Every once in a while it’s good to do something that scares you shitless. This is me, above, scared shitless.

This is me entering into the cavernous underworld known as EcoRanchoMayamar, a cave and cenote system in Akumal’s jungle. And believe it or not, this was actually my second time going. The first time, I trekked four miles through the jungle by foot–bypassing potholes, mud, the threat of boas, panthers, and jaguars, all according to EcoRanchoMayamar’s enigmatic owner, Roberto.

Most people have cars, or find a ride, but my friends and I walked. The second time we knew better, and snared a dozing colectivo driver in Akumal’s pueblo by flashing a crisp $100 (in pesos).

Cenotes are everywhere in the Yucatan, but this one was especially neat because it’s on private property, and swimming isn’t the main focus–it’s more of a spelunking excursion. In a swimsuit.

As you move farther into the system, the air gets thicker, hotter. In some areas, we were literally crawling through passageways. It was a tad bit claustrophobic, but Roberto is an excellent guide.

I’ve spoken a little before about overcoming fear in Mexico, and that’s what I love about traveling, and traveling to Mexico specifically. There is always the vague threat of danger lurking. There is always some weird encounter or opportunity that pushes you. This was definitely one of those times.

I’ve been in Akumal a few days now and have written roughly three poems. The path is uncertain, but I’m on my way. A part of what I want to share on this blog is my process of poeming, as well as my plans. Here at the residency, with the other artists and the director, we’ve been talking a lot about day trips we want to take, and Cenote Dos Ojos has come up over and over again. I’ve stabbed at–and never quite gotten right–a poem about the time my ex-boyfriend and I saved a shirtless field worker who’d been bitten by a venomous snake outside of the cenote. It was a wild, unexpected day (Oh, but isn’t that Mexico!?), and one I hope to translate into a successful poem while working here.

A large part of my writing process is isolation, quietude, and music. I use the music to set the mood, which helps me find the nook in my brain where I can access memories, thoughts, and feelings. So as you might guess with this manuscript, there’s a lot of sad songs, but also some funkier Caribbean jams, for good measure.

I had a romantic disappointment right before leaving Boston, which has affected my mood just a little, but already I’m utilizing those emotions for the manuscript. Below are some of the songs currently inspiring me here in my first week in Akumal. Enjoy!

I’ve been discovering the town in bits and pieces, and had the chance to visit the farmer’s market yesterday. I was a little hungover after my overconsumption of Sol and Noche Buena beer upon our arrival to the residency, but as my friend Jacquie tells me, I’m a bon vivant.

When in paradise, why not laughing gas?

One of the things I’m most looking forward to while back in the Riviera Maya is going back to Tulum, and going back to Mint Bar, where the drinks are good and the laughing gas is plenty.

Located in the center of Tulum pueblo, on route 307, on the same side as Flor de Michoacan, and a few doors up from it, there’s a small green entryway to the upstairs Mint Bar den.

This place is a perfect way to cap off your night in Tulum pueblo, and was a lot of fun.

Check out the video below to see my fumbling attempts at ballooned nitrous:

Nitrous got us like:

Last week I was notified that I’d been selected as a writer in residence at the Akumal International Artist Residency! I am beyond thrilled. Having spent zero time in Akumal I’m looking forward to falling in love with it the way I have with Tulum, its southerly neighbor.

I’ll be heading to Mexico in late January, where I’ll reside for six weeks while finishing my manuscript, Island of Swallows. I’ll be blogging regularly from Akumal while living at the residency, so please add your email to the bar on the right for the latest updates on Mexico, poetry, and what I’m up to.

I’m incredibly excited to be going on yet another journey to my beloved Mexico, and invite you all to join me on this endeavor!

More dispatches soon.