Travel Pig

I am on the island of Exuma in the Bahamas with my children, their significant others, my brother and his wife, his daughters and their spouses and two babies. We rented a big, beautiful house on the beach and we are having a wonderful time.

I left the compound looking for a beach front restaurant. My gps was working but not so great. I tried three different roads that the map said were access to the beach but they were all large resorts and nope I couldn’t have lunch. Each time I had to get back on the Highway to the Retorno or U-turn. The drivers are sometimes rude but mostly drive with some semblance of courtesy. Finally I decided to go North to Puerto Morales. No more directions now, so I got a little lost.

Backtracking again, when I left the compound I saw my Shaman, Rene. I waved but he didn’t notice me, but then ran up to my car. He wanted my keys to set up for the evening. I had left them out side of the door for the boiler fixer.

But when I looked into his eyes, it took me right back to the Bufo. Kind of scary.

In Puerto Morales, I drove into the quaint beach town. You really have to be careful driving. People, bikes, cycles big trucks, pot holes, big humps in the road for speeders and one way streets, oh my.

I saw a place called Tacos.com. Drove around looking for parking and then found it again. Guess who was there? The couple from Texas. They waved me in and insisted that I sit with them! Not usually something I like to do but I did. I ordered a beer and tacos. They had already ordered. We chatted about the experience and its effects on us. They were humble and kind human beings. I will connect with Nicolina in the future.

Then the uneventful drive back to the Eco Lodge. I got packed to the next day and made sure I had blankets on my bed. I think I had 7 Mexican blankets.

I found an Ernest Hemmingway book of short stories so I read and waited. Rene was a few minutes late. He brought a huge jug of water. Earlier he had brought all of his supplies, like drums and sound bells.

Finally he was ready. He explained what would happen and that we would start with the Raipe again.

From a friend:https://share.google/6CfAhmJLWbw5RK5UO

Or from ChatGPT

Rapéh is administered through the nostrils.

The nasal route is symbolic and functional:

It acts rapidly on the nervous system It brings attention to the head, breath, and presence

This is what I had yesterday.

So same thing, can’t breath though my nose, just my mouth.

Then he gives me the mushrooms in a little bowl with lemon and honey. They were chewy but didn’t taste bad. He tells me to eat them. OMG. So much trust. We talk about yesterday and his family. He is from near Mexico City. He is married, has two daughters and studied as a Mechanical Engineer, like my son! He said he spent a lot of time as a kid camping in nature and was drawn to this calling.

I started to feel the effects but I don’t have much sense of time. Things started bending and moving and I was feeling relaxed. Occasionally I looked towards the windows to see if it was dark or light.

Then I saw some distinct moving in the ceiling

So I would open my eyes and close them. Closing my eyes were crazy images, fractals.

Fractals (what “fraxils” usually refers to)

Fractals are patterns that:

Repeat at different scales Look similar whether you zoom in or out Are mathematically generated but also common in nature

Examples in nature:

Fern leaves Snowflakes Coastlines Romanesco broccoli Tree branching Blood vessels

Mathematically, fractals are self-similar, recursive structures.

And:

During psychedelic or non-ordinary states of consciousness, people often report seeing:

Repeating geometric patterns Infinite zooming shapes Tessellations that feel alive or moving Visuals that “build themselves”

From Chat GPT

So was I hallucinating, which you don’t necessarily do on Shrooms but then I saw a tail and the flipping Raccoon was staring at me. He got closer and I finally had to motion to Rene. He stopped and tried to shoo him away. Back to the trip, but he came back. Ugg can’t I just experience this without an animal?

Raccoons are nocturnal, right? I solved my house raccoon problem by leaving the light on. I once had 5 raccoons in my kitchen eating cat food. This was caught on video, all ten yellow eyes. No big deal, my bedroom was upstairs. So back to the trip after I moved my little bed, on Mexican blankets closer to Rene and not under where Rocky was walking.

It is impossible to explain this whole experience but some of the memories right now are ancient China, my heart opening up to let my Dad free, a new birth, not breech and profound love. There were moments that I wanted it to be over. I was so cold, I sweated a lot, I cried a lot, especially when it really was over. At another point, I saw the raccoon walk across the floor near my bed and near me. I gave it a WTF. I asked Rene if it was over, it was not. But it became more peaceful and enlightening.

It’s hard to process this and I asked ChatGPT for help:

All four of these explanations feel right;

“My Bufo and mushroom experiences opened me to profound feelings of love and connection, while also leaving me with unanswered questions and moments of inner contrast. They expanded my perspective rather than resolving everything. I found them meaningful and transformative, but they require respect, preparation, and integration. I would encourage others to explore only with caution, intention, and support.”

These journeys brought me deep feelings of love, alongside paradoxes and questions I’m still living into. They didn’t give me certainty—they gave me awareness. I’m grateful for the experience, and I believe it can be powerful for others, but only when approached thoughtfully and with care.”

“My Bufo and mushroom journeys were experiences of deep love, contrast, and unanswered questions that continue to unfold. They were meaningful for me, but they deserve caution, preparation, and respect.”

