I spent 16 days in fancy resorts in Mexico with my friend Ryan who is a private investigator of hospitality. While he worked, I tanned. It was an experience that was both exactly what I expected and completely surprising. I had anticipated being pampered and feeling strange about it, but I hadn't expected the level of luxury or the deep deep feelings that I would have.
It took the first week for me to be able to reconcile my feelings of disgust and indulgence, of guilt and enjoyment, of horror and fascination. It made me look deeper at what I hold to be important and meaningful, while also opening me up to accepting the existence of something very different.
I travel a great deal, and spend lots of time in foreign countries, but I still find that I tend to fit in where ever I am and don't run into too much friction between my own values and the values of those around me. Yes, there are always differences of opinion and lifestyle, but generally the differences are minor and fairly superficial.
However, on this trip, I realized how different I am from my fellow countrymen. It was the first time that I had ever spent time at resorts-- you know, those all-inclusive destination places, where most people never leave the hotel and you could literally be anywhere in the world. At every turn I was facing people with whom I share nothing. Differing values, goals, views. It was really shocking to me, but also really vitally important in the sense that it revealed to me how much I cling to my own beliefs and how truly significant they are to me. I didn't know before how rigid I am about what I believe and value, and how that is actually something that I appreciate about myself.
It was interesting to be there with Ryan, who is a wonderful person and friend with whom I share absolutely nothing in common. I realized that I can accept, respect, and appreciate someone with totally opposite values and lifestyles than me, but I still can't change who I am. It really showed me how strong those values are, and how important they are in terms of relationship.
In other lighter news, the places we were staying were absolutely gorgeous. We had to utilize all of the facilities, including the spas, the restaurants, the bars, etc., and get massages at every hotel, including one on the beach, and another in our own private suite. To say that I was indulged is an under-statement. Ryan took very good care of me, and always ensured "feeding time" and plenty of time in the sun. I was a happy little thing!
It was quite an experience, and I'm very glad that I went! The post-vacation let-down of coming back to gray boring Ashland is definitely getting to me, but I'm trying to remind myself that I'll be leaving soon, and that the sun will come out and I will retain my tan! That's the hope anyway!
Until next time, enjoy the spring and each other!
