Corona Refugees ~ Soft Landing in a New Country ~ Mexico

GreenGlobalTrek Mexico 73 Comments

We get out of Sri Lanka in the nick of time.

Our plane departs Sunday evening March 15th, just four days after we arrived there (from Viet Nam). The following day, March 16th, the airport in Sri Lanka closes. No flights in, no flights out.

The world has changed rapidly and dramatically since we travelled from Viet Nam to Sri Lanka on March 10th.

There is a psychological weight bearing down on us as we know we need to get to Mexico before the borders with the U.S. close and with numbers of Corona cases rising in the U.S. it seems inevitable this will happen ~ it would definitely not be good to get stuck in New York en route. Each flight we take we are thankful it has not been cancelled, so that we can stay on track with our plan and keep moving forward.

It takes us sixty hours from the time we leave Sri Lanka till the time we land in Mexico. Two and half days of travelling.

It feels strange to not be returning to our home in Hoi An, Viet Nam… we left it as though we would be back two weeks later. This is where the difference between Ben and I, and our respective ways of coping become more pronounced. As soon as we know we are not able to go back to Viet Nam, Ben psychologically moves on. I on the other hand am feeling wistful about our life in Viet Nam, and how much we both love living there. I am not quite ready to embrace a new place. I need to let this sudden change of life course and geography settle and sink in. concept sit for a while. Usually when one moves, or changes countries, there is time to get used to the idea and to adjust. But in this case, there is no time. Borders are closing all around us and flights are becoming ever more scarce. We feel like #coronarefugees.

Our sons are texting supportive messages and rooting that we make it to what one of them calls “the promised land.” Things are starting to heat up everywhere and everyone is being impacted, some more than others. Two of our sons have their own small businesses which are both instantly impacted and have ground to a halt.

Four days after we arrive in Mexico, on Saturday March 21st, the borders between the U.S. and Mexico prepare to close. The U.S. government issues an ultimatum to Americans living abroad to either stay put or make their way back to the U.S. right away.

We once again are forced to make a determination as to where to ride this crisis out. We stick with our plan to weather the storm from what will be our new home base in Mexico. Rushing back to the U.S. with a bankrupt health care system and cases rising exponentially and life critical equipment being in short supply, it makes no sense to willingly enter this scenario. There are many other very practical reasons that this choice does not work for us.

Touch down in a Mountain town 

We have a home exchange waiting for us in a mountain town just a few hours drive South of Mexico City. We had quickly reached out to home exchangers in Mexico City while driving to the airport in Sri Lanka, thinking we would have two nights there to catch our breath before flying to the coast. We get a response from an exchanger who offers us his mountain home instead and says “it’s paradise”. Okay, that sounds way better than being in a polluted and congested city. A few days in the mountains sounds like a good plan. And we have learned that if the universe delivers, we go with it…

At the airport we trade in all the cash we made through the sale of our house-hold possessions in Sri Lanka, for Mexican Pesos. We made enough money on the house sale to buy our tickets to Mexico. Now THAT is satisfying ~ stuff being monetized to facilitate our unexpected relocation. We buy Mexican SIM cards for our phones. We are ready to roll….

A taxi has been sent to pick us up by our home exchange host. It’s almost a three hour drive to our destination, a mountain town known as one of Mexico’s Magic Pueblos, Malincalco.

We drive through the city of Mexico City and it sure seems like life is going on as usual. The streets are full of traffic and there are food vendors, music blaring, shops open and a general buzz. We are quite surprised to see this… But then again Mexico’s President Obrador is still minimizing the Covid19 pandemic.

We are both exhausted from lack of sleep, and keep dozing off in the car, but we can see we are passing through large flat lands and then we start to drive through pine forests into the mountains.

We arrive at the house, which is large and bizarrely over flowing with furniture everywhere. We find our room and crash to sleep, happy to have made it to Mexico. The logistical nightmare to get here is over.

We are both awake way before the sun rises on our first day in Mexico. due to jetlag.
Roosters and dogs are the sounds we hear at this early hour.
. The house has a beautiful view of the mountains. The interior feels a bit neglected, like a forgotten hotel whose guests have long departed, but the setting more than makes up for that.
After hours of being cooped up on planes it feels great to be able to stretch in the fresh mountain air.

We have heard from the owner of the house that today is the big market day when farmers from the surrounding areas come to town to sell their produce. Will the market still take place we wonder, given the threat of Corona virus and the social distancing that is now recommended? We are eager to start exploring the surroundings and we start to walk in the direction of the market enjoying the exercise and the discovery.

