[April 2015] At one point we realize that the only constant in life is change and that everything is subject to impermanence. In 2015, I had to make some drastic changes to my tour business, Project Mayan Encounter; as well as Espacio Mayan Encounter, my Jungle B&B Inn.
In 2008 I had launched eco-cultural excursions to include mature and handicapped travelers who want to explore the Mayan backroads, away from the tourist buzz in the Riviera Maya. It has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life, until I felt a pull to expand into a different direction, and also shift my investment strategy.
In 2012 I had built a dwelling from scratch in the thick subtropical rainforest. I was lucky that a gifted builder from a small village near Valladolid helped me because I had no clue of architecture or construction. I should correct this to: he built my house and I was one of his assistants (including cooking typical Maya style meals), trying to match my ideas with the locality.
I wanted to create a spiritual playground for me, not knowing how exactly this would manifest. It was a life-changing experience, and as you may guess, running a one-woman show in the jungle, I was facing a number of challenges. The good, the bad and the ugly. But of course, also some of the most amazing ones, including hosting Reiki Retreats and other events; as well as lovely volunteers and guests. I saw some first class sky shows away from light pollution of the towns: eclipses, meteor showers, shooting stars, satellites, or just the crystal clear milky way. And I listened to some incredible bird concerts and the vibrant night sounds of the jungle.
In 2013 I decided to build a second floor and live out one of my dreams: operating a Bed & Breakfast Inn. I absolutely loved it and guest reviews proved that they were happy as well. However, I still had an inner nagging voice, telling me that I am not quite organically placed in the environment. The environment had started to change,
too: increasing noise from air and road traffic, more neighbors starting to construct, more dog barking at night, etc.
I began to realize that when I came to Mexico in 2003, it was only a stepping stone for my next phase. But
that next phase didn’t kick in as early as I expected. I fell in love with the Caribbean Sea and in
the course of the years I had tried to make best sense of my “waiting time”.
Finally, in March 2015 I found myself moving back to California for good. I am very thankful for the unforgettable experiences in my almost 13 years as a local in the Riviera Maya, and on the same token very thankful for the changes
in my life now because my new setting surprisingly feels like an ideal match – considering that I’m not in the place that I had intended to move to initially.
The ideal new owners for my house could be a couple – or partners, because life is so much easier when you are a mini-team. Maybe they are nature-loving retirees who want to spend their life’s autumn in warm weather; or
entrepreneurs who are eager to start a hospitality and tours business. For sure they will be genuinely fond of nature,
wildlife, the lovely Maya people, less crowded beaches, the quaint small-town flair of Puerto Morelos with its down-to-Earth restaurants, fresh fish, local fruits and veggies, as well as a growing scene of conscious locals.
A piece of my heart will always remain in this neck of the woods and I will always love to visit.
While the wind of change has blown me to California, I will continue to support mature and handicapped travelers, and match them with the ideal local guide or equipment rental (such as electric scooters or beach wheelchairs) based their individual needs, language, budget, or preferences. And I’m happy to take someone on tours personally when I happen to visit. You find tour details here.
Please get in touch to schedule a tour or arrange for mobility assistance. Or if you know someone interested in buying my home!
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