A Year In Playa
| February 8, 2013 | Filed under Mexico |
After a teary goodbye to Tyrhone’s family yesterday, we boarded the plane to Cancun, almost unable to believe that we were actually going…home.
Not long after my arrival in London, we booked a cheap flight back to Mexico. We had debated over Spain, France and some other European destinations as our next port of call, but in our hearts we knew where we really wanted to be, back in ‘Playa’, the home-away-from-home we discovered five months (almost to the day) ago.
During the ten-hour direct flight from London, I thumbed through a battered copy of Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’ that I’d rescued from Tyrhone’s Mum’s neighbours’ recycling bin a few days before (I know, who throws out BOOKS, let alone classic travel literature?). Reading about life in Rural France en-route to central America (as you do), I began to get very excited about our next adventure – living in Mexico for a year.
It is kind of daunting having so much time in one place stretching out before us. There is so much we want to do, so many ideas to be explored and projects to be begun.
It is supremely exciting, but a little intimidating. I’ve banged on for a while now about wanting to write a book, learn Spanish, develop a steady yoga and meditation practice and get an article published in a magazine, “you know, when I get time.”
Tyrhone’s been dying to get back in the gym and get into shape, to learn the guitar and start a variety of creative projects that have been bouncing around in his overactive brain.
And now we can. There is nothing standing in our way but ourselves, our questionable self-discipline and the distracting evils of reality television.
You probably realise by now that my default setting in life is FEAR when it comes to new things (I mean, I’m not afraid of things I’ve already done, that would be weird). Now I have the time to do the things in life I’ve always wanted to do; to challenge myself creatively and develop spiritually, and I tell you, it’s much easier saying “I’m gonna” do something than actually bloody doing it!
It definitely feels like the beginning of a new chapter. We may be returning to a familiar place (we’ll be moving into our old apartment in just over a week); to our ‘happy place’ of Playa del Carmen, but the adventure now lies in what we can create with our time, our skills and all the dreams we have not yet had the time or space to follow, until now.
It’s going to be an interesting year, as long as I can keep my fear and self-doubt at bay and my love/hate relationship with the Kardashian sisters under control.
Travel Tip: We flew from Gatwick to Cancun direct with Thomas Cook, who I can attest have actual planes (I’d never heard of them before and was a little worried), and rather comfy ones at that, considering they are a budget airline. Whilst this is in no way a paid plug (though I wish it was!), and though I must assure you that they will charge you for everything except breathing, I was very impressed with their leg-room and service. And as an ex-trolley dolly, I notice these things…
To receive updates on Un Ano en ‘Playa’ (A Year in Playa), subscribe via email, RSS, or Facebook!
More Stories
I can’t believe you’ll be in Mexico for an entire year! And what a year it will be, I’m sure! It’s so true what you say about the best of intentions and how it’s so easy to say you’re going to make all these positive changes in your life and be so productive… only to find that fear can be paralyzing, and although you might not be doing much at the moment, it feels safe. It’s easy to have nothing on the line, but life is about taking risks, as terrifying as that is, and I can’t wait to read about all the ones you take this year!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted..How Do You Like Them Apples?
Hi Steph, that is so true: “It’s easy to have nothing on the line.” Thank you, as always, for the inspiration and encouragement
Ah, enjoy it! This is your year to tackle all of those things on your list… good luck (and I’m a little jealous, as my two months in one place IS NOT ENOUGH!)
Kim recently posted..Beauty in the Breakdowns: Nearing the End… Of My Rope
But you’ve been SO productive with your limited time! I’ll probably be like, “I got a year… think I’m gonna go to the beach”
You’re in the perfect place to improve/get more fluent in Spanish. I’ve never heard of Thomas Cook Airlines till now, will keep it in mind, sounds like a Spirit Air that flies longer distances, I’m not a fan of the experience but I wouldn’t write off flying with them again because the price is so right even after adding costs for water, nasty food, bags etc.
Mike recently posted..A Taste of Thailand
Just you saying that makes me go, “Aw shit, if I can’t speak Spanish at the end of this, it will mean I am SO slack!!” Which will be true… Man, I need to study!!!
Woo hoo!!!! I love this. I’m so happy for you two. I think you’re going to do great and once you set out to do all that you’ve been dreaming of, it’ll make you wonder what took you so long. I’m also incredibly jealous…however, Shawn and I may be adding Mexico to the end of our travels thanks to your strong endorsement.
Thank you Carmel. Its been two days, and honestly, our happiness levels are right back up there. It’s great you added it to your plans, who knows, you guys might end up living here…
Great post babe, now where did you put the damn remote?
tyrhone recently posted..Leaving London
Ha ha. I fell asleep holding it this afternoon
Muchos gracias for the flight tip! One way ticket to Mexico booked. Hmmm, now all I have to do is expand my two word Spanish vocabulary…
Ha! Are you serious?! If so, my work here is done Rob!!! Enjoy
Yay!! Great news, so glad you’ve decided to settle for a little while in somewhere so wonderful. Just take it slow and enjoy, a year is a really long time when you think about what you’ve achieved in this last one! It’s such a great opportunity to have a home base and but still continuing the adventure.
Maddie recently posted..6 tips on making your money work for you
Thank you Maddie, it feels so right to set up a base in a beautiful place that already feels like home! We’re so lucky
I’ll buy your book!!! X
Thanks Eggy!!! So I have ONE sale guaranteed???!!!!! XOXO
“There is nothing standing in our way but ourselves, our questionable self-discipline and the distracting evils of reality television.”
I’m not a reality tv fan, but I can definitely relate to this sentiment. This is only the first post of yours that I’ve read, but I find your voice honest and endearing. Good luck on this next adventure!
opportunemma recently posted..I actually just write a gardening blog now
Thanks very much, I love hearing from new readers and appreciate your feedback
Welcome back! (I live in Cancun, but close enough.)
Be careful, I moved here “for a year” too…13 years ago next Monday!
Kristin Busse recently posted..My Visit to Frida Kahlo’s House: La Casa Azul
Ha! Thank you Kristin, love your blog, keep livin’ the dream
LOL! Just as I was having goose pimples reading your profound writing – came the reference about the Kardashians. It cracked me up so hard! !!
Seriously, I’m happy for you guys, that you get to return to a place where you feel home. A lot of people travel to many places but not a find a feeling of home and if you do, you’re truly blessed. Have a wonderful time in your home.
Marisol recently posted..Vietnam: The Colorful Hilltribe Market of Bac Ha
Hi Sarah. Without sounding like a complete stalker but I’ve been reading your blog religiously for the last couple of months now as it’s been a great source of information for my travel planning and I love your writing style.
I am soon about to start my own solo 12 month+ adventure from April 16. First stop, Mexico for a month then make my way south
Jimmy recently posted..Hola!
Blog stalkers are very welcomed Jimmy! Sometimes its a bit like, “Is anyone out there?” so I appreciate you dropping by to say hello. All the best for your upcoming adventure, look us up if you find yourself in Playa del Carmen
yes very nice
Thank you!