Malinalco streets

We walk past arches, stone walls, bougainvillea in full bloom, cobbled streets and street dogs on the outskirts of the town.
The streets are empty, as it is early in the day. Mountains are visible from almost every street
A first sign of street life: A panaderia  (street corner bakery). We try two types of bread and both are delicious. A good start.
This is cowboy country. A few men on horseback pass us by as we are walking to the center. Cowboy hats, boots, horses….
Bright colors all around.
The streets of Malinalco are positively charming.
Where are we? In the past ten days we have been in 5 countries counting in our stopovers. Not surprisingly I am feeling a bit disoriented.

Sunday market

Malinalco and the surrounding area is blessed with rich soil, abundant mountain water and fresh air. This all makes for great growing conditions and we soon encounter a cornucopia of high quality and vast diversity of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The market is just setting up at 6 a.m. We are hoping to get a feel for the market, buy some fruits and vegetables before the crowds arrive, so as to minimize our exposure to others. (At this point in time, the concept of a self quarantine after travel was not yet a part of the Corona response.)
Oranges are piled up high and plentiful.
We always enjoy watching a market set up… Boxes are being unloaded, tables are put in place and fruits are carefully piled high, brightly colored canopies go up everywhere for shelter against the midday sun.
It’s so great to see such an abundance and high quality of fruits: melon, papaya, pineapples…..
  • Mango season has just started!
Nopal , cactus leaf is a Mexican specialty that we look forward to trying at some point. Here a vendor is scraping off all the thorns and getting ready to sell the thick almond shaped leaves.
Ben finds a stand with six huge metal vats covered with cloths, each one housing a different hot drink. Move over Starbucks! The coffee vendor gives him a breakfast tamale  (steamed corn in corn husk) as he is one of the first customers of the day. Bread, coffee, tamale: it’s already clear that our new home base has an affinity for food.
Roasted peanuts, sunflowers and a variety of other seeds readied for sale.
An abundance of green beans, fresh peas, and fava beans spill forth from colored ground tarps.
Breakfast stop #2: Teal blue corn huaraches which have cheese and veggies mixed in with the corn flout and once cooked can be topped with a variety of salsas, chopped lettuce, parsley, onions. Delicious! We did not list food as one of the reasons we chose Mexico, but we are adding it now!
A barbacoa (barbeque) getting set up for lunch. Chopped onions, parsley and of course salsas.
Even cowboys like flowers…
Flowers are tied into neat bunches ready for tea making and drying ~ as well as fresh herbs such as rosemary, oregano and sage.
Breakfast #3: Gotta try those green sausages, which are stuffed with pine nuts and freshly ground almonds. Topped with red or green salsa and all wrapped in a soft corn tortilla.

  • It’s good to be a flexitarian!
Right next to the center where the market spills forth, there is a lovely green area in front of a church. providing shade and a spot to sit away from the hustle and bustle of the market.

Malinalco ~ Pueblo Magico

Jacaranda trees are in bloom. The bright lavender blossoms are a show of color against the dry flora of the hillside behind.
As the heat of the day starts to set in, the streets once again become almost empty. And we too will head back soon to the house with our market haul, for a siesta.
Radiating from the center square Malinalco has quite a few higher end restaurants and stores which cater to Mexican City residents who come to the mountains for weekend getaways.
Cobblestone work extending to the arched gateway of the small church, nestled into the hillside.
Colors and shapes against a mountain backdrop

Besides the beautiful streets and the chockfull once a week market where local farmers share their goodies, Malinalco is also known for its archeological treasures.

Aztec Times

On our second day in Malinalco we are ready to visit the pre Hispanic archaeological zone, built into terraces in the side of a hill just behind the town. It is an important Aztec site (discovered in 1933).

400 more steps to go to the top… No rush, we take it slow. Still jeglagged, and not at peak energy. Interesting varieties of plants, lots of birds and butterflies.
And at the top of the hill, the Aztec ceremonial structures. The main builing is “monolythic”, i.e. built of one stone, like Petra in Jordan.

Over 500 years ago, Malinalco was a happening place, and in fact an entire lineage of Malinalco warriors started and emanated throughout Mexico from here. The Malinalco were part political leaders, part generals and pillars of the community. Their devotion to the Malinalco lineage of the Aztec empire was anchored on their relationship with the god of war. And to demonstrate their devotion, these mightiest of warriors would voluntarily submit to a public sacrifice, offering their lives in a bloody ceremonial ritual.

