Andres F Arbelaez - Digital Nomad

Remote work has given us a wild new ride in the work and world circus! For a splendid 4-year stretch, I've been rocking the remote work gig, which magically transformed me into a digital nomad. My escapades have taken me gallivanting all over South America, and let me tell you, it's like working with a passport in one hand and a laptop in the other.

So, buckle up and hop aboard as I spill the beans a about what it's truly like to toil and trouble thousands of miles away from the nest. Spoiler alert: it's not all rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes, this jet-setting extravaganza comes with a dash of challenge as I navigate uncharted territories and conquer the unknowns.

MEXICO: Tulúm, Mérida & CDMX

Mexico requires no formal introduction. The essence of warmth permeates not just through their cuisine but also within their abundantly enriched culture. An apartment exchange with my best friend, a fellow digital nomad employed by a company headquartered in Columbus, OH but residing in Mexico, allowed me a unique opportunity. This arrangement arose due to her requirement to journey to Ohio for meetings, enabling me to spend 4 weeks in Tulum and an additional 3 weeks in CDMX, with a brief layover weekend in Mérida.

Throughout my stay, I encountered no connectivity issues. This was particularly significant as my role at that time required extensive downloads from my company's servers. Mexico brims with inspiration; it can be readily found within its vibrant indigenous customs, museum treasures, cozy coffee establishments, breathtaking landscapes, architectural facades of residences, bustling markets, and even in the methods street-food vendors engage with customers – an intricate sales strategy unfolds before your eyes.

When I travel, I eagerly immerse myself in the local culture, making connections with both residents and fellow digital nomads. I'm genuinely interested in their stories and what I can learn from their journeys. My approach revolves around fully embracing the unique culture of each country I explore. Rather than expecting everything to mirror my own surroundings, I prioritize being open-hearted and friendly in my interactions with local people.

To me, each experience is a chance to absorb and grow. That's why I can't stress enough how vital it is to honor and value the culture of every place you visit. I advise you to steer clear of imposing your preconceptions on a new destination. Instead, approach interactions with empathy and politeness, and remain receptive to the diverse range of experiences that will come your way.

Here is my personal rankings for Mexico for digital nomads:

TULUM: WIFI: 10. Inspirational: 7. Ease of navigation: 10 if you can, bike everywhere. Cost of living (accommodation, food, entertainment, etc) : $$ Coffee Shops: 6 (there aren't many options) so I stayed in my apartment most days working.

No connectivity issues in Mexico

Time to explore Tulum upon arrival

Nice eco-friendly architechture

Always locate a nearby cafe to get away from your apartment/hotel

As a coffee connoisseur I will rank their coffee 6.

In case of emergency, there is always the American Coffee chain nearby.

Mérida

I met this awesome couple getting some local tamales from Oaxaca

Other digital nomads

CDMX has the best coffee shops with great connectivity

Being a tourist during my time off

Matcha Latte for a boost of antioxidants and energy

frustrated days will come and go

ART ALL OVER CDMX

Another great coffee shop

Let's take a breath

The facades!!!

Amazing sunset

Moon

A little break after a long week.

I always visit public universities because of their incredible art and history

As a spiritual person, there is always time to reflect and pray.

No introduction needed

Frida's kitchen

Wow!

Again, architecture always inspires me as a designer.

And let's head back home.

ARGENTINA: CABA & Córdoba.

Argentina exceeded my expectations. It had forever been on my travel wish list, and the idea of exploring it as a digital nomad seemed like a distant dream. Then one morning, I woke up determined and called my mother: "I'm embarking on a 5-week journey in Argentina while I work. Would you like to join for a part of it?" Without hesitation, she agreed, accompanying me for 2 weeks.

My base was CABA (Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires) for 4 weeks, with an additional week spent in Córdoba and a few days in La Cumbresita. Upon my arrival, a technical glitch with the Airbnb's internet arose, but a quick hard reset and the assistance of a nearby Wi-Fi hotspot quickly resolved the issue. Even though the Wi-Fi at the hotspot was sluggish, I managed to work on the first day while sorting out the technicalities. Thankfully, my Airbnb provided an incredible co-working area boasting dependable Wi-Fi, complete with a conference room.

Buenos Aires, akin to any major metropolis worldwide, possessed its own share of hustle and bustle. Initially residing in Monserrat, close to the city center, I experienced the charm of San Telmo and Puerto Madero. Following my mother's departure, I relocated to Palermo—a lively, captivating neighborhood teeming with boutiques, markets, public squares, cafes, and locals.

Now, let's delve into the subject of wine. As a fervent wine enthusiast, Argentina's rich winemaking heritage thrilled me. The diversity of wines they produce is astonishing, and their Malbecs unquestionably rank as the world's finest. Remarkably affordable, I found myself trying a different variety nearly every day. A post-work glass proved a delightful way to reward myself after a long day.

Argentina's public transportation system comes at a low cost. Despite occasional strikes, I encountered no difficulties in using buses, trains, or the subway (known as the Subte). All you require is a transit card named SUBE, load it with pesos, and you're all set. As these cards can be elusive, it's wise to safeguard it like a cherished photo in your wallet.

While Argentina contends with ongoing economic challenges, its residents unfortunately face numerous restrictions concerning the use of U.S. dollars. On a personal note, I encountered no issues withdrawing money from ATMs or making payments using my U.S. cards. For a few rides, I opted for Uber, which encourages cash payments due to the delay in paying their drivers. This is a way to provide them with daily cash, which they urgently require.

Here is how I rank Buenos Aires. WIFI: 7. Inspirational: 10. Ease of navigation: 8 (if you speak Spanish). Cost of living (accommodation, food, entertainment, etc): $. WINE: 10+. Coffee shops: 7