“These experiences expanded my sense of love and awareness, while also revealing complexity and unresolved questions. I found them valuable, and I’d encourage others to explore them thoughtfully—never casually, and always with care.”

We talked a little after, I was confused with so many feelings. I was still feeling the effects when he left. I read a little, tried to distract myself with Netflix, ate a little food but still seeing things move.

I was too afraid to take a shower. Again I slept with all my clothes on after warming my bed with a hot pan.

I slept fitfully, I had to find a sound ap . The first one was sound bells, not ready for that. I chose waves. I kept two of the three light bulbs on. Rocky was definitely making noise. Apparently during the night he chewed on a candle and pooped by the sink.

I can’t remember if I mentioned that I left some bread out, hell, I thought it was ok during the day, but he ate it.

So now what, I process patiently.

Thanks for reading. In Playa del Carmen at a restaurant and staying in a real hotel! Home tomorrow.

I hung out at the Eco Cabin. The woman here, I can’t remember her name showed me the cenote that is just a block away if there were blocks. I wish I had brought water shoes. It was like a cavern open on one side.

They could tell that I was disappointed that the MJ wasn’t today so they asked if I wanted to try Bufo. I had looked it up and really wasn’t interested but what was I going to do? They said I could just tag along and decide. So I did.

They said they would be back in a little while so I read my books. “A Woman in Cairo.” It’s about the occupation and new democracy in Cairo in the early 1920’s. Also finished a fun fiction book, can’t remember the name and started another book about the beginnings of tequila.

I am writing this on Sunday after an epic day yesterday but I have to share the moment. A dog barking, sound healing bells, Tibetan chanting and a little animal rooting around outside, now it is silent except for water dripping and birds chirping. It truly is a retreat. It’s a bit chilly. More chanting now. There is a spa next door so I suspect that is what I am hearing. During the night I was warned of chanting and drums. I did hear both,but it was not annoying.

Ok, back to yesterday. We arrived at this place. It was a beautiful eco resort with naughty geese and pools of water and all natural materials. We met a couple that would be joining today. They were from Pan Handle of Texas. He raised cattle and she made Tarrow. They were a funny couple. The other guy, John was a know it all from the border of Louisiana and Texas. Conspiracy guy to the core. Never listened to anyone.

From my text message to my children: Drove with Gabriel about 30 min towards there Cenote trails and to some place that had a few people that were going to do the Bufo. A lot of waiting then the couple went first. Each session was about 30 minutes The Shaman was named Rene. When it was my turn, I sat on a blanket inside a large domed screen tent. First we talked and then he mixed something up and basically blew it up my nose. It burned and I couldn’t breath out of my nose. Then euphoria and a headache. That went away and then he lit the crystal with a glass pipe. The Crystals are dried frog secretions from its parotid gland behind its eyes. The frogs could paralyze someone while they got a way. Then I had to take a long slow puff. It was crazy. The outdoor room was like jelly melting, the leaves on the ground were moving like cockroaches. Then I felt love and peace and I felt free of so much crap. I cried, I think I vomited and then woke to the Shaman striking something over me, incense probably. then we chatting about the experience. It was incredible!

I put my shoes back on and sat by the pool just breathing with such intention, like letting things go. It’s bizarre to think that I have a pretty normal life without much baggage and I felt such peace and relief after the experience.

I walked around and took pictures. I snuck a peek in the tent when the next guy was having his session and he was sitting upright, Rene was a couple feet away and nothing was going on. It’s all in your mind. Yet when I experienced it it was very real.

I know some people might judge me negatively for this this but that’s how I roll!

We ate a beet and other vegetables salad and tortillas with Guac and all talked a bit. The drive back was full of travel stories. Turns out the Gabriel is a travel agent, from Genoa, specializing in Mexico, Central and South America. He spent some time in Cuba which he shared.

Back in the room I ate some cheese and meat and crackers, tried to process this whole thing and slept a little restless, waiting for Ricky Raccoon.

Oh and the hot water wasn’t working yet, they changed the tank but still not working. I wonder if it ever has worked. I later found out the toilet didn’t flush anymore either.

I warmed a pot of water and set it in my bed for a few minutes just to warm it up. It was 58 inside my ecolodge! My house is usually colder.

Now I am off to the store and to find coffee

It was easy to get here and Gabriel met me at the gate

The house is a Eco house so all natural products except electricity and wifi etc. check out this video

While listening to the live music last night, my server offered me their house specialty Mexican truffle quesadillas. Since all I ate all day, you saw in my photos so I said yes. When it arrived I remembered what it was,

Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis) Corn fungus; considered a delicacy.

I ate a little but it’s too earthy for me. I wondered if I would have wild dreams, like I do when I eat regular mushrooms in the US.

By the time I returned to my hotel last night at about 8:30pm everything was closed up. The beach bar was dark, in fact most of the side streets are dark, maybe people are more East Coasters than West. Seems like Coronado also closes up early. But I had been up since 4 am. I wanted a glass of wine. I asked the hotel guy, but something was lost in translation and he was more interested in in my fingernails. They are pretty cool.

I slept well, the bed was comfy, nice sheets and pillows. Always important to me. And I have experienced every kind of accommodations.

