Photo: Jeshoots

Flying over the bright city lights of L.A., after a grueling 16-hour flight from Melbourne and my destination another 5 something hours away, it hit me. The moment I realized I would never truly fulfill my wanderlust. I mean, how could I? There are seemingly infinite places to explore, and even when you think you have seen it all, the world changes, people change. There is always something new, always someone new, each with different ideations and desires. But I think that is one of the most beautiful things about this world.

Life and all its perfect imperfections.

But, even after all my reflections and contemplations (a.k.a. overtired and over-thinking, skills which I have mastered), there was one thing I knew for sure, that I was glad I didn’t let people tell me I couldn’t.

That was one of the reasons why I left. I had a yearning to explore, to gain freedom. Freedom from what? I still don’t know. Monotony maybe. I left, even after all the negative remarks I received (concern on my mum’s part), about ‘how dangerous it would be, especially for a woman travelling on her own’. These types of comments just made me that much more determined.

I had been accepted into a student exchange program in Mexico, and I was over the moon. So, I embarked on my first solo trip half way across the world. Determined to forge my path. To explore and figure out what I truly wanted to do with my life.

Although I had nearly completed my nursing degree (fast forward a few years, a career that has taught me so much, and made me grow as a person), I have always felt like there is so much more out there. I can honestly say the only time I have felt truly happy is when I am travelling.

When I am thousands of miles away from home in a foreign place, immersed in a culture that is completely different from my own, l am free. A feeling I cherish, and a major part of why I love to travel.

Mayan ruins, Tulum, Mexico.

Because of this, because of my determination and wiliness to follow my heart, I discovered something that I otherwise wouldn’t have.

I found myself, and in turn found my happiness.

I fell in love with everything about Mexico. I learnt there are so many inventive ways to communicate needing to find the bathroom, and that you should always carry tissue paper and hand sanitizer. Watched complete strangers group together in the street to dance, sing, eat, and just enjoy life. I ate the most amazing hawker food, without counting calories. I stopped stressing about everyday things and let my inhibitions go. I studied hard during the day, partied until late and napped in-between. Made new friends and fell in love. I was living life to the fullest.

Its is for all the reasons above, plus so many more, that I will never truly be settled. It is also how I learnt to follow my heart. That infectious, lively and truly beautiful place fueled my never-ending wanderlust, and it will forever be apart of some of my most fond memories.

I arrived in Mexico naive, wanting and enthusiastic. But left feeling enriched, in love and forever changed.