Wanderings in Mexico
We packed up the family and spent half of a month wandering around Mexico, and survived to tell the tale! Contrary to some concerns, none of which were ours. We more than survived. It was epic.
Once the decision to move to Europe became imminent, we decided that before we left the country, we wanted to squeeze in one last roadtrip from Orange County down to Cabo San Lucas, which sits at the bottom of the Baja Peninsula. Baja is so under-traveled and so beautiful. So much like California, but still so different! So close and yet still so mysterious. It was screaming out to us. We wanted to roam and explore it before we left it behind. It went a little like this: Me - "Scott, I either have the most brilliant, or the most ridiculous idea ever. What if we took a roadtrip to Cabo?" Scott - "Ummm...Heck yes! Let's do it!"
That's what works with the two of us. We are always there to encourage one another down the road of grandiose ideas. Just brainstorming out loud ventures into a preliminary discussion of impending plans as we both take turns in the role of romantic idea generator, and neither of us shies much from reason. "Hey - let's sell everything and move to Europe!" "Totally! But first, let's take all the kids on a 2 thousand mile roadtrip through Mexico and take practically nothing with us!" "Radtastic!" Okay, Scott would never say radtastic, but it conveys a certain attitude that was definitely shared.
At this point Scott had just ventured out on his own professionally, and we were completely taking advantage of his ability to work nomadically, since the only thing he needs are his laptop, his cellphone, and a wifi connection. Little did we know at the time just how limited the wifi AND cell service would be in Mexico. Actually, practically non-existent. Except it did exist, so it was possible, and with much MUCH navigation (more like acrobatics) and sweat, we were able to make things work. Truth be told, it kept things kind of exciting, adding bounds to the already present obstacle course we were vigorously (and enjoyably) working our way through. Together.
Scott was extremely busy with work before we left. Working day and night, rarely able to come up for air, and the work wasn't tapering down like we had anticipated, quite the opposite actually, but we didn't let that teeter us off course! We had our targets locked on Baja and we were determined to make it work. I spent a lot of time researching on forums for the trip. Since this drive through Baja isn't a hugely popular one, and the stops at which would be staying typically did not have any type of online presence, I found the best resources on forums within the niche groupings of avid, deep Baja travelers. Usually people were broken into two categories; had never been, or had tasted the life blood and go often.
Since we were traveling around Scott's very in-flux and heavy work schedule, putting together the itinerary looked a little like - plan A, plan B, plan C, and plan D. We were literally planning as we went. We had a loose idea of when we would be returning because my mom would be flying in to visit, so there was a date by which we had to return. Outside of that, we were flying by the seat of our pants. Planning one day at a time. Taking our time. And simply enjoying the ride.
This is what makes Mexico so unique and so appealing. The overall attitude is relaxed and detached. Slow down. Dress down. Have some food. Bask in the sun. Dance a little to the complimentary mariachi. What day is it? I forgot. What time is it? Who cares?! This is Mexico.
Our plan was to travel as minimalist as possible, and really travel, explore, eat local, shop local, and use the resources at hand. Learn to relax our standards and make it work. Since we didn't have much time to prepare for the trip, it certainly kept things more manageable as we quickly packed up a minimal amount of things the day of to carry with us over the border. This was a roadtrip. It was a welcomed recess from the exhaustive preparations that are commanded when flying with 4 kids. In hind sight, I might have taken a little more with us, only because many parts of Mexico are totally desolate, and you can't just assume you can stop at the store and grab the things you might need. Once you do find a store, chances are it will be a simple convenient store with a few pieces of overripe, picked over fruit, and lots of soda and candy snacks. Regular grocery stores are only in the big cities. Everywhere else, it's generally the weekend markets that bring the food to town. Even so, this only served to increase our level of creativity, adaptability, and experience as we lived within the circumstances that were provided, ate like the locals, enjoyed the food of the land, and anticipated the different offerings at the next destination. And luckily we brought just enough with us to meet our extra needs.
We had high hopes for Baja, but it entirely surpassed our expectations. Each place we traveled to was like an entirely different sphere. Offering us a completely different experience, climate, culture, and cuisine! One day we were enjoying the charm of a small mountain village, wearing jackets at night, ordering hot tortilla soup to warm ourselves for dinner. Just a days drive later we felt like we had been teleported straight to The Virgin Islands, eating street tacos with fresh spicy salsa, and sleeping in our undies at night to keep cool in the unimaginably hot tropical temperatures. Baja kept us on our toes, wild for the next discovery ahead.
Oh and the drive, the gorgeous, amazing drive.
It's unique, ever-changing landscape and, albeit, daring road conditions, had me continually nestled between a state of awe and unease. But mostly, I was starry-eyed.
During our traveling, we rediscovered the joy of simple things, and learned to appreciate the things that we normally overlook, like a delicious piece of perfectly ripen fruit when searching out a snack, a chocolate dessert (in Mexico, candy is king), water, air conditioning, water pressure, water (did I mention water?), and beds! Sometimes the kids slept on the floor, sometimes on a couch, or in a nook, so for the kids to get a bed, it was grounds for excitement.
We went from one leg of the trip that was of entirely humble circumstances, eating peanut butter spread on cheap, highly processed bread while driving in the car, to eating fresh, very spicy, delicious Mexican fare. Staying in 1 star accommodations, where a wifi connection was the only redeeming amenity, to staying at a 4 star resort where plush beds and hot showers and clean towels abound. The highest level of luxury came at the end of our trip in Cabo, and we felt we had earned our way there. It was grand! The landscape majestic. The accommodations luxurious! We felt entirely spoiled at that point. There was so much to see, and so much to do, and so much to NOT do. We could have used an entire day to just sit in the room and stare off into the ocean, enjoying the thunderous sound of the waves crashing into the sand. A sight and sound all on its own. We ended up staying an extra day in this fantasy land, and we were as excited as the kids. It still wasn't enough.
Some of our travel was rugged and adventurous, some of it uncharted, and some of it lavish. We were able to experience it all, and although the luxurious spots were highly welcomed and enjoyed, I think we all agree that the more adventurous, less traveled spots won our hearts!
This trip tops the list of enriching family experiences so far to date. There is vacationing, and then there is traveling. There is a time to indulge a bit in some hard earned luxury. But if you want to add depth to yourself, and to your relationships, adventure travel. Rough it. Venture off the beaten path into new territories. Overcome obstacles together, and reach the promised land together. Unplug and entertain one another. Be daring, get lost, change the plans, and exercise a little spontaneity. You won't regret it.
