When starting out your journey as a perpetual traveler, there are somethings you may let slip through the cracks. Those things can be costly in more ways than one. On my taxi ride from the bus station in Acapulco to my new Airbnb home for the next 18 days I started to feel the sinking feeling that I had made an error in booking. The taxi finally got to the Princess Imperial Hotel where the convention I would be attending for the next week was held. My driver made a left and continued down this street where a Starbucks and Walmart just happen to be the landmarks. The drive continued through lots of local businesses and food stands so I got excited thinking how much fun I would have venturing out talking my broken Spanish to the locals. The drive continued past all the action, past the lavenderia, local college, park, construction site. When is this ride going to end? I said to myself. It finally ended at a gate with a guard called La Marquesa Condos.
Well needless to say, I was not happy by now feeling so far away from everything especially after asking the owner of the Airbnb if the hotel was in walking distance of the Princess Imperial before I booked it. With no food and basic basic supplies including wi-fi and matches to light the stove, I immediately called to ask the owner of the condo, Pablo to find me a driver and why is the wi-if not here yet when I asked about it almost two weeks ago. I could feel my entitled American attitude starting to rear it's head. Pablo, sounding sincere enough is not even in Acapulco. He is living in Mexico City so my needs will be attended to by non English speaking attendants.
At least my driver Jorge he found for me spoke a little English. I spoke a little Spanish and it all started to look like it was going to be okay. We decided to make a game of Spanish/English lessons to and from the hotel since we were spending the next week together.
I was told by other regular travelers to book Airbnb’s for 2-3 days only then you have to decide if you want to stay or pack it up and look for more suitable accommodations. The first few days I spent frustrated with the owner and myself for making such an error. Then it came to me that this time could be spent reflecting, meditating and being unplugged. I have been busy on the go and constantly online since I arrived in Mexico. I will have plenty of time to research and work. So I found my lessons in the situation and made the most of it. After all, I do have a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath to my self with a pool I can use and the feeling of being far far away from it all.
Stay tuned for more Acapulco highlights...