As I meet new people and travel across and outside the country, it's important to me to share my personal knowledge and highlight my community. I have Native American and Latina roots flowing through me, so community is my everything; it's in my blood.

As a woman of color, at 36, I'm still learning about my heritage and ancestors.

 

As a Mexican American growing up in the USA, I feel as if I have lost parts of my culture without choice. Being "Americanized" can make you lose parts of who you are without even realizing it.  

As I get older, I have this longing to reconnect with the teachings and lessons of my ancestors. Acknowledging where my ancestors' walked as I stood in Mexico, I felt the connection to my lineage, family, and roots. It was an almost out-of-body experience knowing my loved ones once had roamed in the same place where I was standing.

 

Going back to Mexico with my sister was about identifying and embracing our roots while experiencing our culture. We explored as much as we could, ate from every food vendor we passed, and supported local vendors at every chance that we could.

 

 

Mexico was vibrant, intoxicating with invigorating scents in every corner, and just absolutely beautiful. 

The colors, the food, the smells, and the music were not just familiar but an awakening, bringing me to life.

 

There wasn't a corner my sister and I went by that we didn't want to explore where the mouth-watering aromas were coming from. We'd eaten so much food from little taco trucks, fruit stands and couldn't resist eating every type of el elote (corn on the cob or in a cup with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili) as much as we could. Eating the traditional foods was part of us embracing our culture and listening to our bodies. 

The spices, the taste, the aromas in the air brought us back to memories of our childhood. 

It reminded us of our Nana and the meals she used to make us.

Food was the main connection that made us feel right at home while in Mexico. It was both an experience and a homecoming for the both of us, and I'm glad I did it with my sister out of all people.

Another  thing I couldn't get over was the vibrant and beautiful colors: the yellows, the bright reds, the bright oranges, greens, and dark blues. Everything I love about Mexico is how colorful the city is and how colorful the people are. We visited Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, and it felt addicting to be there. The mountains, cliffs, oceans, and charming town were peaceful and soothing to the soul. Their farmers' markets were so much fun and overflowing with: bracelets, cute little earrings, handmade bags, sandals and of course so much food.

They had everything you wanted in these markets, everything. 

 

 

Mexico was very healing for my sister and me. We went on this trip with the mindset of having this amazing experience and vacation, but then to experience the actual depth of the culture that flows in our blood and bones was absolutely a blessing.

I can honestly say that there's a stigma about traveling abroad and about it being dangerous and scary. And that may be true in some places, anywhere in the world, but I can honestly say I have never felt so comfortable before. Every time I go to Mexico, I always feel welcome; I feel safe. The locals are just so amazing and loving; the experience I have every time I go is so embracing. Mexican people want to have a good time; they want to relax and eat good food. They always want to be surrounded by family and their loved ones, and lastly, they love to have a good party.

Which I appreciate immensely. 

Going to Mexico was a deep cleansing for my soul and made my heart beat a little different than before. It made me feel better spiritually, physically, and mentally. Mexico was a sentimental trip. It felt invigorating to be so lucky and blessed to walk the same path as my ancestors once did, acknowledging their roots and blood are within me.

Thank you, Mexico. I am grateful for your love.