“Breaking” the ice

To be fair, it was more like melting the ice with that weather. Everyone in that room arrived that Friday, so we dropped the bags simultaneously. People there were friendly, so we chatted about our plans for the weekend, and then everyone split apart.

I heard from one young woman in my room about a hike in Ciudad Perdida (now on my bucket list). I was curious about it, but I had social anxiety and wanted to go to the beach as soon as possible, so I took my water bottle, filled with Gin and tonic (more Gin than tonic), and took a walk on the beach.

The sunset was epic, clear sky, windy, and a million tones between red and yellow enhanced this portrait where I sat on a chair drinking “water” and fantasizing about the future. Then the young woman from my room passed in front of me, and I don’t know why I offered her a sip of Gin, but she refused (maybe it was too early for her.)

A couple of hours later, I went to refill my bottle and found her in the room; we introduced ourselves while she asked if my offer was still available. It was the start of a lovely evening. I felt like an animated movie character who finds wonderful people who guide him through his path.

Her name is Lucia; she’s a traveler, a spiritual guide. She is the kind of person who truly lets life surprise her. We discussed philosophy, psychology, esoteric stuff, faith, etc. It was inspiring to me some of the things she shared with me. She encouraged me to fill my life with this kind of adventure, shine, and mute those fears that keep me from enjoying life. We danced and got drunk. She left the next day; we never spoke again.

Why am I doing this?

Probably it was the alcohol in my blood, the hangover, or maybe I had to work harder on my little-social anxiety. I was not feeling too well, kind of sad and lonely. I didn’t see anyone else alone in that place but me. I felt weird, and I wondered why I was doing this.

My friends Juse and Paula wanted to create content about a trip, so I told them my plans, and they booked everything at the last minute. They joined me 3 days later, so I had plenty of time to fix myself and enjoy paradise.

I spend the time reading in a hammock, walking, flying my drone, sunbathing, and drinking Gin and tonics. When the party started at night, I was uncomfortable alone, so I decided to grab a drink at the bar before bed.

When I was about to finish my drink, a woman approached me, asking for a lighter. We realized we were roomies, and she invited me to join her and her friends. They were from Chile and spent their lives traveling around the world. If I needed confirmation about going the right way, this was it. We shared good drinks and talked about politics, traveling, music, feminism, and I don’t remember what else. It’s always good to have another point of view on anything. I enjoyed that night.

At some point, I realized that I was not alone at all, I could socialize as well, and it’s not too difficult; obviously, alcohol helps you a lot to drop out the shyness, but I’m a good talker after all. Since I’ve been working from home for the last few years, and I’m an introvert-extrovert guy, it took me time to adapt and feel comfortable with new people.

Later that week, I could meet more exciting people like these 3 girls from France; they were taking 6 months to travel through South America. What a fantastic experience for them. Also I want to mention Valentina from the staff, she was always so kind and cool. Estefanía, Nats and Karoloncha, and the people from Bucaramanga; Pao and her friends.

Everyone I met on this trip inspired me to spend my life traveling. I don’t know yet how I will make this happen, but I will find a way.

Read: the third part of this story here