JUMP RIGHT IN - THE WATER'S WARM
I can't believe I've only been here 2 weeks. It seems at least twice as long. It is such a strange feeling. The days meander by and I love not being in a hurry. However, its funny. I desire even more. I just noticed a guy laying in a hammock and I thought, I wish I was doing that and so in a moment I will if the sun comes back, or maybe even if it doesn't. I really want to just be and not do much of anything. I can't explain it. I think it's part of the purging process or something. I am really, really in love with hammocks. If I could bring a gift back for everyone it would be a lovely, cotton-woven hammock. It is so crucial to health. I hear it's good for you because your feet are elevated above your heart...it's heart healthy. The other thing is really, what can you accomplish in a hammock? A nap, reading...that's about it. It is a great way to relax. You just swing aimlessly suspended in the air and soak in just being. I really love these things. I can't get enough. Anywhere I stay for any length of time has to have one. It's not negotiable. So, find one for yourself and don't underestimate it's power. It'll change your life.
So, anyway our week was great. Good times, great experiences, wonderful food. I ate cheviche 4 times, honestly. The craziest part of all of it was the massive set of hills and stairs we had to climb every time we left the apartment. I am definitely getting in great shape. The other wonderful thing was the fun monkey that live near us. I love that it's totally natural, untamed, uncommerialized. I also love the fact that ocean water is actually warm here. After many years in the NW, my mind sees ocean water and perceives it as cold. It's such a blast to be able to play in the surf in amazing warm water, except for the sand that invades your suit, but that's managable. I did manage to pick up a skin infection of some sort. The pharmacist said it's because of the ocean and pool water. Apparently I have not been showering every time I'm in the water and with the humidity, it's taken up residence on my skin. However, another bonus of out of US living, no need for a doctor visit. She gave me a cream that seems to be working and on we go. You can bet I'll be hitting that shower more often!
The other fun thing that happened today is that I became a travel expert. In just 2 weeks of travel, I can be of help to others. It's nice to know I'm learning the ropes of how this works. I'm still a medium to low-intensity backpacker. I like to have some idea what I'm doing and a basic plan, but other than that I'm still just making it up as I go. The good thing is it generally fits with my P personality in the Myers-Briggs. Meaning I like spontaneity. I do have a safety factor to take into account and I'm learning how much risk I'm willing to take.
This next leg of my trip will be the most challenging. Tomorrow I take the 5am Ticabus to Managua, Nicaragua. I stay the night there and leave the next morning at 6am for San Salvador and get in at 5pm and stay the night there. Then I leave again the next morning at 6am and get in to Guatemala City at 11am. From there I am going to try to get out of town quickly and get to Antigua. Guat City is not a place to hang out for any length of time. From there I'm not sure. Then I'll slowly make my way back down through those same countries, but stay longer and take in the cites. So I have a basic plan, but one never knows. I'm relaxing more into the moment and into the unknown every day. It really takes a long time to undo longstanding thoughts and behaviors. It takes time to rebuild yourself and your perspective of life, time, people etc. It's all good. Thanks for being part of my journey. Love to you all. Hammock people, hammock. I'm off to get my pillow and find one myself. Cheers.
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