Walt, Wine, and Wanderlust (and Mexico?)

“There is more time than life”

What a weekend. Actually, I should clarify that by saying what a day! Yep, that’s right… Disney in a Day! A single, fun filled, laughter filled, food filled, friendship filled day! What an absolute blast! From Disney's Magical Express, to Chef Mickeys for a little food and fun, a relaxing hotel room at Coronado Springs, traveling the 'World" with beer, wine, margaritas and mimosas, and ending the night with some great music and a bunch of memories. What more could you ask for in a day!

Now, you may be wondering why I would chose to do Disney in a day, well, just keep reading.

I have been fortunate enough to have experienced the magic of Disney on several occasions over the course of my life. I’ve seen this place with the eyes of a crazed teenager during senior trip in high school. As a coach, I’ve stood under a flurry of confetti placing gold medals after my girls won the Wide Wide World of Sports Disney Showcase tournament. I’ve kept the beat as a drummer that marched through Main Street USA in the Spectromagic parade. And on several occasions, I have walked through these parks with the likes of friends bundled in winter coats and family members burnt from the intense sun and heat. This place holds a lot of great memories for me. But today, brought back some extra special ones...

The quote above was taken off the wall inside San Angel, a quaint little hidden gem located in the heart of Mexico at Epcot’s World of Nations.  Of all the places and magical spots that exist within this world, this is one of my favorites. As you walk in to escape the blazing sun (and it was definitely blazing), you enter this perpetual twilight marketplace filled with vibrant smells and bursts of color.
As you wind yourself down the ramp into the market you can peer deep through the crowds and you might cast your gaze upon this stunning replica of the Mayan ruins along side an erupting volcano cast into the starlit skies. And every so often, you hear thunderous clouds as the sky gives off the illusion of lightening as if it were playing connect the dots from star to star. It really is a cool place, and the food here is delicious. But I digress.

When you enter, you are greeted by colorful skeletons and ‘deathly’ creatures and as you turn your glance to the wall you will see this quote, “There is more time than life”.  You see, part of the mystical theme of this attraction is its recognition of the Mexican culture’s celebration for the Day of the Dead.  Now, I must admit, I did not know much about this prior to sitting down to write this blog, I remember the scene of this place as I have been here so many times, but I just thought to myself. Oh, that’s interesting. I never really gave much after thought. Today was a little different though. 

You see (here is the why), I told you in a previous post that this trip was planned in the spur of the moment.  The conversation went a little something like this. Phone beeps, and it's a text message from my dear friend who had lost her father last year around this time. Message reads: “Want to go to Disney with me the weekend of September 28th -30? My Dad's birthday..."  enough said, trip booked 24 hours in Disney because well, unfortunately, I get it. So, I couldn’t help but be taken back by the literal writing on the walls in the middle of this Mexican 'Day of the Dead' themed attraction. But now, what is there to make of it. So, as I sat in the airport preparing to write this blog, I did a little research into the Day of the Dead. I couldn’t help but have a little internal chuckle as I read “we drink to honor the deceased” HA Nailed it! We definitely had our fair share of drinks (thank you Epcot Food and Wine festival).

  

In ancient civilizations dating back to the Aztecs and Toltecs, there was this idea that death was not something to be mourned but rather recognized as a continuum of life. In time with the fall harvest, these cultures held festivities centered around this idea of welcoming spirits back to the realm of the living to celebrate, dance, and dine along side of them (we held up our end of the deal by doing the same although, our singing probably chased a few spirits in the opposite direction).  There is this concept in the Mexican culture known as “final death” which is said to come when there are no memories left, but as long as there are memories then our loved ones remain alive and with us.

As I reflected on the words and the day, I couldn’t help but think of my own memories. Part of the reason I love this place and in particular, this attraction, was because I remember the first time I was here. I must have been maybe 12 years old or so. My sister and brother in law brought me here with my niece when we were kids. I remember walking around the bazaar area with Ray, I remember the boat ride, I remember the erupting volcano. I also remember that every subsequent trip back to Disney we always came to this restaurant. It was one of the favorite choices. And staring at that wall of words, I remember Ray.  Just as I’m sure my friend was remembering her dad.

It’s funny ya know, the moments and signs you get when you are not intentionally looking for them. I have found, they actually exist everywhere.  And when you see them, you feel this universal connection- like the ones you care about are right there hanging out on your adventures. The (very literal) writing on that wall also helped to remind me that life, in its physical form, is short and we owe it to ourselves to make the most of the time we get to live it. So… drink the wine, eat the food, book the flight, embrace the memories, and take a moment to read the signs and remember those who will always be right there with you. 

Until next time…