"If you're not ready for your adventure, follow me on mine!"
There's no question that the pandemic has crushed the travel and tourism industry, but for this Canadian travel writer and photographer, that was not going to hold him back from pursuing his life's dream.
Sully Sully was one of eight Canadian Travel Advisors invited to visit the Mayan Riviera in July 2020, just one month after Mexico opened back up to tourism. This was the first group of Canadians to visit and fully experience the safety protocols implemented by the Mexican government, the airlines, and the various resort chains. Extremely impressed with what he saw, it left a lasting impression on Sully and served as catalyst in his decision to move.
"Each Brand stepped up and spent the resources necessary. They have their measures in place here to keep everyone safe. What we see here is that nobody lives in fear of Covid 19, the focus is on living."
He packed up his necessary belongings from his home in Lethbridge, Alberta and within a few short months was back in the Yucatan Peninsula. This time, however, was much different. Although he did not have a Plan A, Sully's life evolved into a series of adventures, a quest revealing priceless and undiscovered jewels.
"A plan is just a brief outline, and you fill it in as you go. Day to day so many things change, just roll with the punches. If you do make a plan, don't make it too specific."
It was a culmination of life experiences, his mother's sage advice growing up and being exposed to extensive travel throughout Europe during his formative years that brought him to where he is now. His appreciation for culture and history instilled a drive in Sully to explore more and uncover the riches of the Mayan people.
Within two months of his move and completing his reviews of All Inclusive resorts in Quintana Roo, Sully knew he needed to explore more. Four days spent in the Yucatan jungle proved to be a life-changing experience.
On a track of private and very isolated farmer's land, Sully was taken to a completely untouched cenote. The farmer had only discovered it two years prior and he had to use a machete to cut a path to expose it for Sully.
Carefully climbing down the rocks that the farmer had chiseled, Sully stood in reverence at the magnitude of the stalactites. Massive and imposing in size, he determined that one was over 250 000 years in the making.
"Once I got into the cenote, I felt such a rush of adrenaline, I was in complete awe, it really touched my heart, it touched my soul. It was such an ethereal and humbling feeling…it gave me good insight into my own mortality and my own insignificance in this entire process called life"
Sully spent those days last Christmas living in a Maya hut, eating Maya food, visiting ruins and private cenotes. He photographed crocodiles and flamingoes, and spent Christmas Eve (Nochebueno) with a Maya family in the small town of Santa Rita in central Yucatan.
This experience has touched Sully so deeply that he is looking forward to sharing this with all and any who wish to join him on his "Live Like a Maya" tour.
"Mayans have taught me that in Mexico, the closer to family you are the richer you are, and that includes extended family and close friends"
Sully has found exactly that, making fast friends with fellow expats and local business owners. He's built many solid relationships within the community including the Canadian-owned Freaky Tiki Bar and Grill in Playa del Carmen. It has been a hub of activity for Sully, promoting their events and local musicians. This has far reaching effects to his social media followers watching from back home in Canada.
He is also a content writer for a new Riviera Maya Business Directory website, Mexify.biz. Sully researches topics of interest to the expat community and provides insights and information about life in paradise.
"The happiest time of my life is right now, living in Mexico, doing what I love to do, and having the freedom to move about. I'm living my best life."
With the pandemic shutting down much of the tourism industry Sully has been focusing most of his time on travel writing and photography, his two passions.
"All that glitters is not gold, there are many, many other gems to be found in Mexico, not just the All Inclusive resorts. Living here in Playa del Carmen, I see so many charming and luxurious boutique hotels. Although not as grand as the glitz and glamour of AIl Inclusive resorts, these hotels offer an alternative to the everyday tourist's expectations."
A Certified Mexican Caribbean Specialist and photojournalist, Sully is using Playa del Carmen as his central starting-off point in the Riviera Maya. It's now his jumping off place for his adventures, inspecting resorts and his jungle adventures.
His "Feet in the Street" series is where Sully features the beach clubs, the bars, restaurants, and the carnival-like atmosphere of Playa del Carmen's famous 5th Avenue.
His recent urban adventures can be found here:
https://insearchofmayangold.com/feet-in-the-street
Living his best life, travelling and free to follow his heart, Sully shared his insight on la dulce vida.
"Your brain will tell you places not to go to, your heart will take you to the places you will love, that's how you'll live your best life."
Steve Sully has been featured in both Baxter Media and Pax News and is followed by a rapidly growing group of travellers and travel professionals across North America.
You can follow Sully's adventures here, on Facebook, and YouTube
Linda Toth-Winterkorn is a Luxury Travel Counsellor and journalist. In her content she covers the latest on the ever-evolving art of luxury experiences. Her focus is on travel that offers life enhancement, inner transformation, cultural appreciation and physical adventure.
"Luxury is in the heart and soul of the beholder" ~ Rose Sabados
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