Global Living: Doreen’s Journey Across 8 Countries
Doreen’s life story is nothing short of extraordinary. She has lived in eight different countries, currently residing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her experiences offer a unique perspective on global mobility, cultural adaptation, and the meaning of home. Today, let’s explore Doreen’s journey across 8 countries, her insights on embracing new cultures, and her advice for those considering a life abroad.
Childhood Influences: Seeds of a Nomadic Life
Doreen’s global journey began in unexpected ways, rooted in her childhood in Scotland. Growing up as an only child in Glasgow, she experienced early exposure to diverse cultures. Her mother, in the 1960s, decided to take in lodgers. These lodgers, who worked for the Russian consulate, were in fact KGB officers. This unusual arrangement meant that Doreen, as a child, was exposed to a world beyond her Scottish upbringing.
Her father also played a significant role in shaping her worldview. He had lived in the United States for three years during the Depression. He often spoke of America as the most enjoyable time of his life, developing an appreciation for American culture. This dual influence, from her father’s “American exceptionalism” and the Russian lodgers, laid the groundwork for her future adventures. The Russians even taught her mother to cook Russian food and helped Doreen practice ballet, while teaching her father chess. These early experiences ingrained an appreciation for other cultures and programmed her for a life overseas.
Finding a Foothold: Life in the United States
Doreen’s first move to the United States occurred in the 1980s, after she had already lived in four countries. She spent over a decade there, residing in five different states: Louisiana, California, Washington, Texas, and Colorado. Each state offered distinct experiences, contributing to her adaptable nature. She believes every life experience is a gift, teaching lessons about one’s current location.
Her initial cultural shock in the U.S. was significant and “traumatic,” as she describes it. Having lived in Dubai and countries in Africa, where she had diverse friendships, she was unprepared for the racial dynamics she encountered in Louisiana. The treatment of African Americans left a deep impact on her. Similarly, her husband, who had lived in Japan as a child, faced similar pusnishment for attempting to play with Black children upon moving to Louisiana.
Beyond racial issues, Doreen experienced a personal cultural diagreement within her new family. Her British accent led them to perceive her as a “snob,” and they questioned her cooking abilities. To regain respect, she learned to cook Louisiana-style dishes like crawfish etouffee and gumbo. This act of adaptation allowed her to connect with her new environment on her own terms.
Global Adventures: Japan and Saudi Arabia
After her initial years in the U.S., Doreen and her husband were recruited by Saudi Aramco, an oil company. This led them to Japan for nearly two years, a country she “loved.” Doreen expresses affection for every country and state she has called home. Her adaptability has been a constant companion through varied circumstances, including living in Cameroon during a time when her apartment, near the presidential palace, required guarding by individuals with Kalashnikovs.
Her time in Saudi Arabia spanned 15 years and served as the subject of her first book, Life in the Cameline: Embrace Your Adventure. The initial five years in Saudi Arabia were “traumatic,” despite her previous experience in the Middle East. This period included major events such as the bombing of Khobar Towers, 9/11, and the beginning of the Iraq War, creating a “low-grade trauma.”
The other five years became a period of growth and resilience. She explored Hindu breathing and various spiritual paths, delved into art, created scrapbooks, and volunteered extensively. By the ten-year mark, she found herself not wanting to leave. The final five years were “wonderful,” even with F-16s flying overhead twice daily. She had cultivated grit and resilience, allowing her to thrive in that challenging environment.
Linguistic Journeys and Challenges
Despite her extensive global travels, Doreen modestly admits to speaking “maybe a little bit of English.” However, she was fluent in French earlier in life, a skill that now proves useful in Mexico, where she often uses “Franglish,” a mix of French, English, and Spanish. She also learned some conversational Arabic during her time in the Middle East. Yet, in Saudi Arabia, English was often preferred by locals and expatriates alike, which she humorously calls a “source of pride” for them.
Currently, she is learning Spanish, her fifth or sixth language. While she admits to prioritizing her podcast, she can generally make herself understood.
Mexico: A Compromise and a New Chapter
Doreen’s decision to retire in Mexico arose from a unique set of circumstances. Upon returning to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia, she initially considered the Pacific Northwest. However, the drastic climate change from the desert to a very wet region led to seasonal affective disorder, indicating a need for a different environment. After exploring Denver, they discovered pet sitting as a means of travel.
For six years, she and her husband completed over 60 pet sits in 10 countries, caring for many dogs and cats. This experience brought them to Mexico repeatedly, where they discovered pickleball. The COVID-19 pandemic led them to stay in Mexico for seven months in 2020, solidifying their connection to the country. They eventually found a house in San Miguel de Allende, which “bought” them, as she describes it.
Living in Mexico offers a “compromise.” It is close enough to the U.S. for family visits within 24 hours. They can use English while simultaneously learning Spanish. They have found a welcoming culture and a “shared belonging” that they felt was missing in the U.S.
Advice for Aspiring Global Nomads
When asked for advice for those considering or recently moved to a new country, Doreen offers a powerful perspective. She quotes, “fitting in is a short-term strategy,” while “standing out pays off in the long run.” Her core advice is to “be true to yourself” and “be exactly who you came here to be.”
She encourages a willingness to move, emphasizing that if one has the desire, it will be “the best thing you ever did in your life in terms of your personal growth.” Travel is the best form of education. This perspective underscores the transformative power of international experiences, fostering personal development and a deeper understanding of the world.
Listen to Doreen’s Journey Across 8 Countries
With Love, Heidy
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