What happens when life forces you to start over - with almost nothing? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alex Krotkov, a Russian expat who arrived in southern Mexico with just $300 and built a completely new life in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Alex shares how he navigated uncertainty, adapted to a new culture, learned Spanish, and found opportunity in unexpected places - from the small beach town of Zipolite to the growing expat community in Puerto Escondido. His story highlights the realities of living in Mexico as an expat, including integration, community support, and the mindset required to rebuild from scratch. This episode goes beyond typical retirement conversations - it’s about resilience, adaptability, and designing a life on your own terms. Whether you’re exploring Mexico expat life, considering a move for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation offers real stories, honest perspective, and powerful lessons on creating a new beginning in Mexico. Key Moments:  04:34 Oaxaca: Mexico’s Cultural Treasure 08:18 "Embracing Change and New Paths" 10:05 "Finding Clay, Kilns, Community" 13:51 "Turning Life Around: Perseverance" 17:13 "Growing Town, Limited Infrastructure" 19:59 "Puerto Vallarta's New Highway" How to contact Alex Krotkov :    Website Alex Krotkov.com Email:  [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.krotkov.photographer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.krotkov/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krotkov.weddings/   Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...   Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/   Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian   Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition   Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893