This map shows Malinalco at the center of the network and the geographic reach of the Malinalco warriors.
The Malinalco people ruled this area and existed as a civilization between the year 200 Current Era, until 1520, when they succumbed to the power of larger empires, and ultimately to the Spanish conquest.

The sanctuary complex was built from the mid 15th century to the beginnings of the 16th century.

There’s a good view from here down onto the town of Malinalco, which lies in a small valley between the mountains.

When we return back to the town below, we visit a small museum.

The theme of “yin and yan”, two opposite forces that combine without conflict, runs throughout this museum, like this 500 year old “labyrinth” that serves to illustrate these two opposite but inter-twined forces.
Aztec stone carving of a warrior.
The Pueblo Magico ~ Magic Town has a long history of plant medicine and still today plants are dried and used for a variety of ailments. The museum has dried samples of each plant and a description of its particular medicinal value.
Malinalco was named a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) based on centuries old records of magic, sorcery and plant based medicines which are still made and sold in the market.
Hispanic 300 year old ancient herb jars for storing plant and herbal medicinals.
Butterflies of the region..

After a few days of post travel respite in the mountains, we are ready to head to the Pacific coast in Oaxaca State which will be our home base in Mexico.

We want to stay ahead of the game, find a house to rent and get settled as quickly as possible. No signs of “social distancing” and clearly people are not “staying at home” in Mexico yet. But things can and do happen with lightening speed in the current environment and we want to make sure we are not caught unaware, or unprepared if and when a lockdown is issued.

It has been quite the odyssey.

Just ONE more flight. A short one. Ready to be at the coast and ready to get grounded in a new home base in Oaxaca State.

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73 thoughts on “Corona Refugees ~ Soft Landing in a New Country ~ Mexico”

  1. Megan Le

    Hola!!
    Oh wow, loved reading your blog! Makes me miss Mexico… and yay Oaxaca! We spent two months there in 2018 and really loved it. Where will you be?

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Hola Meg,

      Welcome to our Green Global Trek. Nice to continue to get positive feedback about Oaxaca. We are yet to explore the state and in fact Oaxaca City itself, but that will be for post Corona ~ something to look forward to!

      We will be on the coast, and in fact are already settled into a rental home and getting ready to hunker down here before Semana Santa.

      Peta

      Reply
  2. Alison

    What a journey you’ve had. Malinalco looks lovely, and Oaxaca is a great choice. One of my fave places in Mexico. Will you be in Oaxaca City or one of the smaller towns, or on the coast?
    Alison

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Alison we will base ourselves at the coast in Oaxaca to ride out the virus and then after that we might start exploring different areas but so far we love it here and would happily make this our home base. We look very forward to when we can explore Oaxaca City and the surrounding regions.

      Peta

      Reply
  3. Tracey Bacic

    What a whirlwind. I’m surprised you know if you’re coming or going! So strange to see all those busy streets, full of people and stalls and fruit and food. It’s only been 2 weeks, but it seems like forever since life changed here. Good luck with finding your new home.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Tracey we are still amazed that even today there are still restaurants open, streets have people walking in groups, people clustering at the beach… The corona reality has not sunk in here yet. Semana Santa is coming up next week and apparently new visitors will not be allowed into the area after Tuesday which is two days before the holidays…

      Peta

      Reply
  5. Lynn

    Peta & Ben,

    What a crazy time for both of you. I marvel at how resilient you both are, your ability to remain positive & embrace your new surroundings. Hoping your newest home brings you a sense of peace and offers some tranquility to both of you after such a stressful journey.

    Stay safe & well my friends 😘💕.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Lynn it has been rather a crazy time… and for everyone at the same time all over the globe just about. Because we have had a nomadic lifestyle for some time now, our adaptation skills are well developed.

      Stay safe too.

      Thanks for stopping by to read us.

      Peta

      Reply
  6. Sharon Rosenzweig

    Mexico seems like a great choice. The food looks amazing. I’m studying Spanish so I can come visit after. Excited for your next post.

    Reply
  7. The Widow Badass

    Your soft landing looks amazing. And your hair is looking so beautiful Peta, as the gray comes in. I hope you are pleased with it.
    I hope you and Ben have come through your travel adventure unscathed by this virus and will remain happy and healthy in your new home!

    All the best,

    Deb

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Yes, we are unscathed and already settled into our new home and enjoying our new environment.

