Hey There!
In this week's blog, I'm sharing a memory that's very close to my heart: my first trip to Mexico last January. As a Christmas gift, my parents surprised me with tickets to visit my dad’s hometown in Oaxaca. It would be my first time in Mexico, and I couldn’t have been more excited!
In the days leading up to the trip, I was a mixture of excitement and nerves as I packed and prepared. Even though I’d spoken with my family over the phone and on Skype, I was anxious about meeting everyone in person. My Spanish is decent, but I was worried the language barrier might make it hard to connect. Thankfully, three of my cousins spoke English, which gave me some comfort, knowing they’d help bridge any gaps.
The morning of my flight, I had an early wake-up call for my 6 a.m. departure—but Chicago had other plans, greeting me with a snowstorm. After a two-hour delay, we finally took off, and I landed in Mexico City around 2 p.m. Navigating the airport was a bit nerve-wracking since my dad had warned me to stay vigilant and follow the signs carefully. I managed to make it to my gate just in time for my flight to Oaxaca, exhausted but brimming with excitement.
When I arrived, my uncle and cousin were waiting to greet me. It was such a joy to see them, and we set off for my dad’s hometown—a three-hour drive through winding mountain roads. By the time we arrived, I was car sick and tired, but as we pulled up to my grandparents’ house, all of that faded. Eduardo and Victor, two of my cousins, were waiting with big smiles, and the excitement was contagious. When I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed. My entire family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—were all there, waiting for me. They cheered when they saw me, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was a moment of pure happiness and gratitude, and I hugged each one of them tightly. That night, after we’d all gathered for tea and snacks, I finally drifted off to sleep, feeling deeply content.
The rest of the trip was an immersion in my father’s hometown, filled with rich cultural experiences. My aunts showed me around, even taking me to the schools my dad attended, which was surreal to see. One highlight was visiting my grandparents’ ranch, where I got to try traditional foods like pozole and tamales, ride a horse, and even shoot a shotgun—a completely new experience! Every moment felt like a gift, and being surrounded by family made it all the more special.
