Life

I Moved to Mexico!

March 6, 2018 by Asia

Hola, Mexico!

Last week, I “moved” to Mexico City!

I put “moved” in quotes simply because I still feel like a bit of a nomad. I’m living out of a suitcase. I didn’t buy a home or sign a lease. Nope. I’m doing it my way, currently a la Airbnb, and it feels so good! I’m continuing to run my coaching business from here, as well as writing and doing all my consulting gigs. There are at least 5-10 coworking spaces within walking distance from me, so I can’t wait to find a place to set up shop. For now, I’m exploring all the lovely cafes! There are certainly no shortage of them.

Back it up. How did I get here?

I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Mexico when I was living in San Diego as a kid. I remember crossing the border to Tijuana with my family, mesmerized by all the colors and the children selling chicles. (“Chicle, chicle!” You know what I’m talking about.) International travel was something that I was raised experiencing, so being abroad has always felt normal to me. And I am grateful for that.

I majored in Spanish in college and studied abroad in Madrid. I was determined to be fluent in Spanish, but never practiced it consistently enough to get there. It was still a dream of mine, though, and I still haven’t let that dream go.

Fast forward to my late 20s/early 30s. I dabbled in some international business at WD-40 and visited Santiago and Mexico City. I took a girls trip to Nicaragua. I went to Mexico with grad school. Then, after a life-changing event, I quit my corporate job as a Brand Manager for Revlon, and bought a one-way ticket to Quito, Ecuador. I spent nearly one year backpacking throughout Latin America, using my Spanish, and falling deeply in love with the culture. Seriously, everyone is so warm and friendly down here! As I worked my way north, I started questioning what I wanted to do after my journey, and where I wanted to live. Medellin, Colombia was high on the list, as was Merida, Mexico…but when it finally came down to it, I just knew I had to return to Mexico City. This place is SPECIAL.

But…why Mexico City? Isn’t it dangerous?

My initial (uneducated) impression of Mexico City was that it was a place to be feared. I heard it was dangerous and full of kidnappers. There’s no doubt that Mexico and Mexico City have been through a lot, but every big city has its problems. Just stay away from the bad areas and don’t do drugs, ok? I know there’s a lot more to it than that, but I no longer let my initial fears or impressions of places keep me from really getting to know them. I remain smart, aware, and curious.

The first time I visited Mexico City was in 2013 on a corporate trip. I was with two men, and we stayed in a nice touristy hotel and always had a driver. I was extra cautious of my surroundings and didn’t get to see much since I was there for work. I met my good friend from grad school, Mabela, out for dinner one night…and she sent her driver for me. I didn’t get to experience anything on my own, but I didn’t think it was safe enough to do so anyway.

I returned again in 2017 at the end of my backpacking trip. I stayed for 2 weeks (with Mabela and more friends from grad school!) and fell in LOVE. I was mostly using Uber to get around. And I went everywhere. I explored the historic downtown. I saw the castle on the hill. Went to Frida Kahlo’s home in Coyoacán. Visited at least 10 museums (there are 150+). Window shopped in the financial district of Polanco. Went out in the hipster areas of Condesa and La Roma (where I’m currently living). Ventured outside the city to see the pyramids and neighboring towns like San Miguel de Allende. I started to get a real feel for the city which was proving to be f’ing incredible. There is absolutely no shortage of things to see and do here, and I know which of the neighborhoods are safe for me to live in and explore, even at night. At the end of my 2 weeks, I was very sad to say goodbye to Mexico City and promised myself that one day I would return to live. And here I am.

I’d never lived in a big city before. San Diego was as big as it got for me. I once had dreams of living in NYC or San Francisco, cities that never sleep, and places that were entirely accessible on foot or via public transport…but then I found Mexico City. A place with all the novelties of a big city, but without the grotesque price tag. Mexico City earned my third visit when I arrived on a one-way ticket on March 1, 2018. I’m so happy to call it home!

Here are some fun facts and some of my initial insights about Mexico City.

