March 31, 2025 by Cassandra Johnson
When I became friends with a woman in Bogota, Colombia from Mexico City a few weeks ago, I told her how I fell for Merida and Oaxaca, Mexico. She said I should visit Mexico City, the next time I am in Mexico. She extended her place to me if I do.
Her last night in Bogota, touring and my last night among several, we went out for what we said would just be one drink, her cerveza and my margarita. Whereas this story would mean it could have evolved into a longer outing as did some of my nights in Lima, Peru and Medellin, Colombia, I now spend so much more time freelance translating and doing my side hustles and not so secretly… not minding this fact at all, plus talking with her for hours in our hostel was a more cost-friendly highlight to me as well.
It is notable to mention how our drinks turned into one very economical Cola Pola and empanada each. I teased the server in Spanish saying I would have his free Margarita. (not really of course, and completing the aforementioned order above, before taking our seats). We had easy fun, sharing our lives thus far in the time we had, and realizing we currently both work a lot and had not drank so much recently. In other words, our tolerance had lowered significantly, much to our tipsy, good-humored surprise.
As I would mention to her that I don’t have a boss, I got that she instantly got it, more than many who hear I have this project or translation to do and just consider work to be … very understandably, the drag it readily tends to be.
I also need distractions, varieties, rest and fun but notably, the accommodations and surroundings have become so much more conducive than my jump off digital work in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As I go back through Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. I am more apt at gauging when and how to be productive. Motivation is not fluid. I don’t pretend. I rough it sometimes too. I just know myself better.
Mostly, in this case, when I can gravitate towards something like a nice café, veggie-option restaurant, mall, coworking space or just across a kitchen table from someone like her, I am happy.
I am satisfied.
