Living Our Dream

There is something magical about going on vacation. You arrive with your suitcase, your sunglasses and that wonderful feeling that says, “Ahhh… we’re here!” You soak up the sunshine, eat delicious food, explore, relax and count the days until you have to go home.

But what happens when vacation becomes something more?

For Mr. and Ms. Mindful Traveller, that place is Puerto Vallarta. We don’t just visit this tropical paradise, we live there for half the year. Let me tell you, there is a huge difference between spending two weeks somewhere and actually making a life there.

The weather certainly helps! There is something about waking up to sunshine, stepping outside in the warmth and knowing that winter is happening somewhere far away.

Then there is the food. Oh, the food! Fresh flavours, tacos, seafood, fruit, street food and little restaurants tucked away down streets we might never have discovered on a two week holiday. When you live somewhere, you have the luxury of becoming a regular. You find your favourite little places. You start to recognize the faces. You become part of the rhythm.

Sometimes there is a language barrier. Living in another country reminds you what it feels like to be the one searching for the right words. Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes we absolutely do not! But every hola, gracias, por favor and attempt at conversation is a little bridge between cultures. It teaches humility, patience, and most importantly, it teaches us that communication is about so much more than perfect words.

Then there is the pace of life.

Things don’t always happen at the speed we’re accustomed to. Appointments, errands and plans can unfold a little differently. At first, that can be frustrating.

But slowly, you begin to realize something. Maybe life doesn’t have to move so fast. Maybe the slower pace is an invitation to notice the world around you. To linger over coffee. To talk with a neighbour. To watch the sunset. To take the long way home.

Living in a foreign country teaches you that home doesn’t have to be just one place on a map.

It can be the place where you feel welcomed. The place where you have friends. The place where you know where to buy your favourite coffee. The place where the waiter recognizes you. The place where you have favourite walks, favourite restaurants and favourite views.

Vacation lets you experience a place.

Living there lets you experience a life.

Maybe that is the greatest mindful moment of all: allowing ourselves to step outside what is familiar and discover that we are capable of creating a beautiful life somewhere completely different.

Puerto Vallarta has given Mr. and Ms. Mindful Traveller sunshine, adventure, incredible food, new friendships, cultural discoveries, plenty of laughs and a few opportunities to practice our Spanish! It has also given us perspective. We have learned that sometimes the best way to appreciate the life you have is to step outside of it for a while.

So whether you dream of living abroad for a few months, spending winters somewhere warm or simply immersing yourself in another culture for a little longer than a vacation allows… Seize the opportunity.

Slow down.

Learn the language.

Taste the food.

Meet the people.

Embrace the differences.

And let another place teach you something about yourself.

Because sometimes you don’t just travel to another country.

Sometimes you discover another way to live.

Lovingly yours, Ms. Mindful Traveller