Remote Work | Remote Friends

At a language exchange Meetup

One of the coolest things about traveling and working remotely is the adventure of being a stranger in a new city every time you move somewhere new. Of course, this is also one of the challenges - especially if you are a person more on the introverted side, like me. Actually, introverted may not even be the most apt description. I'm not particularly shy, but I am kind of a loner by nature. I like spending time alone or maybe with just one person I can really talk to; I don't really like hanging out with big groups. 

This works well for me as a digital nomad for the most part, since I obviously don't mind traveling alone, going places alone, spending time alone, or any of that. But of course, no man is an island, and even this lone wolf wants to get out and join the pack once in a while to meet people and socialize. 

So, here are some strategies I've found for meeting people while working remotely in Latin American, even as a loner. These strategies help me have more fun (instead of just working all the time) and keep me from turning into that weird American girl holed up on her computer all day, talking to herself in Spanish. 

Meetups

Meetups are perfect for people like me because they basically offer a calendar of varied social events with almost zero commitment required. Seriously, I love that I can browse the different groups, see what strikes me, and sign up for a Meetup the day of the event– then just show up. Some cities have more Meetups than others, but I've been to a couple here in Merida. One was a language exchange at a German bar, which, though nerve-racking at first, was actually pretty fun.   

Facebook groups

This is the main thing I use FB for these days. I join groups wherever I go, such as the two I belong to here: Merida Amigos and New Expats Merida. Then I get notifications of events, free shows, good places to take Spanish classes/shop/eat/take a day trip, etc. I've also met up with people from the groups before, like that night went to watch the Day of the Dead procession. So much better than going alone!

Spanish classes

For me, this is not so much a way to meet people, since I can't attend group classes (which are during the day), but still a way to be social and get out. In Antigua, I felt like I became friends with my teacher through our one-on-one classes, and she was always giving me tips about cool restaurants, events, or attractions to check out around town, too, which was valuable stuff. Also, sometimes I chat with other students around the school, and I can join activities or excursions the school organizes.   

 Street dog love

Volunteering

I haven't really done this yet, but I plan to because it's something I've done in the States to get out and meet people. Here in Merida, there's a dog shelter I'd like to volunteer at (though I'm hoping it's not too sad), and I'll probably go check it out this weekend. What I like about volunteering in the countries I've been in so far is that the organizations don't seem to make you jump through a bunch of hoops first or commit to a schedule. You can usually just drop in and work a little when you like. (Yes, you're seeing a see a fear-of-commitment pattern here, for sure!) 

So, this is what I do to meet people while working remotely. Though I suspect going to bars would be a lot easier. ;)

Money spent today:

85 pesos - museum entrance
150 pesos - cleaning products

235 pesos = 12 USD