Embracing Change: My Curiosity and Need for Adventure Called Me to Mexico City

Plus, a complete recap of my first week in the city.

As I write this, I’m sitting at Cafe Toscano in Mexico City. Sipping on an almond cappuccino while enjoying the melody from the chirping birds, vibing to the soft lofi background music at the cafe, and watching people as they pass by on their morning commutes. I have always wanted to visit Mexico City, and my thoughts of needing to speak Spanish before making plans prevented me from experiencing this magical place sooner. However, just as quickly as those thoughts clouded my mind, I dispelled them by reminding myself that I have been to other places in the world with only the ability to recite common greetings.

So, what was it that was truly holding me back? Was it the thought of being uncomfortable and placing myself in situations that would require me to practice the language actively? Was it the fear of being misunderstood and the fear of embarrassment as I slowly tried to put sentences together? Regardless of what it might have been, I finally decided to take action and began planning my trip. However, this time, I wouldn’t be visiting the city for a week as I had done with my previous trips—a week wouldn’t challenge me enough. This time, I decided to stay for a whole month to allow me the opportunity to truly immerse myself in the culture.

Remote work session at Cafe Toscana

Additionally, I needed a break from Los Angeles. As much as I love the city, I wanted and needed a change. I was yearning for inspiration and a creative boost, and since Mexico City was calling to me, I decided to answer. I packed up a majority of my favorite things, including my two beautiful cats, Vader and Toph, and jetted off for my next adventure, and so far, I love it here. The air seems cleaner, the streets are filled with lush greenery, and there's a beautifully manicured park at every turn. The people are all about community—they smile more, seem generally happier and friendlier, and are incredibly helpful and patient. I have butchered their beautiful language on more than one occasion, yet they lovely correct me and encourage me as I practice.

Just the other day, I had a pleasant exchange with a native wanting to practice his English. He could tell that I wasn’t from the area and stopped me as I was walking in the park. He asked if he could chat with me for a couple of minutes, and I thought, ‘Why not’? Normally, people would be wary of striking up random conversations with strangers while in different countries. However, I felt incredibly safe and loved learning about his life. A couple of minutes quickly turned into half an hour and a guided tour of the Roma Norte and New Amsterdam neighborhoods. He even gave me wonderful suggestions on where to dine, dance, and explore and welcomed me to his country.

I got to experience the first few days in the city with my mom. I love getting the opportunity to spend quality time with her to deepen our connection. We dined at delicious restaurants such as Lardo, Panaderia Rosetta, and the incredibly popular franchise Taqueria Orinoco. I’ll be dreaming about their bean soup and quesadillas long after my departure. We explored Castillo de Chapultepec, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and attempted to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum but learned the hard way that tickets must be purchased far in advance. After she left to go back to Arizona, I met up with my friend Julie, who is also staying in the city for an extended period of time for healing, reflection, and excitement. Together, we checked out the women-owned bar, Las Brujas, mingled with the locals at Cafe de Nadie, and got lost in the local library, Biblioteca Vasconcelos. The architecture alone is breathtaking, and because of its grandiose size, it's the perfect place to allow your inner child to run wild and free with a friendly, calm game of hide and seek with friends. Something I plan on doing when my group of friends come to visit next week. 

I even got the chance to spend the day with fellow Substack writer and now friend Ayanna Nicole, who writes the Soul Remedies newsletter. Our day was filled with synchronicity, spontaneity, laughter, lattes, and delicious vegan tacos. We met up at the local Chiquitito Cafe and bonded over our newfound love of the city, writing, and how we’re embracing our single lives. We then got lost and made our way to the local park and found a cool vendor market, did a little shopping, chowed down on those vegan tacos I mentioned, and got tattoos!

It was her first tattoo and my 8th/9th. I initially just wanted to get the saying Hecho con Amor, which translates to made with love, but I was later pulled to getting another one. As she was wrapping up with her tattoo—something told me to give the tattoo sketchbook another look. The wind began to pick up as I opened it, and I stopped on a page with cool doodles of a variety of flowers. As my eyes wandered across the page, the strong wind caused a seed from the tree towering over me to drop and land directly on the drawing of marigold flowers. The flowers that represent Dia de los Muertos and are left on the altars to help guide the ancestors home. I had been thinking about getting an orchid tattoo in honor of my late father. Orchids were his favorite and always reminded me of him. However, this seemed like a sign, so I got it on my right hand.

I have seen more affection in this city than anywhere in the States. It’s like love permeates the air. People lovingly embrace one another and are completely present in every conversation and interaction. Couples hold hands and caress one another as they walk down the street, and lovers stroke each other’s hair as they sit next to each other on the park benches. Phones aren’t present while people dine, and strangers often flash a smile toward one another. So far, Mexico City is all that I could have hoped for, and I am so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to witness its magic. Next week, I will be entertaining my good friends, and we plan on doing all of the touristy things, such as a Hot Air Balloon ride, Pyramid Tours, and the popular Xochimilco boat ride. If you’re interested in seeing how those adventures unfold, subscribe so you don’t miss my post! Until then!

Hasta Luego!

Meagan