I Traveled Solo Because… : Farah-Jane in Mexico

Last summer ,  I wanted to explore a new culture, meet new people and try new food . After doing some research, I accepted an offer for Riviera Maya, a well-known resort in Mexico for 3 months. I was so happy and excited! The day was approaching to start the new adventure and of course I was getting scared, normal reaction for someone who had never been anywhere else but Haiti for such a long period of time before. I did not know what to expect. I just knew I was going for an internship in a well-known resort far away from home.

Well as of today,a year later, I can say this was one of the best experience  of my life. Taking this internship was the best leap of faith I could’ve taken for myself. I didn’t have to impress anyone. I just had to be ME and give my all to learn as much as possible while exploring the country. I met many people that came from all over the world for the first time and created strong friendships. As of today we still stay in touch like we were still living in the residence ” Lol-Bé”. 

There are many benefits in traveling alone whether it is for a short or long period, business or leisure or whatever the reason…  You create new friendships with people from all walks of life. I now have new friends from countries such as Peru, France, Colombia, Chile and Spain. They all want me to come visit them in their home countries which is a good thing because I will have a place to stay and a motivation to travel once again!

One of my favorite part was the food.. When thinking about Mexican food we think of Tacos and Burritos but  Mexican food is not just limited to that .The succulent Mole Poblana, a signature dish from Puebla; Tortas their famous sandwich,Enchilada divorciada,enchilada suiza con salsa verde ,Chilaquiles con frijoles,Pollo planchada are a few of the other varieties they have. Their dishes are very tasteful with a lot of spices and some of them have a sweet after taste.

As the date was getting closer for me to go back home, I no longer had any feeling of anxiety but instead, I was melancholic because I got so used to these people. I was leaving behind a new family to go back to reality in New York where I was studying.

To say goodbye to so many people who I got used to see,to talk to and hang out with everyday was heartbreaking.It was the worst part of this journey. I remembered being in tears when I was living but because I had so many great memories to bring back home with me! I felt OK because I knew I would always carry them with me, close to my heart.

Last but not least traveling alone brought me peace, made me happy and made me realize how fortunate I am to be able to have lived such an amazing experience. I would encourage people to take trips by themselves no matter the destination because, I promise you, you will no regret it.

” No tengas medio, sigue tu corazon y que Viva la vida!!!”