{"id":20907,"date":"2026-10-02T01:13:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T01:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=20907"},"modified":"2026-10-02T01:13:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T01:13:11","slug":"catching-flights-making-memories-and-turning-56-my-puerto-vallarta-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/02\/catching-flights-making-memories-and-turning-56-my-puerto-vallarta-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Catching Flights, Making Memories and Turning 56: My Puerto Vallarta Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Rachelle Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Seasoned Traveler and The Truth Contributor<\/strong><\/p>\n

When I boarded that airplane headed toward Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my attitude was simple:<\/p>\n

CATCHING FLIGHTS\u2026NOT FEELINGS!<\/strong> \u2708\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

I was traveling solo to celebrate my 56th birthday, but this trip became about much more than another birthday. It became a celebration of freedom, adventure, people, culture, courage and LIFE.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And the adventure started before I even reached Mexico.<\/p>\n

On my flight from Denver to Phoenix, I sat beside a woman who complimented the blue and purple colors in my hair. One conversation led to another, and before long we were discussing life, family and even politics. I later learned that my seatmate was former Minnesota State Senator Betsy Wergin. Imagine that! Two complete strangers sitting next to each other on an airplane, having a conversation that I would still be talking about days later.<\/p>\n

That’s exactly why I love traveling. You never know who you’re going to meet.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, I decided I was going to EXPERIENCE everything I possibly could.<\/p>\n

I spoiled myself with a full-body massage and got my nails done. I enjoyed the beach and probably had a little TOO much fun in the water. I danced. I played bingo. And somehow, in a lounge filled mostly with Spanish music, I ended up with a microphone in my hand singing! Once they let the Maillady have that microphone, apparently nobody told them what they had gotten themselves into! <\/p>\n

But solo travel also has moments that remind you that you’re truly on your own.<\/p>\n

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Screenshot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One evening, I left my jacket and charger at my seat in the lobby bar while I went to the restroom. When I returned, everything was gone. I was angry, hurt and in tears when I learned my belongings had been moved to lost and found. Being alone in another country made an already upsetting situation feel even more unsettling. I spoke up for myself and told management exactly how the experience made me feel. Later, a manager promised to take care of me\u2014and he kept his word.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Then came the ADVENTURES.<\/p>\n

I took an ATV ride through River Park Puerto Vallarta<\/strong> that included hills, waterfalls, sharp turns and the incredible Jorullo Suspension Bridge. I have ridden ATVs before, but THIS ONE topped them all! There were moments that were scary, moments that were beautiful and plenty that were just plain FUN.<\/p>\n

Then I went even further with an extreme outdoor adventure excursion. Cameras weren’t allowed during portions of it for safety reasons\u2014and I was actually GLAD! It pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I loved it.<\/p>\n

I also experienced Mexico during its Independence celebrations, enjoyed a tequila experience, ate some delicious food and had a beautiful birthday dinner at the resort’s French restaurant. To make it even better, I met another woman celebrating her birthday, and soon I discovered Virgos everywhere\u2014September 15, September 16 and September 17.<\/p>\n

THE BIRTHDAY SQUAD!<\/strong> \u264d\ufe0f<\/p>\n

People who started as strangers became part of my birthday story.<\/p>\n

My final excursion, Rhythms of the Night<\/strong>, was the perfect ending: performers, dancing, dinner and a beautiful island setting. After all the excitement, I could sit there and appreciate where I was and everything I had experienced.<\/p>\n

But there was another emotion following me through Puerto Vallarta.<\/p>\n

I was saying goodbye to 55.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And THAT was hard.<\/p>\n

Year 55 had been something special. It brought blessings, recognition, community service, travel, unforgettable experiences and moments I know may only happen once in a lifetime. As midnight approached on September 15, I wasn’t sad because I feared getting older.<\/p>\n

I was emotional because 55 had been THAT GOOD to me.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Then the sun rose.<\/p>\n

And so did I.<\/p>\n

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Screenshot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

TODAY I RISE\u2026AT THE AGE OF 56.<\/strong> \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

I realized something in Puerto Vallarta: growing older doesn’t mean becoming less adventurous. If anything, I am becoming MORE determined to experience this world.<\/p>\n

I’m going to ride the ATV.<\/p>\n

I’m going across the bridge.<\/p>\n

I’m getting in the water.<\/p>\n

I’m going to sing\u2014even if everybody else is singing in Spanish. <\/p>\n

I’m going to talk to the stranger sitting beside me.<\/p>\n

I’m going to eat the food, dance the dance, take the excursion and celebrate the birthday.<\/p>\n

And when something doesn’t feel right, I’m going to speak up for myself.<\/p>\n

Because at 56, I understand something that maybe I didn’t fully understand when I was younger:<\/p>\n

Tomorrow isn’t promised, and I’m not saving LIFE for later.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Puerto Vallarta gave me beautiful scenery, adventures, laughter and new friends. But the greatest souvenir I brought home wasn’t something that could fit inside my luggage.<\/p>\n

It was the reminder that I am still HERE.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Still curious.
\nStill courageous.
\nStill serving.
\nStill traveling.
\nStill laughing.
\nStill meeting strangers who become memories.
\nStill thanking God for every blessing.<\/p>\n

Year 55, you were AMAZING. \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

But 56?<\/p>\n

Baby\u2026WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.<\/strong> \u2708\ufe0f<\/p>\n

And 2026 isn’t finished with me yet.<\/p>\n

I’ve still got one more title to add to my name.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But THAT story?<\/p>\n

I’ll tell you when the time is right. <\/strong>\u2764\ufe0f<\/strong><\/p>\n