You can only take your first solo trip once.

by Emma Shandalla (Canada)

A leap into the unknown Mexico

A year prior, I planned a trip to Mexico. It all sounded great until plans fell through. I was scared. I did not know what I would do. My scheduled flight was non-refundable. Is it meant to be? The suspense was high, would I survive in Mexico if I made the most of this trip? The suspense carried on throughout the night before I had to leave. I stayed up, I made sure everything was packed. My cats, Ralphie and Bellina would be safe and taken care of. Travel Insurance, money, passport, check. I seemed set. Now off to the airport, I was ready to escape the cold weather but not ready to enter the unknown. Security was a breeze until I learned that I could not take my sunscreen on the plane. Would I burn? When the plane eventually took off, I left the colder Canadian climate. A couple hours into my flight, I saw warmer weather creep up on me. That was my indicator to change from a winter jacket and boots to a summer outfit that was once deeply packed away. I eventually saw the Grand Canyon at another angle, this is all happening. Once I landed, I was on fire to leave customs and start my trip. I eventually checked in to my hotel and bought sunscreen. The only thing I was missing? My lover. Someone who has been with me every step of the way. Paradise in my own company was my only option. The next morning, I started seeing the sites. I walked through the beach until I found a private beach. This was my spot. I found the waves constantly pushing me into rocks while looking closely at shells. Eventually, I was worn out and re-energized through fish and shrimp on sticks and crushed oysters with Mexican salsa. Day two was spent with the dolphins. I learned that they are as cute and loving as my cats (don't tell them that though). I got kissed by a dolphin. After another long day on the beach, I shut it down! Day three was quite the travel to Majuitas Lake. Once I arrived, I went horseback riding through Yelapa village. When I got to the waterfall, I made sure to soak it all in (literally) and take pictures. Right before I left, I met an iguana and it sat behind my neck for pictures. Day four was Ocean Mania. It started with the Sea Lion grabbing my behind during the interaction (Luckily, the laws don't apply to them). Then when I went power snorkeling, I got stung by a jellyfish but kept going to the rest of the activities. Later on, without knowing the laws, I took myself on my walk through the beach. I made sure to put "LB + ES" in a heart without anyone knowing. Once I was told to not walk near the beach, I retired myself for the night. Day five was the Extreme Adventure Park. After being put through seven zip lines, I decided to drive my own UTV through a jungle. I learned that it was a rough path and my experience was filled with more emergency prayers then I can count! After all this intensity, my trip took a turn. The next three days I spent at a wellness retreat that was full of self-reflection, workshops, and meditation. Balance is key, right? Day nine was the Marietas tour. Started with snorkeling. The only thing is though, I didn't get loved up by a jellyfish. Afterward, I soaked up the most beautiful beach known to man. My last day was spent in San Sebastian. Learning the history of the Indigenous peoples of that land was quite informative along with the organic fruits, coffee, and buildings. The day of my departure is characterized by me smoking a cigar, drinking a caramel macchiato, and watching a performance by the Toltec people. In my hotel, I finally embraced reality by unzipping my jacket and got it ready to take to the airport. Paradise was a slice. Lots to taco bout! Moral of the story, "You will never know how far you can go until you step into the unknown."