I Rode an 18-day Rollercoaster in Central Mexico
Hearing whispers about this ride since the winter, I silently pondered it for months and bought my ticket in June. I was thrilled, no plan in sight.
At the start of September, the roller coaster took off at full speed in Mexico City. Overstimulated, I looked out for indicators that this was normal, but there was no one else on the ride. Just me.
Filled with naivety, I took on a new challenge and found myself on a big, empty, unmarked bus. The driver mainly ignored me(even when I yelled as we approached my stop) and chain-smoked his cigarettes. I finally exhaled as I hopped off the bus; the rollercoaster continued at full speed.
Laughing at me, the rollercoaster jerked and dove down. My stomach cramped and its contents spilled out(actually, tho).
Moments later, the ride came to a slow (it never stopped), and I gained the courage to open my eyes. A beloved friend hopped on! With full smiles and newfound light-heartedness, we launched our arms in the air.
The rollercoaster was smoother somehow, moving in little waves and turns that were exhilarating and made our stomachs flutter at most.
Silliness, exploration, and conversation prevailed; this was the fun I envisioned back in June. Drunk on companionship, the rollercoaster slowed again. My friend hopped off. Just me, again.
I held my stomach this time, eyes tightly shut. The rollercoaster lurched to the right, and I heard nearby people laughing. Determined by memories of good times in the recent past, I opened my eyes and tried to enjoy the ride as my head jostled from side to side.
Breathing became my newest friend as I encountered more elements along the ride: bugs, anxiety, uncertainty, and adventuring outside the city. This is when I understood why I was on this rollercoaster after all. Endless mountains, pyramids, and space; the jerkiness of Mexico City faded into background noise.
Flipped upside down!
My perspective of this space changed; I was having fun and settling into the comfort of silence. The ride went up up up, generating energy. The freedom of not talking. Up, up, into endurance and faith. I ventured into nightlife alone, anticipating anything. I made friends(at last!), relating and laughing, and we gallivanted to various boujee nightclubs around the city.
The ride dove again, all that energy expressed into the most thrilling series of loops and drops. I smiled brightly, enjoying the dream that was Cuernavaca. Flew among the palm trees and plants with bright orange flowers, and I even met a peacock along the way. Exiting my paradise of silence, I stepped into another one: conversational Spanish with the kindest strangers.
¿De dónde tú vienes?
I wept the entire ride back into the city. Hours of rolling mountains, introspection, colorful buildings, loneliness. Reaching out towards the Earth, I dreamt of growing an intimate relationship with her throughout my lifetime.
The rollercoaster began to make a familiar buzzing sound; I continued to hold my arms up. Independence Day (the reason I began dreaming in June) tore through me, a series of loud twists and confusing turns. How long is this ride, anyway?
I sat on my terrace, smoking and watching the trees sway in the rainy night sky. I began to appreciate the city’s moodiness, the most unique frequency.
As we pulled into the station, I was flooded with nostalgia. Is the ride really over? Maybe it was worth it after all, the aches, loneliness, uncertainty. Because the moments of bliss, connection, and understanding were exhilarating and affirming. I wanted it all back.
The rollercoaster left me split open, out of breath. How was Mexico City? What did happen on my trip?
Like a crazy person, maybe I wanted it to start over again.
P.S. These prints are for purchase on my website! Check them out :))
Thank you A MILLION for tuning in,
XOXO Lexi Lee
First published on Substack. Read it there and subscribe.