Strange Life

It can be quite a strange life at times, settling into a place for a period of time, drawn in by the incredible people and amazing sites, but inevitably, the time comes when we have to say goodbye.

These are usually bitter-sweet moments where we say goodbye to new friends while simultaneously saying hello to the open road.  They are times filled with reflection and growth. 

In the beginning of this journey, many times it felt like the road was the cure for the bitter feelings of missing new friends. The palpable excitement of unknown terrain would drown out these feelings. Over the past couple years, this has changed dramatically.  We try to allow ourselves time, as we leave one location for another, to process the feelings and lessons learned.

~ Glen

After weeks of traveling from Costa Rica all the way to Mexico, stopping in Mitla, Oaxaca, felt more like a necessity than a choice.

Initially, Oaxaca did not resonate with me as deeply as I had hoped. Coming from the lush landscapes of Costa Rica or even Nicaragua, the arid expanses of Oaxaca felt stark, and my heart longed for greener, more aquatic scenes. Yet, I was physically drained and in need of rest.

Our stay in Mitla began as a pause for recovery, but it soon morphed into a more profound engagement with the local culture and people. From exploring prehistoric caves, Zapotec treasures, or natural marvels, to immersive encounters like our horseride to the Fortaleza, each experience gradually unveiled the enchanting tapestry of Oaxaca's spirit. 

The warmth of Socorro and her family, along with the community's vibrant customs and crafts, particularly the Zapotec "grecas" and woven cotton, slowly drew me in.

The region's rich history and the resilience of its people added layers of appreciation to my initial reluctance.

However, weeks of driving added to the worrying news from Israel and Gaza, topped with successive painful goodbyes had emotionally drained me.

As we left Mitla, we found ourselves at a river near Cuicatlán, a spontaneous discovery that offered a serene contrast to our hectic schedule. The river, with its clear, turquoise water surrounded by greenery and mountains dotted with cacti, provided not just a visual respite but a spiritual one as well.

Over two days, we returned to various swimming holes along this river. The purity and coolness of the water, the soothing shade of the trees, and the constant breeze were soothing and rejuvenating. As I floated in these natural pools, I envisioned my ideal workspace—an environment as refreshing and inspiring as this river. This clarity came not just from the physical joy of swimming but from a deeper, almost ritualistic purification, a cleansing of both body and spirit.

Saying goodbye to Oaxaca and embracing the next phase of our journey reflected a maturation in handling departures. The need for silence and personal space to process my emotions has become more pronounced, and I've grown more accepting of Glen capturing these raw moments, recognizing them as part of his creative process and our shared journey .

As we drove away, the reflections in the river's mirror-like surface lingered in my mind, reminding me of the continuous flow of life and our travels. Each goodbye now felt less like a loss and more like a transition into new beginnings, carrying with us the lessons and love from each place.

~ Genevieve