Artiscence

I went on my trip to Mexico by myself, but met two awesome people and became fast friends with them. We took a road trip to Chichen Itza, Merida, Campeche, and Uxmal. We discussed politics, social issues and construct, graduate school, law school, jobs and relationships. We compared life in the U.S, Israel, Austria and parts of Africa using our experiences as focal points. We were different, certainly unique, but those differences were complementary and provided for stimulating conversations. And of course, we took lots and lots of photos, silly photos, serious photos and everything in between. Yay, Starbucks in Merida! Frolicking in the Campeche cathedral Lounging around Uxmal Eating in and experiencing Chichen Itza Enjoying the night life in Merida The best part of friendship is its continuation!

Twas the evening before my birthday. Good food, appealing atmosphere and a vibrant mariachi. Twas a memorable night in downtown Cancun, Mexico.  I asked a few locals where to eat and a good number of them pointed me to La Parilla. So, I made my way there. It's a little hidden, so someone expecting a huge sign by the entrance might miss it. The mariachi played through-out but they weren't loud, almost like listening to music in any typical restaurant really, except here, you can see the people singing. My meal was about 160pesos, roughly $12.  Not bad! La Parilla

I enjoyed my time in Mexico and I'm glad I got to remember what endeared me to each place I visited while I was there. There is distinction and singularity in each of these places, emphasizing the diversity of peoples, cultures and even geography. Tulum:  An old, mysterious wonder  upon whose face the ocean  splashes its kisses Isla Mujeres: Cabanas on white sands gentle breeze whistles whilst caressing tall palm trees Cancun: Hot, windy, crowdy sophisticated and expensive zona hotelera Chichen Itza: Old, majestic reverence say a prayer here? you just might Brick by brick, a culture lives on Merida: Romantic midnight Here lives a delight that rushes through the wind and into your heart To you, Merida, I stay partial Uxmal: Flirty, fun and friendly A village once stood here And here it remains...without its people Campeche: A world of people A hallowed heritage A world...

I turned 27 about a week and a half ago and I wanted to mark it in a different way. In the past, I usually go out with friends and have dinner with my family. Since grad school, I have spent my birthdays in lab working. I know. So, I decided to go on my first solo international trip ever (which turned out to be not completely solo....but life happens....in a refreshingly good way). I took the plunge, despite some of my friends and family indignation about solo traveling. I chose a place that I knew I would find interesting and will capture my attention for a week. So, yeah, no beachy resorts here ;). So, where did I go? Mexico. To be specific, the states of Quintana Roo, Yucat á n and Campeche. Why Mexico? You ask.  Well, it's close, it's cheap, it's convenient. My birthday (or birth week as I spent the week of my birthday there) was most enjoyable and fun.