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RTW 2022
  • Christie Mitchell

RTW 2022

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (Winnie-the-Pooh) Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 22, 2022
    Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell

    Last week in SC - 4 days to DC

    March 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 36 °F

    An adventure around the world … I should be ecstatic, but I’m so anxious. It’s 3:00am and I can’t get to sleep as I have so many thoughts running through my head.

    It’s become very real now that I’m down to the last week here at home. I’ve been working hard for about six weeks to get everything ready, and I’m close to being on track to finishing all that was needed to be done to leave. A lot to do to store away my life for a 11 month absence - rent the house, store my things, finances, bills, the cat, the car, vaccinations … the list goes on and on.

    I wonder daily if this was a good decision … quitting my job, throwing caution to the wind and just taking off during such unprecedented times. But When I really think it through it makes perfect sense … take the trip now while I still can, while I’m still relatively “young” before my health fails me as I age. And when would Jordan ever be available to go with me again? The memories to be made together!!! It will be SO much more enjoyable to travel with company. So … 4 days till we leave SC. No turning back now. 😃    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
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    Made it to DC

    March 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Finished cleaning out the house and made the 8-9 hr drive to DC to deliver Brody to Adam — his new roomie for the next 10 months.

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Adam took this
    1Adam took this tooBut I took this one

    Last full day in DC with Adam

    March 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 55 °F

    Spent our last full day in DC - Cherry Blossoms we’re in full bloom. Beautiful city.

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    3

    Mazatlan, Mexico!

    March 23, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Flew in today and got settled. I love the ocean. ❤️

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell

    Reality vs posting perfect?

    March 23, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    So I’ve debated how I want to post on this site — picture perfect, positive, only showing the pretty parts of the trip (think Instagram or Facebook) or … reality, and how I feel about the reality I’m experiencing. From this point on, I’m choosing reality. I figure, if people aren’t interested in that, they can look at the pictures and move on. To each their own.

    So yesterday was rough. Airline travel often is. I’ve flown a lot before, but not internationally so I feel like an infant going thru immigration and such. Im so unsure of myself. I’m sure after a few countries, I’ll be a pro.

    This trip is not a world tour of resorts — we’re doing this “affordably” which means budget hotels/hostels with an occasional nicer Airbnb thrown in; buses or multi person shuttles instead of private taxis’s; Eating in the “real world”, not confining ourselves to the tourist areas. So saying that I had a lot of culture shock when I landed. Riding in the shuttle bus from the airport into the city - so much poverty and filth and EVERYONE speaking Spanish around me. (My 2 yrs of jr. high Spanish hasn’t gotten me very far) It didn’t take me long to wonder what the hell I was doing here - buyers regret of sorts. It got nicer the closer we got to the beach, but still so much different then what I’m used to. So I am very overwhelmed so far - cried at least 4 times today. The language barrier is CRAZY - I have never been where I can’t be understood or understand those around me. In Cancun (2007) we were either in the resort, or on tours led by the resort. Either way, everyone spoke English around me. Spoiled. This trip is MUCH different. I’m already having anxiety about going to Thailand, Vietnam or Egypt and battling the language barrier there! I guess we’ll figure it out somehow.

    I was thinking on the plane - I almost feel like this trip is a tribute to my mom, dad and Rodney. Taking a trip that they never got to. Rod died before he could use his hard earned retirement $$, and my parents health issues became their priority from their early 60’s to their death. They didn’t and couldn’t see the world. Rod may have had no desire to do this, especially roughing it more like we’re doing, and not sure about my dad. But my mom would love this, and would have gone with me in a heartbeat if she could have. In her later years she asked me multiple times to take her places. Push her wheelchair, carry her bags, and see the world — and other than granting her dieing wish of the family Alaskan cruise, I always said no. I regret that now so much. I wish I could go back and have that time with her now. ❤️ So I’m traveling with all three of them in mind - a salute, a tribute to them - going where they weren’t able to.

    So here’s to tomorrow. A new day. Hopefully it will get easier. But regardless, it will still be an experience I’ve probably NEVER had. Be brave, be smart, be strong.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Streets of Mazatlan

    Centro Historico

    March 25, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Beautiful day exploring Centro Historico, or old town. The temp is an ideal 75-79 and blue sky - amazing. Sat oceanside and had seafood tostadas and guac — and a HUGE pina colada. Simple pleasures. It was awesome.