It’s 7,350 ft (2,240 meters) high. Luckily this elevation hasn’t seemed to adversely affect me. (The pollution, however, might.)

There are 9 million people living in the city center and 22 million total when you include the surrounding metropolitan area. (Conversely, San Diego has 2 million.)

Some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life is here. From street tacos and vegan street carts to incredible seafood, trendy spots to be seen, and fine dining, there is something for everyone. (And it’s all affordable!)

It’s home to some of the best restaurants in the world. (Ever heard of Pujol? Last year it ranked #20 in the WORLD.) I love walking down the street and seeing men outside dressed in suits, waiting to greet you. Makes me feel fancy. (Ps. Who wants to take me to Pujol, por favor?)

You can live like a Queen here if you earn the American dollar. Most of my meals out average $4-5, and they’re about $15-20 when I splurge (drinks and all the things). Contramar is my favorite spot.

There are over 150 museums here. No joke. My favorites (so far) are Frida Kahlo’s place and the anthropology museum. I think I need a few days to fully explore it, though.

There are so many parks! So many! Chapultapec is probably the most notable (even referred to as the “city’s lungs”), but I even love exploring the smaller ones near my place. So great for people watching and to get some fresh air.

It seems like everyone has a dog. This isn’t rooted in anything factual, other than I see people walking their dogs at all times. The next place I’ll be living has a dog as well!

The fashion here is on point. I feel inspired to dress up every single day which has been a fun change from my yoga clothes. (But those are acceptable here too. Everyone dresses how they want.)

The people are friendly and fabulous. I haven’t gotten in with any local inner circles yet, but I’ve made a couple of expat friends, and I’m starting to find my way.

How long will I be here? I’m not sure, but it feels like home for now and I feel quite comfortable in my new hood. Those that I’ve met down here have told me I’ll never want to leave. Vamos a ver. All I know is that I am so excited to continue to explore all that Mexico City has to offer. Come visit me so I can show you around! Maybe one day I’ll even be speaking like a chilanga…(Let’s just say my accent could use some work…I’m not fooling anyone with it, lol.)

Have you been to Mexico City? Would you ever consider it?

Happily Single This Holiday Season

November 10, 2017 by Asia

I remember how nervous I was to announce my divorce on this blog last year. SO NERVOUS. It took me nearly a year to come out publicly. I was incredibly afraid of being judged. It’s crazy to see how much things have changed in the past couple of years. Now supporting other women on similar journeys has become my calling. Who knew?

As we dive into November, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the upcoming holiday season. Yes, I’m single…and that is more than OK. It’s actually right where I need to be right now. I wasn’t always comfortable in this relationship status, however. That’s why I put together a group coaching program to support single women heading into the holidays. It starts in a few days, and I AM SO EXCITED about it!

If you know of any women who may need some extra love and guidance this month, please send them over to my website for more details. I’ve created a program specifically to support women who are single or going through a separation.

In my group coaching program RECLAIM, I will be sharing tips like how to set boundaries with family members, protect your energy, and participate in some major self-care rituals…healing and stepping into your power with this new relationships status.

So, dear readers, whether you’re committed or single, try not to allow yourself to get too caught up in the hustle and bustle this holiday season. Be mindful. Spend quality time with your loved ones. And take time to take care of yourself. It isn’t all about the gift giving, the parties, and the eggnog. It’s about love.

Love,

Asia Dawn

(Ps. When is it socially acceptable to start playing Christmas music?? I’m feeling the urge to press play!)

I Launched My Own Business!

November 3, 2017 by Asia

Hi lovelies!

I have some big news…I just launched my own business! I couldn’t be more excited or proud to share this milestone with you, my biggest supporters.

The decision to launch my coaching business and empower women stemmed from self-reflection and a lot of inner work during my travels throughout Latin America. (The cliche to “find oneself” on a journey like mine really did take place!) Thank you for your support on this incredible ride. It has been amazing to look back on all that has transpired over the past few years and see how much I’ve grown. Some pretty epic shifts took place. (Need a reminder? Check out this post to see how it all went down.)

