On the heels of one of the most unique trips of my life so far (leading a group on a 10-day trek through my beloved Patagonia), I feared I would depress easily this Thanksgiving, as I said a tearful goodbye to my brother and friends in Chile and got on a plane to fly to Mexico, alone for the holiday.
Holidays always seem to accentuate the “solo” part of “solo travel.” It is easy for me to feel removed from festivities and far from my family, because in reality, I am. Loneliness preys upon vulnerable victims, and it hurts. I had to learn how to appreciate Christmas as a solo traveler last year, even through the loneliness, and I want to do anything I can to avoid that pain again this year, starting with Thanksgiving.
Since we knew we would be flying on Thanksgiving Day, my friends Matt and Sue and I decided to spend our last day in Chile enjoying a progressive meal in Santiago. We started with a hike to the most relaxing place in the entire city, the Statue of the Immaculate Conception, which overlooks Santiago in respectful silence as beautiful songs soothe the mind and soul.
Then we ate and drank our way across the Bellavista neighborhood until we were so full we couldn’t eat anymore. We considered this an accomplishment.
Our progressive meal included five different stops where we shared empanadas and café, dark craft beers, Peruvian ceviche, taquitos, papas fritas, tiramisu and a chocolate brownie. We reflected over the past 10 days and the past year alike, sharing stories and gratitude for where our crazy lives have taken us. We all have so much to be thankful for, even without a turkey or pumpkin pie.
I couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling day in this foreign city.
On top of that, the depression I feared never showed up. I got a row to myself on my red eye flight and was able to get some sleep, something that never happens for me flying coach. When I landed in Mexico, I was embraced by 72 degrees and sunshine. Things fell into place with my lodging and transportation, I got to go for a run, there was American football on my hotel TV, I ordered room service, and then I even got to have a second dinner with a good friend I know through travel. Thanksgiving Day turned out to be relaxing, warm, and anything but lonely.
Maybe I’m getting used to this “alone for the holidays” thing… ask me again at Christmas.
On another note, I have forgotten how much I love Mexico. It suits me. I am here in San Luis Potosí for an adventure travel conference, during which I will go exploring with other professional adventurers, attend sessions and meetings, share a few networking cocktails, and… I’ll turn 32 somewhere in the middle of all this. I won’t be alone again on my birthday this year. Thankful.
After a week in San Luis Potosí, I’ll make my way to Loreto, Baja California Sur (and yes, all of Baja belongs to Mexico), where I will set up my home base for the next couple months, in an apartment just one block from the Sea of Cortez.
I am optimistic, ready for beach, sunshine, hiking, and the adventures, both external and internal, that await me in this incredible country. For all of this, I am so grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends, I hope you are happy wherever you are. (And if you’re not, might I suggest coming south of the wall…)
