go-spookyfestivalcollector-blog

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Something I've never seen, yet so homey

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Also Mexico City is higher in elevation that Denber, CO! Who knew, drink more water.

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I almost cried when I got to my air b and b but I was too happy. Even the treat leading up to it was amazing. Fui al Bosque Chapulteca and got there right before it closed, but was the perfect place to drink some water, have snack, and go back out. It started raining as I left, but I got my time under the trees, and the next set of busses were under ground. Navigating the busses was hectic but I made it to my destination, with the help of many kind people. One of them saved me from going 8 stops.in the wrong direction. They are angels. I don't think I had any more trouble than any other cities but the back pack definitely made it harder. I almost shipped half my stuff home when I saw a FedEx store, but my bus pulled up just as I finished the thought. My air b and b hosts are a super sweet gay couple who listen to loud dance music and ate in the middle creating a plant sanctuary. I want to help. They live across the hall. We have a kitchen and living room and hot water. The room is great, cookies on the table, smells nice, Mexican blanket on the bed. The building is over 100 years old, converted from a warehouse, above a bunch of music shops. I briefly met another traveler staying here when I came in. Excited to go get some food! Michael, the host said he would show me around a bit.

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Reprieve en El Bosque, the busses were intnse. somehow I got here, so happy, soaking it up before finding my way back

, well to my air B&B

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Preparing and making moves

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Entry 1: big transitions

One of the main goals of traveling for me is to practice seeing everyday life at home as having the same potential as when traveling for opportunity, connection, and awareness. Before I leave the house, looking at the kitchen table filled with fruits and vegetables: squash reminds me of the times when Kat's friend Matt visited and all her friends; bananas of super food smoothies, peanut butter, snacks and power balls. Hand picked pears from UCSC garden, of the pogonip, walks there with Jason, nectarines, mellow evenings and morning tea, redwoods and long runs. The artichoke reminds me of long drives through Monterey and Salinas, long days in the Davey truck. Onions of home cooking, kraut, squash, healthy eating. Funny to think about home when I'm leaving, but so it goes with transitions sometimes, the part your closing equally as present as the future your opening, as it really always is. This is a big transition, leaving this place I have made my home for the indefinite unknown. I'm reminded of this space when it was empty. I can feel the echo in the blank white, tall, openness, alone. Then it seamlessly fills in with dance parties in the living room with Lyra, late night stretching and long conversations on the rug uner he altar. Kat's songs, music with Eden, Kea at the dog park. Porch Skype seasons and reading in the hammock, summer nights with the neighbors, last summer, Kevin, building the loft. Hang boards, the climbing gym, Shorme, Christmas, my family visiting. Every piece of this home has a memory and place in my heart. Too many to write. Waiting in line at security: so grateful to have an hour because even though it's five in the morning the line is long. This is one of the few times I have checked in before arriving, with no check ons. It feels strange, like I'm missing something...I have my boarding pass, ID, phone and charger. I have a theory that there will always be something I forget, but as long as it's not any of those things, we're good  :) My intentions in this documentation are to share my experiences as honestly as I can, knowing that my perspective on them will change over time, as truth does. And to do this without judging or doubting myself, or fearing the judgements of others, no matter how many grammar mistakes or embarrassing moments, or who does or doesn't read it. As well as to be present, knowing that each moment encompasses the past and the future, often without being linear or making any sense. I feel a rush of excitement. The transition is at an apex. A tipping point. Although there have been many leading up to this, going through this portal of checkpoints now instigates the buzz.  Even though I know I'm all good, have all the things I need, don't have the wrong things, I feel a relief to get past security. That little rejoice when they match your ticket with your ID, and when your bags come through the exray and don't get pulled off for inspection. I was ready but really didn't want to explain my vibrator or the excessive amount of essential oils, Chinese herbs and homemade toothpaste. Now the wait. Hurry up and wait, my dad's airport wisdom. Luckily only 13 minutes. I am proud to say I had a relaxing morning,, especially for leaving the house at 4 am, and still made it in time. Had tea and said bye to the house, reflected with Kat on drive to the airport. It's bitter sweet leaving home for the unknown. On one hand its so freeing and exciting and on the other scary and sad. I'm going to miss the people I'm away from. The the friends I've made in Santa Cruz and the stability I created in myself through them and my housing and job and routine. It has really become a home for me, and now a launching pad. Packing up my room, integrating the lessons and reflecting on all the experiences. This is a big transition. I'm letting go of a big part of me, yet knowing that I'm really not loosing anything. I'm simultaneously mourning the closure of a chapter and celebrating the openness of a new one. The contrast is tricky but typical. Take off! Getting on my second plane was another kind of rush, with 10 minutes till take off when I landed. They were making the final call when I ran up to the desk. The lady next to me said "just in time", as I sat down and caught my breath. Whew!! Her calmness and kindness brought me comfort. Airport in Mexico City: bathroom attendant, 7-11, cleaning staff walking in through the main entrance. Just different. Like the stray dogs slinking out of an old bus and laundry hanging one a line outside my hotel window. Little things like getting on the right bus feel like a feat because you were pretty sure you heard the woman from the hotel correctly but you aren't 100 percent sure and the self doubt creeps in. I told myself to wait a few more minutes before asking for confirmation and then bam! Holiday Inn Express Aeropuerto, white van with the logo, just like she said. And I can understand what they are saying! For the most part. "Crazy drivers in the city, this one time right in front of a school, swerving in and out of traffic". Made it to the hotel. Good job!! You're awesome, you're a dork. Those are judgements but whatever Lightning and thunder but no rain yet, no rain jacket either...new moon! http://chaninicholas.com/2017/07/sundays-new-moon-leo/