Last summer I had the opportunity to visit Guatemala and Oaxaca, it was also my first time in Latin America. After returning that summer, I decided to invest in myself for the first time and make it a goal to travel for a few months rather than just two weeks. Between August of last year and this January, I turned my goals into my reality. For six months I saved my money, paid my credit card debt, sold my car, and booked a one way trip to Mexico.
Truth is, I don't regret a thing. Although I went on a limb here by purchasing a one way ticket to Mexico, it's the best lifestyle change I've done for myself. I've been in Mexico for three weeks so far and every day that passes, I'm learning something new. Whether it's a new word, sharpening my Spanish skills, learning new political views, understanding cultural values, seeking potential business ventures, and meeting local community entrepreneurs; it all moves and motivates me to be a better leader for my own community back home.
Over the past three weeks I've had the pleasure to visit the beautiful beach towns around Puerto Vallarta; Yelapa, Boca de Tomatlán, Mismaloya, Bucerias, Sayulita, and San Francisco (a.k.a. San Pancho). I'm currently in Mexico City and there is tons to do here. So far I've been to twenty museums, the powerful pyramids of Teotihuacán, the romantic river and Trajineras de Xochimilco, tasted the richest street food in Mexico City, and visited the most extravengant and richest churches of Pueblos Mágicos (ex. Puebla and San Ángel). Through these places and moments, I'm inspired by the people I meet along the way. I've met Social Activists and Educators from Argentina, Journalists who write for high profile media publications in Mexico City, local Software and Hardware Engineers, Business Entrepreneurs, Policy Consultants for the International Labor Organization, and Policy Consultants for the International Trade Organization. I knew that traveling would give me the opportunity to network with the most generous, resilient, creative, and intelligent people in Latin America and expand the Somos Chingonas network- a space for social entrepreneurs to share ideas, resources, and collaborate on impactful community projects.
Over the next few months my goal is to continue traveling to different parts of Latin America such as Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, and Argentina to meet community organizers and leaders. I want to encourage you to recommend any networks, organizations, or community leaders by commenting below or sending me a private message on Facebook/Instagram. The only way we can impact our community is by connecting, transforming, and accelerating TOGETHER.
In the meantime, I've shared some photos taken either with an iPhone or 35mm film during my time in Mexico. Take a peek and enjoy San Francisco!
