Spring Break, My Way
From Belize to Mérida to Round Top, a two-week adventure full of color, curiosity, and a little bit of everything in between
I know we all have different ideas of what makes a perfect vacation. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good beach day, but I’ve always been the type who wants to explore. Seeing new places, soaking in the culture, and packing in as much inspiration as I can while I’m away from real life.
This was our very first spring break with just one child, and we thought, why not make it count? Three stops in two weeks. Naturally, Major invited a friend along (hi, Yusuf!), and what an adventure it turned out to be.
We kicked things off in Belize, and what a gift to have that kind of time away. Last year, Robert had to work over spring break. Some years you treat yourself, others you power through. But this year, I was craving a change of scenery, and getting out of the country was just what we needed.
One day, Major, Yusuf, and I went scuba diving. It was breathtaking. We saw a spotted eagle ray, and on our second dive, two sharks swam right alongside us. The four of us also visited Mayan ruins, hiked through the mountains, and jumped off waterfalls.
The boys even played soccer, or fútbol, with some local kids. I had no idea there were so many Amish families living in Belize. It’s such a small but deeply loving country, full of surprises.
From Belize, we flew to Mexico. Major was invited to sit up front with the pilot, which was such a fun moment. We rented a car and made our way to Mérida. A few of our artist friends, including Trey Speegle, have homes there, so it was the perfect excuse to visit a new city. The colors, the food, the energy of Mérida made it feel like a hidden gem. The boys discovered a speakeasy tucked behind a refrigerator door, and we all had a good laugh walking through the fridge and into this magical space with vinyls playing in the background.
We swam in cenotes that looked like something out of a dream. Cool, deep, and glowing with that otherworldly light. A true highlight.
On our final night in Mexico, we were hosted by the incredibly talented designer Laura Kirar and Richard Frazier at their hacienda just outside the city. We met some lovely people, and I especially loved hanging with their twelve dogs. Yes, twelve. Maybe it’s strange, but I’ve realized I actually love a big group, even if it’s all animals. A little something new I noticed about myself.
The architecture in Mérida was beautiful and varied. I soaked up every patina’d wall on my morning bike rides and walks through town. The colors, the way they’ve aged and deepened over time, were endlessly inspiring. The real beauty in Mérida lives behind the walls.
From Mexico, we headed to Texas. Yusuf left us to start touring colleges, and the three of us explored Round Top. We tried not to buy too much, always a challenge, but Major scored some great vintage clothes. On our last night, he got invited to a University of Texas party. What a way to end the trip.
A little beach, a little jungle, some city life, and a touch of antiquing. It may not sound like your typical relaxing getaway, but for me, the adventure is the reset. There’s something about seeing somewhere new that fills me up.
Oh and by the way, we’re moving to Mexico.
April Fools. (But honestly… tempting.)
Here’s to a season of discovery. Wishing everyone a joyful spring and a curious April ahead.
