One thing about traveling to Mexico is that there is never a boring moment. Over the years, I’ve gone several times with my family, but this trip was one of the best I’ve ever had. Every day I did something new, and I don’t regret any of it.
On the first day, I landed in Guadalajara, Jalisco, around 6 a.m. and then drove two hours to my pueblo in Acuitzeramo, Michoacán. The feeling when getting to your hometown in Mexico is unbeatable. Knowing there is no stress, no school work, and just there to relax and enjoy your vacation is unmatched. When I arrived, I went to say hi to my friends and family. After taking a shower and getting ready, I went out for my first day in Mexico. I spent time at the plaza, ate enchiladas, and talked with my friends. Later that day, I was invited to a bonfire where I met up with other friends and also met new people. It was a fun experience getting to communicate and connect with others. I met individuals who are from Stockton, Washington, and even parts of Los Angeles.
During my first week, I went out with my friends and my cousin to eat pizza in a nearby pueblo called Purépero. In my opinion, the pizza in Mexico is way better and less greasy than the ones we have here in California. They have different types of toppings for the pizzas, such as carne asada, fries, etc. I got a regular pizza with jalapenos and chorizo as my toppings. We talked about everything and enjoyed spending time together. I swear, we were the only table group laughing out loud.
A few days later, I went to Zamora, Michoacán, with my family. We shopped at little boutiques, ate a variety of foods, and I even got to meet a TikTok influencer named Itati López. Itati does media on TikTok and Instagram. She lives in Bakersfield, and in Mexico, she lives in Zamora. At first, I didn’t recognize her because she had glasses on and she was with her family, but once I heard her talk, my cousins and I asked if we could take a photo.
I spent a lot of time driving around with my cousins in the car or on the quad while blasting music. We would mostly go around sunset and play reggaeton. The weather out there felt so nice; it would be warm and fresh in the mornings, but once sunset was out, it would get cold and chilly. Either we would drive around our pueblo or sneak out and go to nearby ranches to explore. I also visited beautiful places like La Laguna de Camécuaro. It has a large lagoon where families and kids go to eat, hang out, and swim. There are canoes to explore the lagoon, along with restaurants, coffee shops, and bikes you can rent. When my family and I went, we walked around the park, took pictures, and even crossed the old bridge they have. I got an iced coffee from a shop called Africa and ate fried fish with homemade tortillas and fries.
One evening, I went out to another pueblo called Tlazazalca. They had a festival. I went with my cousins and got to meet some of their friends. That same night, they turned on the castillo, which are fireworks that are part of a cultural tradition. While I was talking to my friends, I met someone, and we got to know each other. I found out he’s friends with most of my cousins, but we had never seen each other until that night. We danced, and he later on gifted me flowers, a small but meaningful gesture that felt sweet and nice.
During my second week in Mexico, if there was nothing to do, my cousins and I would always find something. We would go out for crepes and an iced coffee, eat tacos, and shop around. It was my first time trying crepes, and I asked for bananas, strawberries, and lechera. We would usually get some tacos as well, which were placed in front of the crepes. I like getting al pastor tacos with everything (onion, chile, cilantro, and lemon). Throughout the week, I met new people and made new friends. My cousins, their friends, and I would hang out in the Sierra Mountains, eat aguachiles, and listen to music together (mostly corridos). We were all just enjoying each other’s presence and making jokes. Once it got darker, they started a fire and just vibed with the music, telling scary stories.
As the trip was coming to an end, my family gathered for a goodbye dinner. We ate together and had a mariachi play for us. It was my aunt’s and uncle’s anniversary as well, which made the day even more special. The restaurant had a pond and beautiful scenery. For my dish, I ordered fajitas de res y camaron, which is grilled shrimp and steak mixed with bell peppers and onions, with a side of Mexican rice, macaroni salad, and a green salad. Afterward, my family and I went shopping just for last-minute gifts, and once we got home, there was an anniversary cake ready for my aunt and uncle.
When it was finally time to leave, it hit me that I wouldn’t be back for a while. I realized how special the time I spent with my family and friends really was. The saddest part about leaving is saying bye to any family members who live in Mexico.
This trip gave me new perspectives, meaningful memories, and a deeper appreciation for the place I was able to call home, even if only for a short time.