    Still feeling like an infant. Making inaccurate assumptions - like the bus must only take coins, or have to have exact change like olden day US buses. We walked around for an hour trying to get pesos in the form of coins … they make change from bills on the bus. Who knew? Oh yeah .. they did! 😂Woops. And the money - I feel so stupid trying to figure out how much their coins are worth. The bills are so much more resilient than ours (plastic coated) and are beautifully colored. (Honestly everything is so colorful here - the buildings are gorgeous.)

    it’s going to take a bit for me to not instinctively think something is way too expensive when it’s marked $100. They use the $ sign here even tho it’s in pesos. Jordan has to keep reminding me that it’s only $5 - if not, my mind thinks $100.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    112

    10 mile walk … it was a challenge!!

    March 26, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    What an exhausting day! When I left the US, I figured I’d either gain 50 lbs from eating all over the world - or I’d lose 50 from walking halfway there. So far, walking is winning out..

    We hiked up El Faro - highest lighthouse in the America’s, 2nd highest in the world. Not a huge distance - only 1.5 miles, but VERY steep and ended with 386 steps. It was a challenge, at least for me. Lots of stray cats live on the mountain - all very thirsty. 😢 A cloud bank rolled in while we were up there - it was beautiful. And there was a glass floor overlook that definitely brought some anxiety out in me, but still a cool experience.

    The seafood here is incredible! We sat on the beach, feet in the sand, and had another great lunch with another great pina colada. (Served in a hollowed out pineapple!) May be my drink of choice for awhile.

    Then Jordan got a wild hair to walk all the way back to our Airbnb. 5 miles, on the beach. Gorgeous weather, walking in the surf. Paid for it tho with some very sore legs/feet and some sunburn, but so relaxing and pretty. And hopefully getting stronger for the more strenuous adventures to come.

    Since Rod died, I haven’t really taken any extended time for myself. I had to get working full time right away when he died to provide me and the kids our much needed health insurance, help with college expenses, figure out how I was going to make payments on a house I couldn’t afford, how I was going to survive without my partner in life, and main bread winner. (The price of being a stay at home mom for 20 years.) I put my head down and got what was needed done. It’s been a long 4+ years to get financially stable (changing my life drastically by moving to SC to find affordable housing) and it’s a relief to finally feel like I CAN just breathe, and know life is going to be okay if I take this time for myself.

    I’ve definitely chilled out some. No anxiety today and no tears. 😃 Just trying to enjoy whatever experience comes my way. It’s such a different way to live life - no real responsibilities, no consistency or normalcy - everyday is a different experience or adventure, but getting used to it. Won’t go on forever, so need to soak it in and learn to enjoy every bit of it. Before I know it, I’ll be back at work with all the normalcy I can handle.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    1
    6

    First sunset

    March 27, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Walking home from dinner/sunset there were hundreds of these small birds in the trees. The video won’t do the sounds justice.

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    2
    2221

    Only paid “tour” we took

    March 28, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    We did our only tour in Mazatlan today - spent the day on “Stone Island”. It was well worth the $$. Also saw a cliff diver on the way to the boat. Crazy high into just a few feet of water.

    I was amazed by the amount of stray animals there are here. We had a couple friendly pups join us on the beach for a bit. Every male was not neutered that we saw, so the problem probably just grows exponentially.

    The people I’ve met here are so wonderful. Friendly. So family oriented. They have been kind. Caring. Multiple times, as I’ve been searching for the right bills to pay for something, the locals will quickly jump to help me pay what I need. (I have it, just trying to find it). They have such a generous spirit with the little they have. They work HARD here - the jobs I see everyone doing here are not easy. This short time in Mazatlan certainly has busted any incorrect preconceived stereotype I may have had.

    Ended our day with another sunset from the roof of our Airbnb.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    2

    Last day in Mazatlan

    March 29, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    It’s our Last day in Mazatlan - moving on tomorrow. This has been a wonderful start. Finished our stay up right with another long walk on the beach and a beautiful meal. Picked a place over-looking the ocean and watched another gorgeous sunset. Amazing how that never gets old, and crazy how affordable places like this are that would be way out of my price range in the US.

