You're doing the exact same thing I did after I got out of my doctoral program. And traveling pretty much the exact same area. I'm not sure where you are but Playa del Carmen is spectacular if you get a chance to see it, and if you're looking for something mind blowing you should learn as much as you can about the cenotes in and around the Yucatan peninsula.

Beyond that, I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. Stay awesome -- I look forward to reading your next article, even if you don't get around to it for a while.