Welcome, fellow wanderers, to the inaugural episode of this slow travel blog, the first one of a series called “Trust The Stranger”. You are about to enter a world where each of my solo travel experiences competes in eccentricity, unexpected discoveries, unique memories, and long-lasting human bonds (and perhaps, a sprinkle of me being reckless -or careless- ending up in fucked up situation).
Are you ready? Grab your popcorn, settle your bum into a comfy spot, and let’s dive into this first episode of solo travel stories.
Before we start, a simple but crucial clarification: despite the title’s suggestive resonance with a porn scenario, there shall be no sexual narration within these lines. So, if you have swapped your popcorn for a tissue in anticipation, you’re at the wrong place. For the rest, you are welcome to witness how placing trust in a stranger can transform the ordinary into a unique scenario.
Our story commences under the Mexican sun, a land of mariachis, tequila, cultural treasures and unrivalled people…
The triggering context
From October 2020 to February 2021, I spent my days in Zapopan, Guadalajara, nestled in the heart of the Jalisco region. There, I was living as an au pair in a Mexican family.
While I was working my ass off to learn Spanish, caring for two little girls, and exploring the surroundings, I felt a sudden urge to reconnect with nature. It was the kind of feeling that pushes you to take a big breath away, alone. Newfound friends had shown me weeks ago the wonders of “La barranca de Huentitan“, a large natural canyon encompassed with lush vegetation, where hiking is common.
My au pair experience in Mexico
Climbing on a quick taxi ride, I jumped off at the main canyon park entrance where small businesses run alongside, selling all kinds of snacks, beverages and fruits.
Barely after my footsteps merged with the hiking path, the symphony of animals and nature enveloped me. I had opted for a weekday escapade on my day off, and the surroundings were almost empty, granting me the serenity I sought, a respite from the city’s hustle and daily routine. Little did I know the extraordinary that was about to happen.
The unexpected encounter
Getting lost has always been my preferred exploration, and oddly enough, it often rewards me with remarkable discoveries such as the time I went to explore the magical Calakmul ruins. Today was no exception.
Having spent most of my life growing up in the mountains, I developed a desire to uncover treasures off the beaten path and a sense of adventure. So, when a small sign pointed towards a hidden trail, I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.
“What makes travel worth it are the people you meet along your way rather than the visited places”
– Ulysse Verguin
Nature enveloped me in its omnipresent beauty as I ventured deeper into the path. Numerous vibrant insects and colourful butterflies flew around me, and birds sang overhead. The path gradually descended, heading down at a destination nestled at the canyon bottom: a river.
While I was walking, fascinated, a local gentleman was laboriously making his way uphill, visibly exhausted and breathless. Looking at me, he paused to ask about the path’s direction.
My Spanish level at the time was a bit shitty, and between his exhaustion, sweat, and slang, I was struggling to understand his request.
Unexpectedly, tension escalated as he became angry, his frustration palpable in his tone about my non-capacity to give him the information he was looking for. Just as the situation threatened to escalate, a new character popped out from nowhere.
The game-changer decision
Fortunately, this new incomer was coming to my rescue. The man was old, around his sixties, and after quickly asking about the situation, he offered the other man the answer to his initial question before letting him pass.
“You’re not that good in Spanish, are you?”, he said with a smirk in well-spoken English. I sighed before answering him that I was still learning and how wide the gap was between Spanish classes and the slang spoken in la calle.
We shared a burst of laughter, and he inquired about my destination. While I was mentioning my plan to explore an alternative route along the main river, his eyes smiled, and he told me something more enchanting exists within the natural park.
The river, infamous for its polluted waters where litres of wastewater are thrown, was not the place to dip a toe. It was then that my newfound companion decided to reveal a secret: a hot spring, a synonym for a free and non-bacterial bath.
He let the invitation to join him in his quest hang in the air for a few seconds. I was trying to analyse the situation before answering: “An extended expedition in the middle of nowhere with an unknown old man, with no one knowing I’m here, and kidnapping stories going around this park…” I was thinking.
Despite the dilemma, I quickly found myself following this stranger through the wilderness, pursuing the promise of a hidden hot spring. However, I wasn’t fully trustful, and I discreetly kept my distance, a knife at the ready, vigilant, not paranoid. After more than one hour of walking, the idyllic proposition transformed into a mirage I doubted we would ever reach.
The adventure
After passing two dams and enduring the gross scent of wastewater, we found ourselves on a path with a hint about the proximity of our destination. A trickle stream was flowing alongside, and the old man encouraged me to touch it. As my fingers met the water, its warmth revealed itself, signalling the sought-after hot springs weren’t far away.
“Come on, this water flows from the hot spring we’re seeking!” he exclaimed. Energised by our discovery, we quickened our pace until the rewards materialised in front of us.
Nestled in the middle of nowhere, several natural pools awaited, surrounded by a subtle steam. The scene held a magical allure. With trees enveloping us and nature inhabitants providing a free concert, gratitude filled me for taking this decision to follow the unknown.
Having endured a two-hour trek in the solid 30-degree heat, we were heavily sweaty (still no sexual events, calm down).
The (expected?) reward?
I was eagerly anticipating to immerse myself in the water. Yet, my companion tempered my enthusiasm with serious caution about the tempting pools. “Be cautious here,” he warned. “The water can reach temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Take it slow, or you might end up getting boiled.” Acknowledging his wisdom, we approached a pool, where I discovered the hard truth: the water was damn hot! A brief five-minute dip was all I could endure, and it took me over ten minutes to fully immerse.
“The best way to meet people when travelling is to lose your itinerary and find your curiosity"
Nonetheless, we spent the rest of the afternoon chilling in the therapeutic waters. The old man revealed that a business with enhanced facilities lies farther down, offering a more “prestigious thermal experience”, but at a price. I discovered that our spot, known as “las pilitas de Tonala,” was a haven where locals gathered with friends and family to relax during weekends (though I’d NOT advise weekend visits for a more serene experience). The water temperature coming from volcanic warmth emanated from a nearby source.
As the sun was setting, we opted for the convenience of a truck bus service to ascend and return to another park entrance. Arriving, I bid a warm farewell to this newfound friend who had shown me this natural wonder, cherishing the shared experience. Our paths diverged, each of us returning to our daily lives with the hope, however slight, of crossing them again one day.
What have I learned from this solo travel story?
First, I acknowledge the contrasting differences and experiences while solo travelling as a man or woman. While my decision may have seemed risky, each adventure and encounter such as this one reinforces my belief in genuine people’s kindness and willingness to share their world. While caution is essential, trusting your instinct can unveil extraordinary connections, human or other kind, and unforgettable escapades with fellow adventurers.
The impact it had on my travel experience
Initially uncertain about the stranger’s intentions, I found myself able to take certain precautions naturally. From ensuring my knife was within easy reach to maintaining a cautious distance while keeping a friendly conversation. These measures remind me that awareness could efficiently help me to defend myself if needed.
However, I found myself opening more, my trust growing, as my intuition waved no red flags. Each path contains the potential to transform random moments into unforgettable memories; it’s simply a matter of seizing the opportunity.
Immersing oneself in local life often begins with a shared laugh or a genuine smile. On this Slow Travel blog, all the stories start with simple gestures unlocking doors to authentic experiences, paving the way for meaningful connections and extraordinary adventures.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect With Heart.
