Moving to Mexico

I packed up my bags and loaded them into the car, excited to start this new journey and chapter in my life; I was moving to Mexico. It was a cold -35 degree early morning in February and the wind was blowing hard. It was about 3:00 a.m. and Mom, Dad and I made a quick breakfast of coffee and oatmeal before heading to Toronto Pearson International Airport, about an hour and a half away at that time of day. Breakfast was quick but calm, sitting at the old wooden table we always sat at for family meals. I finished my last bite of oatmeal and had my final sip of hot coffee before taking my last look around my family home and room before leaving. I knew that the experience I was about to have was going to be life-changing. I was completing my last year of university and fulfilling the one-year international exchange requirement of the Bachelor of International Business from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. I had completed my Spanish minor two years prior, but the world COVID-19 pandemic put a bit of a wrench in the previous exchange plans.

We got into the car and started making our way towards the city, it was quiet and had a looming feeling of sadness knowing that I was about to be leaving for a year to do my third study abroad. Previously I completed two semesters abroad, in France and then Germany respectively so this feeling wasn't entirely new, but this was the first time that I would be going for a full year and that was quite a different experience.

Leading up to the exchange was chaotic to say the least, going back and forth between working, studying, completing the exchange requirements, visiting friends and family to finally packing the bags and being ready to go- it was a whirlwind. Finally, however, I got my Visa, I selected my courses, I joined the student WhatsApp groups and I was getting ready to meet my host family.

With all this preparation in mind as we drove down the highway that cold February morning to get to the airport it was like coming out of a fever dream but it was going to happen, it was something real. We made it to the airport with a little extra time and I had the last brand muffin I would have from my mom for the next year. My dad helped me with my bags as we made our way through the airport to check the screens to make sure my flight was still on time and there were no delays.

We sat down and chit-chatted for a little while, trying to delay the inevitable fact that I needed to go through security and start this new adventure. We checked my bags in and then it was time to go. We all got a little teary-eyed, said our goodbyes and I went to queue up for the security line. Mom and Dad stayed as long as they could see me and at that last glance, more tears fell.

I went through security without a problem, passed through the duty-free and headed towards my gate. I found a seat and waited to board my flight. I sat there, wondering what my first few days in Mexico were going to bring. I was excited to try the food, meet the people and experience the culture of the capital city. Once it was time to start boarding the flight agents were asking people to check their carry-ons as it was a full flight to Mexico City. I was already going to be waiting for my two checked bags so I volunteered to check my carry-on as I didn't need it during the flight.

Since I checked my carry-on I got priority boarding and I went to my window seat. I was tired but eagerly waiting for takeoff to go on to experience my first time on Mexican soil. The flight was slightly delayed due to ice build-up so we left about an hour later than we were supposed to, the flight was fine with a little bit of turbulence and we landed at 1:00 p.m. local time or 2:00 p.m. my home time.

It was finally real and it was finally happening, the heat hit me and I felt the warm sun on my skin; I had landed in Mexico City ready to experience everything that this country has to offer.