      Thanks for the compliment on my hair ~ I am pleased with it and enjoying watching it grow and transform into what it will be. We forgot to bring the buzzer, so I guess I am growing it out. I was just thinking today that I am so pleased I did this ahead of the curve of all the hairdressers closing as I don’t need to worry about my roots growing out no more!

      Thanks for the good wishes. Stay safe and healthy.

      Peta

      Reply
  8. Judith Westerfield

    Peta, Ben,
    I am so glad you had a soft landing and are both well. Please take care because the governments which did not take the physical isolations seriously its citizens are experiencing horrific results with the number of people infected. I plead with you not to wait for the government to begin to respond to this pandemic. I know you are both aware of this – it’s just my concern for your safety and well-being. You are loved.
    judy

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Hi Judy,

      We have rented a house at the coast and are hunkering down. When we go to the beach we are very careful not to get close to anyone and we are enforcing for ourselves what we know is the sensible and realistic approach to staying healthy. We also know that with next week being Easter there will be an influx of folk from the cities and so we will be extra vigilant and fully quarantine other than an early morning swim. Thanks for your concern. Stay safe and healthy.

      Peta

      Reply
  9. Johnny-O

    Wow! Nice place to “have to” visit! You two are so quick on your feet that I’m sure you will do very well in Oaxaca, but all the best anyway. Looking forward to your next episode. Oh and great hair, Peta!

    Reply
  10. Sharon Z

    PETA,
    Quite a funny coincidence that you’re ending up in Oaxaca. My mom was born in Oaxaca (city) but they moved to SA when she was 3!

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Zwi that IS interesting. I remembered that your mom was from Mexico but I had no idea where and here we are! Okay well, you will just have to come and visit to get in touch with your Mexican roots.

      Good to hear from you.
      xoxo
      Peta

      Reply
  11. Lexklein

    You may not adapt as quickly as Ben, but look how much you have already embraced your new place! Both of you never cease to amaze me, and by the way, you look even more radiant and beautiful than ever. The hair has hit its stride, still nice and short but with a little tuft to add some softness. This is what jet-lagged, tired, and not at peak energy looks like? 🙂

    Can’t wait for the covid mess to be done so I can zip down there and visit!

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Thanks Lexie, your comments made us both smile and chuckle out loud! thanks for the lovely comments…

      YES! We will still meet, just a different location. Fantastic news…

      Peta

      Reply
  12. Steven

    We are so glad you’re safe. Your journey is so amazing. I know how tired we were from just 2 days traveling home from India 2 weeks ago and can’t even begin to imagine traveling like you just did. You were very smart to get out when you did. These are strange times. We are the lucky ones.
    Wishing you and your family good health.
    Steve

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Steve, glad to hear you both got home safely from India! Things are very rough there as food supplies are already dwindling as you probably know. We have a good friend stuck in Goa and she is trying to get out asap but so far cannot. Yes, we are definitely lucky to have had the cash to get tickets and that we moved with alacrity. This is where the Jewish history served us well ~ Bracing for a difficult month ahead globally.

      Good health to you as well.

      Peta

      Reply
  13. Louise

    What an odyssey. And wow. Kudos to you both for enduring the turmoil and challenges of the journey!

    On an aside, interesting… you had photos of Pondi where my mother grew up and when India took back its independence, my uncles left India for…. Vietnam where they stayed until the Americans moved in and then they moved on to France. Which was fascinating as though they carried French passports, none of them had ever been to France.

    I love Oaxaca state, especially Huatulco where we often travel — we had planned on going this March but that got sidelined — first by my mothers passing and then of course by Covid.

    Savor the sights and smells. Enjoy your new home!

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Thank you Louise.

      Interesting about your uncles and the route from India to Viet Nam and then to France. It makes perfect sense though if you consider that both Pondicherry and Viet Nam shared a French Colonial history, so perhaps that was where the logic path came in. Sometimes one has to take a leap of faith when changing countries under circumstances which force one to move quickly.

      We have heard great things about Huatulco and look forward to discovering it when this is over… Hope your trip is only postponed and not cancelled. Let us know when you are in the region it would be lovely to connect.

      Thanks for the good wishes.

      Peta

      Reply
  14. Kelly, Compass &Camera

    Wow, congrats on making it “home” and just in time! Looking forward to all the adventures ahead of you once we get through this strange and difficult time. Wishing you both continued good health! ~Kelly

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Thanks Kelly… we definitely are very conscious of how close the timing was and feel very fortunate that we were able to move quickly and have the means to do so.

