We are in 2018 when Monica and her husband, along with their children, decided to go on a trip. They were both employed in the retail industry in Italy and wanted to take charge of their lives and experience new sensations. So, they moved to Malta, and then to Spain amidst the pandemic. Then, one day, an unexpected opportunity came knocking at their door: a job in Martinique! They didn't waste any time and rushed to this island in the West Indies, a French overseas department.
Tell us more about you. Where are you from, and how long have you been away from Italy?
Well, I'm a 52-year-old woman, and if I had to describe myself, I would say that I'm very spontaneous and a liberated person, free from ordinary life standards.
We are a normal family. We also have a dog, which without a doubt, has a great life since it has always traveled with us. We left Italy at the beginning of the summer 2018.
It took us a year to make that decision. We wanted to experience new emotions and start afresh. My husband and I were both working in retail, but he wanted to reinvent himself. He was a sales manager but always came back tired, fed up with a job that burdened him with no reward. Since he loved cooking, he preferred to enroll in an evening school specialized in catering.
This was, in fact, a winning move because his work now allows us to discover other landscapes.
On the other hand, we should never forget that Italy has one of the best gastronomies in the world and that Italian cooks are in great demand.
Our children were still teenagers, and it was rather complicated to drop everything and leave, but to everyone's surprise, the kids were absolutely thrilled.
Our first experience was Malta, then we went to the Costa Blanca, and it was that unexpected opportunity that brought us to Martinique.
So how did you decide to move to Martinique?
Good question! We moved to Alicante in January 2020. As happy as we were and unaware that we would soon be housebound for several months due to COVID.
Once we got over the pandemic, we started meeting people and visiting a few places again, and in April 2021, my husband received a very interesting job offer.
I think it only took us a few hours to decide. Maybe even less! Considering our lifestyle choice, we had to take that shot. We knew we were going to be living far away from the rest of the world, but we still felt comfortable knowing that we would still be within the European Community. And now we live in the south of the island, in Sainte-Luce, a very pretty little village.
Do Italians or Europeans need to apply for a visa to live in Martinique? Are there any other formalities to complete in order to obtain residency?
In order to live and reside in Martinique, you do not require much of anything. However, one of the most important documents to have in order to work and get health care is a birth certificate. There is another document that not many people know about but that I have found very useful: the "livret de famille international". It is a document that the municipality issues to residents for free, and I highly recommend it.
What are the job opportunities for Italians and Europeans in Martinique, and in what sectors?
After COVID, tourism in Martinique is mainly made up of French and, to a smaller extent, of English or Americans. It is clear that in the hospitality sector and in tourism in general, there are real opportunities because there is a high turnover in between seasons. The main requirement is a good knowledge of the French language.
What are you views on the cost of living in Martinique (rent, bills, food, transportation)?
It is somewhat tricky to assess the cost of living in these times. There is an excessive increase in demand for everything, everywhere. But in general, Martinique is a rather expensive destination, especially when it comes to food and clothing. It is advisable to travel to this island without having high expectations and to try to adapt to the local customs. Otherwise, it is best to visit the local supermarkets and check out the best deals.
As far as transportation is concerned, it is absolutely essential to have your own car in Martinique, while knowing that gasoline is at 1.60 € per liter! The cost of a bus ticket is not that bad, but the lines are not always well-served, and cabs are very expensive.
As there is no need for heating by gas in Martinique, the electricity bill is the biggest expense, and it depends mainly on how much air conditioning is used.
But if you live in a well-ventilated house, air conditioning is not absolutely necessary. The rents are high, but not much different from those in Malta or Spain, where salaries are much lower. The problem, if there is one, is the scarcity of properties available on the market.
How do you spend your days in Martinique, and what do you like to do in your free time?
I am very fortunate because I have a lot of free time. Since I arrived in Martinique, I have never had any problems with jet lag. My body adapted immediately.
I wake up very early, and I live life to the fullest all day, but in the evening, I go to sleep pretty early.
I practice water aerobics in the morning, and every other day, I go underwater fishing with my son.
I paint, garden, create crafts, but most of all, I enjoy walking around the island by myself and taking pictures.
What is the climate like in Martinique?
If you like hot weather, you'll get served here! The climate is unquestionably tropical, with temperatures that are warm all year round. They may vary by a few degrees, but not much.
It should also be noted that there are no classic seasons as we know them. The rainy season starts in June and ends around November. During this time of year, there is a lot of rainfall, and the humidity increases considerably. Also, during this period, there is a risk of tropical cyclones.
There are probably other aspects of island life, both positive and negative, that one only discovers by living there. What are they?
I'll say it right off the bat! Living on an island is certainly not easy! But I have already had an island experience, and I love it.
If you are looking for a laid-off ambiance, contact with nature, the simplicity of things, and a slow flow of time, then you are in the right place!
Believe me when I say that wherever I go, I have not found any negative aspects, and if I did, it was because of a problem I have, with a stereotypical way of life that society, unfortunately, imposes on you and that I managed to get rid of with difficulty.
Here, we live our days in all simplicity. I am happy when I go out on my terrace and discover in the basket on the table mangoes or bananas that my neighbor went to pluck earlier. I am happy when I enjoy rum with the locals, and happy when I cook the fish we catch. For me, this is Martinique: simplicity and lightheartedness!
