Lena's Journey

My passion for international living began in the early 2000's with a two-week volunteer trip to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil – an experience that captivated me so much, I returned two years later. Since then, my passport has become a treasured collection of global adventures, from South America to Southeast Asia, each stamp representing my deep love for cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

Originally from Philadelphia, I took a leap of faith during the 2020 pandemic and made Mexico my home. My journey here has been quite the adventure – starting with coastal living in Playa del Carmen, then exploring the vibrant cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City, and the charming lakeside town of Ajijic. For the past two years, I've been living my best life in San Miguel de Allende, where you'll find me soaking in the hot springs or enjoying brunch with friends at my favorite local spots.

Ask me about my favorite place in Mexico, and I'll probably talk your ear off about Oaxaca – the food, the culture, it's just incredible! Before settling in Mexico, I founded Sweet Bean Travels, designing custom experiences across Mexico, South America, Africa, and Europe. Now, I'm channeling all that expertise (plus my own relocation adventures and mishaps) into helping others make their Mexico dreams a reality.

Having navigated this journey myself, I understand both the challenges and incredible rewards of making Mexico your home. I'm here to share everything I've learned – from the "wish someone had told me that" moments to the "pinch me, is this real?" ones.