THOUGHTS ON MY TRIP SO FAR…
I was going to spend my last day on the road (for now) being a beach bum here in Playa del Carmen, but the rain didn’t allow that. Instead I had lunch with one of my readers (Kathy I’m glad I was able to meet you) and then came to the hostel and spent the afternoon reading some of my past blog post and thinking of everything I have done so far.
I love this shot... of me at the cave atop of Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala.
In the past 112 days I have managed to do a lot. I think I have managed to do more than some people will do in a lifetime. I don’t say that to sound cocky or superior to anyone. I say it because I look back in awe and can’t believe I… ME… JAIME DAVILA… did this. It’s seems unreal… I remember being scared of being lonely, it not working out, what can go wrong and of the unknown. I’m glad I did not let any of my fears hold me back, because now I know I can manage them very well. I’ve also learned so much about myself that I don’t think I would have ever learned other wise. I also know that travel has changed me (yes even in such a short period of time). Traveling has opened my eyes to a million new things and put me in situations I would never have seen or been in other wise.
I will forever have countless amazing stories to share. Some are scandalous, down right crazy, scary and some are about amazing experiences I had in certain places or things I just don’t understand. I have shared some on my blog and others I have kept to myself. Looking back I wouldn’t change a single thing. I am a believer that everything in our lives happens for a reason and leads us to where we are today. I am thankful today I am on this path of exploring the world and have been able to do what I have done so far.
THOUGHTS ON GOING HOME…
It seems like just yesterday I let my dreams consume me and I was leaving Houston to embark on the first part of my trip. The funny thing is this part of the trip was not even part of my plans. The whole time I had been planning to leave around July and starting off in Europe. I changed my plans on an impulse purchase and strategically around 2 weddings I knew I could not miss for the world. I have already attended my brothers beautiful wedding in Playa del Carmen and am now heading home to attend my best friends wedding.
My dad, mom & I at the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We actually didn't go in, we were just scouting where my brothers wedding would be.
I’ve only been away from home for 112 days and I know that is not long compared to others who have been on the road for much longer. For me however it’s the longest time I’ve ever been away from home. I honestly do not know what to expect when I go back. I know a lot can happen in 112 days, but I am scared to go home and find everything the same. I know I’m excited to go home for many reasons. I am excited to see my family, friends and attend my best friends wedding. At the same time I am also excited for a break on the daily backpackers grind. I spent almost 3 weeks in Playa del Carmen (the longest of any place I visited) when my plans were to visit Cozumel, Cancun, Isla Muhjeres and other places as well. Truth is I was just too lazy to go anywhere. I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, not have to worry about where am I going next, long transportation days, where am I going to eat or what am I going to do all day. I know while I am home I will be kept busy with many things and before I know it I will be on the road again.
THOUGHTS ON WHAT’S NEXT…
I haven’t even gotten home and I’m already being asked the question “What’s next?”. I think just about everyone knows I’m not going home for good (yet). I plan on going home for less than a month. That will give me time to see everyone, attend my best friends wedding and even go back to Mexico to see my grandparents before I embark on my original plan (my 1st blog post).
When I think about things... these are the images that pop up around me.
Incase you don’t want to read my first blog post or have and don’t remember I will be heading to Europe for about two months before slowing down in the Middle East. I plan on visiting a few countries there and finally making my way to Egypt. While I am in Egypt I plan on hopefully living there for 3-6 months and hopefully get some type of job to maintain my stay there. After that I plan on heading to India and then off to South East Asia. All this of course is just a plan for which direction I will be heading my plans can change at anytime and I will be okay with that. As long as I have funds to travel with I will continue to do so.
As for my blog I still have quite a few stories from Central America and Mexico to write about. I will try to incorporate those with my post of things going on at home or my current travels. I want to continue to be honest in everything I write and keep up with my blog as I have been doing since the start of the trip. I am actually surprised I have kept up with it, but to be honest I love it. I may not enjoy writing, but I enjoy sharing my stories and am thankful I have people reading it. Thanks again for reading my blog and putting up with all things JAIME.
I’m embarking on a new chapter in my travels and hope you all come along!!!
What a great wrap-up! Congrats to you for a well-lived 112 days and good luck with everything that comes after.
Thanks Lauren!!!
I will admit when I first came across your blog and tweeted with you, I was a bit nervous for you since you had never done the whole backpacking thing and you had such an ambitious agenda as far as length of trip, destinations, etc. Well, you have rocked it! As a veteran of 112 days, you have now backpacked longer than I have on all my trips combined and you have given me quite a few great ideas for my trip this winter when I visit many of the countries you have just come from. Been a pleasure to watch it all unfold, and can’t wait to see how your European adventures go down … ‘proud of ya man!
Scott recently posted..Traveling On Ice
Ha Scott trust me even I was scared. I had never done anything like this before in my life and had no clue what was going to happen. I am so glad though that I took that chance and did it, because now I know I can do it and that I love it. I’m glad to hear you are visiting many of the countries I have visited I truly fell in love with Central America. I will be more than happy to help you with anything you may need! Thanks again Scott for reading my blog and being a great supporter!!!
I’m excited to see what this new chapter brings… All the best my friend!
Thanks Andi I am excited to see the same.
Soooo happy to have met you here in Playa del Carmen Jaime! It was both a privledge and a pleasure. I look forward to your future blogs for your adventures, experiences and advice have been an inspiration. I will definitely keep in touch and let you know when i’m ready to move on from Playa. I’m thinking Central America and maybe head towards Ecuador to visit friends. Heck maybe i’ll visit you in Egypt someday! 🙂
Wishing the best continues for you. Watching your face light up as you talked about your travels and seeing your passion for the adventure has made me more excited to get started. I totally love PDC but i’m ready to see more of the world! You’re awesome buddy!
