SOUVENIRS | MONTHLY CHALLENGE | TRAVEL
A Tiny Painted Turtle is a Treasured Souvenir
A Little Trinket from Mexico I Bought Many Years Ago
Way back in the early 90s, my friend and I started taking regular vacations to Cancun. The first trip was for a late February winter break (a.k.a Reading Week for Canadian universities). By the end of that first week there, we were hooked. The beaches, the entertainment teams, the music, and clubs were mesmerizing. We met so many fun people, including tourists and the workers who were from all over Mexico. This was Cancun in its early heyday, a more innocent but very fun time before the explosive growth of the city and the surrounding Mayan Riviera.
Many repeat vacations followed for over a decade. There was a time when we thought this tradition would go on indefinitely. But it did finally draw to a close in the early 2000s. I still long for those truly carefree days gazing at the Caribbean Sea.
While me and my friend remain close, our days as travel buddies is a distant memory. One of our last trips together to the Cancun area was around 2001. One day we visited a little turtle farm. I can’t recall with certainty exactly where, but I think it was on the lovely little island of Isla Mujeres — an approximate 30 minute rapid boat ride from Cancun.
For a couple of hours we learned about and observed these amazing creatures. Before heading out I chose a handmade little turtle to remember the experience. I still remember the kind lady who sold it to me.
You can find these little painted turtles all over Mexico I am sure, but this one is special to me. The little turtle’s bobble head is quirky, and looking at it close up as I was taking the photo, I see the eyes are a little melancholy. But it is also cute and colorful and the heart in this tiny piece of art is the best part.
For some reason, I even left the sticker on for all these years. Perhaps to show it is one of a kind with the code on the back.
It is interesting that I have kept this little souvenir for so many years, and it is currently on display as well. It moves between the top of the bookshelf, the dresser or occasionally on my nightstand. Sometimes I wonder why it means so much to me, but writing this piece I think I have gained some insight into that.
A nostalgic person at heart, this little souvenir links a fun and treasured time in my life with a tangible little object. And it is also pretty darn cute.
Another couple of stories featuring this month’s Globetrotters writing prompt I enjoyed:
from Amalina Davis
from Dr. Preeti Singh
Thanks for reading !
© Nella DiCarlo 2023
