Change Is Good!

Many of you are probably wondering what I'm going to do next. As you know, I've been living in Puerto Vallarta, off and on, for the past two years. My trip home for 4.5 months during the summer of 2004 was very depressing for me and I couldn't wait to come back here. After my trip home this summer (2005), the exact opposite happened! I found I didn't want to leave Canada and come back here. Unfortunately, I had responsibilities in Vallarta to my job and had an apartment to deal with as well. So I reluctantly came back to Mexico in late July. I was hoping that by returning here, I would be able to get a clearer picture or feeling of what I wanted for my future.

One thing is certain -- I want to travel and see more of the world. Europe is calling to me; specifically Spain (now that I can speak the language), Italy (family history), Greece (who can forget Shirley Valentine?) and Ireland (more family history). Travel to Europe from Mexico is difficult for several reasons: (1) I simply don't make enough money down here to afford a ticket to Europe. (2) The only time I have off is during the summer, which is primetime everywhere else. (3) It is difficult to get anywhere from Vallarta without connecting through another airport, adding even more expense to the trip.

I will therefore be returning to Canada to live. From there, my dreams of trans-Atlantic travel can become a reality. And to be totally honest, I miss my country! I think it took a couple of years in Mexico to help me realize just how great it is living in Canada. I miss my life there -- the variety, the cleanliness, the feeling of belonging somewhere and being a part of something that is an intrinsic part of me. I even miss the hustle and bustle of living in a big, bad city like Toronto. I don't know how I can explain it without drawing comparisons between Mexico and Canada and I am really loathe to do that. And of course, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss my friends and family back home.

Living here has taught me a lot about myself and shown me that what I am capable of doing. I actually accomplished a lot more than I set out to do. Initially, I was coming here for a six month vacation but became much more entrenched by working and living here full-time. I feel now that I am equipped to deal with anything that might come my way. I will never regret making the decision to come here or staying as long as I have.

As far as the timing of departure goes, I quit my job last week and was done work today. I hope to continue living here simply as a "tourist" for the next six months and then plan to accompany a friend on the drive back to Canada, making a few scenic stops along the way and enjoying the experience to its fullest. I just wanted to put you in the loop and elicit your good vibes for my the next part of my journey. Thank you for all your love and support along the way.