Kathy I have to say the same about you. It was a privilege and pleasure as well. I never once thought I would meet any of my readers. I am glad I was able to meet you & chat with you. I hope I give you the motavation you need to explore outside of Playa, but if you don’t its okay too. What matters is that you are happy and I know you are very happy in Playa del Carmen. However if I do have a place to live in Egypt you should def come visit me… that would be awesome!
Jamie your plans sound so exciting – it certainly doesn’t sound like your trip is coming to an end. Yay, means we can keep reading about your adventures…I bet they’re about to get even crazier.
If you need any tips on Egypt, Jordan, Syria or Turkey let me know – I travelled through the region last summer and loved it.
Megan recently posted..Superlatives at Amritsar’s Golden Temple
Yeah Megan it’s not coming to an end anytime soon. I also have a feeling that my adventures may get crazier but I just have to be careful. Oh & yes I may actually be needing your help for when I get over there. I’ve been reading your bog & already learned a few things. I’m excited to explore that part of the world.
Sounds perfect. Oh, and we’re gonna grill you on Skype. Be ready 🙂
The NVR Guys recently posted..Maintaining Our NVR Lifestyle – Travel Discounts and Tips
Thanks Guys & hell yeah Skype date very soon!!!
You’ve done more in 112 days than I feel like I did last year 🙂 I’ve loved following you through trip prep, the work resignation, and throughout your 112 days on the road.
Hope your time at home is relaxing and refreshing and that you’ll be ready to hop on that plane for Europe (can I steal you away in London for a day or two?!?!).
Heather recently posted..Quick Guide: How to Survive the Nullarbor
Uh uh Heather you did a lot last year in Australia (& I would know cus I’ve kept up with your trip). I am also hoping my time at home is relaxing and refreshing. Going to London actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea… let me see if I am getting a rail pass & what else my plans are.
Congrats on a great start to an amazing journey around the world! I can’t wait to read more, and I especially can’t wait to throw tomatoes at you!
Ali recently posted..We Got Married!
Thanks Ali & hell yeah I can’t wait to do the same too you. Oh it’s going to be EPIC!!!
Jaime, when reading this post I felt like myself 2 weeks ago on my way back to Europe (home) after 3 months in Mexico and 2 weeks in Spain…. I’ve been at home for a week and still do not know what next, but the same as I will figure out something interesting, I’m sure you will, too! Good luck with everything and shame we did not meet in Playa del Carmen and Akumal. I was there the same days like you!
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..ME WITH IGUANAS IN XELHA
OMG HOW DID WE NOT MEET UP??? I’m sorry I wish I had known we could have so done something together. I spent almost 3 weeks there and loved it. Man it was a blast.How long are you going to be home for… I hope you can find a way to continue to travel.
So proud of you Jaime – I remember when you bought your ticket and had your first real HOLY SHIT moment. Just think, you altered your course there and determined your future, and to say you are killing it would be an understatement.
So great to get to know you through twitter/etc and follow along with your trip.
Have fun in TX and keep us all updated!
Justin Hamlin recently posted..June 20: Get Lost (Again)
Thanks Justin for being so supportive. I think I would say the same I’m killing it & well living it!!!
Traveling with you has been amazing !!
You are perfect exactly the way you are
Here Or there
Every where
Wishing you love
The Hipptrip team
http://www.hipptrip.com
Thanks Alyx for an amazing comment. Thanks so much for following along, I’m glad you enjoy it alot.
It’s been really great to read all of your tales from the road. You’ve had some of the most interesting experiences.
Enjoy your stop at home, and I look forward to following phase 2.
Mike Lenzen | Traveled Earth recently posted..Some Things That I Will Miss (And A Few That I Won’t)
Thanks Mike for reading all my adventures I really appreciate it a lot. So far I am loving my stop back home, but I sure am looking for phase 2!
I hope you like Egypt as much as I did. I visited in 2007. The people are the nicest I’ve met. Egypt really gets in your blood. I would love to live there for a few months. I think you’re really going to love it.
Thanks Paul I really hope I do too. I have heard nothing, but amazing things of it and I’m looking forward to it a lot.
I remember when you first got out in C America and you were writing blogs about you hadn’t quite adjusted yet and your camera broke and it just didn’t quite seem as though things were as amazing as you had hoped. I was amongst a lot of people who said that it would all come good, and not to worry about the initial fears. And boy has it come good. I knew you would find your rhythm and you have and I love reading about your adventures. Keep it up!
Julia recently posted..The Day My Life Changed
Thanks Julia… wow I do remember all those feelings and remember the horrible 1st week I had…lol!!! Oh man good times and I am glad I stuck around because I got the swing of it and am loving it now. Thanks again Julia for reading my blog & crazy adventures.
Very impressed with what you’ve achieved so far mate – good luck with the second part of your journey! 🙂
Kieron recently posted..A Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur
Thanks Kieron!!!
Hey Jaime congratulations on your first 112 days. I hope you are enjoying your down time at home and can’t wait until you hit the road again to follow your adventures. I was thinking of you and your mideast plans yesterday while marching in Istanbul’s Gay Pride ‘parade’. Let me know your schedule when you get moving again, hopefully our paths will cross (maybe Israel? I met someone in Tel Aviv and plan to keep going back… my new home away from home!).
Darren recently posted..Istanbul Gay Pride 2011
Thanks Darren, I didn’t know Istanbul had a Gay Pride that is awesome. Yeah Im enjoying my time here at home a lot & am looking forward to hitting the road again in a few weeks. I hope paths do cross and they should if you are going to be going too Israel often. I plan on going there for sure. We will keep in touch.