Lets do it

by Lorena Perez (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown Mexico

Upon my arrival to the Cancun international airport, I felt thrilled to be there and ready to take on solo travel for the first time, far from home in a tropical and lively atmosphere. However, one of my first encounters was being flooded by travel agents trying to sell me overpriced tour packages. It was like an obstacle course trying to make my way out of the building. Although, I didn’t buy into the overpriced tourism packages, my naive and inexperienced brain cells were persuaded into buying a highly overpriced shuttle ride to the hotel that was about four times higher than the fair price. Luckily, the kind man who directed me to the shuttle stop asked what price I was given for my shuttle ride. After I answered him, he shook his head and as a disappointed look grew on his face, he came closer to me. In almost a whispering tone, he said I had been ripped off and advised me to go back in and exchange my shuttle ticket for the fair price. However, he emphasized that I must not tell anyone he informed me of this. Otherwise, he would lose his job since he worked for the airport. Only then did it hit me, I was completely on my own, in another country, thousands of miles away from home, with no solid plan about what to do or how to get around. I was vulnerable and perceived as an easy prey. A young woman, traveling on her own, small in size, and with a camera bag hanging by my side to empathize that I was tourist. If I had already been ripped off before even make it out of the airport, what more should I expect? Moments before getting on the shuttle, I took a couple deep breaths of the humid summer air and tried to release the tension that had built up. I told myself I would not let that experience define my trip, that I was on a mission to have a blast, and I did. It was an adventure in which one thing led to another, that led to another, that led to another. To start out the night, I went on a walk in search of the street tacos the shuttle driver had recommended. I spotted the tiny little booth out in the street and had dinner. After the long trip, I was tired and ready to get some rest at the hotel. However, it was a Friday night and the walk down the boulevard was very lit up. There was a lot of people walking around, music playing, people laughing, having ice cream, and clubs with thumping music that made the glass of the buildings vibrate. I stopped by this building to notice how the glass was vibrating, and I heard a voice talking to me. It was a promotor for the dance club asking if I wanted to enter. I shook my head and said no thanks I’m tired I got to get going. He did not give in and kept insisting that I at least go in and look at the place. I gave in and accepted. It was a great night filled dancing, karaoke performances, and I made a couple friends who were locals. The next day, the new friends I made invited me to the beach. We watched the sunset, laughed, played some games, and had some drinks as the music played in the background. They welcomed me into their group as a complete stranger and were very considerate. The next day I woke up and was feeling adventuresome. I decided to take a ferry to the island of Isla Mujeres with those same friends that I had barely met. They accepted and we spent the whole over there. After snorkeling in the crystal clear water and seeing the vibrantly colored fish, it was time for a meal. We had some amazing grilled fish that had been soaking in lime juice. Aside from the lovely water and great meal, I realized that it was more than that. It was about the company and being with the right people who can make the experience much more pleasant. I took a risk by going into the unknown, made some new friends and had a great time.