¡México!

I am finally completing one thing on my 24 before 25 list that I've wanted to do this year. Every year I've tried to take a trip somewhere because I need something exciting in my mundane single life. I've been to several places in the United States, but I've never left the country. Last year something on my 23 before 24 list was to get a stamp in my passport. I actually didn't think it would happen this year because I'm saving up to go see my sister in the Philippines, but on a whim I decided to go to Mexico City.

I chose Mexico because it's close, and I kind of know the language. After taking my TESOL classes I realized that I could actually learn Spanish, if I tried. Now, I'm not expecting to be any better than I am at this very moment, but I figured why not go some place, not in the US, where I can practice my Spanish (which is really bad so this will be an interesting trip).

After reading The Kitchy Kitchen's Part 1, 2, and 3 Mexico City Guides I knew I wanted to go there once in my life. I didn't actually think I'd go through with booking the flight. I spent so much time looking at airline tickets, but I knew I didn't have anyone to go with. That was the one thing holding me back.

I spent a lot of time thinking about it, and I found a great deal on a flight. I knew I would regret not booking it. I researched hostels and hotels making sure I wasn't booking a flight with the intent that I was never actually going to go. I researched the area I planned to stay. Through all of this it dawned on me: I spend so much time complaining about being single. I expect my life to start when I find a guy that may or may not want to travel with me. Yes, it's dangerous to travel out of the country alone as a girl. But I honestly feel like my life is going no where. So, call it my "Eat, Pray, Love"* trip, if you will. But why should I let the fear of being alone stop me from doing something I really want to do? 

In the end this will be a crazy experience. I'm going to a country where I don't know a single soul, I don't really know the language, I don't look like the people, and I'm going alone. If you know me you know I can't do things alone. I can be alone (in my room by myself for hours because I'm an introvert), but I hate going out and doing things alone.

What I'm trying to say is that I need to get out of this mindset of "woe is me." I know God put me on this Earth to experience more than this little suburban bubble I live in. I'm extremely nervous, and every so often my heart will start pounding and I think, "Did I really book this flight?" But I know I'll have some great stories, and I'm looking forward to finally having something exciting to say about myself.

*My mom jokingly told me I was going to find myself in Mexico.