05: It's Like For Real Now.
Week one, you've been a doozie. I prepared for a tidal wave of emotion that would happen while traveling but I had no idea that I would experience the full spectrum of human emotion on an hourly basis. First things first, I started this journey sick. Traveling while you're sick is the worst, this feels like extra awful since there is no "just power through, you're on vacation" mode. It has been a lesson in setting limits, saying no and taking care of myself. All things easier said than done. While I have "unlimited time" to travel and thus taking care of myself should be easy, there's always an uneasy feeling that I will never be back to any of these places so I need to just rally. I've had to balance the internal struggle of "I'll never be back again" and "Nope, don't want to do that I'm sick". Definitely a tricky situation to be in but I think I navigated it with some grace and humor, ultimately choosing what mattered most to me on each day. In retrospect, I consider what it would have looked like if I had postponed this trip by a few days or even a week. I definitely would have felt physically better but at the time the sense of urgency to get on the road made me ignore my physical limitations. As I sit here writing this, I'm filing this away in the back of my mind as a good reminder for my future self. As I continue to travel it is very likely that I will have other debilitating times (both physical and emotional) and a reminder how I take care of myself then.
Really the lesson and big takeaway of week 1 is that everything is a constant stream of information, learning and adapting. Chaos in action. Or perhaps a more positive spin, the only constant is change. On a daily basis I wonder to myself where the day went? How can I be this exhausted? I haven't really done anything. But in reality, my brain is working on overdrive to navigate a foreign land, language, money and rules. In Mexico City I overheard a fellow traveler say that he didn't like staying in one hostel or hotel for more than 3-4 days. He would rather move around, experience new things and people. That couldn't be further from my truth. I want to find some normalcy in the sea of chaos and stay put for as long as I can. So far, that feels like around 1 week in each location. That time span gives me some ability to understand the neighborhood and transportation and where I can find food. Let's be real, in Mexico I'm very food motivated. I haven't had a bad meal yet! Also, I packed way too much and my backpack is so heavy and I'd rather not be shlepping it around every 3 days.
Teotihuacan Pyramids outside of Mexico City with my 48 hour friends
And on the total flip side. This is fucking amazing. Mexico has blown away all of my expectations and hopes. The country is amazing. The people are warm and friendly. It's safe! Americans, Mexico is totally safe to travel. I am not in any danger and in fact, this feels like the safest country I may be in. Specifically, Mexico City feels real and raw and beautiful and gritty. I've had some of the most amazing experiences already with people that are also unexpectedly beautiful and kind.
Yes! I ate all of the tacos. And ice. And lettuce. And I'm still alive.
I've been doing this for a little over a week. I don't have a clue how to do this so I remind myself that this is a learning curve. Month 1 I'm giving myself patience and open curiosity, and a little extra budget to figure it all out. Ok, maybe more than a little extra budget. Oops! It still feels like vacation. I try to fill my days with things to do and sites to see but in reality my budget won't afford that. All things I'm still figuring out and thinking about.
Lastly, because I love a good bulleted list, here are also my other thoughts and musings over the past week.
Oh dang, this is the most brilliant thing ever
- Hello! Street tacos! So cheap, so good. And everywhere in Mexico. Thank god.
- Mexico City's subway (the Metro) is 5 pesos per ride, or $.25. It's safe and very easy to use. I totally thought I'd be mugged on it. Nope, just don't be an idiot and you're all good.
- Autobuses in Mexico are like 🔥 + 💯 = EXPLOSION. Other than figuring out how to flush the onboard toilets, they're A-mazing luxury liners of transportation.
OMG, this was easier than I expected
- Uber! Ok, I fully see the conflict in supporting Uber but it's so so so helpful and easy and cheap. Internal conflicts aside, it's been a life saver.
- Turns out meeting people is pretty easy. Yes, there have been a few days I wasn't with people but for the most part, it's been really fun and interesting to have new 24 - 48 hour friends.
Well, this is sort of awful
- Speaking Spanish. This is the challenge of all challenges. I've been lucky enough to hitch my wagon to a few people who are way more adept than I. Also, I'm heading to a 2 week Spanish course because what I've heard is Mexico is the most English friendly of all the places I'm going. It's time to put that high school Spanish to use, ay dios mio.
- I noticed early on that in grocery stores there are many elderly workers who bag your groceries. It was a sort of curious thing to see but didn't really think much of it until I was informed that these people are in essence volunteers in the store and not paid salaries. They are working for tips only. I totally stiffed many people without realizing it at all. I had no idea and I still feel awful.
- Most public restrooms cost 5-7 pesos to use. Ok fine, I can get behind that. However, many don't supply any TP. Learned that lesson the hard way and now I carry papel with me.
- M
