Coromandel

The Coromandel region is probably one of the most spectacular coast lines I have ever seen.  Looking back on it, I still feel joy.  This experience was new for me in quite a few ways.  There were some complexities about choosing where to stay, anxieties about how to get around and some bad weather.  During my three days in Whitianga, pronounced "fitiunga", I really let go of the anxiety.  I only wish I could have had the confidence to chill and freak out less in the days leading up to this region.

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Bay of Islands

I arrived in Paihia, based on the recommendation of my friend Kirsten who I had met in Tulum at the beginning of my travels.  She had been to Paihia two years ago.   She lamented not being able to do the famous cruise because of the weather but did recommend a nearby hike.  This sounded like a pretty simple two day journey that I could easily handle without any sort of "fear of missing out"...

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Conquistador Recognition

Mexico City, which has the partially-destroyed Aztec Templo Mayor in the dead center of the city, a giant statue of Cuahatemoc on Avenida Reforma, streets and neighborhoods named after Aztec princes, fighters, heroes of the 19th Century Mexican Revolution, screams defiance of colonialism and imperialism. 

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