In 2009, do 9 fun things that I've never done before

How I did it: I studied and volunteered abroad in Mexico, so most of my 9 things are from that experience.

1. Had an affair with a 17-year-old.
    I am 21, and while living with my host family, me and my host brother liked each other. We had a "romance" inside the house. It was so sexy and innocent at the same time.

2. Horseback riding.
    It was my first time. I rode a white horse for 5-6 hours to a volcano and back. I named her "Prince Charming." When she ran, I felt my heart was jumping in one of those kids' bouncey house.

3. Swimming under a waterfall.
     Well, technically, I don't know how to swim. But the water wasn't deep, so I played in the water and under the waterfall. It felt refreshing and amazing though the water was strong pouring down.

4. Danced on top of a bar.
    Me and my group of friends are regular at this bar called Why Not, so we knew the bartenders and the owner. One late night, me and my friend took some shots, then climbed on top of the bar, and danced to hiphop/ reggaeton. The feeling of dancing provocatively while sweating like crazy because the ceiling light is so hot while your friends hoot and cheer for you is unbelievably fun. I swear this experience was a confidence booster. And I got pictures to remember this night. Awesome.

5. Did Undie Run.
     At my college, there is a tradition called Undie Run: basically, after finals, at 12 midnight, all the students wear only their underwear/ bras and just run this specific route. I wore pink, and for the most part, walked it with my friends. I think I'll do it again next quarter.

6. Slid down the volcano on my butt.
    On my horseback riding trip, we were supposed to hike up this steep volcano. My friend and I hiked half way, and decided "fuck it, we're exhausted." So, since the side of the volcano was made of fine, black gravels, we slid down the volcano like a slide. Doing that turned my (pink) underwear blue. I don't know how that happened.

7. Hiked up the mountain.
    I am pretty unsporty, so hiking to the top of a mountain is a big accomplishment for me. I thought I wouldn't make it, but after a few breaks, I made it. The view was stunning. There was a white cross on top, and (yes it's bad), but me and my friends were taking stripper pole pictures with it. HAHA.

8. Danced with senior citizens to a mariachi band.
    I volunteered at a nursing home in Mexico. It was the Day of the Grandpas/ Grandmas. So the mariachi band came to play. And I danced with both the old men and women. They got really into it. It was cute. It's good to see that even when old, people still have the energy and desire to have fun.

9. Drank tequila while selling grape juice.
    I was wandering through an open market, and got acquainted with this family (all boys) who sold all kind of juice. After a moment of chitchat, I helped them sell juice by asking people to try it. Then, the uncle bought tequila, and we were drinking it while selling. One of the most memorable afternoons of my life.

Doing these 9 things definitely made me more confident and daring. I expanded my physical strength as well as emotional and cultural knowledge. At the same time, I feel so thankful that I get to experience all these new adventures.
    

Lessons & tips: Put social conformity and self-limitation in the back of your mind.

Test your comfort zone. It's worth it!

Resources: Growing some balls.

Open mind, open heart.

Sep 22, 11:21AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer