Golden Zone Beach

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