November tested me in every possible way. From fighting for forex, scrambling to secure my Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), handling business chaos, unexpected health concerns in the family, and even some very questionable life decisions, this month had it all.
And yet, I survived. Barely, but I did.
The Never-Ending Forex Struggle
By now, I should be used to the absolute madness that is trying to access USD in Trinidad, but this month pushed my patience to the limit. With my December trip fast approaching, I started to panic about whether I’d actually be able to go.
So, like a rational person (or so I thought), I called Scotiabank, expecting at least some level of assistance. Instead, I was met with a rude reminder that 10 years of loyal banking means absolutely nothing when you’re a small business owner fighting for forex access.
That was the moment I knew I needed options.
I started applying for new bank accounts because clearly, diversification isn’t just for investments, it’s for survival.
- FCB? Done in ONE day. Finally, some efficiency.
- Republic? Took two weeks, but at least they followed through.
- RBC? Their requirements were similar to bringing both grandparents in with a letter from their teacher and a pint of blood and to make matters worse, the rep assigned to me refused to even have a conversation. If you can’t show basic respect, I’m out. No RBC for me.
In the meantime, I had to get creative (again):
- Using my $500 USD limit on my Scotia card
- Wiring money from my local accounts to myself in the US
- Using other people’s credit cards just to keep my business operational
I wish I was joking. I know it sounds like a joke. So far fetched like how can’t you get USD in a country like Trinidad? My friends in other countries can’t even comprehend that this is an issue. The local joke that Trinidad is not a real place is starting to solidify oui. Trinidad, fix your forex problem.
The Blue Food Festival & My Embarrassing Moment of Fame
Amidst all the banking nonsense, I managed to have fun/make a fool of myself. This is a matter of perspective lol
Now, I could’ve just enjoyed the food and moved on, but apparently, my life had other plans. Somehow, I ended up on stage, singing and dancing, all for a free t-shirt.
Let’s set the scene:
I had just left the gym and was still in my workout clothes.
I was gross, sweaty, and not remotely stage-ready.
I was surrounded by people who actually knew how to sing.
And yet, there I was, belting my heart out like I was auditioning for a record deal.
Dingolay..ahhh Dingolay a a a!
The worst part? My gym mates saw EVERYTHING. I pray to every deity that no footage ever surfaces. But hey, at least I got the shirt.
If you are a true Trinbagonian…. join in!! Video with lyrics here just for you 🙂
The Digital Nomad Visa Rollercoaster
Somewhere between fighting for forex and public humiliation, I also started my DTV Visa application for Thailand.
I’d love to say the #1 reason for this trip is business. Connecting with suppliers, expanding opportunities, etc. but if I’m honest, this trip is about self-reflection and discovery.
Who am I when no one knows me? What new parts of myself will emerge? Will I step up to challenges or hide in my comfort zone?
The visa process itself was an emotional rollercoaster:
I wanted this and you know how you get when you actually want something. You apply pressure!
I meticulously did the application giving more than what they needed.
I uploaded my business bank statement instead of my personal one. Rejected.
I wrote a sponsorship letter stating that my business was sponsoring me, the individual (because technically, that’s true).
Approved in 24 hours.
Start to finish a total of six days, BOOM, 5-year Thailand visa secured.
Pins and needles waiting?Worth it? Absolutely. Yes.
Time to Dingolay!
Family Ties, Alzheimer’s Worries & Unfinished Business
November also forced me to confront something far more unsettling than forex problems and visa applications: family health.
Mum has only two surviving siblings, one abroad and one here in Trinidad. We finally made the effort to visit her local brother, and it was an overdue, heartwarming reunion. Too many years had passed. But beneath the joy of reconnecting, something deeply unsettling took root.
Something wasn’t right.
At first, it was little things, repeating stories, losing his train of thought mid-sentence, struggling to recall simple details. I brushed it off as forgetfulness. But the more I watched, the more it felt eerily familiar. The same blank moments I saw in my grandmother before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
It hit me like a gut punch. Does he have it? Everyone around him, children grandchildren etc seemed aware but no one spoke of the elephant in the room.
Will Mum Get It? Will I?
My grandmother had Alzheimer’s. Now, her son is showing signs. That terrifying question began circling in my mind:
Is this what’s coming for Mum? For me?
Watching someone you love slowly forget the life they built is a pain I don’t know how to prepare for. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just steal memories. It erases relationships, identities, and independence.
Would there come a day when Mum looks at me and doesn’t remember who I am?
Will I wake up one day and forget my own story?
The thought is chilling.
For now, I focus on what I can control:
- Prioritizing Mum’s health
- Researching early prevention strategies
- Making sure we cherish every moment we still have
Because if this month taught me anything, it’s that relationships need watering. You don’t get time back. And I don’t want to live with regrets.
Phone Woes & The FedEx Tragedy
If November wasn’t chaotic enough, my phone crashed.
The repair process? A joke. The rental fees to go back and forth to the technician ended up costing more than a budget replacement.
Then, FedEx lost the replacement board.
At this point, I had two options:
Stress and rage.
Laugh, move on, and focus on Thailand.
I chose option two.
Then this wasn’t the only little stressor that snuck through.
Let’s talk about bad advice.
My friend Lisa. Yes, you’re being called out. This woman convinced me to wait until “Travel Tuesday” to buy my Thailand tickets.
Spoiler: she was wrong.
The price went UP by $500 USD. And since we’re keeping things fair, Lisa, you officially owe me $500.
Prepping Mum & Her Last-Minute Health Crisis
With my trip weeks away, I created a detailed manual for Mum, a full dossier covering:
- Medication list & functions
- Doctor visit schedules & directions
- How to operate every remote in the house
Basically, a guide for her or anyone else helping while I’m gone.
Then suddenly, Mum started having tons of health issues. More doctor visits, more concerns. It was hard not to feel like she didn’t want me to leave. And honestly? I get it. I ensured we had fun befoe I left. We had a lovely dinner, spa date and random outings leading up to month end.
Final Thoughts:
November Was a Test
November was relentless. Between the forex struggles, visa stress, price hikes, tech failures, and family worries, I barely had time to breathe.
But somehow, through all the madness, everything worked out. Hate to sound cocky… but as usual. Everything worked out as usual. I really need to have more faith.
DTV Visa secured. Thailand, here I come.
- Business bank accounts diversified,
- Scotiabank, you’re dead to me.
- Flights booked….at a higher price, but booked.
- Mum taken care of. Whether she’s happy about it or not.
This month tested me, but I made it through.
Now, onto December and the next adventure.
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