Central American & Caribbean - Mexico, November 2016

 

We didn't originally plan to spend much time in Mexico, but with the flow of travelling we enjoyed six amazing weeks in this vast and diverse land. Prior to arriving we felt apprehensions about safety, with impressions of drug related crime from news and readings. Friends had reservations about visiting the enormous Mexico City, as did we, but we were so surprised and impressed with the efficiency of their public transport, the pretty leafy streets and squares, and total feeling of safety. We leave with such a warm affection for the country and its people, which ranks as one of our favourites on this trip.

It was brilliant to dedicate ample time to kicking back and relaxing on so many beautiful beaches. On the Yukatan Peninsula the water was a stunning turquoise blue and deliciously warm. The sea was wonderfully calm, and perfect for floating and gazing up at the puffy white clouds gliding across the rarely not blue skies. By contrast, on the south coast the Pacific Ocean surged with raw power and crashed spectacularly on the wild beaches. We appreciated the peace and quiet of the low season, and were treated to some memorable sunsets over the ocean.

Our destiny for the next few years was decided while we were at the Pacific coast. The destination until June 2019, starting in January is... Brunei!! Raquel spotted the advert online and immediately thought 'dream job', being very similar to the work she did with VSO in Guyana. We were wanting to not work until summer 2017, but we thought Raquel should apply for it and see what happens. A little later I saw the job advert again and thought I just about had enough experience to apply too, and the money was sweet! The roles are that of Numeracy Coaches (Raquel primary, me secondary), training teachers to raise teaching standards and learning outcomes. The project is countrywide in numeracy and literacy, involving 60 coaches. It is an awesome career opportunity and has great travelling potential. So I also applied, we both passed the initial screening, filled in detailed application forms while in Cuba, then got invited for Skype interviews. We prepared on the beach while gazing out at the massive waves, and mock interviewed each other from the hammock at our Airbnb accommodation. The interviews came and went well. After two days of anxious waiting they finally told us we got the jobs - woohoo! We fly out from Portugal on 1 January, Faro-Lisbon-Dubai-Brunei, which will be a one day journey and sixteen hours of flying time - exciting times! We cut our travels a bit shorter to go home, get organised and catch up with folk, before heading to somewhere very far from home.

A 'Guyana reunion' took place in Mexico City, with the link up of four ladies who met while volunteering there. Five years on, this meetup included an additional two husbands, one partner and one very cute baby! Anna, Oliver and Moya are living in the big city, Xerez and Blake flew in from Vancouver, Selina came from the Netherlands, and Raquel and I were conveniently in the hood! It was wonderful to meet everyone, establish and rekindle friendships, and enjoy the feeling of home away from home.

Raquel and I gave ourselves a gift for our final week in Mexico, returning to the Yukatan Peninsula for a spiritual journey. This was a leap out of our comfort zones and into our souls. The result was incredible and unforgettable, and we move forward with hope in the world, warmth in our hearts, and smiles on our faces. If you're curious and are interested in opening up to a potentially life changing experience, reach out and get in touch.

Mexico has been simply magical!