10 Apr Why We Would Spend Our Next Sabbatical In Mexico
As many of you may know, back in 2015 we left our comfortable lives in Johannesburg, South Africa and headed out on a one year sabbatical. Partly inspired by the talented Austrian graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister. Stefan has always been a firm believer that a sabbatical has the power to increase your creativity.
We spent our one year sabbatical volunteering at the top of Norway (training huskies), in the green heart of Italy with one of the most famous dog teachers, and in a silent yoga retreat in Cambodia. All of these experiences taught us something and we honestly took a lot away from the journey. Over the next few years, travel became our “job” and we’ve seen the world. We are obviously very grateful of what has happened so far, but a “creative” sabbatical is always at the back of our mind. It doesn’t have to be a whole year…it could be maybe just a few months, but we cannot stress enough the benefit of taking time off and diving heard first into new (and sometimes uncomfortable) situations, as you grow from them.
The question is where, though? Lots of places come to mind…Namibia, Japan and even Argentina (which we are yet to see), but the one that keeps popping up for us as a great location is Mexico, and below we will list our reasons why.
Why We Would Spend Our Next Sabbatical In Mexico
The Vibrant Culture
There are few other cultures that are as colourful and electric as the Mexican culture. It is a rich and diverse mix of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and contemporary global trends. From the iconic mariachi music and colourful folkloric dances to the vibrant art, Mexico’s culture is celebrated around the world. We were fortunate enough to be in the Yucatán Peninsula for Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) in 2018, and we were just taken aback at how vibrant the celebrations were. Next time we would love to experience it in Oaxaca.
The Beautiful Nature
An important part of a sabbatical is unplugging in nature, like we did in the Swedish wilderness back in 2015. Mexico has it all when it comes to an abundance of natural wonders. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to an extensive network of underground caves and cenotes – natural swimming holes with crystal-clear waters. The natural beauty, Sian Ka’an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, and has ancient water-ways that the Mayans used. The natural forests in many parts of the country, are home to a diverse array of plant species and animals, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and tropical birds like the Yucatán Jay.
The Fantastic Food
We love being inspired by local food and flavours, and of course Mexican food is world famous for just that. When we were recently in Budapest, we came across an incredible Mexican restaurant that ignited our love for Mexican food again. Mexican food is known for its bold and complex flavours. In addition, traditional cooking methods such as grilling and slow cooking infuse dishes with a smokey and savoury taste. All these elements come together to make Mexican food so incredibly tasty and beloved in all corners of the world.
The Crystal Clear Waters
The Yucatán Peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful waters in the world, with turquoise blue seas and white sandy beaches. Last time we were there, we snorkelled in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast. These waters are home to stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for diving too. We recommend catching a ferry form Cancun to Isla Mujeres to end up at an island renowned for its crystal clear waters and colourful reefs, making it a paradise for underwater exploration
The History
Mexico has a rich and complex history that dates back over 10,000 years, with early civilisations such as the Olmecs and Mayans establishing advanced societies. Structures like the Nohoch Mul pyramid were built by the Mayans, and served as an important religious and cultural centre. It’s one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in Mexico, standing at over 40 meters (130 feet) tall, and offering stunning views of the surrounding jungle. Just make sure to bring some water with you as the climb up is harder than it looks.
We feel taking a sabbatical is important because it allows individuals to take a break from the daily grind, and engage in self-reflection, personal growth, and new experiences, leading to increased creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. So you need to choose the right destination that will help you achieve all of the above. If you are considering taking a sabbatical, reach out to us and let us know where you would want to go.
We hope this little post has inspired you to add Mexico to your bucket list. For a more immersive journey of our trip, make sure to check out our Mexico hashtag #HFFHinMexico
on Instagram too.
Here’s to more adventures for all of us soon!
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