A Year of Travel: Goodbye, Mexico

Welcome to Week 18 of A Year of Travel!

May 06, 2025

Keeping our promises to ourselves is essential.

Life of a Travel Writer

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Hello, Fellow Travelers, and Happy Monday,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Goodbye Mexico

I realize it’s Cinco de Mayo today as we eat our last tacos in Mexico before boarding our flight to Panama. It’s a bittersweet farewell-especially knowing that Puebla, the city where Cinco de Mayo is truly celebrated, is alive with festivities today.

Having now spent two Easters in Mexico, I wish we’d planned to be in Puebla for this holiday, since the Easter parades are always so much fun. Watching the town commemorate its victory over the French would have been an experience. Maybe next year.

This year’s trip has gone much smoother than last year-no scooter accidents, no cockroach invasions, and a lot more ease in our travels. I’m grateful for the chance to spend another year in Mexico and to add new favorites to our ever-growing list of beloved cities.

Mexico City

Aside from a few airport layovers, this was my first real visit to Mexico City. I could see myself being happy living here. The concept of “home” has been on my mind a lot lately, especially as a full-time traveler with the freedom to choose where to settle for a while.

When I travel, I’m always searching for a few simple things that make my stays better: great lighting in my accommodations, somewhere to run, and access to museums and libraries. While not always attainable depending on where you are, Mexico City is so vast that you’re bound to find what you need if you look long enough.

This week, I found it. Even though the neighborhood and light in our first apartment weren’t perfect, we were just two blocks from an amazing park-complete with tennis courts, soccer fields, and dog parks-always buzzing with people. That sense of community is something I really value.

After my morning runs, I spent most days exploring the city’s world-class museums. My first stop was the Frida Kahlo Museum, her family home where she spent most of her life.

As a long-time fan, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different our experiences in Mexico City have been. Frida struggled with illness most of her life, from childhood polio to a traumatic tram accident in her teens. I, on the other hand, have spent my life running and traveling, determined not to let asthma control me.

Still, being in Frida’s house and walking the streets she loved, I understood her attachment to this city. Even if travel had been easier for Frida, I think she would have chosen to stay in that beautiful blue house. I dream of having a courtyard garden and a studio with east-facing windows for the morning light.

Mexico City Highlights

If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss:

The historic Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral
Templo Mayor and its museum
The world-renowned Museo Nacional de Antropología
Palacio de Bellas Artes for art and performances
Chapultepec Park and Castle
The bustling neighborhoods, acclaimed cuisine, and vibrant street life

There are always new places to discover-Aguascalientes, for example, is gaining attention for its art, culture, and lively festivals, and is worth considering for future trips.

For now, we’re off to Panama-another country to cross off my ever-growing list.

Thank you, Mexico, for another unforgettable year!

Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time,
Courtney

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