In my business, Asia Dawn, I serve as a women’s empowerment coach. What does that mean exactly? I help guide women through transitions (read: divorce, career change) so that they come out on the other side feeling more empowered and ready to design and live a joyful life! #girlpower

If you’re interested in learning more and receiving free tips and content…YAY! You can join me over at my new website and sign up for the newsletters at asiadawn.co.

I also have a private Facebook group for badass chicas: It’s A New Dawn.

As for Wandering Dawn? Don’t worry! This blog will still continue to serve a spot to share my travels and personal transformations. (I have so many trips coming up, including Mexico later this month…and yes, I am still moving to Mexico City in the new year!) Travel is one of my greatest joys in life, and setting myself up to live as a digital nomad is no accident.

If you think you’d like some tips on how to create change in your life, how to start over, or how to step into your power, please follow me in my new space. (Guys, feel free to come on over as well!) I will be providing tools for personal growth, and at the very least, I think everyone could benefit from a little self-reflection. Don’t you? : )

As my gift to you right now, here are 5 tips for a fresh start: click here to sign up and receive the free download!

Btw, I’m launching something VERY SPECIAL next week, so be sure to sign up and stay tuned for updates! It’s all happeninggg!!

I’d like to leave you with this affirmation. Hold this in your mind today and notice how your perspective shifts.

“The best moment of my life is right now.”

Asia Dawn

Dear 34

September 18, 2017 by Asia

It’s the eve of my birthday, and I can’t sleep. My mind is running a million miles a minute as it reflects on all the experiences bestowed upon me at 33 and what could possibly be ahead at 34.

Last year I was in Montañita, Ecuador when I turned 33. It was a Monday night, and my backpacker companions and I were out nearly until sunrise dancing at a beach club. I have a lot to live up to after backpacking solo for most of last year. That was one hell of a journey!

I found a puppy at breakfast last year on my birthday!

I’ve decided I want to make 34 my most meaningful year yet. I don’t know what that entails exactly, but I intend to figure it out. (That’s the beauty of this life. We can set it up to be whatever we want it to be!)

I see a lot of hugs and laughs. Time well spent with family and friends. More phone calls. Maybe even some handwritten notes, or postcards if I’m far, far away. (Let’s face it. I probably will be.)

I know I have more reflecting ahead of me as I roll into a new year, but here are some initial intentions I’d like to set publicly with you now. (New to intentions? Check this article out.)

My Intentions for 34:

Continue to write and share about my life & what I learn.
Meditate daily and breathe deeply.
Care less about what others think.
Care more about how I can help others.
Get abroad and stay there for a while.

Thank you, universe, for all the lessons and experiences I’ve received over the past year. I release them with joy, and I look forward to all that is to come in my next year of life.

The Future of Wandering Dawn

September 4, 2017 by Asia

Hi guys! I haven’t been home much since my Latin America backpacking expedition. I’m still traveling – this time, around the USA – my home turf. I’ve been reconnecting with friends and family from all over, and it feels great! I have missed you all deeply!

Since July, I’ve been to Austin, Boston, Maine, D.C., NYC, the Hamptons, Seattle, and now, San Francisco. I’ve been grateful to foster relationships from all walks of life, and meet the babies that were made while I was away. (Seriously, how did so much happen while I was gone? What was in the water? Or was it the rosé?)

You might be wondering why or how the heck I’m still traveling after all that. (I’m sure my parents are!) It has been nearly 14 months since I quit my corporate job and went out on the road. I guess you could say I’m in a period of transition. Yep another transition. From married to divorced. From corporate marketing gal to solo backpacker. From figuring-it-out-freelancer to entrepreneur. Transitions have become what I do and know best! Truth be told, it’s an exciting period…I’ve been spending a lot of my free time working on my own business which I’ll be launching in the near future!! I’ll share more on that later. : )

Logistically speaking, I’ve been continuing my travels through airline miles, couch surfing, savings, and a little bit of side hustle. I’ve gotten good at budget traveling and building my life around one-way tickets. I took the bus all around the east coast, ate suuuper healthy, cheap pizza and bagels, and was graciously hosted by countless friends and family members. Thanks again everyone for your generosity!