      We are very looking forward to exploring Mexico once the virus is behind us. Good health to you too.

      Peta

      Reply
  15. Ann Coleman

    I’m so glad to hear you arrived in Mexico safely and are already in Oaxaca in time to hunker down. I’ve been thinking of you both ever since reading Ben’s post about your plan to go there. It looks as if you have indeed “landed on your feet” in a beautiful area. Stay in touch!

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Thanks Ann. Yes we are happily in Oaxaca already, and settling into a rental home. More on that in the next upcoming post. Thanks for your concern and good wishes. Stay safe.

      Peta

      Reply
  16. Eileen Norman

    I think besides your flexibility and endurance, your gift is savoring all aspects of life and people.

    Your journeys, even the unexpected, exhausting, and kind of scary ones, don’t stifle your ability to savor. What a gift! I have loved traveling with you and look forward to the next experience. Eileen

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Yes Eileen, the logistics of the current situation don’t change the fact that we are entering a fairly new country for us and therefore, we approach our time here the same as we could in any new country (under normal circumstances). Those first impressions of a country shape our overall experience by definition, so we want to make sure we compartmentalise our dealing with the crisis and our introduction to a new home base.

      Thanks for reading us and for continuing your “travels” with us!

      Ben

      Reply
  17. Donna Connolly

    What incredible travel…and remarkable flexibility, Peta and Ben.
    Sending warm (germ free) hugs your way. Please continue to keep us posted on this new chapter of your lives.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Okay this is funny. “Just” to get to Mexico… in our case coming from Asia, yes was a marathon and a steeplechase. Whereas when we went to “India” it was a hop and a skip to get there, compared with those going from the North Americas. It’s all relative ain’t it?!

      Peta & Ben

      Reply
  19. Stan

    Wow – loved this entry and all the photos – The one of Ben and tamales made my mouth water… Love Love Tamales!! And the blue corn thingies, and you being a flexitarian is great!!!! Having lived in Southern California for many years, I love love Mexican food!! So enjoy for me too!! LOL…

    Happy to know your travels, flights etc went well and you reached your destination ahead of borders closing!!
    Traveling in India, I must have missed a blog entry of yours, as I have no idea as to why you left Vietnam and why Mexico…?! I’ll see if I can find it here and will comment to let you know, otherwise please can you send that entry to me…

    Anyway, so much for us talking about you meeting me in Rishikesh.. Ha Ha.. Like you said: how things change so fast!! Realizing things would head the way of lock down and no flights is when I made my decision to leave India and head back home… Also just ahead of airport shutdowns etc.. So I really feel you and your journey!! Great you had that mountain retreat to unwind a bit…

    Have heard lots of wonderful things over the years about Oaxaca so I look forward to your upcoming blog entries… And to boot you guys speak Spanish well, no doubt, so your’e practically at home – LOL, though I know your’e home wherever you are – cause there You Are!!

    Have just ended my two weeks home quarantine here and all’s good… Was on lemon juice cleanse for the two weeks, went out to buy some food today for first time outing… LOL.. Bizarre reality this is…

    Take care Ben and Peta!! Sending Love!!
    Stan

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Stan! What a pleasure to read you. Glad you commented not only on the Corona aspect but on Ben’s FIRST tamale on this trip. That is important stuff in our books!!

      Disappointed as you know not to have been able to meet up with you in Rishikesh, but I know we will have a reunion at some point, somewhere and I look forward to it. So glad you too moved quickly and got back home without too much drama. Heard that the lockdown in Israel is pretty strict. Only lemon water for two weeks?? Anything would make your mouth water if that’s the case haha.

      Yes, it’s fabulous being able to speak the language and communicate w the locals. Loving it so far.

      xoxox
      Peta

      Reply
      1. Stan

        Hi Peta,

        Yes we will meet at some point somewhere.. Look forward already!! LOL…

        I just wanted to say that Tamales and all foods are definitely huge and important stuff in my books too!! In India I ate almost entirely only Indian local foods.. In the south it was often served up onto a Banana Leaf which had been laid down on the table or floor in some cases and eaten with the hands.., using the thumb as the into the mouth utensil.. LOL.. No plate, no utensil and no napkins – Awesome…
        Loved that!!
        You may know what it transported me back to.. Those few wonderful occasions in mid sixties, sitting on the back stoep eating pap and gravy with the “girl”. (deliberate use of old lingo – no hurt intended). Wow!!!

