First few days in Puerto Escondido

What a beautiful place. It's lively, fully of beauty and many things to enjoy. I'm here in mid-February and the weather is perfect and the water is warm.

It's really not to hard to get to from the states. I don't think there's any direct flights from Chicago O'Hare or other international airports, but an easy layover in Mexico City or Guadalajara and you can get here in 6 hours. Pretty cheap too, with a one-way going for around $200.

Once you get here, the airport is right next to town and where we're staying in Punta Zicatela it's just a 15 minute drive. It's easy to find taxis and they can take you pretty much anywhere in the area for around $5 US. No Uber but that's a good thing. Way cheaper without it. One thing I found surprising was that US dollars weren't really accepted like some other central America spots I've been. You can pay with credit card and let your bank do the exchange, otherwise it's best to have some pesos.

I can see why people stay here long-term. We're here for a week and it already feels like we need to come back and stick around for longer. Maybe settle down here for a month or so. It feels like it has the perfect mix of fast-paced energy and slow-paced relaxation. You can go out any night and you'll find a wild party to go to, or you can stay in and read from a cafe or go to yoga instead.

There's a time and place for all things, and here you can find it all.

Most people I've met here are in their 20s and 30s and from places all over the world. It's not just Americans, and surprisingly it almost feels like that's been the home country of the fewest travelers we've met. A lot of Canadians, Germans, and Dutch. Many escaping the cold winters of their home, just like us. I think there's something about Americans having more direct alternatives like Cabo or Tulum they can fly to nonstop that just makes it easier than getting here. But real travel isn't always easy and I think you'll be rewarded for getting somewhere where only the heartier go.

I'm not seeing a lot of expat families starting here, but there have been a few. Maybe because the energy here is mostly young and slightly chaotic, but I could see it being a good place for it.

The food here has been amazing. I have yet to have a meal I didn't love. Everything has been so fresh and flavorful. It helps to have fresh ingredients, but there's undeniably a culture of love and care in making the best food one can. Coincidentally, our Airbnb host used to own Mercadito in Chicago, and now runs a place here called Fish Shack which had best tacos I think I've ever had.