As many of you know, Wandering Dawn evolved out of transition. I launched it to share my heartbreak and healing via my time alone in South America, Central America, and Mexico. Wandering Dawn will continue to evolve during this transition of “I’m home again, so now what” and future ones. I will still be here, blogging about my personal life and travels. Seeing the world is what lights me up, and travel will always be a part of my journey. I will also be blogging over at my new business website (launching soon!) so you can get more of me over there if you’re so inclined. I might even launch a fancy newsletter. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Thank you, dear readers, for following me as I explore, grow, and figure life out. It has been a crazy, messy, beautiful period, but guess what? I am grateful and wouldn’t trade it for anything. #perspectiveshift

transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another

Travel update: where I’m going & where I’ve been

March 30, 2017 by Asia

Hola from El Salvador! I’ve been on the move since I left my Nicaraguan homestay two weeks ago, hence the silence.

La Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador

My time at La Mariposa included one month of Spanish lessons, volunteering with children, and living with a local family. This memorable experience already feel like a lifetime ago! Since then, I’ve changed countries and made big decisions…like when I will be returning home to San Diego! More on that in a bit. ; ) Also, to close the loop on my last blog post, my sister had her baby on March 13! Her name is Wren, and she is simply precious.

View of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador

The past two weeks I was able to visit parts of Nicaragua that I still hadn’t seen on this trip nor during my visit in 2015. I reconnected with a volunteer from All Hands Ecuador (circa September 2016), posed atop a cathedral in Leon, hiked and camped on the active volcano Telica, visited the mountainous coffee region of Matagalpa and the cigar factories of Esteli, and swam in the Somoto Canyon.

Rooftop of the cathedral in Leon, Nicaragua

I made new friends in a hostel in northern Nicaragua and we traveled by bus-truck-bus-bus-car across the border into Honduras and then across another border into El Salvador all in one day.

The boys/my travel buddies

I’m currently in the capital city of San Salvador. I never thought I would end up here, but I experienced some great travel karma and made friends with two locals who have graciously shown me around their city and many parts of the country! They really want me to love El Salvador. There isn’t a lot of backpacker tourism here compared to other parts of Central America, and it still has a bad rep. It often gets overlooked because not that many people know what to do here, or they think it’s still too dangerous. I honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to go either after reading the US travel warning, but something pulled me here and I felt guilty skipping it. (To be fair, Mexico and Colombia also have travel warnings and they are also places I have visited/will visit on this trip.) The people, culture, food and sights are really good, and now I can say confidently that I am so glad I came!

Claudia & me

Jose, Maurice, Claudia, and me

So, now…Where am I off to next and when am I coming home? I’m happy to say that I can finally tell you the answer to at least one of those questions! I will be flying home from Mexico City on June 8!! There are several reasons why I made this decision, but ultimately, it is just time. I’ve been thinking about what I want to do next a lot more lately, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my life. While there is still a lot of uncertainty ahead (like which city, state, or country I will live in), the endless possibilities fill me with hope and excitement. Does anyone want to petition for their hometown?

Telica volcano, Nicaragua

As for where I’m going next, per usual, I’m not exactly sure…I know I need to be in Mexico City May 25 for a reunion with three of my closest girls from grad school (YAY)! Laura is flying in from Switzerland, Jessica from Chicago, and Mabela who already lives there will be our gracious host! That was an exciting plan to make. That means I have just under two months to fit in the rest of the countries en route to San Diego. No more 2 months in only 1 country! Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico are all calling my name, so I’ll see how this all plays out.

Somoto Canyon, Nicaragua

After 8 months of minimal planning and slooowww travel, I’m excited to explore more “parts unknown” during these final months! That isn’t to say that my traveling will end when I get back to the states…So much has happened since I’ve been gone that I owe many of you a visit. Who knows where I will head off to next!?

Do you have any recommendations for my final countries?

