What I Did In Mexico City While On A Work Trip
48 hours in CDMX, baby!
[bigletter]My first international work trip has not only been a lovely experience, but most of all, it has been a reminder that hard work pays off. My goal was always to become a traveling journalist – someone who has access to events in different countries and continents – covering events worldwide for various media companies.[/bigletter]
In this case, I took on a 48-hour assignment for El Nuevo Herald, which was approved last Friday, June 9, at 2 p.m. By Monday, June 12 at 10 a.m. I arrived in Mexico City with the Telemundo team, who flew me in for an interview with the cast of the hit television series El Señor de Los Cielos.
As glam as it sounds to be flown out and as fabulous as it is to be staying at the St. Regis of Mexico City and writing this blog post from the bathtub, while I soak in hot, lavender-scented bubbly water while and enjoy my last night in the city, this post is meant to express that this trip means so much more to me than just the perks.
On Monday, as I felt the plane land, the first thought that hit me was, “I’m in Mexico for work. I was brought here as an independent correspondent.” It was happening. For the first time ever my goal of traveling for work was becoming a reality. When I arrived to the hotel room I sat on the couch in the suite, and I looked out the window mesmerized while thinking about how much Mexico City reminded me of Bogotá, a city that I hold so close to my heart.
When I went independent and began freelancing in August of 2016, I did it because I wanted to grow a self-sustained media company that could work on behalf of any outlet that hires me to fly around the world and cover interesting events that they would be interested in publishing.
I founded Cata Balzano, Inc, because I felt that if I worked hard enough, it would give me wings that would allow me to continue writing, but also hosting and doing anything that I want within the variety of services my title holds.
I remember my launch party at the Epic Hotel, full of people that I love and that I have valuable relationships with and many who I bend over backwards for, because they did so for me when I needed it most. Throughout the night, so many of them would say, “Congratulations, how do you feel?” Every time I would say “I feel great! I’m so excited for what’s to come,” but, you see, I believe words have some serious push and power, so no matter what, I’m always going to say that I’m good. But that day…that week, when I finally had the conversation with my editor from the Miami Herald where it was decided I would be going independent, I was petrified. I cried. I worried. I wondered, “Will my plan work? Will my company succeed?” I was really doubting myself.
The only thing that kept me calm was thinking of God, because I believe that there is a perfect plan and that that in itself is God. “God, I know you know what you’re doing, and I’ve made this brave and difficult decision, but now I’m gonna let you work,” I thought, knowing that the most work was going to be put in by me, to make this succeed and to continue with my goals. That was 10 months ago. In August 2016, I was hoping and dreaming with the day that I would begin flying out to cover events and press junkets and interviews internationally. One year ago, I was sitting with my interns, in my building’s clubhouse coming up with the perfect strategy to get there.
And here I am…in Mexico. I look back and see that I’ve been able to accomplish everything I have set my mind to. That is what this trip truly means to me. It’s the beginning of a chapter of more triumph, harder work, but also being able to relax, see the world and share my thoughts from a bathtub at a hotel in Mexico City. All I need is a glass of wine, but I don’t drink on the job- usually. Though yesterday, before I arrived to the hotel I did have a glass of champagne. I felt I should celebrate me and my path – even if it meant alone, with a view of Ciudad de Mexico. During this trip I’ve realized how much I enjoy traveling alone.
In 48 hours I have enjoyed every bit of this trip. I woke up and had the best breakfast – chilaquiles rojos, which is one of my favorite meals ever. I ordered bread, fruit, coffee and orange juice – in bed – HEAVEN! 
Since I had to work all day today, I took advantage and visited a few touristic places yesterday. I went to el Zócalo, Palacio de las Bellas Artes and the Angel of Indepencence before meeting a friend for dinner. Mexico City has been one of the best places I’ve visited. The people are wonderful and super hospitable, the city is beautiful and the food is out of control! I can’t wait to come back here soon.
I adore capturing every highlight of my travels and sharing them in hopes of helping a curious traveller with a bit of insight. If you want to see more, visit and follow my hashtags #CBtalksTraveling & #CBgoestoMexico to stay in tune with where I go next.
From Mexico…
