A Business Insider article sheds light on Shelby Smith, an American woman who started a new life in the Caribbean.
In 2019, Shelby was on vacation and ventured to Curaçao, a jewel of the Dutch Caribbean. Although her stay lasted only a week, she felt an inexplicable bond with the island. As she returned to her life in Portland, Oregon, that connection lingered in the back of her mind.
Lockdown reflections and a leap of faith
The gloomy days of the COVID-19 lockdown in Portland brought about a sense of yearning in Shelby.
Feeling trapped in her one-bedroom apartment and discontent with her job, she took a bold step. With savings sufficient to last her a year, she decided to leave her job and embark on a six-month sojourn back to Curaçao.
An unexpected turn
Just two weeks before Shelby’s return to the island in March 2021, Curaçao witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases. However, by June, as the island slowly started reopening, she plunged into exploring it.
This time around, not only did she witness the island’s natural beauty, but she also found love, eventually marrying a local resident.
Life’s sweet surprises
After briefly going back to Portland to reconnect with her family during the festive season, Shelby returned to Curaçao, only to discover another surprise—her pregnancy.
Given the visa conveniences in Curaçao, the couple chose to set down their roots on the island.
March 2022 marked a new chapter for Shelby. She began a remote role at Reveri, which, despite the challenges of missing in-person interactions, allowed her to nurture her growing family on the island.
Cost of island living
The Business Insider further notes that life on the island was not just sunny beaches and romantic sunsets for Shelby. She learned to navigate the financial aspects of residing in Curaçao.
While their living arrangements offered value for money compared to Portland, she noticed the cost of groceries, due to the island’s desert conditions and import taxes, was steep.
Additionally, the upkeep of their vehicles, given the import costs for parts, added to their monthly expenses.
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The healthcare system in Curaçao, a territory of the Netherlands, pleasantly surprised Shelby.
Its transparency stood in stark contrast to her experiences in the U.S. She shared that an added bonus was the post-natal care offered to new mothers, with nurses providing support for five days after leaving the hospital.
Integrating with the island community
The birth of their baby not only added joy to their life but also helped Shelby integrate more deeply into the local community.
Shelby’s advice for others considering Curaçao as a home? Engage with locals. She advised that they are the best source of up-to-date information and insights, especially when online resources fall short.
As for Shelby and her family, they envision a future rooted in Curaçao, with plans to raise their child amidst the island’s vibrant culture and community.