P.S. The title of this blog post put the song “Road to Nowhere” by the Talking Heads in my head. An oldie but a goodie if you want to have a listen! Well we know where we’re going…But we don’t know where we’ve been…

My sister is having a baby!

March 13, 2017 by Asia

Day 2/30 Monday March 13, 8:15pm, near Masaya, Nicaragua
Something CRAZY happened over lunch. My family and I received a WhatsApp message from my sister Aden that said she was in an ambulance on her way to DELIVER HER BABY EARLY. She’s 34 weeks but just got diagnosed with preeclampsia at her doctor’s visit, so she should be having a baby…well…any moment now! This is exciting, but the conditions surrounding it are unsettling, especially since my family and I are miles apart. I’m in Nicaragua. My mom is at home in San Diego. My dad is in Beloit on a business trip. Aden is in Austin at the hospital. So yeah. We’re pretty spread out. I feel the urge to hop on a plane to be by her side, but I know that our parents will be there tomorrow, so that puts me more at ease. This is her third baby, and her deliveries are no joke! She had her second baby on her living room floor, delivered by Jordan and my mom while they were on the phone with 911. (Yes, you read that correctly.) How is it that the first delivery was the “easiest”? I was there by her side for the entire thing, and she handled it like a champ. I even played the theme song from Rocky while she was pushing! The nurse looked at me like I was crazy, but Aden appreciated it. I know every pregnancy is different, but oh the stories my sister could tell! I’m currently checking my phone like crazy for updates. There are only a couple of hours left in the day. If my new niece arrives tomorrow, she will share her b-day with my dad. Happy birthday, Dad! Happy birthday baby girl! I can’t wait to meet you!

Mom, Skye, Aden, me, Dad

Please send good thoughts to my sis!! I’ll have an update for everyone tomorrow! Peace out, day 2 of my writing challenge. xoxo

30 Day Writing Challenge

March 12, 2017 by Asia

Day 1/30 Sunday March 12, 3:00pm, near Masaya, Nicaragua
It looks like I’m doing it! I am committing myself to 30 days of raw, unfiltered writing. I first saw someone post about a writing challenge on Facebook and thought it sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about the 500 words/day requirement. Then, when SoCal Runner Gal posted that she was about to do her own writing challenge without the word count minimum, I just knew I had to get on board. How many more signs did I need? It was speaking to me and there is something I like about a good challenge. I love lists (I’m a Virgo) and I love numbers (but please don’t get me started on how I feel about Excel). Being able to quantify something makes the task easier for me…It’s more digestible. For example, I could say “I’m going to blog/write/journal more” and possibly yes, that may happen. But it is far more likely to happen if I say “I’m going to write for 30 days straight” because I don’t like to fall short of goals I set for myself…arbitrary, or not.

Now that I have my plan, I wonder where my fascination with lists comes from. I already know that Virgos like lists. We are organized, routine loving beings by nature. But what else? I remember in January 2015, my BFF Nicole and I set out to complete 31 runs of at least 3.1 miles and 31 planks in 31 days to celebrate our 31st year of life. That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? (See? I’m already excited!) We were both equally determined to complete this random goal we had set for ourselves, and while it wasn’t easy, we did it. Thinking back on it now, I am so very grateful for this challenge because this was during an extremely difficult period in my life. It might have been one of the hardest months of my life so far. I was confused. I was sad. I was in shock. I was an emotional zombie. Those runs snapped me out if it, even if for only 30 minutes a day. They did something for my state of being before I had a therapist, before I had my daily yoga practice, before I was ready to face reality. They made me feel like I was in control, and they gave me the kind of release that I needed when I was keeping most of my emotions locked inside.

So…what is it about numbers and lists?
1. For me, they are a guiding light.
2. They give me a sense of purpose and direction.
3. While I function perfectly fine without them, my brain turns on a little more when I have something specific to focus on.

I haven’t decided if I will share on here each and every day, but I can promise you there will be 30 continuous days of writing! No word count minimums. No set topics. No rules. Just writing.