    Had to climb all those stairs to get to the restaurant. Not too hard, surprisingly. I’m already feeling much stronger just in a week of being more active. Also, the hill/mt in the pics is the lighthouse we climbed earlier in the week.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    13

    Travel day

    March 30, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Spent the entire day on all sorts of transportation - taxi, plane, Uber, luxury bus, and Uber again - to get from Mazatlan, via Mexico City, to San Miguel de Allende. This is a quaint little town about 3.5 hrs north of Mexico City. We got in after dark so haven’t seen much of it, but what we could see was absolutely beautiful. Once we got back to our Airbnb, Jordan said how thankful she was to just not be in motion. The bus ride was awesome - just relaxing, watching the scenery go past in comfort - loved it. Once we got out of the city, it was such pretty country.

    Our family has always self-identified with the Winnie the Pooh characters - Rodney was Eyore (often melancholy), Adam is Pooh bear (kind hearted), Jordan is Tigger (fearless and impulsive) and I, I am Piglet (the very cautious scared wee little creature that’s sure the sky is falling). And I seem to become more and more “Piglety “ as I age. I do try challenging things, but boy they scare me like I was never scared before. And once I do something scary, I tend to fall apart after - this is all new to me since Rod died. Not sure why it’s so bad now … maybe cause I’ve seen first hand how life can turn on a dime and the worst imaginable can happen? I don’t know. I gather a therapist could have a field day with it all, but for now, it is what it is. All I can do is keep putting myself out there.

    So tonight, pulling into a small Mexican town, in the dark, navigating finding our Airbnb in quiet unknown streets was a challenge for me emotionally. Jordan (Tigger) of course was unphased - probably both her personality and the joys of youthful innocence on her side I suppose. But we made it, safe and sound! I can’t wait to see this city in the light of day because it is amazing lit up at night!    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Out hotel door
    The vestibule inside our hotelOur "penthouse"Our beautiful patio on the roofJordan drawing what she sees1Every door is a businessInside, behind the big doors

    Our Airbnb and streets in San Miguel

    March 31, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    When we arrived at our Airbnb (turned out to be a 6 room hotel), it looked like a VERY rundown doorway, and when we opened it up it was a vestibule that was completely dark inside. Up the 6 flights of stairs to find our room on the roof. Scary that first night, but it’s turned out to be very pretty, especially lounging in the roof.

    The city is so interesting. Every business or hotel has a facade - a door at the street that is completely locked down. They open the first door and it opens up to a market, or a hotel, or a painting studio inside. Some areas are HUGE. So the streets are just rows and rows of these mostly closed or locked doorways.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Restaurant for breakfast1

    Beautiful churches everywhere

    March 31, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We spent the day walking around the city. I don't think I've ever been somewhere (yet) with such ancient history. San Miguel was founded in the early 1500's - crazy to think people have been walking on these same streets for the last 500 years!

    There are gorgeous Catholic Churches everywhere. I can’t imagine the time, money and effort that went into building these.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Really?Police patroling everywhereSo many stairs21Dinner on a rooftopMariache band playing in square

    El Mirador

    March 31, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We hiked around the city for hours today and eventually went up … up … up hundreds of stairs. Made our way to El Mirador or the lookout. It was beautiful view and day.

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Breakfast courtyard
    La GrutaJordanThe "sauna"Restaurant for dinnerSuch NARROW streetsView from the rooftop of our placeLove sunsets ... anywhere and everywhereFront Street from our rooftop

    Glorious hotsprings!

    April 1, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We started the day at a beautiful cafe for breakfast. Again, we entered through this less than appealing doorway to find a gorgeous outdoor courtyard. And the food was good too!

    We then spent the day at La Gruta hot springs and it was amazing, and again, so affordable. 250 pesos each (or approx $12) for the entire day!

    There were multiple pools of natural mineral water, all in varying temperatures, but all so warm and relaxing. Some so hot they were almost uncomfortable. There was a tunnel leading into a cavern, which felt like being in a sauna. I’ve never been anywhere like this, and loved every minute.

