I once heard of a study claiming that just planning a trip can elevate someone's state of mind. Even if they never go. The hypothetical act is like a dopamine boost. While I'm not sure if planning a make-believe vacation would put my brain in balance, when a planned trip months ago actually happens and great memories are made, it certainly makes life feel really good.
It is a minor miracle that humans can get in a metal tube, fly thousands of miles, and experience a new place with some of the people you love. AND have gorgeous weather. It is also no small act of grace that no one gets sick or injured despite the different food, terrain, and systems. All that to say, my folks were able to make a trip south of the border for the Christmas holiday, and we are all so grateful we got to spend some time with them, showing off Merida and swimming in the teal-blue ocean of Cancun.
Here are some of the highlights:
the colors
The ocean color in Cancun this time of year was second to none. We all logged significant time jumping waves and waiting for "one more big one." I want to remember the shrieks of sheer joy from the kids bouncing off the swells of water forever.
the cold
It is hard to believe, but the past two weeks have been "cold," as in 75-78ish F during the afternoon. I have spent months talking up the heat, warning my parents to bring appropriate clothes, but in the end, they were glad they packed their extra sweater and pants! Don't misunderstand; the sun and heat of the day will sneak up on you, but we said on too many occasions, "But it hasn't been like this!"
saying yes
No one in our group had ever experienced an "all-inclusive" hotel before. That said, in Cancun, saying yes to the kids' requests for ice cream at 10 am and indulging in an adult beverage (or two!) well before 5 pm was indeed a luxury.
tours by locals
Let's be clear: while Cancun certainly is in Mexico, it is decidedly catered to vacationers looking to escape "real life" - not necessarily experience seekers or those interested in an authentic view of this dynamic country. I won't claim to be an expert, of course, but I will say that after living here for 4+ months and with 5 months to go, the "real life" of Mexico is unparalleled. So, needing to get our crew from Cancun back to Merida, I started Googling van services, debated renting a car, and spent too much time on Viator looking for an affordable (good luck!) tour that would allow us to sightsee on our way back.
After poking around, I came across ToursByLocals, which directly connected me to a local guide, Raul, who, for a reasonable fee, was willing to pick us up in a van from our hotel in Cancun, stop in Valladoilid, swing by a cenote (Dzitnup), and guide us through Chichen Itza. Our guide was super responsive and kind via email, so we made the reservation. I knew it was meant to be when, serendipitously, we discovered he is an instructor at the school where I have started taking Spanish conversation classes! Small world.
All in all, we had an adventure- & knowledge-filled day. On a personal note, seeing my folks (especially Papa) take the back seat to the planning and activities was a small triumph. They rolled with the punches, and I appreciated their trust and gusto as they started to get a glimpse of our life here.
tables for six
We had some delicious meals over the holiday. Like tongue-slap-your-brain-out good. We dined on Oaxacan (allegedly the most elevated of Mexican fare), Yucatecan (obviously), & even Lebanese (there is a strongly-rooted population from Lebanon here), just to name a few. The kids loved sharing their devotion to poc chuc and marquesitas. Ryan and I loved sharing our family table and this place that is weaving its way into our hearts.
familiar and strange
It was surreal doing familiar things but in a strange way. For example, we went to church on Christmas Eve, but to the walkable Catholic parish where mass was said in Spanish. We dressed up a bit, as usual, but we were nearly underdressed compared to the other churchgoers; people were decked out - like wedding ceremony level. We are a mostly Protestant-leaning, English-speaking bunch where ugly Xmas sweaters and even some NFL sweatshirts might make an appearance in the pews. All that said - the feeling of family, rebirth, and hope filled the space.
Also, Molly had brought our stockings from home. Seeing them all lined up in our apartment was a sweet image, but then it was silly to see the fake fire lit on the television while the air conditioning blew cold air from above.
Finally, navigating all the preparations and excitement for the holiday visit, along with now the ramping down of emotions, has hit us with a bit of melancholy. Strangely, we continue to call this place home and not. This liminal space, admittedly, is a little less lonely now that my folks can picture this place in their minds when we talk. There is less to imagine or assume, and that is nice.
We sincerely hope that our friends and family near and far find themselves content and hopeful for 2024. We are so thankful for all the support and love we have felt and seen. The following post will likely be in the new year; stay tuned for more posts. In the meantime, thanks for reading!
I'm smiling the whole time reading this today (and really every single time I read your blogs)...nothing like family to make your adventures even more special! Happy New Year Dehner family and here's to a great next 5 months!
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