Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Adios Mexico: See you next sunset



image provided by Stephen Wilson

I woke up on my last day in Mexico to the sounds of the ocean. From my room I had direct access plus the incredible view of the Pacific thanks to patio doors that opened wide and let in the sights, sounds and very fresh air. You can either sleep well to that, or wonder to yourself; "Just how angry can an ocean get?" Or both. In this case, I chose to think of it as a peaceful sound, and it is truly gorgeous to watch the waves crash onto the beach.

Now I had mentioned a few posts back about sharing a story that involved my swimming in that same water. Or trying at the very least to attempt to swim in it. I will state that the first few attempts were disasters. The surf is not fun when the waves are high and strong. Oh it's great for surfers, but for regular folks? Not so much. Tell me who enjoys being tossed around like rag dolls or worse that literally sinking feeling that you might just be pulled out into the deep, dark waters? I shivered myself just reading that. Truly not for the faint of heart.

So it was on the last day in Mexico that one more attempt was made to navigate the waters. I am happy to report that my partner and I did it and even better? We survived! The surf was very calm that day and wow, what a change to the swimming environment. It was enjoyable, refreshing and a reminder to make sure, in the future, to swim in a place that has a quieter surf. After that experience, I just had to ask the staff at Rancho Pescadero if swimming is encouraged at the resort because we all know what it means to assume something. Short answer? Not really recommended. Apparently if you walk a few kilometers up the beach from the ranch there is an area suitable for swimming. Oh well, live and learn right? Holidays are not just about fun but also about mistakes. And learning from them. I think.

Another part of the trip that was oh-so-pleasurable was waking up to a basket at our front door. Just a basket you might be asking yourself? That was pleasurable? Boy you’re an easy to please traveller aren’t you. But wait, not so fast. This wasn’t just any basket. Inside the beautifully hand woven basket contained a delectable light breakfast of Mexican coffee, a plate of fresh fruit with watermelon, melon and pineapple slices and a freshly baked scone. Trust me, enjoying the contents of that basket on your private patio, with the warm wind and a view of the ocean is just about the greatest way to start any day. Leave the room? Ha! Not with this sort of treatment, but leave you must and it was worth it, if only to just sit by the beach, listen to the waves, watch the whales in the distance(!) and just gather your thoughts

To revisit a theme, I have to reiterate my thoughts about travel and in particular, my personal view that it is as much about learning as it is to have fun. Travelling means you will have highs and lows, but the most important question you should ask yourself is this: what did you learn? Did you pick up a language, or even just a simple phrase? Did you sample the cuisine, or just taste a local delicacy? Did you engage with the local population, get to know the people, who they are, what they do and what they think of their country (and you visiting it). It's a chance to expand your boundaries, your knowledge, and to see that life is not just confined to your front door or the trips from home to work and back again.

Live life. Eat life. Change your life and escape to something new, something exciting when the chance arrives. I know that when sun, sand and sea beckons, my bags are packed and my mouth is ready to say “Hola Mexico!“ Until then, Adios, until I see you again.


image courtesy of James Mauro

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