Will you join me on this writing challenge? Sharing is optional. ; )

Speaking the truth (and feeling free!)

March 1, 2017 by Asia

It’s March, and somehow I’m already 7 months into this adventure on the road! Wow. While each day feels much longer than it does at home & time passes much slower, I still find it hard to believe that I’ve been wandering about for so long. This post was written in between breaks at my Spanish language school, volunteering with kids, and laying in my bed at my Nicaraguan family homestay. I am so happy to have a home for a month and to take a break from the backpacker life for a bit. It has been very grounding.

Throwback to month 1 in Quito, Ecuador

I feel compelled to write and share my experiences about a beautiful thing that occurred recently. Something that gave me a huge feeling of relief.

I recently wrote a guest blog post for Oiselle that went live on their site last week. When I saw that they had tagged me on Facebook announcing the post, my stomach dropped and I got VERY nervous. I had been waiting for this moment with much anticipation because I didn’t know how the public would receive me. The article contains very personal details about my life. I talk about my divorce and my unconventional decision to quit my job and travel for an unspecified amount of time. Granted, this wasn’t the first time I went public with my story, but it is still hard for me to talk about the past. I am still recovering from this difficult period in my life, and I’d be lying if I said I’ve healed completely. (If only it were that easy!) My heart needs time, and time is what I am going to give it. Needless to say, a huge weight was lifted when I started to receive nothing but positive feedback from family, friends new and old, the Oiselle community, and complete strangers. Some said they had been through similar situations. Others gave uplifting words of encouragement. Some even said they were inspired! I was filled with joy all day, and I am still riding the high of speaking my truth.

Speaking the truth can be slightly terrifying. I have always been a perfectionist at heart and scared of failure, particularly when it comes to not meeting the expectations of others. (People pleaser much?) I wanted a perfect education, a perfect job, and a perfect happily ever after. To admit that my relationship wasn’t perfect…that my job wasn’t perfect…that these things weren’t bringing me joy, and that I am no where near perfect….well, that was difficult to do in the beginning. I was afraid to admit to things that I considered to be “failures.” Divorce felt like a dirty word and admittedly I still hate to use it, regardless of how it all went down. Reflecting on these fears, I realize that no one is perfect, so why should I ever expect perfection from myself and from my relationships? I shouldn’t. Life doesn’t work that way, and the actions of others cannot be controlled. Life is filled with ups and downs and learning moments. It’s full of messy times and blissful moments in time. It’s full of love and loss. It is a grand journey to be celebrated each and every day, and it can be whatever we want to make of it. (If you’ve always wanted to do something, set out to go do it!) This fresh outlook on life is something that I am learning to embrace. I definitely wasn’t this insightful before I went through something that made me question everything I knew to be true.

And now, a few words of advice:
As I reflect on all I’ve learned, I also wonder…Have you ever kept a part of your life a secret for fear of looking a certain way or for fear of being perceived in a negative light? Have you ever had to keep secrets for others or felt like you were living a double life? Do you ever see someone on social media and think they have a “perfect life” with a “perfect family” and a “perfect body?” First, remember that no one is perfect. (I actually appreciate finding authentic brands and people on social media more and more!) Second, if there is anything in your life that is causing you stress or anxiety because you are keeping it all inside, I highly encourage you to reach out and speak with someone. It doesn’t need to be in a public forum like a blog. It can be to a close friend, family member, or completely neutral therapist. Writing down your feelings in a private journal is another helpful exercise. Just let it gooooo (“libre soy! libre soyyy!”) and observe what happens when you do. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and soon enough, you might find yourself speaking your truth with more and more people until you slowly begin to recover, take action, and heal.

I feel so free in this moment. I am free because I have nothing to hide. Nothing to keep inside. This new phase of my life is about learning from the past, not worrying about the future, embracing where I am in this moment, and staying true to myself with each decision I make. I’ve started to come up with some ideas of what I want to do next, and I can’t wait to see what doors start to open. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!

