Farewells and tough choices

The rest of our week with Joelle was spent recovering our broken bodies from the day that will forever be fondly remembered as Pants Party, Joelle's birthday 2014.

On her final day in Mexico, we had planned an epic tan-topping beach day... we were not disappointed. Armed with homemade chicken and bacon baguettes, crisps, and hummus, we lay back on the empty sands of Playa's Shangri-La beach, sipping Malbec and getting fried!

The sun was hot, too hot, so after all best endeavours to cool off in the water and snuggle under a lifeguard hut for shade, we kissed farewell to our tans and headed home for some light reading on our patio. Reading quickly turned to naps, and once fully refreshed and ever so slightly tender from the twinges of sunburned skin, we headed somewhere special.

On the rooftop of BeHotels, we plunged into their rooftop pool, sipped margaritas, and reminisced about our fun-filled week as the sunset over the terraces of Playa. It was heavenly. The whole week had been fantastic, and this was the beginning of a perfect ending.

The holiday's swansong took place in Yaxche, a restaurant selling traditional Mayan fare. The chilled atmosphere was interrupted as the second half of the Mexico-Israel football match boomed out across a big screen. Luckily, Mexico was winning, so the waiter was in good spirits as he delivered our starter.

This mammoth mouthwatering platter was complete with slow-roasted venison, limey fish ceviche, two chillies (one stuffed with Mayan cheese, one with pulled pork), a flat little croquette, and lots of delicious condiments. A week in, and Joelle had upped her spice intake significantly and had a taste for chilli, even going for the green stuff (a Diablo hot sauce that threatens to leave your mouth burning for hours and is served up alongside everything in Mexico).

The main courses were all outstanding... Poc Chuc for Jamie and two unpronounceable dishes for me and Joelle. It was a delightful end to a truly magical week where we adorned our backpacks, went travelling again, and let the crazy enter our lives.

With bleary eyes and heavy hearts, we waved Joelle off early the following morning for her man-up flight marathon to get her to Berlin for a hen do. Then came the blues. Pizza didn't even fix it... it was bad.

With just £165 in the bank and no jobs on the horizon, we started to think about a backup plan. We were down to the wire... There was no way we could stay in Mexico. We constructed a plan... fly to France, spend a month job hunting in Dubai, and with some luck, we would fly out and work in the sandpit for 6 months or more to replenish our travel funds and come back out to Central to continue the trip.

Although we would have to put our dream on hold, we would be able to see friends and family. It was a brilliant backup plan... if only we were ready to leave.

Following a restless night's sleep full of anticipation and dreams of the unknown, we awoke to an abundance of good fortune... the universe was giving us a sign to stay a little longer. The generosity of friends, some money repaid, and an advance for a website build had increased our sad bank account up to £600. Still a little forlorn, but just enough to see us through another month.

In case that wasn't enough to sway us, we then received a potential SEO job offer. The deal was sealed. We asked the universe, and it provided—Mexico, we will stay.

More tough choices followed during our last week in Playa. We both agreed that staying put in Playa was not an option. We had no 'in' to get work here, and all of the businesses were fully fledged and already set up.

We decided that Oaxaca would be our next stop... super cheap living, world-class surfing, new friends, and plenty of fresh seafood—we booked flights, and the excitement started to build.

The journey continues, but none of this would have been possible without the enormous support and generosity of our amazing friends and family. It's something really special to have your nearest and dearest put their wants and desires to the side and fully support you to live your dreams.

Thanks—you know who you are. xx

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