Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram

#Project Expat Episode 2: Fly Mom to LA to Get Valuables, Dog, and Party!

Alyssa Ramos

Search

On that first day that I decided to make the executive decision to become an expat rather than stay in my apartment in LA, two things were at the forefront of my brain.

One was how the hellI was going to pack my entire apartment in less than three weeks. Two was how I was going to get the only actual possession I have that I care about to my mom…my dog, Oscar. I immediately called her to see if she could come to LA from Florida last minute.

She of course dropped everything and opened her schedule to come. She’s the best parent in the world like that. So I used all of my Chase reward points to get her a roundtrip flight (would have been $600).

Turns out the weekend was more fun than productive, but I’m happy to at least have gotten Oscar to his second home in Florida safely and last minute. That being said, there’s a lot of wine-drinking and me crying in this episode!

But I promise there’s informative parts as well! Such as:

  1. Mom’s opinion on my moving and moving in with a boyfriend
  2. Best cell provider for expat life (and worst)
  3. Foreign Real Estate investing conversation with a luxury realtor
  4. How to decide what to store, trash, or give to someone you trust
  5. What it’s like giving up things you love and are comfortable with to chase your dreams
  6. Which companies I use to store my things and my car (see below!

So without further ado, here is Episode 2! (I know it’s long but if you’re binge-watching Netflix, please squeeze me in to one of your time slots!!!)

Information on places or companies I mention in this episode:

Favorite Restaurants in order they appear:

  1. Rooftop at Dream Hotel, Hollywood
  2. The BLVD at Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills
  3. Villa Blanca, Beverly Hills
  4. PUMP, West Hollywood

Companies I Used for Storage:

  • Clutter: $135/month for about 20 boxes of storage! Plus free movers for 2 hours, boxes, and 2 pick up and delivery of boxes per month! GET $100 OFF use this code: RJDRTN
  • Car Storage: Spot Hero app monthly parking ($150/month for covered parking garage)

And now my usual sob story: I am not profiting from making these videos! I am doing them because I want to show you the process of taking the leap to fulfill your dream of moving abroad and because I like creative projects! If you enjoy my content and/or appreciate my hustle, PLLEASSEEE share my content, peruse my website (I get ad revenue just for you clicking around!), and leave me some comment love on here and social media!! My gratitude is enormous for those of you who do!!!!

Search

Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world!

Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should!

What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁

Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
  • Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁

Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one!

I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. 

Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit.

The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠

Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! 

So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖

PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
  • Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
  • Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all??

I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills!

If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir!

Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!)

What’s your most valuable priceless possession?

Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
  • Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot!

((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!))

Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video!

Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂

Would you do this or nah?

-------

#uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
  • Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan.

((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,))

This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since...

Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
  • When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally.

This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!!

First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. 

Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless!

We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK.

Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me).

FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!!

More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪

Is this on your bucketlist??
  • Tajikistan is one of the 5 "Stans of Central Asia" and the one that most people looked at me with confusion when I list off the names of them!

But it's not surprising, since it only became an independent country in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Drop me a comment if you have questions about the geopolitics there today 😁

Traveling through Tajikistan felt like a truly unique and authentic experience, especially in the local markets and towns,  since not many American citizens venture there (so we were told).

The first thing we noticed in Panjakent was that the women all had super sparkly hijabs and clothing...so we went straight to the bazaar and bought the same! We got a lot of smiles and thumbs up after that!

We then explored the 7 Lakes of the Fann Mountains, getting there early before the day trip groups, and experiencing the lakes all to ourselves while avoiding traffic jams on cliffside roads that aren't for the feint of heart!

If you do the "5 Stans", definitely do more than a day trip to Tajikistan! 

And if you dont want to figure out the crazy logistics for all 5 yourself, sign up for our waiting list for the next ones with @mylifesatraveltribe
! 

BTW the kids are yelling "Tajikistan the best!" and permission was asked to make the video...even though they video-bommed me 😂💖
  • Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world! Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should! What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁 Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
1 day ago
581
View on Instagram |
1/9
Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁 Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one! I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit. The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠 Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖 PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
4 days ago
1,156111
View on Instagram |
2/9
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico? Save this for future trip planning! This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!! You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁 Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos… Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬 Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
5 days ago
19810
View on Instagram |
3/9
Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all?? I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills! If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir! Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!) What’s your most valuable priceless possession? Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
6 days ago
13929
View on Instagram |
4/9
Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot! ((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!)) Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video! Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂 Would you do this or nah? ------- #uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
1 week ago
42351
View on Instagram |
5/9
Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan. ((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,)) This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since... Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
1 week ago
9
View on Instagram |
6/9
When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally. This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!! First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless! We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK. Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me). FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!! More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪 Is this on your bucketlist??
1 week ago
22024
View on Instagram |
7/9
Tajikistan is one of the 5 "Stans of Central Asia" and the one that most people looked at me with confusion when I list off the names of them! But it's not surprising, since it only became an independent country in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Drop me a comment if you have questions about the geopolitics there today 😁 Traveling through Tajikistan felt like a truly unique and authentic experience, especially in the local markets and towns, since not many American citizens venture there (so we were told). The first thing we noticed in Panjakent was that the women all had super sparkly hijabs and clothing...so we went straight to the bazaar and bought the same! We got a lot of smiles and thumbs up after that! We then explored the 7 Lakes of the Fann Mountains, getting there early before the day trip groups, and experiencing the lakes all to ourselves while avoiding traffic jams on cliffside roads that aren't for the feint of heart! If you do the "5 Stans", definitely do more than a day trip to Tajikistan! And if you dont want to figure out the crazy logistics for all 5 yourself, sign up for our waiting list for the next ones with @mylifesatraveltribe ! BTW the kids are yelling "Tajikistan the best!" and permission was asked to make the video...even though they video-bommed me 😂💖
2 weeks ago
38627
View on Instagram |
8/9
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it! Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬 We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!! Photography company tagged as a collaborator! Would you do this or nah? ——— Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
3 weeks ago
50065
View on Instagram |
9/9

Join My Group Trips

Available Group Trips

If you like #Project Expat Episode 2: Fly Mom to LA to Get Valuables, Dog, and Party!you might also be interested in...

ULTIMATE Spain Long Term Visa Guide: How to Legally Live in Spain (Project Expat)

#ProjectExpat Episode 1: Make a Plan to Move