“The comeback is always stronger than the setback.” – Unknown

Why I’m Tired of Traveling (for now)

February 11, 2017 by Asia

Parque Tayrona, Colombia

It’s time to get real. I’ve been on the road for six and a half months. That’s a long time to be without a home, let alone my own room. I started off full of energy and ready to move to a new place at any given moment. No one could stop me! In the last 200 days, I’ve made my way from southern Ecuador to the beaches of Nicaragua. While I’ve traveled “slowly” compared to other backpackers (many will do all of South America in just 6 months!), I’ve still seen A LOT. I’ve been to countless cities in 5 countries. And I am tired. At about 5 months in, I started to crave spending more time in any one place. My travel pace slowed, and I found myself spending 1-3 weeks in spots instead of 3-5 days.

During my time on the road, I’ve had a variety of sleeping situations, some of them comical and nearly all of them shared. I’ve only had my own room once! For some reason that realization is stunning…Perhaps because sharing a common space has become my new normal? I’ve slept in bunk beds, on mattresses, in hammocks, in tents, at new friend’s houses, on tiny islands, in jungles, in cities, on buses, in boats, you name it. Maybe I’ll write an entire post on it one day because oh the stories I could tell! (Confessions of a cargo ship bunker…)

Winner for windiest hammock sleep of my life

I’ve been fortunate to have many visitors since Christmas, and that has had two effects on me. 1. It’s reinvigorating because I get to share my stories with people who really know me, and I get to see how they are doing IRL. 2. It makes me homesick. It feels like so much has changed since I’ve been gone, but in reality, I know that things will be mostly “the same” when I get back to San Diego. Thinking about everything that has unfolded and all that I could be missing out on (my sister’s pregnancy and soon to be new niece, friends’ pregnancies and babies, showers, birthdays, new homes, new loves, new jobs, new illnesses) gives me some pause. I know all of these things will still be there in one form or another when I return, but I still hate to miss important milestones.

Still, I know my time on the road is not done. While I can technically return home tomorrow or next week, I am not ready yet. I am tired, yes. But I know this is just a phase in the grander scheme of things. I am tired of constantly being on the move, so I’ve slowed down quite a bit. I am tired of party hostels, so I’ve slept in tranquil hippy environments. I am tired of answering the same questions over and over again (Where are you from? How long are you traveling for? Where are you going? Where have you been?) So, I am going to make a change.

“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” Paulo Coelho

I am going to stay with a Nicaraguan family for 1 month beginning Feb 14. (Happy V-Day to ME!) It will be my first homestay since Madrid 2004, and I am so excited! In fact, dare I say, I’m invigorated? The program is through La Mariposa language school, a nonprofit with an eco-focus, and it sounds right up my alley. In addition to spending time with my Nicaraguan family, I will have 20 hours of private Spanish lessons per week, and 20 hours of volunteering within the community. (Maybe I’ll work with kids again!?) I’ll be eating traditional Nicaraguan fare grown within the community, and…you may have guessed it…I will have my OWN ROOM! : ) I do not care how basic it is. It will be tiny and beautiful and all mine!

The BEST hammocks are from the Caribbean coast of Colombia

One of the reasons I selected Latin America for my travels was for the hope of becoming fluent (or casi) in Spanish. I would love to use both English and Spanish in a job one day. Spending weeks in backpacker hostels speaking English with others from around the world hasn’t helped my case, so I have to go out of my way to use my Spanish with the locals and with Spanish-speaking travelers. (I’m sure that sounds weird given that I’ve been in Spanish-speaking countries!) I hope to speak very minimal English during my homestay and go full immersion. I’d like to leave with a better understanding of the Nicaraguan culture, a country I am so in love with. (It’s my second time here!)

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

So, even though I am tired, I am still curious. I want to know what life is really like in Nicaragua. I want to explore north of Nicaragua, an uncharted territory for me. I want to make it to Mexico City and visit my dear friends from grad school. I want to walk across the border from Tijuana to San Diego with a feeling of YES. This part of my journey is complete, and I am fulfilled. I may be tired, but my travels are not over – yet.

What are your thoughts? What do you do when you’re feeling tired of something?