The Move To Mexico Part One: Arriving in Merida

I'll never forget that tired, yet wired feeling the morning I woke up to catch the plane to Mexico. I was at my Uncle Tom's house -- Chris' uncle, actually. But, mine just the same. I woke up to find my sons asleep on both sides of the bed, with me sandwiched in the middle. Chris already with his eyes wide open looking at me. He said, "it's go time!" And, as excited as I was, I'll have to admit that kind of sucked because the alarm hadn't even went off yet. But, he knows me well. This sloth needed to get going, or else -- we'd be late! 

It was hilarious because we piled into the party bus -- a fun perk when your Uncle works in the limousine industry -- but, the kids didn't know that! Haha. They just thought they were cool. And, I don't even think any of us put the radio on. The kids just seemed so stimulated. I could see it in their eyeballs. They looked like bright-eyed, bushy tailed squirrels. I don't even think they brushed their teeth! All I know is, Newark airport seemed amazing when we pulled up. And when you grow up in the tri-state, trust me it's really NOT that amazing. Neither is Philadelphia for that matter. It's busy, chaotic, and anxiety-inducing. Actually, if you've ever been to an airport in the United States, let me just skip over that part because that all went swimmingly. We only had one connecting flight in Miami, Florida. And, there was nothing out of the ordinary to report! Off to Merida we went! 

Once we arrived at the Merida Airport, I noticed the atmosphere was a lot slower-paced compared to New Jersey. It was very professional. Staff was serious, yet friendly. I even noticed all the expat seniors from Canada, the US, and so on all getting escorted in wheelchairs. But, the entire time there was one thing on my mind! And, that was getting into the correct line for my temporary residency. Not the tourist visa. Do that, and you'll mess everything up! But, I'll explain the details on that whole process another time. Anyway! Once we got through the lines in proper order, something caught my eye just like a scene from out of a movie -- there was this Mexican man holding up a sign that read, "Ruiz Core Family." Haha! Annnd, that'll be us I thought! It was funny too because I didn't even realize Chris arranged to have us picked up by a personal driver. But, it was certainly smart thinking because -- while they do have Uber in Yucatan -- they don't allow direct pick ups at the airport. Only taxi cabs or personal drivers. But if you wanted to take an Uber, you technically could. However, you would need to walk outside the airport grounds and catch an Uber a few blocks away. And, it's too HOT in Merida for all that! No one wants to have to drag their kids, and their luggage, through that type of situation when you aren't situated first. You would need to be prepared for the elements of the jungle when you go out and about for those types of walks. I'm talking extra mosquito spray and electrolyte beverages on standby!

Merida? Yucatan? The jungle? What am I even talking about? Well, if you used to fall asleep in geography class like I did growing up, this is for you! Yucatan, Mexico is the state we landed in. Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatán. And, if you also didn't know, Mérida, Mexico is the second safest city in North America. Isn't that interesting? Well, I was impressed! And, it's not exactly the jungle per se, but it's definitely a city surrounded by the jungle! It's located right off the peninsula that juts out like a boot towards the Gulf of Mexico, but on the side that faces Texas and Florida. It's not on the side that faces the Caribbean Sea.

More to catch up on next time!

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