Some thoughts before I go:

• embrace shadows
• slow down
• let loose
• be patient

We just left the cats behind. That's what this moment feels like. Leaving those sweet little faces behind in the safety and comfort of our home.

I am excited, of course. I love a good exploration sesh. Live for it, even. So there's no real doubt. But I don't feel anything other than sadness. Fully aware of being separated from those cuties with every meter we travel.

I also don't feel lonely though. How can I, with a brand new fiancée next to me on the backseat of this taxi. Only recently my fiancée, my girlfriend for the 7-something years prior. "Best travel partner ever" suits her too, thankfully.

We arrived in CDMX a little past 2AM. We found the bed and shuteye around 4. The broken hours on the plane + three hours of light sleep at the hostel, provided a base for a slow day. And, realistically, only a slow day. Instead, we accidentally walked about 10KM to the other side of town because I just had to take a peek at the Museo Soumaya. I don't know why.

A quick, but expensive, taxi ride took us straight back to La Condesa. I'm currently drinking my first Dos Equis Ambar Especial at a Nashville-style hot chicken joint. Charlotte is hiding behind a tree for a quick cigarette. Who would've thought Mexico would be so progressive with their smoking culture?