance articles which have been published in the Christian Science Monitor and The News (Mexico’s english-language daily) on a variety of topics including food, travel, opera and vampires. I blog about Mexico City at www.mexicocitydf.blogspot.com

mexico-city

jim-in-centro-mexico-city

Would you recommend your current location to other expats? Does it rock or does it suck?

Mexico City is one of the most exciting places I know, and extremely user-friendly once you figure it out (it took me years–that’s why I wrote my book). Of course, you have to like big cities, and it’s very important in which part of town you live–and that you don’t have to drive to work. There are so many misconceptions about Mexico City. Everyone who has visited me here has left saying “Wow! This is not what I expected.”

What is the expat community like where you are?

While I have a number of American friends, I don’t really feel like I am part of an expat community–which is fine with me. There are various groups here that serve those who want to be part of a larger community, however. The Newcomers Club is a good place to start. Inside Mexico is another good link.

Anything you’d like to add?

Living in Mexico has opened my mind in so many ways. I’ve learned a lot about Mexican culture, but an equal amount about my native culture and upbringing. Being an expat has given me a greater appreciaton of my American background, but also a sense of freedom from its cultural imperatives, an acceptance and celebration of cultural differences in general.

Thank you!

Thank you, Jim for participating in our Expat Spotlight! We wish you success and happiness in your current location, and wherever your dreams and business endeavors take you.

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