        Indian Local foods – Hmmm – One has to be very aware there of course as I am sure must be a similar case in much of that part of the world, as in Mexico too.. I did really well – frequenting local street food vendors and spots like the Dhabas… Yummmmm….
        Didn’t get sick at all..

        Also wanted to say – being on lemon juice was by choice… Asked my neighbor to buy me lemons and they were waiting at my door when I got in late that night…
        Actually it was lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper with water.. A cleanse I do once or twice a year… Love it…

        Things here have gotten even more strict… Though I get that it may change with a change in strategy… It’s so much trial and error really.. In S Korea they seemed to have flattened the curve with even lots of people in the streets etc..
        We’ll see…
        Still don’t believe everything I read of course..
        Lots of theories out there… 5G being a big one…
        You read any of that stuff…?

        Take care dear friend,
        oxoxxox
        Stan

        Reply
        1. greenglobaltrek

          Stan, yes we WILL meet again and I look very forward to it too. Thank you for such an in depth and thoughtful feedback on our post.

          In Sri Lanka we got so used to eating with our hands that it became quite a difficult adjustment to use utensils once we were in any other country. In both India and Sri Lanka I find it fascinating to watch how adept people are at scooping up liquid curries with a little ball of squished up rice. I suppose if you have had a lifetime of practise one gets quite adept. But it really fascinates me to watch how eating in both these countries is such a sensory experience adding the layer of touch.

          Stan, amazing that you brought up that childhood memory we both shared from South Africa. It TOTALLY reminds me of eating the mealie pup with tomato and onion at the back of the kitchen. So the question is this: Did we do this together at my house, or do we just have the same memory of enjoyment of eating the food of and with our African nannies? That food was my absolute favorite meal over all those years…..and why I love polenta today!! And probably, eating with my hands!

          So great to read you , as always, sorry got to your comment on this post rather late as somehow it fell through the cracks…

          Yes have read about the 5G and I do believe that it is counter to good overall health for sure, but not the link between it and Corona.

          Love you

          xoxo
          Pete

          Reply
          1. Stan

            Hi Peta, I am only seeing your response now and wanted to say something about the mealie-pap…LOL..
            It never actually dawned on me that is basically Polenta LOL.. And I too love Polenta.. So thanks for that!! LOL…

            And about eating it on the stoep out back from the kitchen; I really recall doing that with our nannie in occasions… We had this red red stoep and we sat there, on different steps by the small landing and ate….. Yummm…

            Hope and trust things are going well in Mexico and that you guys are well and cool..
            Loved the dogs post on IG – cutes little pups..

            Till next time,
            Take care…

            Much Love,

            Stan oxxoxo

            Reply
            1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

              Stan, amazing we have the same wonderful mealie pup memory from childhood. I was such a fussy eater…. but that was my favorite food to eat and probably a big part of that was I liked that I didn’t have to sit at a table with my family to eat it! and it was definitely a good bonding with our nanny…..

              Very pleased with our choice so far re Mexico. Feels so good to be on the same time zone as our families. So much easier to connect and also continue to enjoy the ocean and all the nature around us.

              xoxo
              Pete

              Reply
  20. Johanna Bradley

    Well done! After a triple somersault you seem to have landed on your feet again 🙂 🙂 I imagine Mexico will need to take measures soon. No markets or gatherings of any sort here. Stay safe!

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Thank you Johanna. We have heard that after Tuesday no more visitors will be allowed into coastal regions for Easter, but up until now, people have been arriving. No doubt that corona will start to spread, it is just a matter of time. Meanwhile we are getting ready as best we can…

      Thank you, you too.

      Peta

      Reply
  21. Marcy

    I love the idea of the Mexican Pueblos Magicos. We’ve visited the two here in Baja as well as Tequila and they are really special. We love the mountain towns, too. I’m always a little amazed at how mountainous Mexico actually is. We hope Oaxaca is wonderful for you. Marcy and Scott

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Excited to be able to explore AFTER…. might be a while though. So far we are very pleased with our choice of Oaxaca as a new home base.
      Stay safe and enjoy Baja.

      Peta & Ben

      Reply
  22. Lisa Dorenfest

    Such an incredible odyssey. Thank goodness the doors stayed open as you made your way around from Asia. We agree that Mexico is the right place for ex-pats to ride out the storm. We decided to remain aboard Amandla rather than heed the government call to come home. Home is where the boat is.

