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Our clients journaled about their time in Mexico. They are self-titled and written entirely but our current clients. They’ve been open enough to share a piece of their story with us. Here is a first-hand look at the amazing trip we had – so much growth and transformation! (Plus who can beat these pics in paradise.)
Arizona to Mexico
Going from being in the United States, somewhere in Arizona, to Zijuatanejo — Mexico is great. It’s a great break from the daily routine at our treatment center. This is like a recovery vacation that has taught me that there is so much more to vacations than just partying, and being incoherent the whole time. Actually, I find that it is more enjoyable to be sober and on a vacation for multiple reasons. Waking up is a lot easier and I actually feel in touch with the earth and also my higher power. Leading up to this trip I was very excited; it almost seemed out of reach how long we had to wait. My time at Back2Basics has been epic and has flown by.
When we were on our way to Mexico I had no idea what to think. We landed and I realized we were in the middle of the jungle, but it is so beautiful here that I was instantly speechless. I have been to Cancun before in a resort, but it was nothing like it is here. In Ixtapa the experience is very authentic and very alive. Actually going to the city made me feel like a part of the community. First thing the villa is amazing, and the view is a breathtaking view of the bay. I could sit and just look across the bay for hours if we had the time. The villa also fits five people very comfortably. We have eaten at some very good places so far and more to come. The different atmosphere of this place has really caught my attention, I could see myself coming back down here at some point in the near future, still living sober.
Spanish Class
Here in Zihuatanejo, after we surf and eat lunch we all sit down for a daily Spanish class. I have had several years of Spanish class in middle and high school but my attention wasn’t always there and my knowledge of the language leaves much to be desired. So needless to say the lessons are much appreciated and needed. Our instructor is a local teacher at a private school. She’s a great teacher and brings a level of humor and knowledge of the culture that keeps each lesson interesting, she is extremely helpful in explaining the language down to the mechanics. We began at the basics like greetings and goodbyes. While also touching on the tricky verbs, we also went over the alphabet which contains similar letters with some different pronunciations. We learned to say our names out letter by letter and after learning the numbers, how to write and say our phone numbers. We also have gone over a bunch of vocabulary including a lot of adjectives. I have realized how after learning all these things that when they are put together they create something more, like being able to convey a more complete thought. This is similar in a way to the 12 Steps. We go through them each designed to help us alleviate our addiction. In AA we learn these steps as well as different practices and lessons to help us live an enjoyable and healthy life style without using drugs or drinking.
The Food
Eating in Mexico has been a vibrant experience full of colors, smells and interesting places and nice people. Our first stop was an open air, but covered patio-type set up complete with a four stool mini bar set up in front. We got up to take a look in the back at the kitchen, which was not any set up that would see in the United States. It was an open fire in two adobe traufs narrow enough to balance a large pot or pan over. The wood was fed in through the front and it looked like the coals were kept swept out. Several young kids ran around and played with each other. Also a small dog was following the kids around. We ordered from one of the owners I believe who had also let us see the cooking set up. We ordered three different kinds of tacos and I could not wait to try them. As the tacos arrived I noticed slight dark charring marks on the white flour tortillas. On one of the plates which had a bright chile red filling on the organically delicious looking tortillas. The smells of cooked pork, steak, chile, and lime filled my nose and made my mouth water. We also had a variety of salsas and toppings to accompany our delicious tacos. My favorite combo was the carnitas, which had a slight spiciness. The taste of the pork and the freshly made salsas were quite the combo. We were also served taquitos which were very crunchy and filled with a seasoned chicken. They were also topped with green lettuce bright red pieces of tomato and a white cheese of some sort which had little black flecks of seasoning. I accompanied my tacos with water and tasted my fellow guests Mexican juices. Overall the food was incredible no complaints it was some of the best food I’ve had in my entire life.
Grateful
Today we went to an English-speaking meeting. About every other day we go to a meeting in Zihuatanejo. Here are a group of recovering addicts and alcoholics from all over the world that have moved or visiting the area. It’s almost like stepping into a small room of home. Outside is the hot humid jungle like city streets with foreign sounds and smells and sights, and once I enter the door I find myself in a familiar place with familiar people — even though I’ve only been here two to three days and have met the people either once or twice before. That is something I’ve come to realize about working the 12 Steps and being a part of a sober community — that it can be the great beacon of hope, a sort of a safe haven. Where ever there is a meeting room or group of recovering alcoholics. However the fellowship in Flagstaff is awesome the people are totally open to their feelings in recovery and overall have a strong desire to stay sober. The number of groups and members has risen exponentially to great numbers and continues to do so. While I never doubted it, I truly realized the reach of it when we went to the meetings here. It’s comforting to realize that in my future travels I am looking forward to visiting all the meetings around the world.
Mexico
The Mexico trip has been a large goal of mine to be able to be a part of. I was told at one point before that if my behavior did not change I would not be on the trip. This was a wakeup call to look at how I’d been coming off to others. I have been able to make improvements in my attitude and am glad I have.
The humidity was the first thing struck me we landed. It felt nice in comparison to the dry mountain air. My excitement grew as we stepped out of the plane and I saw the thick jungle looking forest around the runway. It is easy for me to get out of the present, drifting to the future or the past. But when I stepped off the plane I was totally In the present. These first several days have felt like a new chapter in my sobriety. I have found great enjoyment in my first several days here. I have been starting to feel like there is a future for me staying sober. And not just an existence, but one that I can be happy with. Talking with John Valvo I realized I was still in some fear of whether or not I can stay sober. Having this attempt by no means be my first. But I feel as if I am losing my grip on that fear. I am grateful to be here with a great group. We have all been putting forth the effort and it shows in my fellow clients.
Today was our first day of surfing, which we started out with enthusiasm I was excited and nervous about what it was going to be like. When we arrived at the beach I looked out at the waves which were fairly intimidating. Once I was in the water I realized they were only about two or three feet tall. Paddling on the board felt very awkward and unnatural at first. My shoulders and lats started to burn just before getting out to our spot to catch a wave. Wow I am going to have trouble with this I thought. Luckily I warmed up after my first attempt at catching a wave. I was able to with a helping push from our surf instructor. Standing up and riding the wave was so awesome. I yelled with excitement and instantly began to paddle back out to the waves. This is totally something that I could get used to.