Riviera Maya
Mexico
Work and Play in
Early February 2024
Issue # 5
Buenos Dias!
Turns out it's super easy to pack for the beach, a conference, a ski trip, and a photo shoot all on the same itinerary. (That's sarcasm, in case you're still getting to know me).
My work ramped up in February, and dictated an unlikely path through the sand and snow. The first stop on this geographically contrasting itinerary led me to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean.
Where I’ve been:
The Yucatan Peninsula, between Cancun and Tulum
What it was like:
For the work half of this trip I stayed at a new luxury resort called Etereo. Every room has an ocean view and a shower that always feels like other people can see in just as easily as I can see out. My days were spent giving high fives, taking pictures of beautiful and successful people, and bringing light everywhere I went. It’s really quite ridiculous that I get paid to go to amazing places like this and do what I enjoy doing. If only I had more clients like this…
The play half of the trip was quite a contrast. I stayed in a budget hotel in the town of Tulum. I rode around on two wheels to see the ruins and swim in the cenotes. As much as I love working these luxury vacation gigs, my idea of a fun getaway is much more about activity and novelty, than it is about relaxing and dining.
Why:
Work brought me here; I brought an assistant, and then we explored Tulum together.
How long:
9 days
What I’ve seen:
a sampling from my camera roll
What I’ve thought:
[ a few things on my mind ]
1.) I wish more people emphasized the quality of their romantic relationships, rather than merely the duration of them. A person’s impact does not always correlate to the length of their stay.
B.) I miss my La-Z-boy. The simplicity of rocking in a comfy chair without having to socialize, spend money, or plan anything is a rare treat for me. Next time you find yourself close to a rocking chair, do me a favor and enjoy it for a few minutes. Then tell me what I can enjoy vicariously for you.
IV.) I heard the word "Tuluminati" a while back to describe many of the enlightened visitors in Tulum. It feels appropriate.
Oh! and…
January’s One Second Film is now live.
The new album by Future Islands has been playing on repeat over here.
In Mexico I was
thankful…
for Abbie’s help as my lighting assistant and holder of all the things
for Horst Schulze’s presentation of Excellence Wins
for a free ticket to Rio Secreto
someone hired me on the spot for a similar gig next year
for clients who pay my invoices as quickly as I deliver their photos
for the Gran Cenote with its underwater cave features