My view at the beach right now

Playa del Carmen is cute, but one day/night is enough. Not sure where I will go after the Jungle. I have two days booked then a day after to discover somewhere new. Maybe Holbox. My son and his beautiful wife have been there and loved it. But I think going there to see Whale Sharks would be fun someday.

I will pack up soon, hopefully remember where my car is, stop at a grocery store and head into the jungle. There is supposed to be WIFI but one never knows what that can mean, one bar or none. Suspect very little.

Easy flight, fell asleep right away. Started practicing my Spanish right away with an older couple next to me. They wanted my window seat and I said No! They were sweet.

Monterrey Mexico! Color is beautiful already. Flew over Chihuahua. I really want to do the Copper Canyon Train trip with a stop on a dude ranch. That has been on my bucket list for years.

Arrival in Cancun was easy. Finding my car rental not so much. I reserved on Expedia and even paid the insurance. When in Cabo, I always fight it, and sometimes give in and purchase it. I finally asked my State Farm agent, an old friend and she said yes you must buy it. It didn’t help when I had two tire blowouts on the inner part of the tire within 15 minutes of each other. Bad car. Insurance didn’t cover tires. I was less than a mile from the airport to pick up a friend. Yes I digress.

So I asked a few people where this car rental was. At least people had heard of it. I tried to call no answer but did get a WhatsApp message asking for my confirmation number etc. my patience is the size of a mad bee so I found a man to get me a car but I needed a shuttle. Price included tax and insurance etc…. Shuttle came, waited in a long line to take forever to finally get the car. The attendant almost forgot to give me the key. That would have been a disaster!! Why hasn’t this been disrupted!! Come on Elon or Jeff?

The drive was easy, directions basically drove south 50 miles then left to the beach, park before you get to the beach.

Walked on the beach to the hotel. It was a little tricky finding reception. It’s clean and reminds me of an old Motel.

I knew a Frieda Kahlo museum was nearby so I went to it. I never knew she had Polio, nor that she was hit by a tram, or that she had a leg amputated.

Interesting exhibits

So just walking around. It is very touristy. So many bright white legs and sunburns.

Now having a glass of wine, listening to to live music and going back to the hotel soon.

My Guru texted and I will meet him at noon.

What does one do after Everest Base Camp? That is the question I have been getting frequently. …. What else but a Mushroom Journey!

Today I am on my way to Cancun. I found a place near Cancun for a two night stay with psychedelic mushroom experiences. I will be with a guru and see what happens.

Yes I am excited and nervous. The place is called Magick House. I found it through Retreat Guru. I like that it was near a major airport and in a gated community. Sounds like it’s in a jungle with cenotes. These are caverns underground that you can swim in. Some have fish and turtles. That are beautiful! I have been in a few before when I was in Tulum which is nearby.

My dear friend Willie, lets me call him at 4:30 am to drive me to the Border. It is always amusing to drive with him.

It is pretty easy to navigate this airport. There are people all over wanting to help The Volaris app is finally better. They are almost paperless at the airport. Just standing in line for immigration.

Fantastic experience. I have an overnight left and my flight to Doha leaves around 7 pm. Since the layover is so long they automatically put you up in a hotel. I already have the voucher. Then is 15 plus hours to San Francisco. My flight has a 6 hour layover so I booked a Southwest ticket. At best it will be 37 hours to get home!

Set a goal, break it down and achieve it!!

Thanks for reading!💚💛💚

Stayed at Oldest Guest House. Kathmandu Guest House. It had to be refurbished after the earthquake. Beautiful gardens. I could only stay two nights

So I booked another place near by for three nights so I didn’t have to worry about late check out. It was $22 per night. I lasted one night! So noisy and smokey. Had a free drink at night and breakfast then I went in search of somewhere else

Of course I have been shopping. Can’t get enough of the cashmere!

I tried one of my friend Mohamed’s hotels. Internet said he owned but they had no clue. I looked at a room. Reminded me of Shantaram rooms in India. On to Aloft. I walked down a few darks alleys and backed up and started over. Yes A loft hadrooms cheaper on the internet. They ended up upgrading me to a suite!!

Pretty nice for 90 bucks. Plus the $ 44 I deserted. Pays to shop around.

Yesterday Nimmi took me around. She put me in a taxi and she drove her scooter. She gets motion sickness.

First we went to the Monkey Temple. I am sure it’s called something different it’s Buddhist, lots of monkeys and lots of people selling the same stuff everywhere

Next a local Buddhist temple where Nimmi and her family go almost daily to walk around Clockwise

Next stop which I almost, let’s just skip it, I am tired. Well I can sleep when I am dead, speaking of dead, this is a funeral pyre. It’s a woman. The sons shave their heads Nd the oldest had to set his mom on fire. Her face is painted redo. They add incense to cover the smell and add butter to make the fire burn faster. When the fire goes out, everything is swept into the river.

We drove on her scooter, no sense taking a taxi. It was scary and fascinating to be a part of the local culture

And had a manicure yesterday. I chose this design

Here’s I’m my horse:

This was really smart to do or it would have been such a long day. It would have taken three hours. Horse saved an hour. Then lunch