I’m a gay, Mexican-American vegetarian living an expat life with my partner. Tokyo, Hong Kong, now London. Will we ever make it back to New York? His job. My journey. Our adventure.
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The Trailing Partner Post 
16 comments
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April 25, 2007 at 12:38 pm
JP Morris
Welcome to being a foreigner, I followed my partner to Costa Rica.
I thought this was a bad culture shock, but you have me beat!
June 6, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Ania
Hey there! A voice from the past ( nothing scary – I used to work on your account when you first moved to Japan). Really like your blog! smart, funny and a little naughty!! Good to see you are doing well! Keep on writing – good stuff!
September 7, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Peter Trevino
Hola Compadre,
I am an expatriate also; but in reverse from you. I moved from Monterrey NL to the USA (Chicago) 30 years ago. Now I am living in your city, New York. I wasn’t following any partner, I was looking for one! And I found three. I am living with the third one, and last one for sure, for 13 years now, and going strong.
I’m glad to hear you are doing better than three years ago. You really were a fool to follow your partner out of New York City, albeit a lucky fool. This time it worked out fine, please don’t mess it up, it won’t happen again.
You are a great writer, I suppose that is your profession, if not, it should be. Consider it. You have a lot to tell, you have a great sense of humor — self deprecating humor (the best type) and you have Mexican blood in you, what that has to do with anything, I don’t know; but you ARE Mexican. So, keep up the great work, make us proud of you.
Pedro
February 27, 2008 at 3:42 am
bibomedia
Have a nice day !
August 4, 2009 at 8:09 am
Lauren
Hi there. I too am a trailing partner, though only part-time (the other part of the time I live in Paris). We just moved to Hong Kong from Tokyo– my boyfriend works for a French bank. I’m getting the feeling I know what building you live in (I’m writing this from Epoch cafe, which is actually how I found your blog). If it’s the one I’m thinking of, and I won’t give it away to preserve your anonymity on the blog, I’d love to get your thoughts on it. Feel free to drop me a line at laurenelkin at gmail dot com. Or not, as you like.
Cheers,
Lauren
August 10, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Tem M.T.
Hi there,
I was hoping we could use your ’scribing’ talent for our website.
the best shows you’re not watching . com
You blogged about Fareed Zakaria which is one of our featured “BSwatch” shows. We’re hoping to round up a few people who can occasionally contribute perspective (via an article/blog) on the shows – maybe a recent episode, future direction, plot shortcomings etc.
What’s in it for you?
Primarily a larger audience back channeled to your blog. We don’t pay but the site has a lot of promise and we’re pretty excited about getting it off the ground. Let me know what you think
Thanks
Tem M.T.
Junior Editor
April 29, 2010 at 7:27 am
Jessica
Hi! I just discovered your blog, and I want to say that I’m really enjoying it. You have a very clear writing voice, and you’re funny without being over-the-top or snarky. I particularly dug your most recent post about the genki taxi driver…my brother lives in Japan and after a very brief visit to Tokyo, I could understand going a little crazy there!
Anyway, keep up the writing! It’s good stuff, and I wish you and your partner luck in your travels. 🙂
October 31, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Jason
“I’m a gay, Mexican-American vegetarian living in Asia with my partner.” There’s a sitcom in there somewhere for sure:)
Just moved to Ship above Iyara. As a transplant from LA, it never occurred that there are places in the world that DON’T have a taco stand on every corner. Where do I get decent Mexican?!!! And don’t say Mr. Taco Truck. bleh.
February 15, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Steve Wilson
Love your blog, love it!! Funny, classic and the offering the masses the truth on why children and parties don’t mix? Awesome!!
July 9, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Alex B
I’m not sure if you’ve moved on in your life (whether you’re back home in NYC or just don’t feel like writing anymore), but I want to say that I really miss reading your blog. Your amusing stories and razor-sharp wit made TTP one of my favorite spots on the Internet. I used to constantly check for updates (and it was always a good day when I found a new post), so you can imagine how disappointed I am to see it come to such an unexplained end. My excessive hope/optimism leads me to check back periodically for a new post, but always nothing 😦 Anyway, all that is to say that if you ever feel like posting an update for your loyal readership, we’d be thrilled and appreciative!
Hope you’re doing well.
July 11, 2011 at 8:16 pm
lealdaza
Thank you, Alex! I’ve been lazy, then back in the US, then jet lagged and now just lazy again. I treat this blog as a diary and ask (demand) that my partner not read it. It’s therapy for me. Some days I need therapy more than others. Back in Tokyo, I needed it a lot. Now, I just want to share travel tips (and vent). OK, I still need therapy. Can’t lie.
May 27, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Felix Rivinius
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July 1, 2012 at 9:59 am
Gayle
Just found this blog tonight and I am crackin up! Do you know anyone personally who is living gluten free in Asia? I have celiac disease and we are planning our trip of a lifetime to Asia in 5 years when our son graduates high school. Thanks for the blog.
July 4, 2012 at 4:35 am
lealdaza
No. Depending on where you stay, you might find your hotel your best friend. They tend to deal better with foreigners with food issues. Be careful though, some restaurants will say it’s OK for you to eat it when it’s not. I’d stick with dishes and cuisines that tend to have what is safe. Why wait five years? Go with your hubby while you can. That way, you’ll know where to take your son. Five years is a long time.
February 24, 2014 at 2:58 am
Scott
Enjoyed your blog. I’m a New Yorker, currently a trailing “spouse” in Hong Kong with my partner of 20 years. Soon to be relocating to Tokyo. Curious how you made your way legally. I plan to enroll in Japanese classes and try to pick up some work eventually. What a pain. HK so much easier. Thanks!
August 7, 2014 at 8:52 am
DS
Hey! I live in Tokyo. Same life, same realities.
I like your blog. The way you write, express and react to things.
You are funny, witty and seriously intelligent at the same time.
Gob Bless you!
Keep Writing 🙂