November 2016 Travel Recap: Mexico Adventures, Life Reflections, and What's Next
In my monthly travel roundups, I reflect on the past four weeks of journeys, what worked well, what didn't, and my upcoming plans.
Where I’ve Been
I kicked off November with unexpected days in Los Angeles, followed by four weeks in Mexico—a detour that turned out perfectly, landing me in Puerto Vallarta, where I'm writing this. Last month's roundup mentioned being stranded in the U.S. after my Istanbul trip canceled; read on for how Mexico became the plan instead.
I flew into Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, spent a week there including a day trip to Tequila, then headed west to explore Riviera Nayarit's hotspots: Sayulita, San Pancho, and Puerto Vallarta.
I considered Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende north of Mexico City but scrapped them to avoid rushing. With limited time before returning to California in early December, I still slept in 11 different beds over 30 days—about every three days—including four spots in Puerto Vallarta alone.
Life Lately
What a month. Donald Trump became president-elect. I fell ill twice. I turned 36. Mexico's beauty couldn't fully shield me from reality. Disappointed by the canceled Istanbul trip last month, I bounced back quickly after booking Mexico. Post-sun-soaked November, it beat Istanbul's Seattle-like chill.
The unshakable low: the U.S. election (details in Lowlights below). I coped with books, beaches, socializing, puppy hugs, tacos, and margaritas—yet news intruded. Still, highlights far outweighed lows!
Highlights
Los Angeles Reunion
Unlike my funk-filled September LA stay, this visit lifted my spirits. Planned as an LAX layover to Istanbul, cancellation led me to enjoy LA's heatwave after Seattle's shivers. 90°F bliss! I attended friends Jen and Chris's party, reconciled with a friend, and explored new neighborhoods: Highland Park and Mount Washington in the San Rafael Hills.
Returning to Mexico
First-time spots in Mexico. A Highland Park stroll sparked the Guadalajara ticket buy. Beyond Mexico City familiarity, Guadalajara's historic center, fresh fruit, and chilaquiles felt like home instantly. Mexico lets me slip into routines effortlessly.
Riviera Nayarit Beach Life
I adore beach life. City girl at heart, but beaches revive me—curing Seattle's gloom like Long Beach did. Beach runs, ocean dips, SUP, sunset beers: pure joy.
Puerto Vallarta Birthday Splurge
Freelance life means budget travel, but my birthday warranted indulgence. With a U.S. visitor, we booked a luxe apartment, savored meals sans work, cocktails, SUP, jungle hikes. Shared moments amplified presence—rooftop drinks over laptop time.
Lowlights
Post-Election Blues
The election topped lows. I'd predicted it summers ago in Europe, but results triggered two days of uncontrollable tears—sobbing in Guadalajara's Starbucks. As a German, it hits deep (detailed post next year for my 7-year quitversary; see my 5-year here). Hint: big changes ahead, known to newsletter/Snapchat inner circle.
Coping: Invited my visitor, switched to a social hostel, hit beaches. Still shaken, sleep evaded post-November 8. Resignation yields to optimism, but struggling.
Mexico Arrival Panic
Pre-flight worries: solo travel drought, first Mexico solo, no ATM cash, rusty Spanish. Panic eased on arrival—87 pesos from last trip for bus; Spanish returned; Mexico's ease prevailed.
Illness on the Road
Stomach bug day one (fresh fruit?), then birthday cold (AC/heat clash in luxe spots). Road sickness sucks.
Slow Business
Peso-dollar favor helped low earnings. Daily spends ~$35 (except birthday week).
Other Happenings
Snapchat Community
Snapchat (10-sec clips, 24-hour life) connects me rawly. Birthday and election support from strangers overwhelmed—grateful for instant empathy.
What’s Next
Heading to California (third time 2016!) for LA weekend, then north to Sonoma/Napa—first in six years since 2010. Quick NYC stop, then urgent Germany matters nix SE Asia housesit in Vietnam. Holidays home: markets, cookies, Glühwein, family joy. Rare winter Germany, but cherished. NYE? Last-minute trip likely.