    How blessed are you to find a home exchange to catch your breath before heading to the coast. Those empty, colorful, cobblestoned streets in Malinalco surrounded by mountains must have felt wonderful to walk along after your crazed trip from Sri Lanka. Would love to surround myself in the magic there after the doors open again,

    Gutted that we missed you in Oaxaca state by one month. But we are sharing a country, so maybe we will have the opportunity to see each other in person again when social distancing is a distant memory,

    Hugs

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Lisa, I think because we moved fast we stayed one step ahead, thankfully. We are viewing Mexico as our new home base ~ ride out the storm and planning to be here after as well. The government of the U.S. calling for people to come home just makes NO sense whatsoever given that the health care system is already overloaded, calling people back just stresses the system further.

      Landing in Malinalco at any time would be a good spot to be, but in these circumstances yes particularly so. We were so grateful for the fresh air, and the bountiful produce.

      Looking forward to having our paths cross again ~ hopefully this time in Mexico, as you say “when social distancing is a distant memory”…

      Good to read you…

      xoxo
      Peta

      Reply
  23. Pamela Wight

    Wow. That’s what I kept saying out loud as I read this post. Wow. But then I began to feel jet lagged (I’m an empath, and I can’t imagine how you survived all those long plane rides coupled with stress – in awe). The colors you portray here are amazing. You and Ben are a rainbow of strength, courage, love of adventure, and plain ole love – together. Looking forward to reading about your new home on the coast next post.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Pam, knowing one has to get to a place that one perceives as being safer than where you are.. does wonders to create focus and stamina.

      Arriving in Mexico and being bombarded by bright color was perfect. Color therapy! It also feels like home for us, after having lived in Nicaragua for six years ~ similar look and feel.

      Thanks for the rainbow of attributes 🙂

      I am a great believer that if one has health and love, one has it all.

      Peta

      Reply
  24. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged

    What an amazing odyssey! Although we never made it to the coast, I’m confident that you’ll love Oaxaca. We met a young couple (Australian, I think) who were visiting Oaxaca City but lived in one of the coastal communities. They worked at a yoga and meditation center where they also conducted silence retreats (I can’t remember what they were called, but it sounded fascinating). Anyway, between the delicious food and the warm, welcoming people, I think Mexico sounds perfect for you right now. I’m glad you got there safe and sound and I look forward to learning more about your latest adventure.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Janis, thanks for all your helpful input. We decided against San Miguel as they are already in lockdown and not that we have anything against being in lockdown in fact it makes sense, we knew we would need to find a house to rent and be able to get organised in time before Corona really hits here. As well, the ocean is a huge lure for us especially if one is going to be home bound. The beach is a place one can always go while still practicing social distance. I also went on the expat facebook page for SMDA and the vibe on there was a bit off putting. Too much tension and some bickering and so forth. We looking for something a bit more “chill”.

      Excited to explore the state of Oaxaca once the threat of the virus is behind us. So far, we are very happy with our choice!

      Peta

      Reply
  25. Liesbet

    Well, you sure stumbled upon – lucked out with – a fantastic place to land for a few days upon your arrival in Mexico. Malinalco seems to offer a variety of things to see and do. And, the food! Yum, the food! Another common denominator in the places you end up settling for a while. 🙂 That, and bright colors!

    Are you in the Huatulco area right now? Take care and I hope you can keep stretching your legs and visit the beach in the weeks to come.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Liesbet, ahhh yes the food! Good food always lures us to a place and if we know good food will be hard to come by, the odds are we skipping that place!! The bright colors were a treat after airports and airplanes and also gave us a feeling of being home because they are so similar to the colors in Nicaragua.

      We are about one hour away from Hualtulco and going to swim at the beach every day at least once, as it is a five minute walk from the beach. Great place for avoiding people.

      Peta

      Reply
  26. Patti

    I’m exhausted just reading about your 60-hour ordeal, your bodies must have been so out of whack.

    Congratulations on landing where you want/need to be and I look forward to following this next chapter.

    Stay safe and stay healthy.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Patti, I am only now after almost two weeks getting over jet lag. Seems the longer the trip, the older one gets, the more jet lag hits hard. But the fresh air, the beach, the fact that we have found a great place to hunker down in, has helped get things back “in whack”

      Thank you. Stay safe and healthy as well. Where are you riding out Corona?

      Peta

      Reply
      1. Patti

        Peta ~ We’re home in Maryland, near Washington, DC. We started self-imposed isolation two weeks ago to get ahead of the game, and now our state is under stay-at-home mandates. But, we are allowed to get exercise, so we take long walks and because I’m a family caregiver I can still pick up/drop off our grandson 3 days/week while our son and DIL work from home indefinitely. We haven’t stepped foot inside a public/private building in 18 days, only using delivery services for groceries and such.

