Cancún & Beyond: A Not-So-Typical Trip to Mexico - February 2024

I spent a few days in Cancún, Mexico—and while it wasn’t the deep cultural dive I’d hoped for, it ended up being a quirky, memorable adventure filled with pyramids, spinning bikes, and spontaneous tennis lessons. Let’s just say: not your average beach holiday.

I stayed in the city rather than the tourist-heavy hotel zone, hoping to experience a more authentic side of Mexico. But to be honest, even the city felt a bit too Americanized—chain stores, big roads, a vibe that didn’t exactly scream local charm. Still, I kept my curiosity open.

The absolute highlight of my trip was a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I joined a guided tour, and as soon as we arrived, I could feel the energy shift. There’s something powerful about standing in front of those ancient ruins—majestic, quiet, humbling. Walking around the pyramids, soaking in the history, and feeling the sacred energy of the space… it was unforgettable.

Back in Cancún, I improvised with my fitness routine. With no hot yoga studio nearby, I found the next best thing: indoor spinning classes. And guess what? I fell in love. The energy, the music, the motivation—it was electric. That’s actually how my spinning obsession began. I continued with it once I got back to Munich and haven’t looked back since.

And then, randomly, I decided to take private tennis lessons. My coach didn’t speak English, I don’t speak Spanish—but somehow we made it work. Lots of gestures, laughing, and plenty of running after balls. It was a great workout and honestly, just a lot of fun.

I did eventually find a yoga studio… kind of. It was way off the grid. I took an Uber in the early morning darkness, and even the driver kept asking if I was sure this was the right place. When I arrived, I found a freezing cold room, no heating, and a class of just three people—the teacher, her friend, and her friend’s daughter. The gas heaters didn’t do much, but the women were kind, and after class (and no cell reception), they even gave me a lift to somewhere I could catch an Uber back. Flexible body, flexible mindset, right?

Of course, I spent time at the beach—and while the hotel zone is flashy and very much catered to tourists, the beach itself is undeniably stunning. The color of the water, the sound of the waves, the way the sun hits the ocean—it was pure magic.

And here’s where the trip took an unexpected turn—I got my first tattoos. I’d been dreaming about it for a while, and finally, I knew exactly what I wanted. I found a local tattoo studio, walked in, and the artist was just amazing—professional, kind, and super talented. And guess what? It didn’t even hurt that much. I walked out of there with my first ink, feeling bold, happy, and even more connected to the experience. A little permanent reminder of my adventure in Mexico.

But even with all these experiences, I left with the feeling that I hadn’t quite touched the real Mexico. I tasted parts of it—through food, people, and moments—but I know there’s so much more to discover. So yes, I’ll be back. Next time, a little deeper, a little slower, and hopefully with more tacos.