Steppin' Out

In this episode - Steppin' Out . . .

Welcome back to On the Fly, where we explore life’s adventures, big and small. This week's episode is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. And I'm not just talking about trying a new restaurant or taking a dance class. I'm talking about a real leap of faith.

Recently, Lori and I decided to do something for her milestone birthday we haven't done in over 30 years: visit Mexico. Now, for those of you who know us, you know we're creatures of habit. We love our routine, our comfort zone. But sometimes, life calls for a bit of adventure, a little "steppin' out," if you will.

Side note for my listeners from Cuba, Illinois. I know what you're thinking: "Mexico? Isn't that dangerous?" Well, let's say there was a bit of apprehension—fear of the unknown, language barriers, and the whole 'foreign country' thing. But then we remembered our friend and colleague John, who lives in Tijuana, Mexico, with his beautiful family. He invited us to visit them, promising to be our tour guides. So, with a little push and excitement, we decided to take the plunge.

And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we've made in a long time. The people were amazing, the food was incredible, the sights were fascinating, and the culture was rich. We were stepping into a whole new world.

We visited Tecate, a charming border town with a rich history. Did you know that Tecate was once a hub for the Kumeyaay Indians? Its name comes from the Kumeyaay language, meaning "place of the coyote." The town is also known for its brewing industry, producing the famous Tecate beer locally.

Now, let's talk about food! Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, and Tecate offers a delicious taste. From fresh tacos and enchiladas to mouthwatering carne asada, there's something to satisfy every palate. And don't forget to try the local specialties like barbacoa and menudo. Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish with slow-cooking meat, usually beef, in an underground pit. This method of cooking results in tender, flavorful meat that falls apart in your mouth. It's often served in tacos with corn tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime.

As for social activities, Tecate has a lot to offer. You can explore the historic downtown area, visit the local bakery filled with delicious treats, or relax in one of the many parks (it was a little hot this trip for that). There's also a vibrant nightlife scene with live music and dancing. And, of course, only a trip to Tecate is complete with enjoying a refreshing Tecate beer at one of the local bars. I’ll admit it: we enjoyed a special drink called Agua Citrón or Lemon Verbena. It’s a refreshing herbal infusion made from the leaves of the lemon verbena plant.

However, I did taste Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, a broader category than tequila, specifically made from blue agave. Its smoky flavor is distinctive due to the traditional cooking method of agave hearts (piñas) in underground pits.

As I was thinking about how to present this episode, the song "Steppin' Out" by Joe Jackson kept going through my mind. It's about the excitement and anticipation of a night out, but it perfectly captures the feeling of stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about embracing the unknown and taking that leap of faith.

So, what's stopping you from stepping out? Is it fear, uncertainty, or just plain laziness? Whatever it is, I challenge you to overcome it. Trust me, the rewards are worth it.

Special thank you to John Prock and his family. Remember, life is an adventure. So, step out, explore, and make some new memories.

I’m Patrick Ball. Thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.