        May we all come through this unscathed.

        Reply
        1. Green Global Trek

          Patti thanks for the update. Great that you can still provide care for your grandson and go out for some exercise.

          Also amazing how many people are working so hard to get food deliveries out to the public. Really incredible.

          Stay healthy and well.

          Peta

          Reply
  27. Sue Slaght

    Peta and Ben following your escape on social media has been nothing short of mesmerizing. I hope you have a novel in the works of your adventures. Wishing you safe and happy times in your newest home.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      For years now we have thought about writing a book, but never had the bandwidth given everything else that has taken priority. You must have read our minds though, because this new chapter has made us think that this is the right timing for that project!

      Thanks for the good wishes Sue!

      Peta

      Reply
  28. Judy Freedman

    What an exhausting but amazing adventure. You two are just incredible. Your life should be turned into a movie. Your story and pictures of where you are living in Mexico look beautiful and that market makes me wish I was there instead of in the USA right now.

    Stay well. Stay safe.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Thanks Judy!

      We just stopped in the mountains for a few days to recover before heading to the Coast (next upcoming post) where we are now living. But sure am happy to be here, so far, primarily because the weather is warm and the beach is but five minutes away.

      Thanks for stopping by to read us and to leave a comment.

      Peta

      Reply
  30. Dave Ply

    Five countries in ten days – that’s just nuts, especially considering how far apart they are. Looks like you found a good place to decompress, and am looking forward to your stories of your new landing place.

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Definitely not of our choosing to spend so much time in flight and at airports, especially at this time. The mountain was good as you say “to decompress”… new post about our new home base upcoming soon

      Peta

      Reply
  31. Laurel

    Wow, what a grueling journey. But you arrived safely! And it looks like a wonderful place to settle in. That market is fabulous. I got so inspired by your photos that I stopped partway through your post to order organic masa harina and a tortilla press, LOL. I’m trying all kinds of new projects now that our wings are clipped for a while. Stay well, and enjoy your new home!

    Reply
    1. GreenGlobalTrek Post author

      Hi Laurel good to read you. We just stopped in Malinalco for a few days to recover from the journey before continuing on to what will be home base on the Oaxacan coast (next post). Glad the market inspired you to create homemade tortillas. YUM! That seriously was one of the best markets EVER! Although Ben says I say that for almost every market we go to. 🙂

      Stay safe and healthy

      Peta

      Reply
  32. Michele Somerville

    Just getting to read this. Cant wait to read the next post this afternoon. Wonderful pictures. Glad that you have arrived safely in Mexico and were able to stay ahead of the boarder closings. Your hair is looking good by the way. Thank you for sharing the journey and your thoughts on things. Blessings to you both, Michrle

    Reply
    1. Green Global Trek

      Thanks Michele, so glad that you enjoyed the photos of the market place. It really was one of the best ones ever, although Ben says I say that every time we go to ANY big open air market.

      My hair has a liife of its own right now… It is interesting that women who usually go to salons on a regular basis to get their roots dyed, can no longer go in.. Some are doing home dyeing and others are reluctantly going grey. Glad I was ahead of that curve and could have some control over that process.

      Stay well and healthy, thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts.

      Peta

      Reply
  33. Dr Sock

    Malinalco must have been a welcome respite in your gruelling journey. What glorious photos of the market there! Although, at the same time, life going on as usual and the lack of social distancing must have seemed a bit surreal, knowing what you knew about the rapid transmission of the virus elsewhere in North America. I’m so glad you made it safely to a rental home in the Oaxaca area to settle down in for the the next period of time.

    Jude

    Reply
    1. Green Global Trek

      Jude, Malinalco feels like it was years ago although in reality just a month since we arrived in Mexico. Thank you for the lovely compliment on the photos. The life going on as usual in Malinalco was definitely surprising but then again, Sri Lanka was pretty much the same way. Many countries seem to only really react once the virus starts to take lives.

      We are very grateful to be hunkering down in a little village on the coast of Oaxaca and are enjoying our new home… that post is up already if you have not seen it yet.

      Thanks so much for stopping by to read us and to leave your thoughts.

      Peta

      Reply
  34. Brian

    Mexico now? Why on earth? Though Malinalco and Oaxaca are quite beautiful, I, personally look forward to leaving this pace some day… 😎Regardless, enjoy the country.

    Reply

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