    I’ll be sad to leave this quaint little town. It’s truly wonderful. I can see why expats from the US settle here.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Breakfast this morning
    Fabrica la AuroraAdorable skelton paintingHorse sculpture made of bolts, nuts and nailsWooden clocksBeautiful vasesHar salesperson on the streetCasket shopStreet icecream!Street taco stand1

    So much art

    April 2, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We spent most of our day walking through Fabrica La Aurora - a massive art center. Mostly Mexican artists on display in room after room. Jordan was thrilled.

    The things we found walking the streets … the oddest one was the casket shop. I couldn’t stop taking pics of the buildings at night - just captivating.

    San Miguel de Allende has been a pleasant surprise and a nice change from the beach. Nice break, but looking forward to get back to the ocean tomorrow.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell

    Adam joined us!

    April 3, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Travel day to Cancun - Adam joined us for the next 9 days! Jordan’s stayed in her share of hostals on her solo travels, but this is a first for Adam and me. We got a private room, but still roughing it for sure.

    Jordan has been drawing everyday in a sketchbook. Sometimes of things she sees along the way, sometimes not - she ends up doing it on the run like today, so the plane had to do. Been neat watching her improvement. She’s on TikTok @jomitchell14 or instagram @jochristine.jpg if you feel like seeing what’s she’s drawing.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Our "waiter", Diego
    Milk he poured usADO bus to Playa del CarmenRental carDinner outVisitor at dinner1Pool at the airbnb

    Tulum

    April 4, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    We survived our night in the hostal … to be honest it was more than okay. I met a few people from other countries - it was nice. We had breakfast there and the cooks 3 yr old son, Diego, entertained us. He poured and served us 3 glasses of milk (not asked for), took our order (he thought) and then played with us till the food arrived. He was very adorable.

    I discovered I had been scammed at the Cancun airport by what I thought was a real taxi driver the night before. It was a fake who deceived and conned us into believing he was the best way to the city. In the end, paid WAY more than I should have for a short ride - lots of lessons learned. Kind of upsetting, but can’t do anything now but learn from it.

    Took an ADO bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen where I bravely rented a car for the next four days for our time in Tulum. Driving in Mexico is quite the harrowing experience. I definitely prefer walking and public transportation- get to sit back and enjoy the country instead of stressing while driving. Just a different feel.

    Our Airbnb is excellent (again) and can’t wait to get out tomorrow and see the sites here.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Jordan getting ready to dive
    Beginning of cenoteNot our photo - represents where she went1Not our photo againTulum ruinsAdam1Obligatory selfie

    Split up in Tulum

    April 5, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    Jordan went SCUBA diving in the cenotes (underwater caverns) today. She did two dives, “El Pit” & “Dos Ojos”. We don’t have any pics of her underwater but I found a couple online to post to show the beauty of where she was. She said it was incredible.

    Adam and I went and explored the Tulum ruins. So far my experiencing ancient history only went as far as the 1500’s - today expanded that in that these Mayan ruins were built around 1200ad! It was SO HOT and humid there. We were both dripping with sweat by the time we got done walking the ruins. It’s right on the ocean, so the breeze helps to cool you off some, but not enough! 😀.

    We came back to the Airbnb and all three of us were exhausted. Hitting the beds VERY early tonight .    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    "Carwash" cenote
    Jordan touching the bottom!

    Cenotes!

    April 6, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F

    We spent the day swimming in a few cenotes. They are fresh water springs - around 75°. Chilly to get in, but not too cold to stay in. There were divers in there with us which was neat to see. Also had a 3’ alligator in there - the locals have named him, and apparently “he’s really friendly” and “never bothers anyone”. We saw him sunning himself at one point, but couldn’t get a good picture … but as they said, he never came even close to anyone. Crazy. Eventually we forgot he was in there with us.

    Tulum has been very fun. It’s a tourist town, yet very authentic at the same time. Eye opening to see the poverty around us. Lots of trash and stray animals everywhere. It’s been a good experience for me to see how others live - puts life in perspective.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    View from our AirBnb
    Sitting contrmplating the brown waterAdam LOVES wave hoppingJordan still happy regardlessSmall piles of seaweedFloating seaweed everywhereView from our rooftop pool2Jordan looking at the oceanAdam restingMermaid?

    Playa del Carmen

    April 7, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    We left Tulum this morning and headed to Playa del Carmen for a few days. I was happy to return the rental car with zero issues - driving was definitely risky, so grateful to have made it back safely.

