Day Three: Don't Blink too Fast!

I'm not sure I ever want this to stop. I think I could get used to this and now I know why so many single momma's are traveling the world with their babies in tow, like my good friends. The ones I've met through Facebook groups and communities! Being a single mom in my opinion is not some sort of curse and I don't associate it with being weak. It's just a part of who I am, how I identify. I am a social worker, a mom, an educated woman, a homeowner, a vacation goer and much more. There are a lot of labels I place upon myself, all meaning different things. However, they are just that, descriptors. They do not own me, they just tell a piece of my story and are a part of my identity. They are what makes me uniquely me. I'd have to say that the single mom badge does, however, come with a back story and a journey through pain, but because of it, I am strong and able to accomplish so much. It's also part of why I started to want to travel solo with Gia by my side.

I am telling all of this to Omar, about the single mom community I'm part of and one reaches out to me in the morning. She tells me she is going to make her way over to the island to spend some time with Gia and I with her kids! It's like the universe is bringing me all the cool people I need to meet, and right now! We couldn't wait to spend time with her and the kids!

But before then, we still have so much to see and do!

Today we woke up at 8 am. It was a long night! Lots of dogs barking and noise going on if hot outside, something I'm not particularly used to since I don't live in such a populated space! But up we got for a wonderful walking tour of all of Isla Mujeres!

No, I lied! I mean, we did wake up, ate quickly and got ready to go on this walking tour. We learned about the goddess Ixchel, and all I could think about was bringing something home for Caitlin for D and D that symbolized this amazing goddess. We learned about the salt from the water and the importance it had in the history of the island and the Mayan people. However, it was so hot and Gia was done after 30 minutes or so. So we headed to a private little beach that I'm almost certain only the locals know about. Where the shoreline is short but the water is the clearest I've ever seen.

We settled in for a few hours, cracked open some coconuts and just relaxed in the water. The views, breathtaking, sea- crystal clean and clean and all I could think about... wouldn't it be amazing to own some property here.

On our way out Gia had to say goodbye to her 50+ hermit crab friends that she had collected, adios amigas! That took some convincing. She always wants to take things home with her.

We went up a steep hill and planning to wait for the bus, but at this spot we could see the coast from the other end of the island. We walked to the other side and decided to wait there... but to our surprise we saw a house in the shape of a shell and waited for the bus there as everyone stopped their taxi to take a look at this house.

On the drive back I got some short clips of the beautiful see from the bus. We went past the cemetery, which was a beautiful and a piece of art in itself.

The bus dropped us right off in front of the pride stairs! I'm not sure what they are really called, but I'm calling them that. They symbolize so much growth, love and support along with optimism for the future!

After that we walked across the laguna back to our room. Gia didn't want to come with me to grab lunch so Omar took me on his motorcycle and we grabbed a beer while we waited for lunch!

After lunch go and I both crashed!!! She fell asleep in the hammock and I went to the bed!

We found ourselves waking up just after 4 pm to go up to the beach some more and watch the sun set. Finishing the day out with a taxi to see the most beautiful way to see a sun set, in the water!

On this island you can watch the sun rise and set within miles of one another. It truly is magical.

After that we headed to the stores locally to see what Souvenirs we could find for friends and family back home! I'm trying to teach Gia the art of negotiations... I'm thinking she's learning!

But really a big shout out to the people who live here... especially Omar and all his knowledge!

4 days ago I was a ball of nerves... scared about this trip, what I was doing and panicking about how stressful this was going to be!

Feel the fear, and do it anyways! Keep moving in the unknown, the uncomfortable- and relax in the journey.