1 week left in Mexico City

I can’t believe how time has flown. So much has happened in the short time I was in Mexico, approx 5 weeks that I don’t know where to begin. I got to Mexico City and in just 2 days I was a part of history. While the swine flu did bring fear/uncertainty into my life, it also brought fame. Who would have thought that I would be broadcast all over the world, on one of the most reputable channels (CNN). Another few days pass by and I experience my first earthquake! I seriously thought about returning back home where it was “safe”, but I strongly believe on the cause I came to work on (fight against homophobia) and decided to stay.

For the next 2 weeks I began reporting for CNN and learned a lot about what get’s placed on TV, internet and what doesn’t make the cut. Once the city lifted its sanctions, the city came alive like no other and I finally got to enjoy the nightlife I heard so much about. On my first Saturday, I went out with a new friend I met online (nonsexual for those freaky friends I have reading this-LOL). It was here that I met this guy who danced with such passion and when our eyes met, his smile made my heart stop. We ended up hanging out the rest of the night and he immediately said he can’t commit because he just got out of a relationship. I, of course, am quite use to these type of response and just said cool we can be friends (broken record- I KNOW!). His name is Erik.

A few days later I headed out to Oaxaca, Mexico where the campaign against homophobia was underway. But on my bus ride there, I got a call from Erik and he wanted to see if we could get coffee. My heart just melted because he asked me as if it was a date and I told him I would call him when I get back to D.F. During the 5 days I was at Oaxaca, I literally had a nonstop party/work schedule. Wake up early in the morning to help out with the campaign and at about 11pm we shifted to bars/clubs/drinking fest. I was in heaven but I knew I was dragging my body into exhaustion. I made a lot of friends while I was in Oaxaca and I was very sad to go. People here had no attitude, unlike the folks in D.F.

Once I got back to D.F. I immediately sent a text to Eric and we decided to head out for coffee that Thursday. We ended up grabbing coffee and walking alongside Paseo de Reforma, during one of Mexico City’s most beautiful nights, clear skies/light breeze and we kissed for most of the night. He drove me back home and I was left in cloud 9. For the past 2 weeks, we’ve spent as much time together and we told ourselves we would not mix feelings because we both knew this would end June 6. A few days ago, we both agreed that while we did not want it, feelings are now involved. I keep avoiding June 6 and just keep living and loving every minute I have with him. He makes me smile and brings joy into my heart.

With regards to everything else, I already told the nonprofit that my last day is next Monday and I am feeling sad (again!). I met a lot of cool people here and it kind of sucks that it has to end but I am getting use to it (first with Mercer folks, then Promundo and now Demysex). It’s not my favorite part of the last few months but it's become a part of life.

I’m taking the next week off from volunteering and exploring the part of Mexico City that was shut down thanks to swine flu. And I will use my downtime to mentally prepare myself for my next journey (details will soon come out! I'm not officially announcing it until I obtain my work-visa).

The past few months that I have been living outside of the good ole USofA has brought me closer to the friends I have there. It has shown me who the true friends are and who the “need u for…” are. It has also brought closure to some and brought me closer to others.

May 2008, I was living a life of comfort and fortune and now May 2009, I am living the life I was destined to live.