    Went to the beach and was sad to see the beach is overtaken with a seaweed/algae. Its floating in the ocean everywhere and covering the whole coastline. The water is BROWN instead of the gorgeous turquoise it should be. I learned it’s been happening since 2017 every spring - summer and getting worse and worse, and it’s being attributed to climate change. There are piles and piles for MILES of rotting seaweed. The pics I got of the piles are tiny compared to what we saw (without our phones with us). So much they have no idea where to put it all. There are boats out in the ocean gathering it — construction equipment on the beach hauling it away. So our day in paradise wasn’t so great. Did enjoy the pool tho at the Airbnb.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    5th Avenue
    Mall on 5th AvenueStreet artistAdam got stuck in thr kiddie slideMore shopsStreet performers everywhereSoccer game from our roof 6-1View from dessert

    Stormy day

    April 8, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Woke up to a thunderstorm this morning. First rain I’ve seen since we left! With the beach so yucky with seaweed (see yesterday’s post) and it drizzling, we decided to just hang out - go shopping, see 5th avenue, people watch. Went to the rooftop pool and to our surprise there was a high level soccer game starting on the field a few blocks away. (And I enjoyed it cause it was high scoring. Ended 6-1! Made it fun to watch.) We had a great view and Adam enjoyed seeing a game.Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell

    Beach club day

    April 9, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Beaches in Mexico are all public, but clubs have been built up everywhere so access to them is difficult. But the beach clubs are a pretty sweet affordable deal. You “rent out” a lounge chair and umbrella and they assign you a waiter - not a bad way to spend the day. So that’s what we did today. We found the water wasn’t near as seaweed covered earlier in the day (before the surf stirred it all up) so we actually enjoyed playing in the water some.

    Many parts of Mexico are victim to a drug turf war right now. One cartel has always been in control, but during covid, a second one has tried to move in. Apparently, they are having quite the war - literally shoot outs on the beaches, the streets or in restaurants, per google. They are going after each other, but tourists are getting caught in the crossfire. We obviously haven’t seen any of this, everything seems fine and normal - but what we do see is a HUGE police presence everywhere. Police, national guard, you name it — they’re on patrol with VERY big guns. In a way, it’s comforting. I assume, hopefully, they’re presence is a deterrent for real trouble.

    All in all, a very relaxing day.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    The "collectivo"
    1The cenote from aboveSo clear!Kids loving the cool water2Love the reflectionAdam jumpingJordan divingJordan diving1Snack shackIguana crashed our lunch

    Cenote Azul

    April 10, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    We took a day trip out to another cenote - they are a family favorite. The water is SO crystal clear, and on a hot day, the cool spring water is really refreshing. There was a 12 meter cliff people were jumping from. Adam got his courage up and jumped - I opted out of this one, a little too high for me - but Jordan stole the show as the only person in the whole place who was diving! There were a lot of people there, as it was a Sunday. A very supportive crowd cheering for the jumpers. Adam got a rouse of applause from the whole place when he went, and Jordan got a loud “woooooh”.

    We had lunch at a little makeshift snack stand. A young girl was making homemade empanadas filled with cheese. As we are this large iguanas joined us.

    Getting there was a chore. We didn’t have the rental car anymore so we walked a couple miles and made our way to a “collectivo” - a shared shuttle bus the locals use to get around parked under an underpass. Not a lot of English spoken, but we got our point across. Getting back was even more interesting - we were told to cross the very busy freeway, stand there till we saw a van approaching at 60 mph and wave them down. We opted out of that experience and took a taxi back.    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Adam's last night with us
    The city from our rooftopOur poolA python on the street ???1A VERY happy cat loving on Adam

    Recovery day

    April 11, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Adam left this morning for DC. Fun being all together, but couldn’t last forever - he had work and a very lonely, but grateful cat to return to.

    Jordan and I spent the day just chilling in the Airbnb preparing to move on tomorrow to a new city. Reservations to be made for the next country, laundry to be done … boring stuff like that. It was nice tho, just doing nothing for a day. We are both nursing sunburns, so a day out of the sun was awesome.

    The strip was hopping tonight - weird for a Monday night. Walking 5th avenue looking for someplace to eat is always interesting. Found this guy with a huge python!    Read more

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